So, I have to return to the question from my previous post, "So is it wrong for Him to expect time and character?"
I jumped to far ahead in the thought process with my previous response.
God does not do anything wrong. Therefore, His expectation could not be wrong.
Invoking God's anger has many other things to consider.
Implying a whole lot of things which remind me that His thoughts and ways are higher than mine AND that He is ultimately unfathomable. So, I will keep the further processing of these thoughts to myself for the time being.
What I can do is listen to His Word. His Word also tells me that He becomes angry slowly when I continue to doubt Him. His Word tells me that I must have faith and trust in Him as a little child does with everything in the formative years. His Word tells me that His perfect love casts out fear.
Something that continues to resonate with me at the moment is the Saul to Paul story, in particular Acts 26:14(b) ... It is hard for you to kick against the goads. You remember, Saul thought he was zealous for the Lord when he was in fact zealous for the traditions of men. He was motivated by fear and anger to stomp out the Jesus following heretics. He held the cloaks of those who stoned Stephen, giving approval of the crowd's actions, and likely feeling completely justified. Saul spent a lot of energy on this quest. When Jesus had enough, Saul experienced the fear of God ... and was transformed into the apostle, Paul. Jesus also revealed that He had been making it hard for Saul to go the wrong way. He had placed goads behind him so that Saul would only go forward.
Goads are part of a harness used to capture, control and utilize the strength of an ox or horse or other animal for the purposes of the owner. The Word says we (the righteous and the wicked) were created for His purposes.
When Ananias was given the task to go to Saul and pray for him so that Jesus would restore his eyesight, Ananias was a bit nervous and reminded the Lord that Saul was a 'bad guy' ... and he was from Ananias' perspective ... Jesus told him to go anyway and made it clear, "This man is My chosen instrument to proclaim My name..." Saul was a harnessed instrument, being driven by God for His purposes. And He further reveals that as the transformed Paul, he would continue to suffer.
Ananias was also harnessed. He went where God sent him and accomplished God's will for him in that circumstance ... and I'm sure Ananias had a choice whether or not to suffer anxiety over this task (or not) while he was being obedient. A choice, a challenge, a struggle in the flesh with the natural human perspective as opposed to the spiritual perspective. Which makes me think of Jonah...
All this gives me a different perspective on suffering. We are all harnessed for His purposes. Sometimes we suffer because we are fighting God's will (Jonah, Saul). Sometimes we suffer God's will for us (Jesus, Paul).
Somehow all this has to do with fear, anger, humility, acceptance and obedience. I've got a lot more thinking to do now.
Jesus, I confess I'm feeling fearful because my eyes are on natural things instead of spiritual things. I confess I've let this fear bubble up into anger that I've expressed inappropriately. I want to trust You like a little child does. Cause me to do that. Cause me to keep my eyes on You. Cause me to submit to the harness of Your purposes for me. I don't want to kick against the goads. Your Word tells me that You will never leave me or forsake me, that You are yoked together with me in this harness and Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. Teach me to walk in step with You and Your purposes. I turn away from my kicking against the goads, I turn away from fleshy things, I turn away from my own way and I accept Your harness, Your purposes for me. Thank You for loving me perfectly and casting out my fears.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Presents or Presence?
There is someone in my life who thinks that big presents are good. They are. Especially if they are desired by the one on the receiving end, but...
What if the one on the receiving end desires something intangible even more than the tangible?
What if the one on the receiving end desires particular character qualities?
What if the one on the receiving end desires time?
Perhaps the one on the receiving end will ultimately be disappointed?
I suppose they would be if they received a tangible gift instead of what they truly desired.
I value qualities like commitment, honesty, integrity, transparency in a relationship. I willingly interact with people who exhibit these traits even if I disagree with them on serious issues.
Perceived lack of these qualities severely inhibits my willingness to interact with a person on any but the most superficial level.
I wonder...in several different places in the Bible God expresses His desire for time and character from His children rather than a tangible sacrifice or offering. Do you suppose He is disappointed?
Disappointment comes from unmet expectations.
He knows everything, being omniscient, so, His expectation can't be off.
No, I don't think He's disappointed when He doesn't get what He desires most, I think maybe He's sad.
Is it wrong for Him to expect time and character? He is, after all, the One who created us.
Then maybe He feels angry when His expectation isn't met?
I'm glad He reveals in His Word that He is 'slow to anger and abounding in love.'
I'm comforted to know He says 'My grace is sufficient for you'...
Lord God, I come boldly before Your throne of grace, to receive the mercy and find the grace I need for this day, and this circumstance, and this troubled relationship. Where would I be without You?
What if the one on the receiving end desires something intangible even more than the tangible?
What if the one on the receiving end desires particular character qualities?
What if the one on the receiving end desires time?
Perhaps the one on the receiving end will ultimately be disappointed?
I suppose they would be if they received a tangible gift instead of what they truly desired.
I value qualities like commitment, honesty, integrity, transparency in a relationship. I willingly interact with people who exhibit these traits even if I disagree with them on serious issues.
Perceived lack of these qualities severely inhibits my willingness to interact with a person on any but the most superficial level.
I wonder...in several different places in the Bible God expresses His desire for time and character from His children rather than a tangible sacrifice or offering. Do you suppose He is disappointed?
Disappointment comes from unmet expectations.
He knows everything, being omniscient, so, His expectation can't be off.
No, I don't think He's disappointed when He doesn't get what He desires most, I think maybe He's sad.
Is it wrong for Him to expect time and character? He is, after all, the One who created us.
Then maybe He feels angry when His expectation isn't met?
I'm glad He reveals in His Word that He is 'slow to anger and abounding in love.'
I'm comforted to know He says 'My grace is sufficient for you'...
Lord God, I come boldly before Your throne of grace, to receive the mercy and find the grace I need for this day, and this circumstance, and this troubled relationship. Where would I be without You?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Feelings...
Been hearing a lot about feelings lately...how they're not the thing to make decisions by...they're not in control of your life, etc., etc. It's all true but, it doesn't make experiencing them any easier.
I've been feeling a lot of feelings lately.
It's hard not to take some things personal even when someone says, "Don't take it personal."
It's hard to feel sad and be encouraging at the same time.
It's hard not to let your old baggage influence your interpretation of your current circumstances.
It's hard when you're disappointed with someone you've trusted.
It's hard when someone you love is misunderstood.
It's hard when you're misunderstood.
It's hard when you have to sit still and wait and trust God for what is best in the long run.
It's hard sometimes.
It just is.
There's an old song...I know Whom I have believ-ed and am persuaded that He is a-ble to keep that which I've com-mitted unto Him against that Day.
Hangin' on...
I've been feeling a lot of feelings lately.
It's hard not to take some things personal even when someone says, "Don't take it personal."
It's hard to feel sad and be encouraging at the same time.
It's hard not to let your old baggage influence your interpretation of your current circumstances.
It's hard when you're disappointed with someone you've trusted.
It's hard when someone you love is misunderstood.
It's hard when you're misunderstood.
It's hard when you have to sit still and wait and trust God for what is best in the long run.
It's hard sometimes.
It just is.
There's an old song...I know Whom I have believ-ed and am persuaded that He is a-ble to keep that which I've com-mitted unto Him against that Day.
Hangin' on...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Which Ocracy Do You Prefer?
Which Ocracy Do You Prefer?
I've got to weigh in on what's happening in Madison...
It's not a coincidence that the same afternoon that Scott Walker released his budget repair bill to the public that we received a phone message from the Teamsters strongly urging us to contact our representatives and tell them to vote against the bill.
I read the letter the governor sent to the state employees. It was sent to me by my state assembly representative who preferred for me to read it myself than to explain it in his own words. Collective bargaining was limited, not eliminated. There is a big difference between the two.
I hope the people who elected the senators who fled the state and still refuse to return will initiate a recall. They need come back and fulfill their responsibilities to those they represent by participating in the democratic process. Their absence has bought the attention and time we all needed to review the bill. To prolong the vote any further is unreasonable.
Please don't compare this to what is going on in the middle East. We already have a democratic process in place which is not a facade for a dictatorship.
Please don't compare this to what happened with Mercury Marine or Harley Davidson. These were individual companies dealing with business through unions representing employees. These unions do not represent the entire citizenry of the state of Wisconsin, neither have they been elected to state government. It's nice to know that the union members are willing to make some concessions but, the unions are not responsible for the state legislative process. The union members who are citizens of Wisconsin elected the state senators to represent them in Madison and these senators are responsible for the legislative process and they need to vote.
If you're going to compare it to something how about comparing it to stopping a bad habit or breaking an addiction? I remember when I quit smoking. Not fun. My body SCREAMED for a smoke! Losing weight hasn't been any easier...and I keep giving in...and where has that got me? If you don't know me, you can guess. And an addiction...that is only overcome by the grace and power of God. Well, that's all I can think about when I consider what our nation is facing all the way from Washington, to our local municipalities, to our own personal budgets. We're all going to be better off the sooner we do what needs to be done and if we don't, the consequences will continue to multiply to our detriment. Either way there will be pain and we will reap what we have sown.
Let's keep maturity and civility in sight when sharing our own perspective. A soft answer turns away wrath...and a polite and respectful tone is much easier to listen to (and much easier on the throat). Even if you don't change some one's mind, you can still add value to the process.
Click on the link to Chuck Colson's article in BreakPoint on 'ocracies' (good article) and at the bottom of his article you will find more links to other perspectives from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and NBC Chicago.
I've got to weigh in on what's happening in Madison...
It's not a coincidence that the same afternoon that Scott Walker released his budget repair bill to the public that we received a phone message from the Teamsters strongly urging us to contact our representatives and tell them to vote against the bill.
I read the letter the governor sent to the state employees. It was sent to me by my state assembly representative who preferred for me to read it myself than to explain it in his own words. Collective bargaining was limited, not eliminated. There is a big difference between the two.
I hope the people who elected the senators who fled the state and still refuse to return will initiate a recall. They need come back and fulfill their responsibilities to those they represent by participating in the democratic process. Their absence has bought the attention and time we all needed to review the bill. To prolong the vote any further is unreasonable.
Please don't compare this to what is going on in the middle East. We already have a democratic process in place which is not a facade for a dictatorship.
Please don't compare this to what happened with Mercury Marine or Harley Davidson. These were individual companies dealing with business through unions representing employees. These unions do not represent the entire citizenry of the state of Wisconsin, neither have they been elected to state government. It's nice to know that the union members are willing to make some concessions but, the unions are not responsible for the state legislative process. The union members who are citizens of Wisconsin elected the state senators to represent them in Madison and these senators are responsible for the legislative process and they need to vote.
If you're going to compare it to something how about comparing it to stopping a bad habit or breaking an addiction? I remember when I quit smoking. Not fun. My body SCREAMED for a smoke! Losing weight hasn't been any easier...and I keep giving in...and where has that got me? If you don't know me, you can guess. And an addiction...that is only overcome by the grace and power of God. Well, that's all I can think about when I consider what our nation is facing all the way from Washington, to our local municipalities, to our own personal budgets. We're all going to be better off the sooner we do what needs to be done and if we don't, the consequences will continue to multiply to our detriment. Either way there will be pain and we will reap what we have sown.
Let's keep maturity and civility in sight when sharing our own perspective. A soft answer turns away wrath...and a polite and respectful tone is much easier to listen to (and much easier on the throat). Even if you don't change some one's mind, you can still add value to the process.
Click on the link to Chuck Colson's article in BreakPoint on 'ocracies' (good article) and at the bottom of his article you will find more links to other perspectives from the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and NBC Chicago.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Where's the PEACE?
Refuse to allow frustration and impatience to rule. There is no evidence of faith or trust in God when we react based on our emotions.
Rise above the circumstances that have made you angry, or fearful, or caused you to doubt and establish peace in your heart by focusing on the truth in the Word. Then, you can find wisdom and direction for dealing with your...problem.
God pours out wisdom liberally (James 1:5-8) if you will set your heart and mind on trusting Him to show you the way.
In fact, reading the first three chapters of James will build your faith and sharpen your resolve in these areas.
If you discover the wise thing to do is simply to wait and trust Him to work things out in His way and in His time, the Word will again be living and active for you! Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus." Repeat this to yourself. Repeat it out loud. Do what it says. Peace will return.
God has established peace for us and we will be kept in it when we trust Him. (Isaiah 26:3 & 12)
Rise above the circumstances that have made you angry, or fearful, or caused you to doubt and establish peace in your heart by focusing on the truth in the Word. Then, you can find wisdom and direction for dealing with your...problem.
God pours out wisdom liberally (James 1:5-8) if you will set your heart and mind on trusting Him to show you the way.
In fact, reading the first three chapters of James will build your faith and sharpen your resolve in these areas.
If you discover the wise thing to do is simply to wait and trust Him to work things out in His way and in His time, the Word will again be living and active for you! Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus." Repeat this to yourself. Repeat it out loud. Do what it says. Peace will return.
God has established peace for us and we will be kept in it when we trust Him. (Isaiah 26:3 & 12)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Fall is my favorite season...
Am I going to enjoy it?
I post on priorities alot. That's because I need to be intentional with them because I like a full life.
I've just got to state my intention: I am going to enjoy this fall season NOW, BEFORE it is gone.
This is the verse I will meditate on to gain alignment to God's purposes in my day-to-day life:
Isaiah 33:6
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure.
I am not an island unto myself. God is real. His purposes will prevail. I will give an account to Him of my time here on earth. There are consequences to action and inaction. He loves me perfectly, is always present and active, and I can count on that.
I post on priorities alot. That's because I need to be intentional with them because I like a full life.
I've just got to state my intention: I am going to enjoy this fall season NOW, BEFORE it is gone.
This is the verse I will meditate on to gain alignment to God's purposes in my day-to-day life:
Isaiah 33:6
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure.
I am not an island unto myself. God is real. His purposes will prevail. I will give an account to Him of my time here on earth. There are consequences to action and inaction. He loves me perfectly, is always present and active, and I can count on that.
Friday, January 15, 2010
We have a new grandson!
Our fifth grandchild, our second grandson!
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
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