It amazing how God uses the "simple" drudgery of life to teach me lessons. This usually happens when least expected. And so it was, this morning...the dust on the ceiling fan. Yes, you read it correctly.
A few weeks ago, I had asked Agape if he could clean the dust off the fan, but we needed the duster sheets. So it didn't get done. This morning I happened to look up, and clearly saw dust bunnies nesting on the fan. I got the duster, and proceeded to take care of the problem.
As the dust fell to the floor, I was reminded of sin. When I leave sin in my heart, and do not take care of it, it will grow. Sin multiplies quite fast, left unattended. We usually "nurse" our sin by making excuses. I had my list of excuses for not cleaning the fan—no dusting sheets, my arms are too short, I'm not tall enough, I could fall, etc.
After I had the dust bunnies swept together and in the waste basket, the room even felt cleaner. I feel so much cleaner, if my sin is taken away and I am washed by the blood of Jesus. Forgiveness feels so good. No one else in the house may notice the clean fan, but it is clean. When Jesus cleans my heart of sin, I feel peaceful freedom.
One more little lesson in this "dust" story. When did I see the dust? When I looked up? When I look to Jesus, the sin will show up. When I look into the mirror of His Word, the Holy Spirit will convict me. When I look up, He will take me in His arms and wash away all my "dust bunnies" hiding in my heart. Thank you, Jesus.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
"Small Favors"
'For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name because you are Christ’s, truly I say to you that he will never lose his reward” (Mark 9:41)
Do I pass by the "small" favors because I think God is looking for bigger? Am I willing to accept blessings from another? When we serve someone in the Name of Jesus, or someone serves me in His Name, there is a blessing.
We often will categorize that which is important to God. What's a cup of water anyway? It's only a cup of water. During my years in Haiti, this verse became reality to me. In a country when water isn't always accessible, people walk everywhere, and it is hot and dusty, water is a blessing.
No favors or good deeds in the Name of Jesus are trivial. We never know what a blessing our "favor" will be to the receiver. Let me give you an example: One of my friends (we are in the same Bible Class) felt she was to give another lady a gift. The Lord showed her what to give, it was "something" from her house. She thought it strange, as she was thinking to buy something, but no peace with that idea. She knew she was to give her the "item" from her house. So she wrapped it, and the next week gave it to the lady. When she saw it, she burst into tears, knowing exactly the reason for this gift.
Obedience is so important even when we don't understand. The small and mundane is Big in God's sight. Nothing is mundane. Let's not miss the blessing for us or for others.
One of my friends is a fairly new Christian, newly baptized. She wanted a cross as a reminder what Jesus has done for her. As she shopped she just couldn't find the "right" one. Later another gal, who also knew her, felt she was to give her a gift for her baptism, decided to give her the cross that was given to her when she was baptized. What a surprise and blessing when the gift was opened and found the perfect cross, and now even more precious because a friend had given it to her without knowing that she was even wanting one!
Don't pass by the small and insignificant today. Bless someone with a "cup of water."
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Do I pass by the "small" favors because I think God is looking for bigger? Am I willing to accept blessings from another? When we serve someone in the Name of Jesus, or someone serves me in His Name, there is a blessing.
We often will categorize that which is important to God. What's a cup of water anyway? It's only a cup of water. During my years in Haiti, this verse became reality to me. In a country when water isn't always accessible, people walk everywhere, and it is hot and dusty, water is a blessing.
No favors or good deeds in the Name of Jesus are trivial. We never know what a blessing our "favor" will be to the receiver. Let me give you an example: One of my friends (we are in the same Bible Class) felt she was to give another lady a gift. The Lord showed her what to give, it was "something" from her house. She thought it strange, as she was thinking to buy something, but no peace with that idea. She knew she was to give her the "item" from her house. So she wrapped it, and the next week gave it to the lady. When she saw it, she burst into tears, knowing exactly the reason for this gift.
Obedience is so important even when we don't understand. The small and mundane is Big in God's sight. Nothing is mundane. Let's not miss the blessing for us or for others.
One of my friends is a fairly new Christian, newly baptized. She wanted a cross as a reminder what Jesus has done for her. As she shopped she just couldn't find the "right" one. Later another gal, who also knew her, felt she was to give her a gift for her baptism, decided to give her the cross that was given to her when she was baptized. What a surprise and blessing when the gift was opened and found the perfect cross, and now even more precious because a friend had given it to her without knowing that she was even wanting one!
Don't pass by the small and insignificant today. Bless someone with a "cup of water."
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Thursday, September 25, 2014
My Gethsemane Battle
A couple weeks ago I was privileged to attend a Ladies' Retreat. The campground was gorgeous. The rooms were more than comfortable. The food was tasty. But I didn't really attend for the comfort, although, it was very peaceful. I enjoyed reconnecting with friends, as well as finding new friendships.
I attended each session which was held in an old chapel, gorgeous! They even rang the church bells. But the first several sessions, I came away feeling like I must have missed something. Have you ever done that? Just feeling like I didn't really connect to the subject at hand. There was nothing wrong with it, I just felt disconnected.
But God was waiting for me, at the last session. Oh yes, and waiting He was!! The speaker said something that we all need to go through Gethsemane. Of course, that perked my ears. And what she said next has stayed with me. What experience did Jesus have in Gethsemane before His arrest? He prayed. He prayed harder and more sincerely than I ever have, and I am thinking more than anyone ever has. There are seven words that culminated His prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done."
I need more times in Gethsemane, crying out "not my will, but thine be done." Letting go of that which is trying so hard to keep me from victory! Those things which rob me of my joy. Letting go of that which is a selfish desire. Letting go of the easy way out or the easy road to travel.
You may ask "What is God's Will?" There are 6 things that for sure are His will, and I believe if we follow this 6 things, everything will fall into its proper place. But the battle must be fought in Gethsemane. If we don't let go, and let God...we will not walk in His will.
His will: (not original with me...Pstr Shawn)
1. To be Saved
2. To be Sanctified
3. To be Spirit-filled
4. To Suffer for His sake
5. To be Submissive to His will
6. To be Thankful in all Things
To Suffer and be submissive really hits the selfish part of our hearts. But then, we need to cry out "Not my will but Thine be done."
Today has been difficult. But now at the end of the day, I know there is victory after Gethsemane. But I must be submissive to His will.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
I attended each session which was held in an old chapel, gorgeous! They even rang the church bells. But the first several sessions, I came away feeling like I must have missed something. Have you ever done that? Just feeling like I didn't really connect to the subject at hand. There was nothing wrong with it, I just felt disconnected.
But God was waiting for me, at the last session. Oh yes, and waiting He was!! The speaker said something that we all need to go through Gethsemane. Of course, that perked my ears. And what she said next has stayed with me. What experience did Jesus have in Gethsemane before His arrest? He prayed. He prayed harder and more sincerely than I ever have, and I am thinking more than anyone ever has. There are seven words that culminated His prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done."
I need more times in Gethsemane, crying out "not my will, but thine be done." Letting go of that which is trying so hard to keep me from victory! Those things which rob me of my joy. Letting go of that which is a selfish desire. Letting go of the easy way out or the easy road to travel.
You may ask "What is God's Will?" There are 6 things that for sure are His will, and I believe if we follow this 6 things, everything will fall into its proper place. But the battle must be fought in Gethsemane. If we don't let go, and let God...we will not walk in His will.
His will: (not original with me...Pstr Shawn)
1. To be Saved
2. To be Sanctified
3. To be Spirit-filled
4. To Suffer for His sake
5. To be Submissive to His will
6. To be Thankful in all Things
To Suffer and be submissive really hits the selfish part of our hearts. But then, we need to cry out "Not my will but Thine be done."
Today has been difficult. But now at the end of the day, I know there is victory after Gethsemane. But I must be submissive to His will.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Mentoring Our Little Ones
Yesterday in Bible class our teacher was encouraging those of us who wanted to, to sign up to be a mentor to others in the class who may not be as seasoned in the Word as some of us who have been Christians for a long time. As always, my mind goes down a "bunny trail" wondering what mentoring is really all about.
My thoughts are first and foremost to my family, especially my grandchildren. As tiring and busy as it may often be to have young ones around, when I've been in an "empty-nester" for 7 years. But I count it a great joy to mentor my little ones. Many times, I've prayed, "Lord what is it that I'm doing here?" Meaning after all these years in Haiti, now I'm "here." Every time I have a clear sensing that "I'm standing in the gap." That is a great responsibility to "stand in the gap," meaning we give warnings when danger or the enemy is near.
We are commanded to teach our children "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deut 6:6-7 (NIV) Basically it is commanding us to teach our children God's law and word in every situation.
My favorite example of mentoring in the scripture is Paul and Timothy. Paul called Timothy "my true child in the faith" I Tim 1:2. And again in 2 Tim 2:2, Paul calls him his "beloved son." He taught Timothy every thing he needed to know to carry on the ministry of the Gospel.
How are we doing in this? Are we really teaching our children? There are many times throughout the day when we as parents/grandparents can be using the Word of God as examples for things that are happening. We can instill the Word of God into their hearts. One thing we have done recently is enroll them in AWANA club at church. This will be another way for them to learn.
There are times when I wonder if I am really making an impression on their little minds. I had an answer this summer, when the kids were going on a road trip. So I said "What am I going to do without you for so long a time?" Zion, 5 years old, pops out the answer, "Well Grandma you can read your Bible." I was thrilled that they do notice that I am reading my Bible often. Now at bedtime, they want me to read something from the Bible. What a privilege this is.
So I encourage you to make the Word of God alive in the lives our little children. It may take a while before you see signs of your faithfulness to this, but it will come. I love to hear how their little minds are thinking. We as God's children are the light in this dark world.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
My thoughts are first and foremost to my family, especially my grandchildren. As tiring and busy as it may often be to have young ones around, when I've been in an "empty-nester" for 7 years. But I count it a great joy to mentor my little ones. Many times, I've prayed, "Lord what is it that I'm doing here?" Meaning after all these years in Haiti, now I'm "here." Every time I have a clear sensing that "I'm standing in the gap." That is a great responsibility to "stand in the gap," meaning we give warnings when danger or the enemy is near.
We are commanded to teach our children "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deut 6:6-7 (NIV) Basically it is commanding us to teach our children God's law and word in every situation.
My favorite example of mentoring in the scripture is Paul and Timothy. Paul called Timothy "my true child in the faith" I Tim 1:2. And again in 2 Tim 2:2, Paul calls him his "beloved son." He taught Timothy every thing he needed to know to carry on the ministry of the Gospel.
How are we doing in this? Are we really teaching our children? There are many times throughout the day when we as parents/grandparents can be using the Word of God as examples for things that are happening. We can instill the Word of God into their hearts. One thing we have done recently is enroll them in AWANA club at church. This will be another way for them to learn.
There are times when I wonder if I am really making an impression on their little minds. I had an answer this summer, when the kids were going on a road trip. So I said "What am I going to do without you for so long a time?" Zion, 5 years old, pops out the answer, "Well Grandma you can read your Bible." I was thrilled that they do notice that I am reading my Bible often. Now at bedtime, they want me to read something from the Bible. What a privilege this is.
So I encourage you to make the Word of God alive in the lives our little children. It may take a while before you see signs of your faithfulness to this, but it will come. I love to hear how their little minds are thinking. We as God's children are the light in this dark world.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Thursday, August 28, 2014
The Fruit Orchard
Recently I have been strolling around the fruit orchard. The trees are loaded with fruit, just waiting for someone to eat of it. It is a bit unusual to see so many different fruits all in one orchard. In Florida, there are orange groves, but no apples in these groves. In California, there are vineyards full of grapes, but no cherries there. In Washington, we would find beautiful apples and cherries, but not in the same orchard.
The orchard in Ephesians 5:8-9 speaks of the Fruit of the Light. This fruit is goodness, righteousness, and truth. The Root of this tree is the Light of the World, Jesus! Without the Root, there is no Fruit!! I can't just pick and choose this fruit, when I am grafted into this Root, the fruit will be there. I am washed in the Blood of Jesus, and then am clothed with the robe of Righteousness. He sees me through His rightness. Within myself, there is no goodness. Only through Jesus, is there goodness. and truth.
There is another fruit orchard found in Galatians 5:22-23. This one is the fruit of attitudes. This seems more like a vineyard, where the grapes are processed in the winepress. It is truly a daily process in my life, where God "squeezes" out more and more of self. Read the list: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just when I think I am doing fine, then comes the testing. Someone says something that hurts my feelings, and then come unlovely thoughts, not so kind. Oh I may not say them, but they are "in" there. God takes me back to the winepress, and presses in on those things that need to be taken out.
As we grow in Jesus, as we learn more and more of His ways and how to walk faithfully in Him on a day to day basis. The fruit becomes sweeter, not because of who I am but because of Who He is, and who He has made me through Him.
Reminds me of the Garden of Eden, how Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden. What peaceful walks that must have been. They did not know the ugliness of rotten fruit until after disobedience.
As I stroll through the fruit orchard with God, my desire is to see more fruit in my life that is in His likeness. May the fruit people see in me, exemplify the Fruit of the Light.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
The orchard in Ephesians 5:8-9 speaks of the Fruit of the Light. This fruit is goodness, righteousness, and truth. The Root of this tree is the Light of the World, Jesus! Without the Root, there is no Fruit!! I can't just pick and choose this fruit, when I am grafted into this Root, the fruit will be there. I am washed in the Blood of Jesus, and then am clothed with the robe of Righteousness. He sees me through His rightness. Within myself, there is no goodness. Only through Jesus, is there goodness. and truth.
There is another fruit orchard found in Galatians 5:22-23. This one is the fruit of attitudes. This seems more like a vineyard, where the grapes are processed in the winepress. It is truly a daily process in my life, where God "squeezes" out more and more of self. Read the list: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just when I think I am doing fine, then comes the testing. Someone says something that hurts my feelings, and then come unlovely thoughts, not so kind. Oh I may not say them, but they are "in" there. God takes me back to the winepress, and presses in on those things that need to be taken out.
As we grow in Jesus, as we learn more and more of His ways and how to walk faithfully in Him on a day to day basis. The fruit becomes sweeter, not because of who I am but because of Who He is, and who He has made me through Him.
Reminds me of the Garden of Eden, how Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden. What peaceful walks that must have been. They did not know the ugliness of rotten fruit until after disobedience.
As I stroll through the fruit orchard with God, my desire is to see more fruit in my life that is in His likeness. May the fruit people see in me, exemplify the Fruit of the Light.
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Seasons of Life
Seasons come and seasons go. The summer season is now gone. School starts on Monday. A new beginning. Beautiful memories of our summer vacation days. Patrick and I had a 10 day road trip visiting churches, friends, and small groups. A great time. Two days after returning home, he went to Haiti. The children had a 10 road trip to Michigan and back. Great memories. They learned so much on the farm, canoeing on the lake, going to Mammoth Cave. All new experiences. They had many beach days. Another highlight, I had 5 days alone at home, just God and I. It was a great experience. I was also privileged to enjoy my mother's 93 birthday.
Seasons of Life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 cites many seasons. Some things are but a passing moment, but then there are those times which are truly seasons. For example vs 2, "there is a time to give birth." Giving birth doesn't stop there, the season of raising our children lasts many years. Those years bring times of laughter and tears. Raising children is a very emotional time for a mother. And then, suddenly that season is done, and our children are gone. As difficult as it is, to see our children leave "the nest," I remember telling our children, "I didn't raise you to sit at home and nest, I raised you to go out and make a difference wherever you are."
Mourning is a difficult season. Psalm 30:11"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness." Even that season, will eventually turn to a more joyous time.
For those of you who are hoarders, stashing everything: there is a season for you. Vs 6 "...a time to keep and a time to throw away." What a job that is!! Shall I keep this or throw it away? There is a time to throw away...you may give it to Goodwill, a garage sale (did you know you can donate your unused items to a fund-raiser garage sale for Kingdom Kids in Haiti?). By the way, it is much easier to clean a house that isn't loaded with "stuff."
A season of speaking and one of silence. Now that is a difficult one. Truly it is a refreshing time when I just reflect and listen. A lot can be learned in a time of silence. My family may read this and wonder if that ever happens in my life, the silence. Smile. But it does happen. It is so important to be silent when God speaks. Hear Him. Don't try to defend yourself. He already knows your heart.
Eccl 3:11 "He has set eternity in their hearts" is one season that will not end...eternity. Whatever you are going through right now, remember it is a season. The seasons of life are for our learning and drawing closer to God. It is a preparation time for Eternity. The secret to enduring the seasons of life is to keep our eyes on Him and not on the misery of the season. Trust the God of the circumstance and not the circumstance. We may not always understand, but God sees the beginning from the end.
I hope your summer vacation (season) was a blessing to you. Now we move to the season of school months again. Let's make them a blessing to our children and their teachers.
If you need information about the Fund-raiser Garage Sale, contact me at: livingwordhaiti@me.com
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Seasons of Life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 cites many seasons. Some things are but a passing moment, but then there are those times which are truly seasons. For example vs 2, "there is a time to give birth." Giving birth doesn't stop there, the season of raising our children lasts many years. Those years bring times of laughter and tears. Raising children is a very emotional time for a mother. And then, suddenly that season is done, and our children are gone. As difficult as it is, to see our children leave "the nest," I remember telling our children, "I didn't raise you to sit at home and nest, I raised you to go out and make a difference wherever you are."
Mourning is a difficult season. Psalm 30:11"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness." Even that season, will eventually turn to a more joyous time.
For those of you who are hoarders, stashing everything: there is a season for you. Vs 6 "...a time to keep and a time to throw away." What a job that is!! Shall I keep this or throw it away? There is a time to throw away...you may give it to Goodwill, a garage sale (did you know you can donate your unused items to a fund-raiser garage sale for Kingdom Kids in Haiti?). By the way, it is much easier to clean a house that isn't loaded with "stuff."
A season of speaking and one of silence. Now that is a difficult one. Truly it is a refreshing time when I just reflect and listen. A lot can be learned in a time of silence. My family may read this and wonder if that ever happens in my life, the silence. Smile. But it does happen. It is so important to be silent when God speaks. Hear Him. Don't try to defend yourself. He already knows your heart.
Eccl 3:11 "He has set eternity in their hearts" is one season that will not end...eternity. Whatever you are going through right now, remember it is a season. The seasons of life are for our learning and drawing closer to God. It is a preparation time for Eternity. The secret to enduring the seasons of life is to keep our eyes on Him and not on the misery of the season. Trust the God of the circumstance and not the circumstance. We may not always understand, but God sees the beginning from the end.
I hope your summer vacation (season) was a blessing to you. Now we move to the season of school months again. Let's make them a blessing to our children and their teachers.
If you need information about the Fund-raiser Garage Sale, contact me at: livingwordhaiti@me.com
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Friday, August 1, 2014
A Disquieted Soul
It was a long sleepless night. It was one of those nights when my mind didn't stop thinking. The more I thought of things, the more troubled I became, and sleep was further from happening! Basically I had an ungrateful heart. I was complaining in my soul.
After some hours of hashing over things, a verse came to me:
Psalm 42:5, 6, 11 and Psalm 43:5 "Why is my soul disquieted within me?" (disquieted--not quiet nor peaceful!) Yes, this verse is repeated 4 times. Why the troubled soul? I was looking on those things I wanted to do, but couldn't. Thinking of those things I wanted but they evaded my grasp. The bottom line was, Me, myself and I wanted its own way.
David wanted his enemies out of the way. He was tired of running from Saul. His enemies were oppressing him. They persecuted him, and pointed their finger "Where is your God?" Isn't that just like satan...throwing things at us, then pointing his finger, trying to get our attention away from God?
I find it interesting that my troubled soul came right after my 5th day of posting on Facebook what I am thankful for...I wrote Grace three times. Is there still Grace when my soul is disquieted within me? Absolutely! It also came shortly after I had written a previous blog of my Lesson for Life to be Always Thankful, pray without ceasing and Rejoice always.
After struggling for several hours, I wondered why this was happening to me, and clearly I realized, my focus was on "me" and not on God. So I prayed...when I awoke the next morning, I looked up the verses in Psalm 42.
The verses didn't end with "Why are you disquieted, O my soul...the next part says "Hope in God for I shall again praise Him." God is so good. He doesn't leave us in despair. He floods us with His Goodness and Grace.
So has my situation changed? No! But my attitude has! And that makes a world of difference. I can thank God for the blessings He showers on me everyday!
If your soul is in turmoil, go to God's Word. Read Psalm 42, then pay special attention to verse 8 "The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night..."
His Grace Abounds
Barb
After some hours of hashing over things, a verse came to me:
Psalm 42:5, 6, 11 and Psalm 43:5 "Why is my soul disquieted within me?" (disquieted--not quiet nor peaceful!) Yes, this verse is repeated 4 times. Why the troubled soul? I was looking on those things I wanted to do, but couldn't. Thinking of those things I wanted but they evaded my grasp. The bottom line was, Me, myself and I wanted its own way.
David wanted his enemies out of the way. He was tired of running from Saul. His enemies were oppressing him. They persecuted him, and pointed their finger "Where is your God?" Isn't that just like satan...throwing things at us, then pointing his finger, trying to get our attention away from God?
I find it interesting that my troubled soul came right after my 5th day of posting on Facebook what I am thankful for...I wrote Grace three times. Is there still Grace when my soul is disquieted within me? Absolutely! It also came shortly after I had written a previous blog of my Lesson for Life to be Always Thankful, pray without ceasing and Rejoice always.
After struggling for several hours, I wondered why this was happening to me, and clearly I realized, my focus was on "me" and not on God. So I prayed...when I awoke the next morning, I looked up the verses in Psalm 42.
The verses didn't end with "Why are you disquieted, O my soul...the next part says "Hope in God for I shall again praise Him." God is so good. He doesn't leave us in despair. He floods us with His Goodness and Grace.
So has my situation changed? No! But my attitude has! And that makes a world of difference. I can thank God for the blessings He showers on me everyday!
If your soul is in turmoil, go to God's Word. Read Psalm 42, then pay special attention to verse 8 "The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night..."
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
What's Your Excuse?
Moses ran into the desert because of fear. It took 40 years for God to get his attention, and used a burning bush. Life was comfortable—wife, children, sheep, and not having to deal with his past. God loves us the way we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way. What Moses may not have known was that God was using those years to prepare him for a great work ahead.
When God appeared in the bush, He called Moses, and gave him the orders of his mission. The first thing that Moses said to God, "What if?" Does that sound familiar? After a little more conversation, God told Moses he would go before Pharaoh. Then Moses' response was, "Oh I'm not a public speaker. I wouldn't know what words to use. I'm not educated." Do these excuses ring a bell?
God wants us to share the Gospel. "Oh God, I could never. What if....they won't listen to me? What if...I don't know what to say? What if...they turn their back on me and walk away?" We have so many excuses for sharing the Gospel, it's embarrassing. But don't we have a joke on the tip of our tongue at all moments, so that we can make people laugh? We can tell of our experiences, but not share the Gospel.
Excuses for not eating healthy is my #1....even when I do get hungry, a slice of bread will do, or a bowl of cereal, ice cream. Coffee, oh yes, that would fit the bill just right. I know what I need to do, but what if....those what if excuses are not good. They will not make me healthy and neither give me energy.
Some people are called to ministry in the church. They have their "what if" excuses, too.
The truth is, when we give excuses for what we know we should do, we will lose the blessing God has for us. God wants our heart, mind, and soul. Excuses are not a part of that. Excuses to love, forgive, to bless others, to visit the sick, go on a mission trip, and last but definitely not least, to Read your Bible every day.
The enemy will keep us from God's Word...I'll do it later, my kids keep me busy, I'm already late for work, the laundry needs doing, ball game...the excuses are endless.
What's your excuse for not doing what you know God wants you to do?
His Abundant Grace
barb
When God appeared in the bush, He called Moses, and gave him the orders of his mission. The first thing that Moses said to God, "What if?" Does that sound familiar? After a little more conversation, God told Moses he would go before Pharaoh. Then Moses' response was, "Oh I'm not a public speaker. I wouldn't know what words to use. I'm not educated." Do these excuses ring a bell?
God wants us to share the Gospel. "Oh God, I could never. What if....they won't listen to me? What if...I don't know what to say? What if...they turn their back on me and walk away?" We have so many excuses for sharing the Gospel, it's embarrassing. But don't we have a joke on the tip of our tongue at all moments, so that we can make people laugh? We can tell of our experiences, but not share the Gospel.
Excuses for not eating healthy is my #1....even when I do get hungry, a slice of bread will do, or a bowl of cereal, ice cream. Coffee, oh yes, that would fit the bill just right. I know what I need to do, but what if....those what if excuses are not good. They will not make me healthy and neither give me energy.
Some people are called to ministry in the church. They have their "what if" excuses, too.
The truth is, when we give excuses for what we know we should do, we will lose the blessing God has for us. God wants our heart, mind, and soul. Excuses are not a part of that. Excuses to love, forgive, to bless others, to visit the sick, go on a mission trip, and last but definitely not least, to Read your Bible every day.
The enemy will keep us from God's Word...I'll do it later, my kids keep me busy, I'm already late for work, the laundry needs doing, ball game...the excuses are endless.
What's your excuse for not doing what you know God wants you to do?
His Abundant Grace
barb
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Praise, Pray, Rejoice
Last week while visiting with my mom, my brother and I had many conversations. He was telling me about reading the book "Power of Praise." From that conversation, I realized it was a good Lesson for Life.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God."
I need to be thankful for all things, and pray without ceasing, then rejoicing will come. How can we be thankful when bad things happen? That just doesn't seem possible. God doesn't ask us to do the impossible. Our view of life may not be what God see. For example, we see suffering (sickness, death, disaster) as bad. According to scripture, suffering is what God uses to bring us closer to Him. It is what molds our character to be more like Him.
An example prayer: "God, I don't understand what I am experiencing. But I know nothing happens to me that hasn't been approved by You. You know what is best for me, to make me more like a child of Yours. Help me, Lord, to accept this suffering at Your hand, just as Job did. He praised You in the midst of it all. So for all this, I say thank you. Amen."
That will take us to the next step, praying without ceasing. We continue to pray. Don't give up. Ask, seek, and knock. Listen to God. Seek His voice in scripture. He does not turn away from our cries, just as a mother does not turn her ear away from her crying child.
I know that if we do this seriously, with a committed heart, then rejoicing will come.
Psalm 30:5 "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Why would this work? Our thoughts are turned heavenward, toward God. We now have our eyes on the Lord, and not on the things that are happening to us.
If you aren't sure this will work, try it. You may be surprised what God does when we look to Him and expect the goodness of God.
I Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."
His Grace Abounds
barb
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God."
I need to be thankful for all things, and pray without ceasing, then rejoicing will come. How can we be thankful when bad things happen? That just doesn't seem possible. God doesn't ask us to do the impossible. Our view of life may not be what God see. For example, we see suffering (sickness, death, disaster) as bad. According to scripture, suffering is what God uses to bring us closer to Him. It is what molds our character to be more like Him.
An example prayer: "God, I don't understand what I am experiencing. But I know nothing happens to me that hasn't been approved by You. You know what is best for me, to make me more like a child of Yours. Help me, Lord, to accept this suffering at Your hand, just as Job did. He praised You in the midst of it all. So for all this, I say thank you. Amen."
That will take us to the next step, praying without ceasing. We continue to pray. Don't give up. Ask, seek, and knock. Listen to God. Seek His voice in scripture. He does not turn away from our cries, just as a mother does not turn her ear away from her crying child.
I know that if we do this seriously, with a committed heart, then rejoicing will come.
Psalm 30:5 "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Why would this work? Our thoughts are turned heavenward, toward God. We now have our eyes on the Lord, and not on the things that are happening to us.
If you aren't sure this will work, try it. You may be surprised what God does when we look to Him and expect the goodness of God.
I Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."
His Grace Abounds
barb
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
A Rough Diamond
The "diamond" I will speak of today is still a diamond in the "rough." There is so much more work to do on this one, it is painful when I think of it...the mind.
Luke 10:27 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, ...soul, ...strength, and mind..." The question is, "Does He have my whole heart, soul, strength, and mind?"
I feel like Zophar in Job 20:2 "Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, even because of my inward agitation." Now this is me!! Ouch! I respond because of my agitation. So sad that I even respond to imaginations that have not been built on truth. False imaginations are a trap of the enemy. This is especially true if we get involved in gossip, which in of itself is sin.
Do you see the downward spiral? First, God doesn't have my mind, then my soul is agitated, next vain imaginations (more commonly known as lies) creep in, then comes gossip. Oh it doesn't stop there, then there is judging another and of course, last but not least Pride. This is one of the favorite tools of satan.
We need not stay in that thought pattern. There is hope. There is deliverance. "For you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32. I have been listening to worship music since this morning. What freedom this is to fill my thoughts with the things of God. Remembering His greatness, His Holiness, and Love are better than vain imaginations. Finding truth instead of vain thoughts.
Lest we feel this is not such a beautiful diamond, and it truly is not, but God can change this. God gave us a perfect pattern for our mind. I do believe if I follow that command, He will have my mind.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
If we fill our minds with these things, we will have little space for the negative, ugly thoughts.
Lord, Forgive us, then give us VICTORY!
His Abounding Grace
barb
Luke 10:27 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, ...soul, ...strength, and mind..." The question is, "Does He have my whole heart, soul, strength, and mind?"
I feel like Zophar in Job 20:2 "Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, even because of my inward agitation." Now this is me!! Ouch! I respond because of my agitation. So sad that I even respond to imaginations that have not been built on truth. False imaginations are a trap of the enemy. This is especially true if we get involved in gossip, which in of itself is sin.
Do you see the downward spiral? First, God doesn't have my mind, then my soul is agitated, next vain imaginations (more commonly known as lies) creep in, then comes gossip. Oh it doesn't stop there, then there is judging another and of course, last but not least Pride. This is one of the favorite tools of satan.
We need not stay in that thought pattern. There is hope. There is deliverance. "For you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32. I have been listening to worship music since this morning. What freedom this is to fill my thoughts with the things of God. Remembering His greatness, His Holiness, and Love are better than vain imaginations. Finding truth instead of vain thoughts.
Lest we feel this is not such a beautiful diamond, and it truly is not, but God can change this. God gave us a perfect pattern for our mind. I do believe if I follow that command, He will have my mind.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
If we fill our minds with these things, we will have little space for the negative, ugly thoughts.
Lord, Forgive us, then give us VICTORY!
His Abounding Grace
barb
Friday, June 27, 2014
Abundant Grace
I'm listening to a group from Hungary talking about the Story of Grace, when they first heard the Gospel. We all have a story of Grace. Some have not experienced it yet, because they haven't experienced Jesus yet. It is Grace that has kept them from destruction. Those of us who are saved are bathed in Grace...may I say, every day.
We know the riches of Grace. It doesn't always look the same. We feel broken, so that we may be healed. God allows us to suffer so that we can know His Grace. In all the pain that we experience...scorn, rejection, loneliness, you name it, if you give it to Jesus He will bring Grace and peace to your heart.
Tonight my heart is hurting for another. My heart fears for her and breaks for the situation. I can't go to her, so I pray God's Grace to bathe over her. That somehow, however hopeless it may seem, she will know that God is All-Seeing and All-Knowing. He can deliver. I believe He will deliver.
That is what Jesus saw, a hurting people, a hopeless soul. He saw it from ages past to ages to come. That held Him to the cross so that we can be saved. The soldiers didn't take His life. He gave His life so that we have life Eternal.
Grace...my favorite word in all Scripture. When I think of grace, I think of the basin of Grace, when Jesus washed Judas' feet. Who would want to wash the feet of the one who would betray me? Jesus did. He knew what Judas was going to do, yet He washed his feet. That is a tangible picture of Grace.
Amazing Grace!! Oh Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
God, bathe us in your Grace.
Grace Abundantly
Barb
We know the riches of Grace. It doesn't always look the same. We feel broken, so that we may be healed. God allows us to suffer so that we can know His Grace. In all the pain that we experience...scorn, rejection, loneliness, you name it, if you give it to Jesus He will bring Grace and peace to your heart.
Tonight my heart is hurting for another. My heart fears for her and breaks for the situation. I can't go to her, so I pray God's Grace to bathe over her. That somehow, however hopeless it may seem, she will know that God is All-Seeing and All-Knowing. He can deliver. I believe He will deliver.
That is what Jesus saw, a hurting people, a hopeless soul. He saw it from ages past to ages to come. That held Him to the cross so that we can be saved. The soldiers didn't take His life. He gave His life so that we have life Eternal.
Grace...my favorite word in all Scripture. When I think of grace, I think of the basin of Grace, when Jesus washed Judas' feet. Who would want to wash the feet of the one who would betray me? Jesus did. He knew what Judas was going to do, yet He washed his feet. That is a tangible picture of Grace.
Amazing Grace!! Oh Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
God, bathe us in your Grace.
Grace Abundantly
Barb
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Road Signs
Patrick and I are having a wonderful time in our travels. This morning I was reading Psalm 19:7-14, which is a great map for our walk with Jesus. It gives us direction and the value of following and obeying His Word. His Word is absolutely perfect. It is solid and true. God doesn't change His directions. They all lead to Him, they take us Home to Him. The only way His Commands work is if we obey them.
This is also true of traveling. We have our destination mapped out. We had a starting point and have a final destination. Jesus did too. He left His home with the Father, came to earth, and has returned to the Father.
Along the way, we have many stops for many reasons. We stopped to have lunch with my mom. It is so fun to bless her. In our spiritual walk, it is so important to share Jesus and bless people along the way.
We need to fill our tank with gas and our bodies with food. So we look for gas stations and restaurants. We need to read the Bible on a daily basis to replenish our hearts and minds. We cannot go from Sunday to Sunday and expect church to supply all our spiritual needs. Not at all, God has specific messages for each of us for the times we are in. Your pastor cannot do all that for you. We need to pull up to the station and get a personal fill-up.
Along the way we come to rest stops. Those are the moments we pull back from the busy-ness of the highway and take a deep breath. Maybe take a short walk. Breathe in some fresh air. God has those moments all along our way. Too many times we are so busy we pass those moments up. Is there a problem to stop "and smell the roses?" We think we have no time. God gives us all the time we need, we just don't always ask Him how to use that time. Don't miss an opportunity that God places before you.
Of course, there are always detours, slow traffic, accidents, etc as we go along. That is just like satan, trying to get our attention off the road, trying to bring us to complete stops. Maybe he puts a detour in our way, distractions. Hoping to that we lose our way back to the Father. Maps and a GPS are great helps for traveling. I'd hate to travel without them.
You don't need to be on a literal trip to experience these things. We can see it in our daily lives at home. Prayer is a #1 essential tool to stay on the right path. The Bible is the best map and GPS to take us Home to our Father.
Don't be discouraged. Keep on the Road. Keep your eyes on Jesus and your Heart turned toward your Father. He will never take you down a wrong road. Safe Travels.
His Grace Abundantly
Barb
This is also true of traveling. We have our destination mapped out. We had a starting point and have a final destination. Jesus did too. He left His home with the Father, came to earth, and has returned to the Father.
Along the way, we have many stops for many reasons. We stopped to have lunch with my mom. It is so fun to bless her. In our spiritual walk, it is so important to share Jesus and bless people along the way.
We need to fill our tank with gas and our bodies with food. So we look for gas stations and restaurants. We need to read the Bible on a daily basis to replenish our hearts and minds. We cannot go from Sunday to Sunday and expect church to supply all our spiritual needs. Not at all, God has specific messages for each of us for the times we are in. Your pastor cannot do all that for you. We need to pull up to the station and get a personal fill-up.
Along the way we come to rest stops. Those are the moments we pull back from the busy-ness of the highway and take a deep breath. Maybe take a short walk. Breathe in some fresh air. God has those moments all along our way. Too many times we are so busy we pass those moments up. Is there a problem to stop "and smell the roses?" We think we have no time. God gives us all the time we need, we just don't always ask Him how to use that time. Don't miss an opportunity that God places before you.
Of course, there are always detours, slow traffic, accidents, etc as we go along. That is just like satan, trying to get our attention off the road, trying to bring us to complete stops. Maybe he puts a detour in our way, distractions. Hoping to that we lose our way back to the Father. Maps and a GPS are great helps for traveling. I'd hate to travel without them.
You don't need to be on a literal trip to experience these things. We can see it in our daily lives at home. Prayer is a #1 essential tool to stay on the right path. The Bible is the best map and GPS to take us Home to our Father.
Don't be discouraged. Keep on the Road. Keep your eyes on Jesus and your Heart turned toward your Father. He will never take you down a wrong road. Safe Travels.
His Grace Abundantly
Barb
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Quietly Wait?
Isaiah 30:15 "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength." But you would not..
How sad! God promised His people a safe haven and peace if they return and trust in Him, but they didn't. They wanted their own way. They wanted to flee on horses, on swift horses. Oh that sounds quite familiar. God wants me to sit quietly and learn from Him, draw confidence from His Word, but I'd rather have my prayer answered "Right Now." I really don't like to wait.
Waiting and resting in quietness when the burden is so heavy, we feel we are going to lose our sanity. How can we? After all, shouldn't God see that our prayers need answers now? But no, many times God wants us to keep our eyes and heart on Him. The answer will come in His time.
Many years ago when our children weren't serving the Lord, I would pray and pray. I confess, I would worry. We were in Haiti and our children were in the States. I couldn't get to them, and I'm not sure what I would have done if I could have gotten to them. Sound familiar, moms? But every time I prayed, I heard God's soft whisper, "I know where your children are every minute. I love them more than you ever could. Trust me." I wish I could say I stopped worrying about them. I didn't. That quiet rest and confidence that God speaks about, seemed to elude me.
But the Bible is loaded with promises and invitations to give our burdens to the Lord. He will carry them for us. Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you.." What a comfort, in the midst of our deepest need. He is waiting for me/you to give Him our burdens. He desires to pour His grace over us.
Grace....my favorite word in Scripture. But that is for another time in another blog..
His Grace Abounds
Barb
How sad! God promised His people a safe haven and peace if they return and trust in Him, but they didn't. They wanted their own way. They wanted to flee on horses, on swift horses. Oh that sounds quite familiar. God wants me to sit quietly and learn from Him, draw confidence from His Word, but I'd rather have my prayer answered "Right Now." I really don't like to wait.
Waiting and resting in quietness when the burden is so heavy, we feel we are going to lose our sanity. How can we? After all, shouldn't God see that our prayers need answers now? But no, many times God wants us to keep our eyes and heart on Him. The answer will come in His time.
Many years ago when our children weren't serving the Lord, I would pray and pray. I confess, I would worry. We were in Haiti and our children were in the States. I couldn't get to them, and I'm not sure what I would have done if I could have gotten to them. Sound familiar, moms? But every time I prayed, I heard God's soft whisper, "I know where your children are every minute. I love them more than you ever could. Trust me." I wish I could say I stopped worrying about them. I didn't. That quiet rest and confidence that God speaks about, seemed to elude me.
But the Bible is loaded with promises and invitations to give our burdens to the Lord. He will carry them for us. Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you.." What a comfort, in the midst of our deepest need. He is waiting for me/you to give Him our burdens. He desires to pour His grace over us.
Grace....my favorite word in Scripture. But that is for another time in another blog..
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Blessings Are Where?
I was privileged to attend Women of Faith this weekend. The highlight of the weekend was hearing Laura Story tell her story which is the foundation for her song Blessings. I have loved that song for a long time but now I have a greater appreciation for the message in the song.
Her challenge was that many times we are looking for blessings in the wrong places. We are looking for answers to our prayers, and God hasn't answered them yet, or at least not in the way that we expected. In our dashed expectation of "the" answer, we become distraught and downcast.
What if our trials are "God's mercies in disguise?" The rain, sleepless nights, rejection, and the many other hardships that so often turn our hearts to other sources for peace and hope, but only makes us more miserable. Can we really trust God in these seasons of suffering? The answer is yes!!
We are pilgrims on a walk, through the desert, and on mountain tops. This world is not our final home. Trials are for our growth in Christ. God has promised that we will suffer. Are they fun? Not at all. But if we keep our hearts and minds on God and His Word, we find blessings in the storm.
Perhaps you have been in an ongoing trial or suffering, and you wonder how much longer it will last. Where can we find encouragement? God's Word. Read the stories in the Old Testament. God's servants suffered greatly, yet they stood strong. For example, Daniel suffered in a foreign land away from his family for 70 years! He didn't know the end of his story. But what he did know was that God was his Fortress, his Rock and strength. Hebrews 11 is a great chapter that takes us through the Great Hall of Faith of God's people in the Old Testament.
Truly God's mercy and grace comes in the midst of trials, suffering, and hardships.
Isaiah 26:3-4 "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock." (NAS version)
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Her challenge was that many times we are looking for blessings in the wrong places. We are looking for answers to our prayers, and God hasn't answered them yet, or at least not in the way that we expected. In our dashed expectation of "the" answer, we become distraught and downcast.
What if our trials are "God's mercies in disguise?" The rain, sleepless nights, rejection, and the many other hardships that so often turn our hearts to other sources for peace and hope, but only makes us more miserable. Can we really trust God in these seasons of suffering? The answer is yes!!
We are pilgrims on a walk, through the desert, and on mountain tops. This world is not our final home. Trials are for our growth in Christ. God has promised that we will suffer. Are they fun? Not at all. But if we keep our hearts and minds on God and His Word, we find blessings in the storm.
Perhaps you have been in an ongoing trial or suffering, and you wonder how much longer it will last. Where can we find encouragement? God's Word. Read the stories in the Old Testament. God's servants suffered greatly, yet they stood strong. For example, Daniel suffered in a foreign land away from his family for 70 years! He didn't know the end of his story. But what he did know was that God was his Fortress, his Rock and strength. Hebrews 11 is a great chapter that takes us through the Great Hall of Faith of God's people in the Old Testament.
Truly God's mercy and grace comes in the midst of trials, suffering, and hardships.
Isaiah 26:3-4 "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock." (NAS version)
His Grace Abounds
Barb
Friday, June 6, 2014
Desert Walk
I am finally back at the desk, starting a new blog. This has been on my heart for some time, but as always, excuses. You know the scoop. We make excuses for many things, if not most. So my final excuse was, "I don't know what to call my blog." Immediately Diamonds in the Desert was bold in my heart.
Why the desert? My life has been a continual desert walk. I have mountain top experiences, but soon I find myself in the desert again. Sometimes, I put myself in the desert like Hagar in Genesis 16, when she ran from her problems at home. But she met God in the desert, and she needed to address her problems in order to live in freedom.
Other times God has led me to the desert as the Children of Israel to learn some hard lessons. Lessons of gratefulness, patience, love, worship, and the list goes on. For you see, in the desert, my comfort is taken away. Those things on which I have set my heart is not there. Just God and I. This puts my 29 years in Haiti in a nutshell. Although, it was not a horrible experience in Haiti, but a life long lesson of many things I did not understand before my life began in Haiti.
Now I am beyond the quake since 2010 (for those who read this and may not know, my husband and I are earthquake survivors). But God continues to work in my life.
Psalm 84 (especially verses 5-7) has been a favorite of mine for many years. It describes what I feel. When I am in the midst of a trying time, I pass through the valley of tears (Baca), but there are blessings along the way, I walk from strength to strength. For me those strengths were encouragements from people, tidbits from God's Word, or God showing up in unexpected ways.
God is my Strength, my Shield, Grace and Glory! I am blessed!
My prayer is that my blogs will encourage you and be a blessings
Why the desert? My life has been a continual desert walk. I have mountain top experiences, but soon I find myself in the desert again. Sometimes, I put myself in the desert like Hagar in Genesis 16, when she ran from her problems at home. But she met God in the desert, and she needed to address her problems in order to live in freedom.
Other times God has led me to the desert as the Children of Israel to learn some hard lessons. Lessons of gratefulness, patience, love, worship, and the list goes on. For you see, in the desert, my comfort is taken away. Those things on which I have set my heart is not there. Just God and I. This puts my 29 years in Haiti in a nutshell. Although, it was not a horrible experience in Haiti, but a life long lesson of many things I did not understand before my life began in Haiti.
Now I am beyond the quake since 2010 (for those who read this and may not know, my husband and I are earthquake survivors). But God continues to work in my life.
Psalm 84 (especially verses 5-7) has been a favorite of mine for many years. It describes what I feel. When I am in the midst of a trying time, I pass through the valley of tears (Baca), but there are blessings along the way, I walk from strength to strength. For me those strengths were encouragements from people, tidbits from God's Word, or God showing up in unexpected ways.
God is my Strength, my Shield, Grace and Glory! I am blessed!
My prayer is that my blogs will encourage you and be a blessings
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