For the Sake of the Call

For the Sake of the Call

Feb. 8, 2008 - Joy Comes in the Morning by Abiding

"When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong;

Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand." Psalm 37:24

Joy comes in the morning. The sun is shining, the pity party has ended, and I am blessed.

I appreciate the outpouring of love and encouragement after yesterday's depressing post. I was so blessed by imaginary playdates and e-mails and phone calls. You are all wonderful! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Looking back, there are several root issues that brought on my desolate attitude: fatigue and exhaustion, disappointment, weather, confinement to my house, dehydration, poor nutrition, discouragement... But the biggest reason for emotional outburst is that in the midst of everything, in the time that I should be clinging to my Source, I had left my first love. I have been worried and bothered by so many things and have neglected the one thing that is necessary. When I should have been turning to Him, I was searching for others.

God often blesses us with others to encourage and challenge us. He designed us to function within the body of Christ. He encourages us to fellowship, to bear one another's burdens, to confess our sins one to another. All those "one another" verses are critical because he didn't create us to live in isolation. But He is the true vine, and we are called to abide in Him so that His joy may be in us and our joy may be made complete. Bottom line, I haven't been abiding. It's a serious issue that needs to be dealt with. I appreciate your prayers, and I challenge those of you who may be feeling the same way I was:

Are you abiding?

Grace and Peace,

Angel

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Jan. 16, 2008 - Carpe Diem in Prayer

Last Friday, I called a friend, and found her in tears. Her youngest son was having some troubles in college, and it was quite upsetting to her. I listened, told her I would pray, and then, before we hung up, asked her to allow me to pray over her right then. She was a bit surprised initially, but after I finished, there were no more tears, and a calm had returned to her voice. Later that evening, I saw her, and she quietly thanked me for being such a blessing earlier as she gently kissed me on the cheek.

There is power in prayer! But far too often, we don't pray.

Several years ago, I sat in Bible study as a woman shared what had helped her through the sorrow of her miscarriage. So many women had listened and cried with her, but only one had said, "Allow me to pray over you," right in the middle of their phone conversation. That friend had blessed her more than any other! A few months earlier, I had begun to pray over people during phone conversations, or when we were together and they were sharing a burden from their heart, but I wasn't the one to step up at the moment she needed it. I had thought about it, but I didn't, and I missed out on an opportunity to bless her. How I wished that I had been the best friend and truly blessed her! I resolved at that moment to do my best not to miss another such opportunity.

The principle I follow is quite simple, don't just say you'll pray, pray right then; but it takes some courage and boldness, and it can be a little bit uncomfortable initially. The more you do it; however, the more natural it will feel. The easiest way to begin is with specific prayer requests. If you're on a prayer chain, or if someone calls you with a prayer request, or if you see someone and they share a request with you, stop at that moment and pray with the person delivering the request. Two purposes are served in doing so. First, you'll actually pray before you get distracted and forget, and second, you'll bless the other person. It's also useful when the prayer request is turning into gossip. (How many prayer meetings have you been to which turned into gossip sessions?) Tactfully, nip it in the bud and pray. God knows all the details, it's not imperative that you do too!

After you've formed the habit of praying aloud in these instances, you'll begin to be prompted to pray at other times when no specific request for prayer is given. On a couple of occassions, I've gotten into conversations with friends who have been sharing the frustrations they're having with their husband. I have found that there is a fine line between being open with your feelings and frustrations, and bashing your husband. When I sense that the line is being crossed, I quietly interrupt with compassionate words and ask if I can pray for their marriage. I cannot express how much more effective this action is than if I allow my friend to ramble on and on, growing more and more frustrated, and pulling me into the frustration as well. It works! And it's what God has called us to do. Galatians talks about bearing one another's burdens. James 5:16 says, "Confess your sins to one another, pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

Once you begin praying in conversation like this, you'll become more and more aware of opportunities to do so. A friend has to cancel a playdate because her kids have the flu. Take a minute to pray with her for their health, and that she would have a servant's heart of compassion towards them. Your neighbor is in a stressful situation at work. Pray for wisdom and discernment, right there in the middle of the cul-de-sac. A woman at the park shares that she has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Don't hesitate; pray with her for peace and healing! Your mom shares that one of your cousins is getting into trouble. Don't talk about how your aunt and uncle were too permissive and spoiled him, pray together that God would draw your cousin to Himself, and that the Holy Spirit would bring conviction to his heart. In this hurting and broken world, the opportunities for prayer are endless. Imagine what could happen if we practice a little more carpe diem in our praying. Less talking, more praying!

Going beyond, "I'll pray for you," and seizing the opportunity to pray works for me!

Grace and Peace,

Angel

For more Works for Me Wednesday entries, click here.

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Nov. 5, 2007 - Must see!

Perhaps this is old news to some of you, as it originally aired on Oprah in January of 2006, but this is my first introduction to this group of North Carolinians who adopted 31 children from Liberia. Ordinary people who serve an extraordinary God. I encourage you to take some time to watch the videos, continually praying about how God might use you. I know I am. Click here.

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Nov. 4, 2007 - Random Sunday Musings

It was wonderful to be in church this morning. After a great time of fellowship with several families at a Square Dance, I feel even more connected to this body of believers.

The message was from one of my most cherished passages of Scripture II Corinthians 4. Our humble pastor shared in such a passionate yet vulnerable way and I was both challenged (to continue to die to self) and encouraged (to not lose heart). God's word is so relevant! I love it so!

I was also blessed by testimonies from some of the youth. Many of our youth are in the midst of a 40 Day Revolution. It is voluntary and student run (and initiated). All of the participants are fasting from various different things, spending time in the word and prayer, are connected with adult prayer partners, and have different challenge exercises to do within their school. It's been inspiring to hear them share testimonies of how God is using them in their schools and among their peers. These kids really are a light in the darkness and God is using them in powerful ways. After the service, I was finally able to meet with my prayer partner and encourage her with God's Word. That's one of my favorite things to do (take people directly to God's word and show them how it applies to them personally). I'm still a little nervous working with youth. I'm much more comfortable with the pre-schoolers. I don't know why, but I feel so un-cool working with youth and honestly, it gets in the way of ministry a lot of the time, so I tend to avoid it. They don't always relate to me well, either. Maybe I'm intimidating. I don't know. But they love my kids! Anyway, her mom is so excited for me to be her daughter's prayer partner, so that's good, I guess.?

We also got a report from a recent high school grad who has been down in Mexico with YWAM. She's back home for her sister's wedding (she and her fiance are also on staff with YWAM in Mexico). It was wonderful to hear from her and so encouraging, but I was also concerned as she expressed how she was learning how little she really knows about What we believe. She's understanding that she's been ill-equiped to share the gospel. So on the one hand you have these kids who are trying to be Salt and Light on their campuses, which is fabulous, but on the other hand, they're not equiped to do it. That's the challenge. I'm still mulling that over.

Then we came home and watched our Colts turn over the victory to the Patriots. Sigh! It's only football, right? :)

I'll close with a couple of notes from this morning's sermon:

For resurrection to happen, something must die.

For His resurrecting power to occur in me requires the death of me every day.

As you die to youself, the glory and power of God are made manifest in you.

He must increase, I must decrease.

In what way(s) do you need to die today?

"For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake,

so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."

II Corinthians 4:11

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Sep. 18, 2007 - Discipline

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,

'MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,

NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;

FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,

AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.'

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness."

Hebrews 12:3-11

Considering Jesus,

Unwilling to grow weary and lose heart,

Remembering His words,

Clinging to His love for me,

Blessed to be a daughter of the King,

Grateful that He desires my good,

Longing to share in His holiness,

Willing to be trained by His discipline,

Desiring the peaceful fruit of righteousness,

In Jesus' Name,

AMEN

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Aug. 29, 2007 - The Nearness of God is My Good

On the way out the door last night, I paused to search through some Homeschool Convention CDs and pull one out to listen to while I drove. The one I selected was Marcia Sommerville's talk, "The Nearness of God is My Good." I had not had the best day ever and was wrestling with a particular issue. Really, I was looking for encouragement and seeking something to distract my mind from the thing that was plaguing me. Marcia is very vulnerable in this talk, expressing the years of fear that she faced as a result of not drawing near to God. Her encouragement is that we nurture a rich devotional life and draw near to God as The Source of our strength. It was wonderful confirmation to me.

This past year I have been growing more and more in my understanding of abiding in Christ, yielding and surrendering to His Lordship, and being filled by the Spirit and walking in Him. When I started "school" again earlier this month, I committed to making time in God's Word and prayer a priority, every morning, after I showered but before anything else. :) This consistent quiet time has been so good for me. The past couple of weeks especially as I have been mining the riches of the book of Hebrews have been such a tremendous blessing. Just yesterday morning, I was marveling and meditating on the verses, "...we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast..." (Hebrews 6:18-19) The picture of the hope we have as an anchor of the soul lingered with me throughout the day.

And when the trials came, when I was misunderstood, insulted, and falsely accused; when my words were twisted and taken out of context; the anchor held. My hope is not in what other people think of me or what other people say about me. My hope is found in Christ and in God's promises...in His Word. To be honest, I was shaken, my stomach was in knots (it still is), I was distracted, but I would have been a mess if I was not continuing to rest in the Lord, to seek Him, to make sure that I was in step with Him and really saying and doing and writing what He wanted me to say and do and write. Drawing near to Him early in the morning had set the precedent of yielding to Him and surrendering to Him throughout the day. So, I say,"Amen," as Marcia Somerville quotes Psalm 73:28, "The nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works." I have taken refuge in the Lord GOD, and He has held me through this storm and I will testify of His goodness. None of us know what the day will hold, do we really want to face it on our own? Isn't it better to be anchored in Him?

If you're struggling in this area, I encourage you to order Marcia's talk, this link has CDs for $6 and this website has the MP3 for $3.50.

"But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.'

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

(James 4:6-8)

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Jun. 14, 2007 - Feeling Radiant

As a homeschooling mom of four kids, I rarely enjoy a single solitary moment with no interruptions. I love being with my kids, but I was overjoyed at the prospect of a few hours all to myself while the kids went to horse camp today. All week long my mind was busy planning how I could best utilize this time.

· Getting a hair cut for the first time in 6 months

· Cleaning and organizing the house

· Catching up on paperwork

· Buying paint

· A trip to the post office to mail long overdue packages

· A leisurely visit to the fabric store

I’ve been feeling completely overwhelmed lately. The entire house seems to be falling down around my ears and the list of things I should be working on seems endless! Think of how much I could accomplish with no kids under foot?!?

Then, last night, a still small voice whispered, “Be like Mary.”

Mary?

“Mary…seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word…Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (from Luke 10:39-42)

Really?!? Like Mary, Lord? Oh, I need to, I ought to, I’ve been so weary…

“Come unto me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Yes, Lord. I will come!

I was almost giddy at the thought of uninterrupted time at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His word. I lingered a moment at horse camp, making sure that the kids were well acclimated. I considered staying until I had a chance to see them ride, but the invitation was waiting, and I could not resist. So I returned home and enjoyed 2 ½ hours at the feet of my Savior and then it was time to pick up the kids. I can’t remember the last time I spent so much time in prayer and searching out the Scriptures! It has been far too long and our whole household has suffered the consequences. But God’s mercy never comes to an end, His grace is abundant, and He is faithful to pour out His Spirit on all who will ask.

I had a wonderful time of confession and self-examination. God gave me several verses that I need to be applying to my life. I also prayed sincerely for each of my kids. I had been wanting to take the time to do a spiritual inventory as described in Jean Fleming’s book A Mother’s Heart. Finally, I took the time to do that and it was very productive. (If you’re not familiar with this book, check out CTdittmar’s review here).

I have a new passion for my kids and my role as wife, mother, and homemaker! I am committed to making some changes. I’m not a “Martha” by nature, but I had been behaving like one lately: distracted, worried, and bothered. I had been trying to accomplish works of the Spirit in my own flesh, through my own strength. It’s not possible! I need to be constantly abiding in Christ, relying on the Holy Spirit every minute of every day, and allowing God’s power to be perfected in my weakness. (II Corinthians 12:9)

After I picked the kids up, I talked with them and sought their forgiveness. I encouraged them to take some time at Jesus’ feet too, and shared with them the changes we’ll be making; more consistent time in prayer, Bible study, and memorizing Scripture.

The burden I was carrying is gone. The peace is back. I’m not irritable and frustrated anymore. The house is still a mess, and I still have a million things to do. My youngest daughter is still whining. But my sins are washed away and I am filled with the Spirit. Praise be to God!

If you’re struggling like I was, I would encourage you too to carve out some time to sit at Jesus’ feet! You may not have 2 ½ hours like I did, but any amount of time in His presence will strengthen and encourage you! Do not delay! Believe me; it’ll make you feel better than any manicure, pedicure, or facial ever could!

“They looked unto him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:5

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Jun. 4, 2007 - Hosea 6:3

“So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.

His going forth is as certain as the dawn;

And He will come to us like the rain,

Like the spring rain watering the earth.”

Hosea 6:3

As I enjoy the sound and the smell of an afternoon spring rain shower, I am reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses which has also been turned into a simple praise chorus that I love to sing. Such a wonderful promise! Just as the spring rain waters the earth, the LORD will come to us as well.

Consider the benefit of the spring rain; soaking deep into the roots, nourishing plants and flowers, causing them to grow and yield fruit. It comes at just the right time; the time when they need it most. Water is necessary for their survival, just as God’s Word is necessary for ours! He is faithful! As we press on to know Him, He refreshes us.

How much we all need to be refreshed! Just as plants in the midst of a drought, we are thirsty! We need to be washed in the water of the Word. We need to be revived by the Spirit of the Living God.

Come Lord Jesus, come. Come to us like the rain. Refresh our hearts. Quench our thirst. You are the Living Water and You invite us to drink deeply from the fountain. May we set aside all of our distractions and press on to know You; that we may be watered by Your Word, by Your Presence….by You!

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May. 3, 2007 - The Hand of God

Do you recognize the hand of God in your life?

As I was chatting with a friend this afternoon, we started talking about recognizing the hand of God in our lives. Both of us are very aware of God’s hand even in the smallest details. She’s always sharing her latest “God-story” and it’s never a challenge for me to recall one of my own. What some people call coincidence or chance, we recognize as God’s providence. The biggest example that I have is of the number of providential occurrences that brought us to this particular house and the church where we now worship and serve. The Story of His House For Us has become an oft repeated testimony, even to unbelievers, and an encouragement to us that we are in the center of His will! As I’ve grown in my understanding of God’s sovereignty, I just assumed that other Christians saw things the same way that I do; so I was quite surprised when my friend shared with me the story of a Christian couple who don’t view such things in the same way. After a week of house-hunting and school interviews, everything was coming together beautifully and when my friend's husband marveled at how wonderfully God was working everything out, the other couple disagreed and the comment was made, “Well, you’re Calvinists and we’re Armenians.” Do Arminians not recognize God’s hand in their life?

I grew up mostly in Baptist churches, and when I would make comments on things like “age of accountability,” I was often called an Arminian by my ultra-Calvinist professors at my Presbyterian college; but when I understood the Arminian views, I emphatically denied any connection with them, although I could never fully embrace the 5 points of Calvinism. I was somewhere in the middle, not willing to be tied to either camp. As I continue to grow in my faith, and study the Word, I have grown ever-more convinced of God’s sovereignty and His plan for my life. There are countless verses in the Bible which speak of His sovereignty, “It is I,” God says repeatedly in the book of Isaiah. “For I know the plans I have for you…” He tells us. The New Testament is full of such statements as well; to the extent that Paul writes that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,” on Mars Hill in Acts 17:26. These are just a couple of the many verses that come to mind as I type. As I read these verses, I realize that some of the teaching that I’d heard in the past that God doesn’t really care who I marry (as long as they are a believer), and that God doesn’t care where we live, are not exactly accurate. God is intimately acquainted with me and desires to be included in every decision that I make.

Discussions of God’s sovereignty and human free will are often passionate and rarely resolved. Our minds can’t really grasp how both can exist in harmony. In the end, God only knows. Still, despite the disagreement, I hadn’t realized how significantly your interpretation of Scripture impacts your perception of circumstances in your life, until my friend shared this conversation.

I won’t argue theology, but I must say that I am distressed and actually feel sorry for Christians who are unable to see God’s hand moving in practical, tangible, ways in their lives. More importantly, when we refuse to recognize the hand of God, we neglect to give Him the glory He deserves!

He deserves the glory when He provides a great deal on purchase at a yard sale.

He deserves the glory when our husbands get a bonus.

He deserves the glory when our kids remain healthy during a lapse in our health insurance coverage.

He deserves the glory when a homeschooling family moves in across the street.

He deserves the glory when our kids grasp a challenging mathematical concept.

He deserves the glory when we are protected in a car accident.

He deserves the glory when we are blessed by the warm sunshine and a cool breeze.

He deserves the glory when we have an opportunity to share a testimony with a stranger on the playground.

He deserves the glory when the right size of jeans that your rapidly growing son needs are on sale on the clearance rack.

He deserves the glory when a widow at church offers to watch the kids so that you and your husband can go out on a date.

He deserves the glory when _______________.

These are all evidences of God’s hand working in your life. He cares about the details! Recognize His hand, look for it, be blessed and encouraged, and give Him the glory!

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Mar. 25, 2007 - Answered Prayer: 3 Passports!

Praise God for answered prayer! WooHoo!

Our friends finally have three passports and will be headed to Liberia to pick up their kids in a couple of weeks! Thank you to all who prayed for them! If you think of them, please continue to pray as they will be transitioning from ZERO kids to THREE kids, OVERNIGHT!!!! Can you imagine?!?

But God is faithful and He will give them the strength they need to ease the transition. Even so, they’re going to need our prayers! J

You can continue to follow their journey at Bowersox Family News.

Thanks again for praying!

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Mar. 15, 2007 - Please Pray for Passports!

You may remember that I requested prayer for some college friends several months ago who are adopting 3 kids from Liberia, Africa. Well, I'd like to ask you to keep praying! The adoption paperwork has gone through, and they became official parents on November 29, 2006, but they still do not have their kids because they continue to wait for passports. After months of waiting and praying, there was hope that the passports would be issued in time for them to go next week, but alas, no passports. They are quite discouraged, although they continue to trust in the Lord. I cannot imagine what they're going through, but I can pray, and I know that there are some pretty fabulous prayer warriors who read this blog, so would you please pray too! Thanks!

Okay, it's now 3:30am and I really, really, really, need to go to sleep!

Goodnight?

Angel

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Mar. 15, 2007 - Chronological Bible Reading Update: Leviticus

It's almost 2 AM. Insomnia plagues me once again, so I've been enjoying spending some quantity time in the Word. I have been negligent in updating my blog with my Bible reading progress, so I thought I'd take some time to do that now, while the house is quiet and my thoughts are fresh. I am behind schedule in my attempt to read through the Bible chronologically in one year. I just finished Leviticus, and I should be finished with Numbers and starting Deuteronomy. There are two reasons for this. First, I haven't been faithful in reading every day. That's a problem! Second, when I do read, I am reading actively. Although I am not attempting a thorough study, I am still implementing numerous Inductive Bible Study Techniques (Asking the 5 Ws & an H questions, marking key words and phrases, making note of indications of time, writing notes in the margin). These things take more time that simply reading, but they also make my time in the Word more meaningful. My motivation for reading through the Bible in a year is not so that I can check it off my list and boast that I’ve done it; rather, I want to grow in God’s Word, know Him better, discover how He wants me to live my life, and adjust my actions and beliefs accordingly. I want His word to take root in my heart and produce fruit. God has been faithful, and I am being strengthened, encouraged, and challenged by what I have read thus far.

I had hoped to document some of the things that I’m learning; more for myself than anyone else. At some point I still hope to type out some insights from Genesis, Job, and Exodus, but for now, I’ll start with Leviticus.

Leviticus is a book that most people dread, and I resisted reading it for a couple of weeks myself. I must say though, I was pleasantly surprised by this experience reading it. At some point, I’d like to study it more thoroughly so that I can understand the significance of the various offerings, commandments, and feasts, but even in my cursory study, several items of significance stood out.

There are several repeated phrases in Leviticus with regard to offerings:

they are to be “without defect”

“that he may be accepted before the Lord”

“to make atonement on his behalf (for him)”

“an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD”

“they shall be forgiven” & “it will be forgiven”

And this verse carries extreme significance, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.” (Leviticus 17:11) When you read Leviticus in light of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, you really can’t miss the significance! As I read, countless verses from the New Testament came to mind.

When the moral laws are given, beginning in chapter 18, another phrase jumps off the page repeatedly: “I am the LORD your God.” This phrase along with “I am the LORD who sanctifies you,” and “I am the LORD who has separated you from the peoples,” is used over 40 times in chapters 18-27! These were just some of the verses that stood out to me,

“You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, nor are you to do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you; you shall not walk in their statutes. You are to perform my judgments and keep My statutes, to live in accord with them; I am the LORD your God. So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the LORD.” (18:3-5)

“You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” (19:2b)

“…you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.” (19:18b)

“You shall observe all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them; I am the LORD.” (19:37)

“You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God.” (20:7)

“You shall keep my statutes and practice them; I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” (20:8)

“Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.” (20:26)

Again, the New Testament verses that harmonize with these are numerous! And many of the commands are still very applicable to our society today! For example, “Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God, I am the LORD.”(19:31-32) Whether we are under the Law or Grace, God is still the LORD our God. We would be wise to remember that!

In Chapter 26, the sweet blessings of obedience are given, my favorite being, “I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject you. I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.” (26:11-12) Such love, such intimacy! The blessings are then followed by the consequences of disobedience; which, knowing the things that are to come, are to be fulfilled because the people will be disobedient. It grieves my heart as I read them! But, Chapter 26 ends with hope: the results of confession, “If they confess their iniquity…then I will remember My covenant…” (verses 40 & 42), “when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God.” (26:44) He is always faithful, even when they were not, even when we are not. There are still blessings for obedience, and consequences for disobedience. And there is always hope and the promise that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

There are a lot of people who disregard the things in the Old Testament as not as significant as the things of the New Testament. After all, we are no longer under the Law, but under Grace, correct? That is correct, but there is so much value to knowing, studying, and understanding, ALL of God’s word. Even the book of Leviticus which is so full of “strange” instructions regarding what is clean and unclean is full of meaning to us today. God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His promises are yea, and amen. His word is living and active; always relevant! It has served me well to take some time to meditate on the words of Leviticus and to apply them to my life. And I’ve just barely scratched the surface!

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Feb. 23, 2007 - Pondering the Spirit-Filled Life, Abiding, Fruit, and the Flesh

I’ve been feeling kinda quiet lately as God has really been challenging me in a lot of ways. My previous post about blame shifting is just one of the ways that God’s been working in my heart. Having misplaced A Man Called Peter one night, I began reading Charles Stanley’s book The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life and it’s really rockin’ my world. I want what he’s talking about. I long to live that consistent, Spirit-filled life and bear much fruit, and I honestly can’t see the evidence of that right now. I find myself trying to produce the fruit myself. I’ll determine that I’m going to be more patient, or practice self-control, but that’s not what the Spirit-filled life is about. It’s about Abiding in Christ (John 15) and bearing the fruit that He is producing, not attempting to produce it myself. In addition, I was reminded this evening, that it’s not the fruit that I should be pursuing, but God Himself. If I pursue that relationship with Him, if I pursue HIM, then the fruit will come. As great as the fruit is, and as beneficial as it is to me and those who have to live with me, and those that encounter me who don’t know the Lord, my focus isn’t to be on the fruit, but on the Producer of the fruit, the Vine Himself: Jesus! He's what I really need! So that’s where my heart is, trying to figure out how to truly yield to the Spirit, to walk in Him, and to Abide in Christ and not try to accomplish His purposes in MY flesh, but to surrender myself to the Lordship of Christ, and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading so that I am able to bear that desirable fruit in ANY and every circumstance.

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Jan. 30, 2007 - A Pair of Godly Coaches

The character and class of Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy are no secret to Colts fans, and it's with great pride and joy that we see him shining under the spotlight and continuing to give glory to the Lord as we countdown to Superbowl XLI. I was pleased to find this article over at Karla's blog and to be introduced to Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears coach) as another man who puts faith and family before football. It isn't everyday that an ESPN writer focuses on the godly character of coaches or players!

Before coming to Indianapolis, Dungy was the well-loved coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (I even had a women in a grocery store tell me once, "oh, you've got our coach, we sure do miss him.") So, why was he let go? When asked by team owners/managers if getting to the Superbowl was the most important thing to him, Coach Dungy honestly replied, "No." So they let him go, and the following season, Coach Gruden led the Buccaneers to the Superbowl. Since I learned of this, I have been praying that Coach Dungy would be able to lead the Colts to the Superbowl, (not just because I've been a faithful Colts fan since 1984!), so that the world may know that it can be done, without sacrificing faith and family. This year, God was so gracious to lead not only one man of integrity to the Superbowl, but two. Two godly men who have not sacrificed their faith and families on the altar of football. We should all be encouraged that if we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added. (Matthew 6:33).

Even if you're not a football fan, you can be encouraged and inspired by these two godly men. Pray for them. Pray for their families. Pray for all of the eyes that are watching them this weekend. Pray that God would be glorified and that people would come to know Jesus as the Lord and Savior. God will use anyone or anything to draw people to Himself. Yes, even the Superbowl!

I encourage you to read the first-class article, "It's Character, Not Color, That Seperates Smith, Dungy" by Michael Smith, and e-mail it to the football fans in your life. Oh, and by the way....

Go, Colts!

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Jan. 10, 2007 - Update: "Day 3" and Job on Wisdom

It's the end of Day 3 in my quest for greater consistency, and my efforts have been thwarted by a nasty cold which kept me in my bed for an extra 40 minutes this morning and drove me back to it mid-afternoon. Valiantly attempting to stay on track, I taught ds's Math lesson from bed, but the girls' Math lessons will have to wait 'til the morrow. I am encouraged that we did accomplish the other lessons that had been assigned to this day, the most important being our Bible lessons. We've begun Lord, Teach Me to Pray for Kids in addition to our study of Exodus. The kids' attitudes have been fabulous, and I've been especially blessed to witness a new maturity in my 7 year old daughter. All of the kids are actually enjoying their lessons and there is much evidence of understanding. God is good! Thanks for your encouragement.

I'll close with some gems from Job as I make my way through the Bible chronologically. Good reminders to me as I instruct my children. Job 28 says that wisdom is more valuable than pure gold, silver, precious jewels, and that "The aquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls"(28:18). Think on that.

Job 28

20 "Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding?

23 "God understands its way, And He knows its place.

24 "For He looks to the ends of the earth And sees everything under the heavens.

25 "When He imparted weight to the wind And meted out the waters by measure,

26 When He set a limit for the rain And a course for the thunderbolt,

27 Then He saw it and declared it; He established it and also searched it out.

28 "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.'

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About Me

Philosophical musings from the heart of a home-educating mommy of four and wife of ten years. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14