Just heard this song, Free to be me by Francesca Battistelli. (see below, not the greatest video, just the album cover) A great reminder that we don't need to be perfect for God to love us. Very good song!
Reminded me of a devotional I wrote awhile ago. It's called How Much is Free?
John 8:34-36 - Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (NIV)
Luke 14:28 - Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? (NIV)
My mom told me that when I was a small girl, I had a hard time figuring out what "free" meant. I would ask, "How much is 'free'?" Everything has to "cost" something, right?
Now that I am a grown-up, I appreciate "free". I like a bargain. I also understand that sometimes something can appear to be free, but have hidden costs. An e-mail message claims to give that desired item for free, but in the small print it states that to earn the gift, many "offers" need to be completed first.
There are many things that we can do that are free in terms of monetary cost -- like showing appreciation and giving encouragement. They may cost a little time and effort, but the rewards ripple into others' lives, and we feel good as well.
Jesus offers us the most real free deal of all. Grace, mercy, understanding, and everlasting life are all ours for the asking. If we ask how free Jesus wants us to be, He'll reply with His arms open wide as He did on the cross. "This much!"
Psalm 118:5 - In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:8-10 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Prayer: God, thank You that we don't have to ask You how much "free" is. You freely offer everything You have to us, not because we're good enough or on account of anything we do, but because You love us enough to cover any costs for us. Help us to not be afraid to ask that You set us free, today! Amen.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I Wish.....desire, dream!
I heard this song by Point of Grace on the radio and before I even knew who/what it was, I could relate! I heard the line, "I wish my hair was smoother" and KNEW I would like the rest of it. :) I heard the song on JQ99.3, a Christian station. I first thought, what is a song about wishing doing on a Christian station? Yikes, I still judge quickly.
BUT, when I dig a little deeper, I find that wishing can and is a very Christian principle AND it is in the Bible numerous times.
John 15:7 (NIV) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Now, you know that is not the kind of genie wish like in Aladdin! That verse shows some real Godly power behind it. Does that mean we'll get everything we want/wish? I don't think so. Think of our kids. They wish for LOTS of things. As their parent we know that some of the things they ask for are not good for them and we say no. I believe God, as our loving heavenly father does the same thing.
Sometimes, wishing is not enough. There needs to be action with the words.
James 2:16 (NIV) If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
I looked up the word "wish" on www.webster.com and the word is a verb (meaning action in case it's been awhile since you've been to English class!). The main definition and synonym involved the word "desire".
Hmmmm, also Biblical. Psalm 37:4 (NIV) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Another cool thing? We're not limited to three! So dream big! What do you wish for?
The video I liked on YouTube was removed, so you can still hear it here.
http://www.brickhouseweb.com/pointofgrace/Home/tabid/915/Default.aspx
BUT, when I dig a little deeper, I find that wishing can and is a very Christian principle AND it is in the Bible numerous times.
John 15:7 (NIV) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Now, you know that is not the kind of genie wish like in Aladdin! That verse shows some real Godly power behind it. Does that mean we'll get everything we want/wish? I don't think so. Think of our kids. They wish for LOTS of things. As their parent we know that some of the things they ask for are not good for them and we say no. I believe God, as our loving heavenly father does the same thing.
Sometimes, wishing is not enough. There needs to be action with the words.
James 2:16 (NIV) If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
I looked up the word "wish" on www.webster.com and the word is a verb (meaning action in case it's been awhile since you've been to English class!). The main definition and synonym involved the word "desire".
Hmmmm, also Biblical. Psalm 37:4 (NIV) Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Another cool thing? We're not limited to three! So dream big! What do you wish for?
The video I liked on YouTube was removed, so you can still hear it here.
http://www.brickhouseweb.com/pointofgrace/Home/tabid/915/Default.aspx
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Field of Dreams to come....God style
I was thinking of a scene from the movie Field of Dreams recently. You know the one, "If you build it, he will come", "Ease his pain" etc. in a haunty, whispery voice.....
In the scene, the brother-in-law is not able to see the "baseball men" in the field that Ray built. He thinks the family is looking at an empty field. Until a tragedy and one of the players crosses the boundry and helps the little girl. Then, the brother-in-law says, "When did these ball players get here?" Just in case you don't remember, I included it below.
Revelation 7: 13 Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?" 14 I answered, "Sir, you know." (NIV)
I was blessed to be brought up in church. Still didn't understand the whole relationship with God aspect until I was much older. However, I was thinking that there are people in the world that probably have similar thoughts about Christians. "What are they looking at anyway?" "God, Jesus, who?" They might be a neighbor or someone in your family or someone God brings across your path. Maybe they notice something different about you, the way you handle stressful situations or that you go to church.
It is our assignment to help them be able to "see" and be brought into God's light where they can meet God and realize He's been here for them all along....waiting for them to recognize he's here waiting to be noticed.
Revelation 21 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (NIV)
Romans 14:10-12 (NIV)
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Forget the baseball field and the field of dreams. Help somebody find that foundation you have. "If you build it, HE will come." AND when we go Home, we'll hear "well done, good and faithful servant". OR in Field of Dreams quote, "Hey Rookie! You were good."
In the scene, the brother-in-law is not able to see the "baseball men" in the field that Ray built. He thinks the family is looking at an empty field. Until a tragedy and one of the players crosses the boundry and helps the little girl. Then, the brother-in-law says, "When did these ball players get here?" Just in case you don't remember, I included it below.
Revelation 7: 13 Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?" 14 I answered, "Sir, you know." (NIV)
I was blessed to be brought up in church. Still didn't understand the whole relationship with God aspect until I was much older. However, I was thinking that there are people in the world that probably have similar thoughts about Christians. "What are they looking at anyway?" "God, Jesus, who?" They might be a neighbor or someone in your family or someone God brings across your path. Maybe they notice something different about you, the way you handle stressful situations or that you go to church.
It is our assignment to help them be able to "see" and be brought into God's light where they can meet God and realize He's been here for them all along....waiting for them to recognize he's here waiting to be noticed.
Revelation 21 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (NIV)
Romans 14:10-12 (NIV)
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Forget the baseball field and the field of dreams. Help somebody find that foundation you have. "If you build it, HE will come." AND when we go Home, we'll hear "well done, good and faithful servant". OR in Field of Dreams quote, "Hey Rookie! You were good."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Just enough for today
Exodus 16 (NIV) 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.
17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.
19 Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning."
20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
Yesterday, I read a thought about manna and I thought about writing this. Then, flipping through channels on 54 TCT the minister was talking about the Israelites and manna too which just confirmed it further. So before more of today gets away from me.....my thought on manna.
The Israelites had left Egypt. They had seen the wonders of God as He parted the Red Sea for them to walk through on dry land....and come crashing down on their pursuers. God would show up in a cloud by day and a fire by night to show them when to pick up and move and when to stay. They could SEE God in action. But then they got hungry and their fears started taking over and they whined to Moses. They actually mentioned that they had it better in Egypt! They were slaves there so their comments show their fear and frustration.
In response, God provided manna EVERY DAY for 40 years! They were to take just enough for that day. No extra. Some people didn't trust that God would provide so they took more than enough. When they did that, the manna was ruined for the next day. It did not pay for them to take more. They had to believe that what God said was true. He would bring it today AND He would bring it tomorrow.
Fast forward to today. We don't get manna. However, we get food, unexpected blessings that show up just when needed and God's promise that it will be there again tomorrow. Fear will try and get in the way and circumstances might try to block our view of God's faithfulness. Fight past the fear and believe that God will provide just enough for today, whatever it is that you need. AND He will provide just enough the next day, and the next day, etc.! :)
17 The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little. 18 And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.
19 Then Moses said to them, "No one is to keep any of it until morning."
20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
Yesterday, I read a thought about manna and I thought about writing this. Then, flipping through channels on 54 TCT the minister was talking about the Israelites and manna too which just confirmed it further. So before more of today gets away from me.....my thought on manna.
The Israelites had left Egypt. They had seen the wonders of God as He parted the Red Sea for them to walk through on dry land....and come crashing down on their pursuers. God would show up in a cloud by day and a fire by night to show them when to pick up and move and when to stay. They could SEE God in action. But then they got hungry and their fears started taking over and they whined to Moses. They actually mentioned that they had it better in Egypt! They were slaves there so their comments show their fear and frustration.
In response, God provided manna EVERY DAY for 40 years! They were to take just enough for that day. No extra. Some people didn't trust that God would provide so they took more than enough. When they did that, the manna was ruined for the next day. It did not pay for them to take more. They had to believe that what God said was true. He would bring it today AND He would bring it tomorrow.
Fast forward to today. We don't get manna. However, we get food, unexpected blessings that show up just when needed and God's promise that it will be there again tomorrow. Fear will try and get in the way and circumstances might try to block our view of God's faithfulness. Fight past the fear and believe that God will provide just enough for today, whatever it is that you need. AND He will provide just enough the next day, and the next day, etc.! :)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Giving Thanks!
Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV)
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
How timely! Not only because of Thanksgiving, which is a mere week away. I'm thankful, my mom is home! After a month in the hospital and a rehabilitation facility, she is home after her heart attack. I am thankful for the drs, nurses and the care she received. I am thankful for brothers and a sister that helped us get through this time of life. I appreciate the foundation of faith my parents gave me (even though I grumbled about going to church 2 x on Sunday GASP!....and occasionally missing the beginning of the Wonderful World of Disney...oh, I am so showing my age!) I am grateful that our mom is here for another Thanksgiving.
I just told a friend tonight we are all living on borrowed time. It is just that some of us get reminders that our time on this round sphere called Earth will end at some point in time.
Further on in Psalm 95, we are reminded that we are God's people, under his care. We are also reminded not to harden our hearts. We are living in difficult times. I struggle to remember to move closer TO God during those times. He has not moved, He waits for us to make a decision to let Him handle the good, the bad and the ugly in our lives.
Sometimes we don't get our way or the answer we want when we want it. That doesn't mean that God does not listen or is uncaring. Thank goodness we don't get everything we pray for! We don't always see the whole picture.
Psalm 95:6-8 (NIV)
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts......
Praying that you will find God during this season of life and Thanksgiving and moving into Christmas. We do not walk alone.....even when it feels like it.
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
How timely! Not only because of Thanksgiving, which is a mere week away. I'm thankful, my mom is home! After a month in the hospital and a rehabilitation facility, she is home after her heart attack. I am thankful for the drs, nurses and the care she received. I am thankful for brothers and a sister that helped us get through this time of life. I appreciate the foundation of faith my parents gave me (even though I grumbled about going to church 2 x on Sunday GASP!....and occasionally missing the beginning of the Wonderful World of Disney...oh, I am so showing my age!) I am grateful that our mom is here for another Thanksgiving.
I just told a friend tonight we are all living on borrowed time. It is just that some of us get reminders that our time on this round sphere called Earth will end at some point in time.
Further on in Psalm 95, we are reminded that we are God's people, under his care. We are also reminded not to harden our hearts. We are living in difficult times. I struggle to remember to move closer TO God during those times. He has not moved, He waits for us to make a decision to let Him handle the good, the bad and the ugly in our lives.
Sometimes we don't get our way or the answer we want when we want it. That doesn't mean that God does not listen or is uncaring. Thank goodness we don't get everything we pray for! We don't always see the whole picture.
Psalm 95:6-8 (NIV)
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts......
Praying that you will find God during this season of life and Thanksgiving and moving into Christmas. We do not walk alone.....even when it feels like it.
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