I praise God for His mercy, His love, His giving me strength when I felt like quitting. Whew... The semester is almost finished. I love my job, don't get me wrong. But this semester was a challenge from the beginning. To best meet the needs of students, I couldn't let any of the classes on the schedule get canceled even though we did not have an instructor for one. So... I took that additional class section.
Well, I shouldn't have.
I had too many hours, so I spent every waking minute checking discussion boards (for two online courses), grading papers, responding to students, preparing for class, plus taking care of other duties that come with the territory.
So what good came from this stressful semester?
I have now added a new word to my vocabulary. It's not a very long word, but it has much meaning. You probably already know just from reading the little to this silly blog posting.
"No."
Sometimes we must step back and realize that the best thing I can do is NOT do something.
Sometimes we just need to stop the rat-race and review what does God want? How can He use me? What direction does He have for me?
I thought of the scripture, "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 43:10)
Yeah... be still....
Psalm 43:1-3, 7-11
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, although the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Thou its water roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride...
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fir.
"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stonghold.
And for me to be still, maybe I do need to just say, "no".
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thankgiving - even in December
This evening thoughts flooded my brain (yep, that doesn't happen often, does it...) On this weekend of enjoying grandkids -- overwhelmed by the activity level a billion times above our normal around here -- joy in the wonder of small things they enjoy or find amusing -- the beauty of their smiles at us or each other -- the awe of their affection toward one another, life goes on in reality. The innocence of a child hushed with the death of a person at the other end of life's spectrum.
This lady found a few months ago that she was actually quite ill. Her husband had gone through many tests and diagnosis for his maladies, but it was her quietly supporting him in the background that had much more serious threats to her survival. And just Saturday she went to her eternal home with our Lord and Savior.
Why I am thankful? That perfect celebration the fourth Thursday in November has come and gone. Why am I focusing on thanksgiving rather than the birth of Jesus -- King of kings and Lord or lords - -the Messiah?
I am thankful because of Jesus coming as a babe.
As I watched Eli and Hannah these past few days, I saw the love that can be shared - not only from adults to children, but from children back to the adults and from child to child. I saw also the natural, human element of sin -- not only in the children as they fought over a toy (or knob on the kitchen cabinets), but also my sin as I responded not always as I knew I ought or wanted. God came to earth as one of us -- taking on the human nature, but rising above the sinful nature and bridging the gap that sin causes between man and God.
Baby Jesus matured into the man that healed the sick, taught multitudes, shared God's love to outcasts, and ultimately died on the cross for each one of us.
This bridge between God and man, in the form of Jesus Christ, makes me thankful. As my friend died of cancer, I knew that her final destiny was not the box in the ground after a short period of struggling with strength for her daily tasks, but to eternal life worshiping God.
From the beginning to the end -- alpha and omega -- God is God above all. His love abounds.
For His love, I am thankful. For our time here on earth and His giving us grace and strength, I am thankful. For His calling us back to Him when our time here on earth if finished, I am thankful.
All this brought forth by the baby Jesus.
I am thankful - -even in December.
This lady found a few months ago that she was actually quite ill. Her husband had gone through many tests and diagnosis for his maladies, but it was her quietly supporting him in the background that had much more serious threats to her survival. And just Saturday she went to her eternal home with our Lord and Savior.
Why I am thankful? That perfect celebration the fourth Thursday in November has come and gone. Why am I focusing on thanksgiving rather than the birth of Jesus -- King of kings and Lord or lords - -the Messiah?
I am thankful because of Jesus coming as a babe.
As I watched Eli and Hannah these past few days, I saw the love that can be shared - not only from adults to children, but from children back to the adults and from child to child. I saw also the natural, human element of sin -- not only in the children as they fought over a toy (or knob on the kitchen cabinets), but also my sin as I responded not always as I knew I ought or wanted. God came to earth as one of us -- taking on the human nature, but rising above the sinful nature and bridging the gap that sin causes between man and God.
Baby Jesus matured into the man that healed the sick, taught multitudes, shared God's love to outcasts, and ultimately died on the cross for each one of us.
This bridge between God and man, in the form of Jesus Christ, makes me thankful. As my friend died of cancer, I knew that her final destiny was not the box in the ground after a short period of struggling with strength for her daily tasks, but to eternal life worshiping God.
From the beginning to the end -- alpha and omega -- God is God above all. His love abounds.
For His love, I am thankful. For our time here on earth and His giving us grace and strength, I am thankful. For His calling us back to Him when our time here on earth if finished, I am thankful.
All this brought forth by the baby Jesus.
I am thankful - -even in December.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Christmas and the Cross
The Christmas story brings pictures of a field, donkey, village filled with people, a barn, hay, Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Gathered around are shepherds with animals peering at a new born babe. Rumor had this child as a new born king -- even the stars in the heavens guided seekers to the wondrous sight.
Angels promised Mary, "He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.... He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end." When Mary questioned how this news could possibly come to pass, the angel assured her, "So the holy one will be called the Son of God... For nothing is impossible with God."
Many Christmas carols bring forth words recognizing Jesus as more than just an ordinary baby boy, born in the night.
Singers ring out, "Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.... By Thine all sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne."
Singers ring out, "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!' Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!' Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!'".
Singers ring out, "On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Lord, Christ our King, born on earth to save us; Him the Father gave us. Ideo-o-o.... gloria in excelsis Deo! On this day angels sing; with their song earth shall ring. Praising Christ, heaven's King, born on earth to save us; Peace and love He gave us. Ideo-o-o... gloria in excelsis Deo!"
Preparing to lead worship one of the Sundays of Christmas, one of the suggested scripture readings is Philippians 2:5-13. These verses struck me hard in the midst of this celebration of a baby, for the message was not of the innocence of a child, but the ultimate giving for each one of us. These verses state, "(Jesus) emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Therefore, also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The story is not only about Jesus as a baby, God taking human form, but about Jesus dying for us as the interaction between God and man because we are loved. Through His birth as human and his dying to save, each is claimed as God's own. As the angel announced to Mary at the beginning of Jesus' life within her, with a message that carries forever, "For nothing is impossible with God."
Angels promised Mary, "He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.... He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end." When Mary questioned how this news could possibly come to pass, the angel assured her, "So the holy one will be called the Son of God... For nothing is impossible with God."
Many Christmas carols bring forth words recognizing Jesus as more than just an ordinary baby boy, born in the night.
Singers ring out, "Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.... By Thine all sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne."
Singers ring out, "Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!' Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!' Hark! The herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King!'".
Singers ring out, "On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Lord, Christ our King, born on earth to save us; Him the Father gave us. Ideo-o-o.... gloria in excelsis Deo! On this day angels sing; with their song earth shall ring. Praising Christ, heaven's King, born on earth to save us; Peace and love He gave us. Ideo-o-o... gloria in excelsis Deo!"
Preparing to lead worship one of the Sundays of Christmas, one of the suggested scripture readings is Philippians 2:5-13. These verses struck me hard in the midst of this celebration of a baby, for the message was not of the innocence of a child, but the ultimate giving for each one of us. These verses state, "(Jesus) emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.Therefore, also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
The story is not only about Jesus as a baby, God taking human form, but about Jesus dying for us as the interaction between God and man because we are loved. Through His birth as human and his dying to save, each is claimed as God's own. As the angel announced to Mary at the beginning of Jesus' life within her, with a message that carries forever, "For nothing is impossible with God."
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Not the owner
Note: All quotations are from "Shaken Not Shattered" by Matthew Hagee, published by Charisma House, 2009.
When I was in Kansas City for a conference I found myself searching TV early on Sunday morning for a glimpse of worship. Our daily session had a starting time of 8:00 sharp, so visiting a church for Sunday morning worship was not an option. As a possible alternative, I stood with remote in hand cruising the options for worship with doubts of success. Fortunately, I landed on a sermon by Matthew Hagee. The message was clear and energized me for the day.
The topic was "Shaken Not Shattered" with a clear message that no matter what trials and tribulations we experience, God is still God. He is Unshakable. He is Almighty.
Just recently I purchase his book that expounds that sermon. Although I am not finished with it, I already see areas that need my repentance, forgiveness, and humility.
One point is that priorities need to be kept straight. God is in control and when I try to do things my way, taking charge of all areas of my life, I shift Him out of the picture and put myself in the driver seat. "In truth, the more we try to take over our lives, the more totally out of control we become on every level... However, no matter how much power and influence you possess, you will always serve in the capacity of management and not in ownership... "
Indeed, "God is not here to fit into our busy lives and exist only when and where it is convenient for us. Remember the first commandment? 'Thou shall have no other gods before Me.' That means that in order for the King of kings to rule in our lives, our personal desires have to be dethroned.... You and I are here to function on His schedule for His glory and to pursue His purpose."
As I scramble this semester with many hours of prep, grading papers, and responding to students too often I have left out studying His word, praying, or singing songs with rejoicing. He had been sent to the back burner as my efforts focused on just keeping up with the daily requirements.
Had I asked for His help and blessing on my time? Had I set aside that one more check to my online classes to spend some time in His Word or say a prayer or listen for His voice?
Put Him in control.... I'm not the owner, He is. All that I have is His...
Prayer:
Oh Lord, help me to be humble, recognizing you as Maker, Unshakable, Almighty. As I try to take control and be strong in ways that take my focus off of You, help me to see my selfishness. Help me to remember that I am not the owner, but simply the manager that needs directives through prayer to carry out Your plan.
Work humility, gentleness, kindness, and self-sacrifice into my daily walk with you. Forgive me for finding other things more important in my time to the point of leaving you out of regular study and devotion. Help me to serve You and put no other gods above you...
Thank you for messengers along the way to remind me of Your ways. Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ to help guide and encourage. Help me give all that I have back to You -- time, talents, skills, love, money, spaces... all oh, Lord.
In Jesus' name... Amen....
When I was in Kansas City for a conference I found myself searching TV early on Sunday morning for a glimpse of worship. Our daily session had a starting time of 8:00 sharp, so visiting a church for Sunday morning worship was not an option. As a possible alternative, I stood with remote in hand cruising the options for worship with doubts of success. Fortunately, I landed on a sermon by Matthew Hagee. The message was clear and energized me for the day.
The topic was "Shaken Not Shattered" with a clear message that no matter what trials and tribulations we experience, God is still God. He is Unshakable. He is Almighty.
Just recently I purchase his book that expounds that sermon. Although I am not finished with it, I already see areas that need my repentance, forgiveness, and humility.
One point is that priorities need to be kept straight. God is in control and when I try to do things my way, taking charge of all areas of my life, I shift Him out of the picture and put myself in the driver seat. "In truth, the more we try to take over our lives, the more totally out of control we become on every level... However, no matter how much power and influence you possess, you will always serve in the capacity of management and not in ownership... "
Indeed, "God is not here to fit into our busy lives and exist only when and where it is convenient for us. Remember the first commandment? 'Thou shall have no other gods before Me.' That means that in order for the King of kings to rule in our lives, our personal desires have to be dethroned.... You and I are here to function on His schedule for His glory and to pursue His purpose."
As I scramble this semester with many hours of prep, grading papers, and responding to students too often I have left out studying His word, praying, or singing songs with rejoicing. He had been sent to the back burner as my efforts focused on just keeping up with the daily requirements.
Had I asked for His help and blessing on my time? Had I set aside that one more check to my online classes to spend some time in His Word or say a prayer or listen for His voice?
Put Him in control.... I'm not the owner, He is. All that I have is His...
Prayer:
Oh Lord, help me to be humble, recognizing you as Maker, Unshakable, Almighty. As I try to take control and be strong in ways that take my focus off of You, help me to see my selfishness. Help me to remember that I am not the owner, but simply the manager that needs directives through prayer to carry out Your plan.
Work humility, gentleness, kindness, and self-sacrifice into my daily walk with you. Forgive me for finding other things more important in my time to the point of leaving you out of regular study and devotion. Help me to serve You and put no other gods above you...
Thank you for messengers along the way to remind me of Your ways. Thank you for brothers and sisters in Christ to help guide and encourage. Help me give all that I have back to You -- time, talents, skills, love, money, spaces... all oh, Lord.
In Jesus' name... Amen....
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Is 100% enough?
Several weeks ago I preached at two neighboring churches to enable to the pastor to have some time off from the pulpit. In preparation I typically explore many different avenues for God's possible message, exploring the assigned lectionary scriptures for details or new meaning, searching for reminders of His work or path for us.
My second week as worship leader brought me to studying and searching with limited time. The harder I tried to go beyond my original inkling of a message resulted in new meetings, conflicts and challenges added within the calendar. Although I prepared the service and lead with confidence, my heart was heavy driving from one church to the next. I had not taken opportunity to dive into the Word and explore nuance of meaning. Instead, I had merely pulled together the service and message that I felt appropriate -- and then called it good. But that 30 minute drive between churches made me doubt what I really had given to the Lord.
Would the congregation members hear a message from their God and Savior? Would the people hear a message directly to the individual and pressing them toward life in Christ? Would my words be enough?
****
The question kept looming over me... Would my words be enough? And then a voice whispered in my ear.
A voice spoke clearly that the work that I offer is not my own. The work that I do is God's work. He uses my voice. He uses my hands. He uses my feet. The work is God's work -- He is the One that speaks to the heart of those listening. He is the One that draws others to Him. He is God. It is not my words that make a flick of a difference to any that are there. It is God's speaking and breathing life into those words.
****
I am reminded of several scriptures:
Phil 2:13 ... for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
God is working with us -- we are but clay for Him to mold and shape after His will. He can use what I offer, but it is not MY working -- but HIS working.
Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace who brought up from the dead for the great Shepherd of the sheep though the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
God is the one who does the work -- using me as a vessel for His service. He is working... for His glory.
****
My questions as I drove kept coming back to giving 100%. I felt that with the resources that I have, I had given Him 100%. I had given Him all the possible time that I had to give. I had given all the possible studying and all possible devotion. Why did I feel that one should give more time, more devotion, more studying, more of myself for Him?
And then it hit. I wanted to give Him more. I wanted to study more. I wanted to search more. But time just simply did not allow.
I had given Him 100%. Was it enough???
In the still voice, I heard, "100% is enough." It is not what Rebecca does, anyway. It is what God does with those small offerings of words, prayers, etc, that makes the difference to any one person.
The widow gave what she could, and her story is recorded for us all to learn a lesson. (Mark 12:41-44) Give what you can and the Lord blesses it for His use.
Allow God that opportunity to use what we offer. With His grace, stand confident that what is offered He can use.
He can take my 100% and make it work something valuable -- if I allow that. Offer what I have to Him, and ask Him within His mercy to use it as He wills.
My second week as worship leader brought me to studying and searching with limited time. The harder I tried to go beyond my original inkling of a message resulted in new meetings, conflicts and challenges added within the calendar. Although I prepared the service and lead with confidence, my heart was heavy driving from one church to the next. I had not taken opportunity to dive into the Word and explore nuance of meaning. Instead, I had merely pulled together the service and message that I felt appropriate -- and then called it good. But that 30 minute drive between churches made me doubt what I really had given to the Lord.
Would the congregation members hear a message from their God and Savior? Would the people hear a message directly to the individual and pressing them toward life in Christ? Would my words be enough?
****
The question kept looming over me... Would my words be enough? And then a voice whispered in my ear.
A voice spoke clearly that the work that I offer is not my own. The work that I do is God's work. He uses my voice. He uses my hands. He uses my feet. The work is God's work -- He is the One that speaks to the heart of those listening. He is the One that draws others to Him. He is God. It is not my words that make a flick of a difference to any that are there. It is God's speaking and breathing life into those words.
****
I am reminded of several scriptures:
Phil 2:13 ... for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
God is working with us -- we are but clay for Him to mold and shape after His will. He can use what I offer, but it is not MY working -- but HIS working.
Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace who brought up from the dead for the great Shepherd of the sheep though the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
God is the one who does the work -- using me as a vessel for His service. He is working... for His glory.
****
My questions as I drove kept coming back to giving 100%. I felt that with the resources that I have, I had given Him 100%. I had given Him all the possible time that I had to give. I had given all the possible studying and all possible devotion. Why did I feel that one should give more time, more devotion, more studying, more of myself for Him?
And then it hit. I wanted to give Him more. I wanted to study more. I wanted to search more. But time just simply did not allow.
I had given Him 100%. Was it enough???
In the still voice, I heard, "100% is enough." It is not what Rebecca does, anyway. It is what God does with those small offerings of words, prayers, etc, that makes the difference to any one person.
The widow gave what she could, and her story is recorded for us all to learn a lesson. (Mark 12:41-44) Give what you can and the Lord blesses it for His use.
Allow God that opportunity to use what we offer. With His grace, stand confident that what is offered He can use.
He can take my 100% and make it work something valuable -- if I allow that. Offer what I have to Him, and ask Him within His mercy to use it as He wills.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thank you, Lord!
Today I played the piano at church again. In my final prep, I asked the Lord to call my nerves and help the adrenline not to flow such that I shake. When I prayed in the middle of the service last time, His hand obviously calmed me. Again, I lifted the prayer and His calming hand took charge.
There is a song based on I Peter 5:7: "Cast all your care on Him, for He careth for you..."
Thank you, God! I give testimony of a living, active and loving God! Thank you for calming my hands and my heart.
May the music and my life be an offering to You!
Amen...
There is a song based on I Peter 5:7: "Cast all your care on Him, for He careth for you..."
Thank you, God! I give testimony of a living, active and loving God! Thank you for calming my hands and my heart.
May the music and my life be an offering to You!
Amen...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Husband encouragement challenge
This concept is a new one for me -- "husband encouragement challenge." I did a little with it several years ago, but my My daughter and my daughter-in-law have been faithfully including ways to honor their husbands. Their joy spills out as they share something special they have done, thought, or prayed for their mate.
Today as I was grocery shopping, a light bulb popped on for me. What could I do to honor my husband -- to participate in encouraging my husband?
Hubby is at a conference right now, scheduled to return home on Wednesday. My Wednesday, however, is packed with meetings in the afternoon and early evening... So what could I do special to welcome him home?...
Well, what about dinner for him -- in the fridge such that he can eat it cold (you know, a salad or something) or warm it up? How about German potato salad with sausage...? Maybe add a lettuce salad with sliced tomato from the garden... And for dessert cherry fruit pizza?
You know what I found as a result of taking the challenge (again)? I found that I was excited about showing someone love. I was excited about focusing on someone or something other than myself. I was excited to think of other things that might show Hubby he is valuable to me.
_____
The best closing to this post would be scripture that ties my actions back to what we are instructed to do or in showing God's love by serving others. But it is late and I'm tired and I don't have a scripture to share. Any thoughts????
Today as I was grocery shopping, a light bulb popped on for me. What could I do to honor my husband -- to participate in encouraging my husband?
Hubby is at a conference right now, scheduled to return home on Wednesday. My Wednesday, however, is packed with meetings in the afternoon and early evening... So what could I do special to welcome him home?...
Well, what about dinner for him -- in the fridge such that he can eat it cold (you know, a salad or something) or warm it up? How about German potato salad with sausage...? Maybe add a lettuce salad with sliced tomato from the garden... And for dessert cherry fruit pizza?
You know what I found as a result of taking the challenge (again)? I found that I was excited about showing someone love. I was excited about focusing on someone or something other than myself. I was excited to think of other things that might show Hubby he is valuable to me.
_____
The best closing to this post would be scripture that ties my actions back to what we are instructed to do or in showing God's love by serving others. But it is late and I'm tired and I don't have a scripture to share. Any thoughts????
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