Excellence In Christ
• Apr. 4, 2008 - What, Me Worry???
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I tend to be a rather anxious person no matter what the circumstance. I realize that anxiety and worry are sinful and we are commanded to resist those very human responses, but I so often give in to the flesh. This past Wednesday (2 April) we learned of a situation that has my “worry machine” in overdrive. Although I cannot disclose the details of the matter at this time, we would certainly covet your prayers as our family seeks to truly surrender all to the Lord.
When we got the news, my mind started racing. Worry was one of my initial responses. When I came to terms with the fact that I cannot change the outcome even if I wanted to, I started praying -- yes, I should have done this first anyway. I prayed that the Lord would take my anxiety away (too easy, right?) and show me how to “cast all my anxieties on him because he cares for me” (1 Pet. 5:7).
Well, as I got settled in bed that night, I took out the Daily Bread devotional and decided to read that day’s devotional. Don’t you know that the scripture reference for that day was Matthew 6:25-34???!!! The very scripture that commands us not to be anxious… that tells us that if God takes care of the birds and the lilies, will He not also take care of us who are more valuable to Him? The scripture that tells us not to worry about tomorrow and that we cannot add even one single hour to our lives by doing so. Finally, the very scripture that reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Right away I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me… BUT He wasn’t done.
That following morning I went to our desk calendar to change it to that day’s date -- 3 April. Each day has a scripture verse on it. That day’s verse was Luke 12:24 part of the parallel passage to Matthew 6:25-34!! The message was the same… that if God takes care of the ravens, how much more will He care for us who are more valuable to Him!
There was no doubt that the Lord was sending me a message. I had referred to these scriptures in the past during other trials, but to be led to them without expressly seeking them out made the message resonate even louder. Maybe my spiritual ears were so clogged that the Lord had to take such action.
I know I have no choice but to strive for obedience in handing my fears, worries & anxieties over to the Lord. When anxious thoughts creep in my mind, I say a quick prayer telling the Lord that I am sending that worry His way. Even if our situation fails to turn out the way I want it to, I must continue to give God the glory and rejoice in the fact that His plan for our lives is perfect and that He knows best.
“…Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
" ...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
In Christ,
Talya
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• Jan. 23, 2008 - Prayer for the Lost
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The announcement of actor Heath Ledger’s death at 28 struck a chord in me. I’ll admit, I was somewhat of a fan of some of his earlier work -- The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale and The Four Feathers. He lost me at Brokeback Mountain, but I believed he was a talented actor. As of this writing, the media has not reported a cause of death. The fact that Mr. Ledger was never reported to have fallen into some of the more tabloid-friendly trappings, such as publicly-known drug use or multiple arrests, has left many puzzled as to how this could have happened.
The overarching question that trumps “What killed him?’” is “Did he know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior?” Of course, I don’t know where Mr. Ledger was in terms of a relationship with the Lord. I have never heard a profession of faith of any sort being reported from him. Some of his cinematic and lifestyle choices may lead me to some doubt.
Likely, Heath Ledger was just as lost as the lesser-known lost people we encounter everyday. We live in a fallen world, surrounded by the lost -- in our own homes, among our families and friends, at the post office, the library, on the job and even on television and the silver screen. The Lord has reminded me that they are all worthy of my prayers. It doesn’t matter if I know them personally or not, the Lord knows them intimately (“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.” Psalm 139:13). He loves them and wants them to come to Him (“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9). In addition to the usual people who inhabit my prayer list, the Lord has led me to pray for the salvation of at least one other person each day or week. Be they a famous celebrity, the frazzled woman in the commissary or the mom I talk to each week at my daughter’s dance class, I must pray that they heed the Lord’s call.
As for Heath Ledger, it’s too late to pray for him -- our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14) and now Heath Ledger knows the truth. Instead, I pray for actress Michelle Williams and their two-year-old daughter Matilda -- that they come to knowledge of their need for a savior and that they draw unto Christ in faith. The Lord has reminded me that I must pray for so many, especially the lost, before it’s too late.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b
In Christ, Talya
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• Jan. 1, 2008 - Challenge 2008: Don't Waste a Moment
Welcome to 2008! I can't believe it's 2008 already, but I seem to say that every year. Time flies and we should not waste a moment of it.
We should not waste moments saying we are saved in Christ, but living like the world. We should not waste moments with little thought to growing in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We cannot waste moments relegating Christ to "when I can get to Him" -- after work, after shopping, after working out, after going to the movies, after picking the lint out of our navels, after our idol of the moment -- failing to make Him our FIRST priority ("Thou shalt have no/none other gods before me." Ex. 20:3, Deut 5:7).
We should not waste moments with our Bibles laid upon the shelf -- only to be opened at church on Sunday... if then ("Study to shew thyself approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15).
We should not waste moments praying only when it's convenient, failing to seek Him constantly ("Pray without ceasing" 1 Thess 5:17, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..." Matt 6:33").
We cannot afford to waste moments watching the world's TV, listening to the world's music, looking just like the world, but under a cloak of false salvation ("Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," 2 Cor 6:17). We cannot waste moments continuing to do what we did when we were in the world, while trying to make it seem holy ("... know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4).
We cannot afford to waste a moment living our lives separate from the one true & Holy God. We are all born sinners ("For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Rom. 3:23). Sin separates us from God and for that sin, the scriptures say we deserve death and to be cast into the lake of fire ("For the wages of sin is death..." Rom 6:23a; "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life [book containing the names of true believers in Christ] was cast into the lake of fire" Rev 20:15). However, God is so loving and merciful that He sent the ultimate gift, His son to take our punishment for us (John 3:16; "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom 6:23b). What must we do to receive this wonderful gift and be saved? The scriptures say it better than I can:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11
As this scripture points out twice, salvation is a heart issue -- and nothing can be faked before God. We are not saved by our good works, emotional experiences, or our outward appearances. We are saved by God's grace through faith ("For by faith are ye saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
I do not make new year's resolutions. I believe that any change worth making is that brought about by the Lord and should result in my immediate obedience. After all, we do not tell our children to do something and allow them to tell us, "Mommy, I'll do that tomorrow, or on January 1st." It is my hope that we will all endeavor to make the changes commanded in scripture. I challenge us all:
- Examine our walks with Christ -- Is my walk genuine? Am I bearing fruit (John 15:1-2)? Am I Christian in name only?
- Make Him our FIRST priority ("Thou shalt have no/none other gods before me." Ex. 20:3, Deut 5:7).
- Have regular personal Bible study time ("Study to shew thyself approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15)
- Have constant communication with God ("Pray without ceasing" 1 Thess 5:17)
- Seek the Lord to bring forth inward change, pursue holiness ("But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..." Matt 6:33", "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Eph 4:24)
- Purge our hearts, thoughts, bodies, homes, conversation etc. of things of the world ("Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," 2 Cor 6:17; ".. let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor 7:1)
- Turn away from our love of worldy, secular things ("... know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4)
- If, after self-examination, you have been led to question your prior profession of faith OR do not have a saving relationship with Christ, please humble yourself and seek the Lord for a regeneration of your heart though a saving faith ("That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11)
I accept the challenge, do you?
In Christ, Talya |
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• Dec. 17, 2007 - Our Ballerinas
Last night Arielle had dress rehearsal for tonight's ballet recital. She is dancing as a "doll". She enjoyed her ballet class and hopes to continue in the future. Her dance instructor said she could advance to the next level as long as she worked on pointing her toes. We are so proud of our big girl!:-)
Rachel enjoyed her ballet class as well, although we had a rough, non-participatory first few classes. She would go into the dance studio and stand in the middle of the room, unmoving! She would only move if I did the movements with her. Then at about the 4th class, she all of sudden did not want me to help and wanted to dance all on her own... and that's what she did!:-)
In Christ, Talya |
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• Dec. 15, 2007 - A Christmas without Gifts?
Clipart from Clipartheaven.com
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
We choose not to exchange gifts at Christmas. We made that decision after Arielle’s second Christmas, so she does not remember receiving gifts at Christmas. Rachel, of course, has NEVER received gifts on Christmas. Although Sean and I grew up receiving Christmas gifts, I think it was hardest for our parents to digest the inability to lavish gifts on their grandchildren at Christmas time.
As many have rightly observed, the commercialism of Christmas often robs the holiday of its focus on Christ and His birth. We get so bogged down in giving beautifully wrapped gifts to one another because that’s the expectation -- Christ gets lost in the translation. We often overspend in efforts to buy gifts for our children and other relatives who really have no need for what we are purchasing. We get stressed when the most popular toy of the year is on backorder and won’t be available in time for Christmas morning.
Am I saying we should never give gifts? No. But what about the rest of the year? What about when we see others in need in March or April? Do we give then or do we just figure that someone else will do it? Are we still paying off our Christmas debts so we cannot afford to give at any other time of the year?
Our hope is that we develop a tradition of giving of ourselves --our time, our skills, our resources, our testimony -- at Christmas and throughout the year, especially to those who are truly in need.
Our children will never see Christmas as a time to check the toy catalogs and make a list. Our home will never model the association of the celebration of Christ’s birth with material wants. Our children know Santa does not come down a chimney delivering gifts. They know that salvation through Christ is the ultimate gift we will ever receive and that we must celebrate Him every day. We are certainly not to focus on ourselves on a day expressly set aside to celebrate HIM who was born to die -- to die on our behalf so that we may have eternal life. As we’ve heard, “Jesus is the reason for the season” and in our home, we intend to keep it that way.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
In Christ, Talya
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• Dec. 5, 2007 - Five Little Gifts Campaign - Giving to the Cho Family
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Dear Readers,
If the Lord lays it on your heart, I encourage you to give to the Cho family via the Five Little Gifts Campaign. The Chos attend Immanuel Bible Church -- the last church we attended before our move. The husband/father, Dave Cho, died of cancer in June after a valiant, Christ-centered struggle. Shelbie, Dave's wife, went into labor with their 5th child shortly after his death and must now support herself and their 5 children.
If you get a chance, please read through their whole journal -- HERE. Their story is such a testimony to us all in that in the face of the ultimate trial of terminal illness and certain death, they continued to give God all the glory. Unfortunately, we often fail to do so when the stakes are miniscule, so their example & testimony when facing such massive trial is invaluable.
I have printed out their whole journal and use it as a reminder of God's grace and how we are to respond. It brings to mind the powerful scripture found in 2 Cor. 12:9-10, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me... for when I am weak, then am I strong."
Lift up this family in your prayers. Please be encouraged by their testimony, and give as the Lord so leads as we will do!:-) NOTE: If you choose to write a check, please make it payable to the following: Friends of David and Shelbie Cho
In Christ, Talya |
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• Nov. 20, 2007 - Thanksgiving Vittles & Gratitude
We are having some of Sean's co-workers over to share our Thanksgiving meal. Here's the planned menu (subject to change without notice! ):
- Turkey w/ gravy
- Pot roast
- Ham
- Fried (thanks, Sean!) & baked chicken
- Stuffing
- Greens
- Green beans
- Cabbage (my favorite!)
- Macaroni & Cheese (the girls' favorite)
- Sweet potato souffle/casserole (Sean's favorite)
- Tortellini (shout out to Italy)
- Cornbread
- Dinner rolls
- Cake (yellow w/ chocolate frosting)
- Apple pie (thanks, Mrs Smith!)
- Sweet potato pie (thanks, Sara Lee!)
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I pray that we all take a moment to give thanks to the Lord and that our gratitude becomes our daily way of life. I pray that we thank the people we see each day, but often take for granted, like our spouses, our children. I pray that we thank the people we don't see each day -- those who may be far away. I pray we thank the people we don't know, but have made an impact in our lives or in the lives of others. I pray a special prayer of thanks for the soldiers who have willingly put themselves in harm's way. In Christ, Talya |
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• Nov. 14, 2007 - Protected by His Character
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Clipart from clipartheaven.com
Temptation is everywhere. We can be tempted in any area at any time. Since I got married, I purposely have limited my interaction with men out of respect for my marriage and my husband and as a means to stave off any possible temptation or awkward situation. Because of this I was a little concerned when we got stationed at a small military installation in Europe last year. Being part of a male-dominated military community was new to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
What I have found is that my husband’s character has served to protect me from advances by men within our community. Now, I am not saying that I am so desirable that all men should be clamoring after me… I am saying that the heart is wicked, so I am not surprised by sin, and even anticipate it, no matter how irrational and immoral it may be.
My husband Sean is a loudJ , friendly man who loves to talk to anyone about the Lord. Within one minute of talking to him, you know where he stands regarding Jesus Christ. He respects others and strives to walk in integrity in all that he does. It is because of this that he has great relationships with most everyone he meets. My husband’s bold profession of his faith and love for the Lord lets other men know that he has a mighty, indomitable force behind him. You don’t want to mess with him or his family and suffer God’s wrath!
Sean speaks glowingly of me and our children constantly. This lets other men know that his family life is his priority and intact. His wife is valuable to him and not to be trifled with. He is not some aloof husband who is more focused on himself and fails to prioritize his wife and family (after the Lord, of course). It is such a man’s wife that other men may feel they need to “rescue”. In my case, Sean makes it clear to anyone who will listen that he loves me and values me and that his house is “in order”.
Sean also garners the respect of his peers, superiors and even people on the street! I have marveled at his ability to engage most anyone in God-honoring conversation. I often tell him that God uses him to impact so many people and he doesn’t even realize it. Countless times, people -- some strangers -- have approached me and told me to tell Sean “thank you” for something he said to them that touched them. Most people won’t cross the line with a man they respect. That respect often flows over into how they interact with that man’s family as well. I believe many people respect me because they respect Sean.
There is comfort for a wife in this type of protection. Many of my concerns have been laid to rest because my husband is who he is. It is my prayer that all husbands realize the importance of providing the protection of their character to their wives. In Christ, Talya
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• Nov. 2, 2007 - A Contest for Bloggers... Time's Running Out!
I am late learning about this, but I hope other bloggers are able to enter by 11:59PM CST tonight! Life in a Shoe has posted a contest sponsored by Vision Forum. Three winners will receive the Vision Forum publications of their choice up to $250. See Life in a Shoe's blog for contest rules. What a great opportunity!
Here's my dream order:
So Much More $20
Passionate Housewives: Deperate for God $16
What's a Girl to Do? $10
The Blessed Marriage $10
The Role of Children in the Meeting of the Church $10
The Centrality of the Home in Evangelism and Discipleship $10
Family Man, Family Leader $15
A Church in the House $12
Ten P's in a Pod $20
Home-making $20
Be Fruitful & Multiply $15
Christian Modesty & the Public Undressing of America $8
Part II Christian Modesty & the Public Undressing of America $10
The Master's Plans for Fathers $35
The Influence of Older Children on Younger Children $10
GRAND TOTAL: $221
Hurry, hurry.. time's running out! In Christ, Talya |
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• Nov. 1, 2007 - Weighty Considerations: Part 1 - Motivations & Obedience
 Clip Art from ClipArtHeaven.com
I believe that as believers we are to be good stewards over everything with which God has blessed us – including our bodies and our health. I believe God wants us to eat healthy food, eat in moderation and get ample exercise and rest. Despite these beliefs, I have struggled in this area.
Since marriage and pregnancies, I have seen my weight fluctuate within an unhealthy 10-lb range. Whenever my weight starts to dwell in the upper weights of the range, my health has been adversely affected. Such was the case this spring & summer. The reality hit me that I must do something about my weight. I could not sit idly by as my health and quality of life suffered. I was ready to make a change! Well, I had been hit with this realization several times in the past, but it’s never been a catalyst for any lasting change. I’ve tried Weightwatchers and biblically-based hunger/fullness plans, but something was missing and after a few weeks I would give up. However, this time the Lord let me in on something -- my motivation was all wrong.
In past attempts at weight loss, my motivations were driven by my desires and what I thought was noble -- I wanted to look and feel better for myself and my husband, to be an example of health to my daughters, to take care of my body the way I believed God intended. Sounds good, right? Well, the Lord showed me that this “laundry list” was not a list of proper motivations at all, but rather by-products or results of what was to be my TRUE motivation – obedience to the Lord in ALL things through surrender to Him (Deut 13:4, 1 John 5:3). Putting my desires ahead of obedience to the Lord, no matter how well-intentioned, had proven futile and fruitless. I am learning that only through true obedience can those by-products that I so desire, or my “laundry list”, be achieved as the fruits of my obedience.
So what has this meant in my current journey toward weight loss and a healthier lifestyle?
It has meant a complete shift in my focus. I have learned that more important than simply feeling better physically or being a better example, I am to be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit – the rest will come if I am attentive and follow His lead. So many times, I would head into the kitchen just to eat SOMETHING, knowing I was not in the least bit hungry, and I would hear the Holy Spirit nudge me with a simple “No.” Ninety-nine percent of the time, I would ignore the Holy Spirit and eat whatever I wanted to eat, rationalizing that one cookie wouldn’t make any difference. It’s true, one cookie probably won’t make much of a difference to my waistline, but grieving the Holy Spirit by my disobedience is nothing to take lightly and has serious spiritual consequences, especially if I make it a habit (Eph 4:30 “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption”). It was like saying, “Holy Spirit, I don’t really care what you say. I’m going to eat/do what I want to eat/do anyway.”
How arrogant of me.
How humbling to realize this.
It wasn’t until I called my disobedience what it is – SIN – that I felt the conviction to change my behavior. I have had to confess my sins of intentional disregard and disobedience and repent, continually. Only then do I believe my journey toward greater physical health and weight loss began in earnest.
Check back soon for “Weighty Considerations: Part 2 – Sowing & Reaping” In Christ, Talya |
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• Oct. 22, 2007 - Sew & Sew
clip art copyright Susan C. Druding 1997-2001 at straw.com
I have wanted to learn to sew on a sewing machine for years, but I never devoted the time to learning. My mother sews quite well and used to make jumpers for me when I was a child. In recent years, she would offer to give me “lessons”, but I was always too busy to give it a try. To be honest, I was intimidated by the whole process. Just threading the machine looked like an ordeal to me. Also, I didn’t own a machine myself and thought it ridiculous to learn if I always had to go to her house to sew something. Okay, excuses, excuses.
Well, now that I have felt the conviction of the Lord to dress modestly and femininely (1Tim 2:9), I am trying to stock up on skirts, dresses and feminine tops for myself and my daughters. We spent lots of money over the summer revamping our wardrobes, but a variety of modest, feminine clothing can be difficult or very expensive to find, especially for the girls. I figured that the best way to get the type of apparel I want is to make it myself -- Proverbs 31 style!J
With birthday money, I bought a sewing machine. We are overseas, so our choices are limited, but I was able to get a Brother machine with 59 stitch functions. Apparently, this is a very basic model, but as I start out, it should suit my purposes just fine.
Well, this past Saturday night, I decided to experiment and actually take the machine out of the box after almost a month! I read through the owners manual, trying to figure out what a presser foot and feed teeth/dogs are. I even had to write on the machine so I’d remember which dial dealt with stitch width and which dealt with stitch length. For the uninitiated, threading the bobbin and then threading the machine can also be an adventure.
With all that accomplished, I was ready to take the machine for its maiden voyage. I had some scraps of fabric to practice on. Well, with my manual propped up next to me, my hands on the fabric and my foot on the foot thing -- very technical term here -- , I ventured off into sewing greatness. Okay, not quite, but I was able to make a straight stitch that was actually straight!!! By the end of this session, I had made a “pocket”, sort of reminiscent of a slip-in eyeglass case.
Then last night, I felt like I was on a roll and I decided to perform some “alterations”. Okay, before you burst out laughing at the thought of a novice performing alterations, I will tell you that one of my garments had already been “altered” using safety pins for 7 years! I was sure my stitching would be no worse than safety pins. After some false starts of forgetting to put down the presser foot and making horrendously crooked stitches, I was able to take in the sides of a jumper in a way that was not embarrassing!J Now, I am looking forward to learning more and doing more with my sewing machine!!
I am so grateful to the Lord for helping me overcome my sewing machine intimidation. J In Christ, Talya |
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• Oct. 13, 2007 - Older Women Keeping the Home
I firmly believe that the Bible dictates the role of a wife to be a keeper at home -- whether you have children or not, whether the children are in school or not, whether the children are adults or not. I will write further about this topic at a later date. It is one that I am passionate about, so I want to make sure the Lord gives me the words to write on that topic.
In the meantime, I ran across this excellent article about older women at home. Many of the activities spoken of for older women can be applied to younger wives whose children may be in school for the bulk of the day. Our job as keepers of the home is not dependent on the whereabouts of our children. Please read and enjoy: Older Women at Home
In Christ, Talya
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• Oct. 9, 2007 - Leaving a Legacy
This 15 minute clip is of Voddie Baucham and his wife discussing leaving a godly family legacy. They focus on family togetherness and intentionally turning your children's hearts toward Christ and family. Their example is an encouragement!
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• Oct. 6, 2007 - Are You Saved? Really?
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So many of us think we are saved because we prayed a prayer or walked the aisle at church, but biblically that is not so (Rom. 10:9-11). We think we can live like we want to and still be counted among the righteous. Not so; Titus 1:16 says, “They claim to know Him but by their actions they deny Him.” Salvation is a heart issue.
Romans 10:9-11 tells us the following:
"9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
We are not to just give lip-service to the Lord. We are to turn our hearts toward Him and believe that He died for our sins and rose again. We are to trust Him. If our hearts are turned toward the Lord, it will be evidenced in our lifestyles, in our thoughts, in our behavior, in our speech. We are not to remain unchanged after coming to know the Lord (2Cor 5:17). Ephesians 4:22 tells us that when we come to faith in Christ we are to give up our old ways, which are sinful and corrupted in the eyes of God, and be made new. If your life looks pretty much the same AFTER professing to be saved, as it did BEFORE such a profession, I posit that you are DECEIVED; that you are not saved and encourage you to self-examination and to earnestly repent of your sins and come to faith in the Lord.
I say this out of concern and a willingness to stand on God's Word. Many that I have asked to view this blog think they are saved, but show very little evidence of saving faith in Christ. Going to church is not enough. Being a "good person" is not enough (Is. 64:6 tells us that our own "goodness" is like filthy rags to God). Listening to Christian radio or gospel music is not enough. Coming from a Christian home is not enough. Praying a prayer is not enough. Walking the aisle at church is not enough. I fear your eternal condemnation. I pray you will recognize the wretchedness of your situation and truly believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord. We are all sinners and need the Lord. Please see the film in the previous entry below for an excellent presentation of the gospel. In Christ, Talya
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• Oct. 6, 2007 - So Convicting...
• Oct. 3, 2007 - God IS Love
NOTE: In order to provide some context, I begin this blog entry with brief reference to the current military action in the Middle East. However, I am not seeking to offer scriptural support for or against that action.
Right before the 2004 elections, I spoke to a family friend about President Bush and the war. At the time, I was a supporter of the war. The family friend kept chanting the mantra that her God is a “God of love, not war”. While I agreed that God is love (1John 4:16), I also attempted to point out that God has allowed wars and even given specific direction as to how to conduct them since the beginning of man (throughout Old Testament). Was this little tidbit received? No, her God is a God of love, with apparently no supporting facets to His character.
In scripture, God says “…so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Is. 55:9) We will never fully comprehend even a blip of God‘s full character, His ways, magnificence & glory, but the Bible gives us a peek into His character and His love for us. Is His love like that of the grandfather that bounces us on his knee, rarely corrects us and lets us have free reign when we go to his house? No! Although our God‘s love is indeed one that comforts (1Cor 3-4) and gives peace (Philippians 4:7), His love would be incomplete without the other aspects made apparent throughout scripture. I will touch on but a few.
God is wrathful against “all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness“. (Rom 1:18-19) He does not excuse the sins of those who attempt to suppress God’s truth. God is jealous (Ex 20:5). He wants our undivided attention, strict allegiance and obedience and will tolerate no substitute. God is a god of justice (Is 30:18) and of discipline (Heb. 12:6). In Jeremiah 30:11 God’s message to the Israelites, but not to be lost on us today, is, “I will correct thee in measure [judicially, with justice], and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” God’s love is completely sacrificial. He sacrificed His very Son for our sin and iniquity. (John 3:16; Rom 5:8). With our finite wisdom, can we ever fully appreciate the level of sacrifice God’s type of love entails?
We want the loving God without understanding what that really means. We want a god that shows his love by sanctioning whatever we desire, rather than a God that demands that we do things His way! God IS love. But apart from a saving faith in Christ, what understanding can we truly have of love anyway? In Christ, Talya |
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• Sep. 29, 2007 - Condoms & Our Children
On a Christian blog I frequent, the question was posed (paraphrasing), "Is it ever okay to give our children condoms as a means of protection?" Needless to say, the response was lively. Here was my response:
This entire issue is a discipleship & heart issue, not one of sheer behavior. We are responsible for guiding our children's hearts toward God, not toward the world.
We all know from the scripture Eph. 6:4 that we are to raise our children in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." Handing out condoms seems to go completely against scripture as it is providing the WORLD's way of dealing with sexual urges or self-control issues, not the Lord's way. Nowhere in scripture are we given an escape hatch way out of something because it's too difficult to do what God has commanded. Doing anything contrary to God's word (ie. premarital sex) is sin and handing out condoms is condoning it. We are saying, "God, your work within the heart of my child (or anyone else for that matter) is not sufficient. I must do more than You can to protect them." Where's the surrender or the trust in that???!!
If we are afraid that we have not done an adequate job in discipling our children around these issues, we must seek the Lord, do as He instructs and leave it in His hands. Does that guarantee that mistakes will not be made -- NO, but at least we will know that we did what was the will of God.
As believers, we are to be concerned about the salvation of those around us. [Someone asked about how we should handle giving or not giving condoms to people in countries with high AIDS populations.] Even those countries with high AIDS populations are not exempt from the work of the Holy Spirit. Again, we are to spread the gospel, not condoms. Handing out condoms is at cross purposes with our goal to spread the gospel both in discipling our children and anyone else within our reach.
One more comment here, in providing condoms, would we not be trying to help others avoid the consequences of sin? Consequence avoidance is a WORLDY construct, not a Biblical one. We are to spread the gospel, not give in to the world! |
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• Sep. 22, 2007 - Birthdays, Aging & Contentment
Today is my 34th birthday! I am blessed to have seen another year and I pray that I am able to see many more.
I sometimes struggle with the inevitability of getting older. I've seen the ravages of aging around me in family members through illness & loss of acuity in certain areas. I'll admit it scares me. I know I should not fear aging and I should embrace the seasons that lie ahead, but as I drift further and further away from my 20's my concern for what lies ahead sometimes bothers me. I know my feelings are irrational and aging is something I cannot fight, nor does God want me to fight it, but it's there nonetheless and I seek to allow the Lord's peace in this issue.
I also struggle with contentment from time to time... gratefully, not as much as I used to. The Lord has brought me miles in this area, but I still have a ways to go. As I was reflecting on my birthday this morning, I started to wish I were back home in the Washington, DC area with extended family and the familiar. As a little background, we moved to Europe this past December... the first time I have ever been outside the United States (aside from infrequent vacations to the Carribbean). Anyway, I started to miss Ruby Tuesday & Chocolate Tall Cake and conversing effortlessly in English and Wal-Mart and paying for everything with US dollars and seeing my extended family whenever I want to without having to worry about passports and $1000 plane tickets.
Then scripture came to mind: Paul's words in Philippians 4:11-13 : "...In whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Of course my situation is in no way as critical as Paul's was, but since even he was called to be content, I know I am to do the same. There is security in contentment. When I am content I am able to rest in the Lord's sovreign plan and purpose for my life and can draw from His strength. What a loving, caring God we serve! In Christ, Talya |
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• Sep. 21, 2007 - Grateful
| Today I am grateful for an opportunity to serve by opening up our home to a woman in need early this morning. God is great and in all things He has a purpose. I believe I often miss out on opportunities to serve because I don't want to be inconvenienced or I'm fearful or I'm lazy, but I'm realizing that walking this walk is not for my convenience, it is for God's glory. In Christ, Talya |
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• Sep. 21, 2007 - I'm supposed to be doing school, but...
This week has been a hectic one. Besides starting my blog which has been exciting and a little time consuming, we are getting ready to start the children's ministry I mentioned in a previous post. We are starting from scratch and many of the leaders were not familiar with the program. I've had to help give some training, but mostly organize and track down our materials. I have list after list of things to do/buy/ask about.
The coordinator and I both homeschool and were talking last night about how time consuming this is on the front end. It has certainly impacted school with my daughters at least this week. As our years of homeschooling drift by, I have become less uptight about having to scrap our schedule for a little while and be more flexible -- homeschooling gives us that very opportunity. A year or two ago, I would have been stressed that no learning would take place at all, but now we fit it in when we can and know that we will be back to our routine in a couple weeks.
I thank God for this small gain. I have had to trust the Lord and allow Him to direct my steps each day, each hour, each minute. I must commit my daily schedule to Him and allow him to give me direction. In Christ, Talya |
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