Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
The Enemy targets women.
He has from the beginning.
And the only weapon he has is....a lie.
He twists it and rephrases it and camouflages it, but it's still just the same lie.
What
God has said to you isn't right. You know you want, no, you NEED, to
make yourself like Him. You can decide what's right and wrong. You're
not going to let Him fool you, are you? I know better. Listen to me.
He
said it directly to Eve and she chose to listen to him. Today, he uses
other people. Folks with status. Folks with a platform. But he's
still targeting women.
What God has said isn't
fair. You know you want, no, you NEED, to declare yourself the supreme
authority. You decide what's right and wrong. You're not going to let a
bunch of backwards-thinking fundamentalists fool you, are you? We know
better. Listen to us.
And because women have
such an need for approval they listen to the voices on the platform, the
influential personalities who have nothing to offer but an illusion.
The still small voice of reason and deliverance is not even
acknowledged.
Jesus, talking to folks who 'diligently
study the scriptures,' not unbelieving, ignorant pagans, pointed out the
crux of the matter:
I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own [her own?] name, you will accept him. (John 5:43)
If
someone else comes in their own name...with no backing but the
generalized approval of a crowd, with no authority other than what
possession of a microphone provides....oh, yes, it's happening.
It's
all over my facebook feed today. One agenda proclaimed to draw crowds,
another agenda entirely declared from the platforms. I am angry on
behalf of sisters who believed they were standing, who had a passion to
stand, against abuse, against double standards, against marginalization
of women all over the country, against the loss of a generation of
women who were never born because they were sacrificed on the altar of
abortion, only to find that they were not welcome because their cause
did not fit with the ideology of those who had the microphones, who
were determined to make the day a political statement.
Did
anyone march for the women who are abandoned, along with their
children, by their husbands and left in poverty while the husband
remarries and then 'can't afford' to support the family he left behind?
No-fault divorce at work there. Was anyone protesting no-fault
divorce? Who was calling for the end of sex trafficking of untold
numbers of young ladies...and young men? Anyone? Anyone addressing the
crowd call for the nation to value our daughters before they are born?
Did anyone sympathize with women who are suffering post-traumatic stress
disorder after they discovered that aborting their babies was not the
moral equivalent of having their appendix removed, as they had been
told, when they found themselves mourning and grieving a loss they could
not admit?
Or was it just about pitching a fit that we have a president that the folks in the big cities don't care for?
How
many women went along with it just because they were led to believe it
was about 'women's rights'? How many are re-posting and re-tweeting on
social media because it is the cool thing to do at the moment?
How many are swallowing the lie?
It's the same lie.
And it targets women.
The lie, at it's heart, is that there is a higher approval than that of God Almighty.
It sets women to chasing something that is not there.
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? - Jn 5:44
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Friday, January 6, 2017
Awakening Champions....
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Happy Epiphany!
I'm pretty much taking a break from social media; it's our annual church-wide fast season and, since I've got some, um, health issues that preclude true fasting and have me on an extremely limited diet anyway, I've decided to 'fast' social media. Only this post for the week.
Which is probably harder than drinking juice for 8 days, actually.
But I did do 'lunch' with my Bible and journal in the sanctuary on Wednesday (the first day of the fast...it runs through next Wednesday) and Thursday; that is the best part of skipping a true lunch. Not that I don't enjoy spending that short daily break with my co-workers...but there is something about sitting in the sanctuary, in the quiet, with no other demands apparent and just listening and writing and reading.
We've had different focus points for each day; Wednesday was 'Awakening Passion' and yesterday was 'Awakening Identity'. Today's is 'Awakening Covenant'.
I've had some rather raw moments during my journaling; saw some things I hadn't considered.
Yesterday's focus on identity brought up questions like...where does my identity really come from? Legally, identity comes from the father...ponder that for just a second. Identity comes from the Father. Not from folks around me, not from what I do, not from the lifestyle I choose...from the Father.
That dovetailed nicely with the verse that had jumped off the page when I read it yesterday morning during my 3 & 1 time... John 5:44, 'How can you believe if you accept praise from one another yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?'
How can I really believe, really follow what God intends for my life if I let others...people...determine my identity; if I'm seeking to get their approval, their affirmation, their attention.
That was a big SELAH when I read it, and I came back to it again as I pondered identity at lunchtime.
How can I seek the praise of the only God instead of getting my affirmation and direction from folks around me?
Definitely food for thought.
The fast culminates in our Champions Summit Leadership conference which will be Thur - Sat next week, so I probably won't manage my typical Friday post. But maybe I'll have some thoughts to share on the other side.
Happy Epiphany!
I'm pretty much taking a break from social media; it's our annual church-wide fast season and, since I've got some, um, health issues that preclude true fasting and have me on an extremely limited diet anyway, I've decided to 'fast' social media. Only this post for the week.
Which is probably harder than drinking juice for 8 days, actually.
But I did do 'lunch' with my Bible and journal in the sanctuary on Wednesday (the first day of the fast...it runs through next Wednesday) and Thursday; that is the best part of skipping a true lunch. Not that I don't enjoy spending that short daily break with my co-workers...but there is something about sitting in the sanctuary, in the quiet, with no other demands apparent and just listening and writing and reading.
We've had different focus points for each day; Wednesday was 'Awakening Passion' and yesterday was 'Awakening Identity'. Today's is 'Awakening Covenant'.
I've had some rather raw moments during my journaling; saw some things I hadn't considered.
Yesterday's focus on identity brought up questions like...where does my identity really come from? Legally, identity comes from the father...ponder that for just a second. Identity comes from the Father. Not from folks around me, not from what I do, not from the lifestyle I choose...from the Father.
That dovetailed nicely with the verse that had jumped off the page when I read it yesterday morning during my 3 & 1 time... John 5:44, 'How can you believe if you accept praise from one another yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?'
How can I really believe, really follow what God intends for my life if I let others...people...determine my identity; if I'm seeking to get their approval, their affirmation, their attention.
That was a big SELAH when I read it, and I came back to it again as I pondered identity at lunchtime.
How can I seek the praise of the only God instead of getting my affirmation and direction from folks around me?
Definitely food for thought.
The fast culminates in our Champions Summit Leadership conference which will be Thur - Sat next week, so I probably won't manage my typical Friday post. But maybe I'll have some thoughts to share on the other side.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
New Year; New Paradigms
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
I goofed up a bit on my supplements yesterday and, as a result, had a slight reaction today that meant it was wiser to stay home and watch today's worship online.
And pastor's message challenged me. Four words for 2017. God's heart to Strengthen, Empower, Prepare, and Entrust. And I was caught feeling tired, routine, unfocused and lacking credibility on many levels. Just being honest.
Suddenly, I realized that, since the rest of the family was at church for all three services, I had a chunk of several hours all by myself to reflect and ponder and pray. That is something that NEVER happens on New Year's Day. Was my miscalculation yesterday part of a plan to give me that opportunity?
Hmmmm....
I had been debating whether or not I would participate in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team this year. I did it in 2013 and 2015, but, to be honest, I didn't do so well at it in 2015. It became more of an assignment than a discipline, if that makes sense. But I didn't want to be a slacker and not pursue an opportunity to develop a discipline. Maybe all I needed was some determination?
But it was time to decide, because if I were to participate, verse number 1 is due today.
As I sat with my journal, I found myself nearly weeping. My reflection time had all but evaporated. The dry weariness I was experiencing was nothing more or less than the direct result of running on spiritual fumes for far longer than I should ever let myself. Why hadn't I recognized the signs?
There is nothing magical about January first, but it is a good opportunity to ask forgiveness, from both God and myself, for neglect, and shake off old routines that aren't working and start again.
In years past, I've had a word (or words) for a focal point for the year. Through a rather convoluted process, I have three words this year. The first came to me a day or two ago.
Whisper.
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. - 1 Kings 19:11b-13a, NIV 84
Am I close enough to God to hear His whisper? Am I attuned enough to Him to not be distracted by noise and chaos, but to hear His voice? Am I trusting enough to even whisper the desires of my heart? In 2017, I need to be determined to stay close to Him and focused on His voice.
As I listened to the sermon this morning, a second word attached itself to the first: Simple.
I have allowed my life to become overly complicated. There's a lot going on, and it occurred to me that the more I have to accomplish the more I need to simplify.
...you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. - Lk 10:41b-42a, NIV 84
The ONE THING -- that's what I need to pursue. And that is the same thing, you know, being close to Him and listening to His voice.
Which means I need some intentional, disciplined time in the Word. And that gave me the third word. Structure.
I haven't had that in a while. A long while. I decided I need to set my goal of reading through the Bible in a year. 4 chapters a day is all it takes and our church has long promoted the idea of 3 + 1 reading: 3 chapters in the Old Testament and 1 in the New, every day. Gonna start with Genesis, Psalms and John.
I even found a journal to hand to record what I glean as I read. I'm a verbal processor (no shock to anyone who's been reading BLR for a while!); writing notes helps get those truths rooted where they need to be.
And, you know, that's enough for me for this year. Simple and all. So instead of SSMT 2017, I'll be doing 3+1 2017. I'll probably be sharing bits from what I read as the year progresses. Just doing that much this morning...Genesis 1 and 2, Psalms 1 and John 1...was like a long drink of fresh water.
I have a feeling 1/1/18 will feel a whole lot different than 1/1/17 if I just stick to a simple structure to attune myself to the whisper of God.
I goofed up a bit on my supplements yesterday and, as a result, had a slight reaction today that meant it was wiser to stay home and watch today's worship online.
And pastor's message challenged me. Four words for 2017. God's heart to Strengthen, Empower, Prepare, and Entrust. And I was caught feeling tired, routine, unfocused and lacking credibility on many levels. Just being honest.
Suddenly, I realized that, since the rest of the family was at church for all three services, I had a chunk of several hours all by myself to reflect and ponder and pray. That is something that NEVER happens on New Year's Day. Was my miscalculation yesterday part of a plan to give me that opportunity?
Hmmmm....
I had been debating whether or not I would participate in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team this year. I did it in 2013 and 2015, but, to be honest, I didn't do so well at it in 2015. It became more of an assignment than a discipline, if that makes sense. But I didn't want to be a slacker and not pursue an opportunity to develop a discipline. Maybe all I needed was some determination?
But it was time to decide, because if I were to participate, verse number 1 is due today.
As I sat with my journal, I found myself nearly weeping. My reflection time had all but evaporated. The dry weariness I was experiencing was nothing more or less than the direct result of running on spiritual fumes for far longer than I should ever let myself. Why hadn't I recognized the signs?
There is nothing magical about January first, but it is a good opportunity to ask forgiveness, from both God and myself, for neglect, and shake off old routines that aren't working and start again.
In years past, I've had a word (or words) for a focal point for the year. Through a rather convoluted process, I have three words this year. The first came to me a day or two ago.
Whisper.
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. - 1 Kings 19:11b-13a, NIV 84
Am I close enough to God to hear His whisper? Am I attuned enough to Him to not be distracted by noise and chaos, but to hear His voice? Am I trusting enough to even whisper the desires of my heart? In 2017, I need to be determined to stay close to Him and focused on His voice.
As I listened to the sermon this morning, a second word attached itself to the first: Simple.
I have allowed my life to become overly complicated. There's a lot going on, and it occurred to me that the more I have to accomplish the more I need to simplify.
...you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. - Lk 10:41b-42a, NIV 84
The ONE THING -- that's what I need to pursue. And that is the same thing, you know, being close to Him and listening to His voice.
Which means I need some intentional, disciplined time in the Word. And that gave me the third word. Structure.
I haven't had that in a while. A long while. I decided I need to set my goal of reading through the Bible in a year. 4 chapters a day is all it takes and our church has long promoted the idea of 3 + 1 reading: 3 chapters in the Old Testament and 1 in the New, every day. Gonna start with Genesis, Psalms and John.
I even found a journal to hand to record what I glean as I read. I'm a verbal processor (no shock to anyone who's been reading BLR for a while!); writing notes helps get those truths rooted where they need to be.
And, you know, that's enough for me for this year. Simple and all. So instead of SSMT 2017, I'll be doing 3+1 2017. I'll probably be sharing bits from what I read as the year progresses. Just doing that much this morning...Genesis 1 and 2, Psalms 1 and John 1...was like a long drink of fresh water.
I have a feeling 1/1/18 will feel a whole lot different than 1/1/17 if I just stick to a simple structure to attune myself to the whisper of God.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Advent is Upon Us: Not the 'Inn Crowd'
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Ok, I admit it. The title is a very, very bad pun.
And this is not so much as an Advent musing as a reaction to what's happening during this particular Advent season.
I was never, ever part of the 'In Crowd' growing up. Something the folks in the 'In Crowd' would emphasize at times, lest I forget.
It's funny, because, you know, that was years and years ago and I thought it was all behind me.
But the news that is so prevalent has stirred it all up again. Because the same thing is happening on a national level. I'm not going to get political, but I do have to say this...what I'm seeing and hearing is very very very similar to so much that I experienced in my youth as one of the not-cool-people.
It actually has taken me a couple of weeks to realize that's the echo that's being generated by the current events. 'You're not cool and we aren't going to play with you....'
But, it being the season that it is and all, I am processing this through the story of a little family from the backwoods...can anything good come out of Nazareth?...who could not find any room amongst caring people. Not even in a moment of extreme need. Was it because they were from out of town? Was it because they were from the wrong neighborhood? Was it because the rumors of Mary's out-of-wedlock pregnancy had preceded them? Were they dressed differently, or did they talk funny, or not know the local customs? Or was it just because the folks around them were too pre-occupied with their own busy-ness that no one made it a point to help? Indifference, rather than outright rejection?
He certainly understands what it feels like to be overlooked, rejected and excluded. Born in a barn, raised in a small town away from any influential connections, misjudged and misunderstood...oh, yes, He understands. But the people who were like Him, the shepherds, the fishermen, even the prostitutes and tax collectors, all outside of the In Crowd as well, those people were glad of Him. He didn't even try, really, to win over the In people. He let them hold their opinions and focused on the folks who followed Him.
The lesson I'm getting from this almost subliminally is that, you know, it doesn't always matter what the 'In Crowd' says and does; my part is to follow Jesus and let Him handle it.
And I need to let every little echo that hammers on that surprisingly still slightly tender nerve to remind me of that.
And this is not so much as an Advent musing as a reaction to what's happening during this particular Advent season.
I was never, ever part of the 'In Crowd' growing up. Something the folks in the 'In Crowd' would emphasize at times, lest I forget.
It's funny, because, you know, that was years and years ago and I thought it was all behind me.
But the news that is so prevalent has stirred it all up again. Because the same thing is happening on a national level. I'm not going to get political, but I do have to say this...what I'm seeing and hearing is very very very similar to so much that I experienced in my youth as one of the not-cool-people.
It actually has taken me a couple of weeks to realize that's the echo that's being generated by the current events. 'You're not cool and we aren't going to play with you....'
But, it being the season that it is and all, I am processing this through the story of a little family from the backwoods...can anything good come out of Nazareth?...who could not find any room amongst caring people. Not even in a moment of extreme need. Was it because they were from out of town? Was it because they were from the wrong neighborhood? Was it because the rumors of Mary's out-of-wedlock pregnancy had preceded them? Were they dressed differently, or did they talk funny, or not know the local customs? Or was it just because the folks around them were too pre-occupied with their own busy-ness that no one made it a point to help? Indifference, rather than outright rejection?
He certainly understands what it feels like to be overlooked, rejected and excluded. Born in a barn, raised in a small town away from any influential connections, misjudged and misunderstood...oh, yes, He understands. But the people who were like Him, the shepherds, the fishermen, even the prostitutes and tax collectors, all outside of the In Crowd as well, those people were glad of Him. He didn't even try, really, to win over the In people. He let them hold their opinions and focused on the folks who followed Him.
The lesson I'm getting from this almost subliminally is that, you know, it doesn't always matter what the 'In Crowd' says and does; my part is to follow Jesus and let Him handle it.
And I need to let every little echo that hammers on that surprisingly still slightly tender nerve to remind me of that.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Advent is Upon Us: Home for Christmas
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
(Micah 5:2, Luke 2:4 - 5, NIV 84)
We have spent our entire married life 3 states away from our parents and most siblings; generally speaking, December was a time of pilgrimage back to the home state of Indiana. At first, it was just My Sweet Babboo and me, but over the years we added more kids...and luggage...to the trip. We've had issues with cars, issues with weather, issues with illness but somehow have managed to make it there and back safely...if a little travel worn...year after year. We've even added the son-in-law a couple of times.
But schedules...and vacation availability...don't always cooperate. This is one of those years in which we are not going to make the trip. Christmas on Sunday is a tough schedule to work around. And, I have to admit, not having to deal with luggage, or worry about weather, sicknesses, car reliability, etc has been something of a relief.
But I miss the family. I miss the traditional Christmas Eve service in the 100+ year old church in Elkhart. I miss the sights and sounds and amazing smells that always accompany Christmas. And, despite hating to drive in scary winter weather, I miss lake effect snow on Christmas.
But today, as I was listening to Straight No Chaser's version of 'I'll be Home for Christmas' play through our stereo, it suddenly struck me that Mary and Joseph didn't spend that first Christmas with family, either.
We have the impression that Mary was in the throes of labor when they got to Bethlehem, but the scripture doesn't say 'They arrived in Bethlehem, and that night....' it just states 'While they were there....'. I don't know how long the census taking process took; it may be that they had been there as much as a week or two or even longer. They may have even thought they would have time to make the journey, spend a couple of days registering, and then make it home before the baby came....and then one day turned into another frustrating day turned into another frustrating day...and then it was suddenly Time.
There's a level of stress all its own when things go wrong on a trip. There's nothing like sitting in a stalled out car waiting and waiting and waiting for AAA to send a tow truck...when you've got four hungry kids in the back. Or postponing the trip home for a day...or two...because people are throwing up. I have a feeling that, from the moment Mary and Joseph entered Bethlehem, nothing went according to plan. They were having to improvise just to have shelter.
At least, it didn't go according to THEIR plan. God's plan was obviously in place and running right on schedule.
So this brings up my Advent pondering...God has a plan, and that plan will always make a way. Even if it doesn't appear to be convenient, comfortable or the way I'd like.
Even in years when 'Home for Christmas' means miles away from Christmas as It Used To Be.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Advent is Upon Us: Resurrection is Coming
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Another
in the series of Advent Ramblings...
In the denominational church we were in for years and years, there was one section of the hymnal that we sang out of exclusively, starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving through the last service before Christmas, whenever that would be. You know the section, if you're in a church that uses a hymnal. The Advent and Christmas- themed entries. The choir would have been rehearsing the Christmas cantata music since early in September.
But in our non-denominational, contemporary-worship-style church, where the musicians play by the Nashville numbers instead of from music staves, it is rare that we sing traditional Christmas music at all before the last Sunday before Christmas.
Our choir set this past week was right in that pattern; it was not Christmas music. In fact, two out of the three songs (and maybe the third one as well; I can't remember for sure) were songs we've used in an Easter set. I chuckled to one of my co-choir members as we left the platform after the worship set second service, 'Only at The Rock would we be singing Easter music during Advent!'
I thought I was making a little joke, but that began to echo in my spirit and I suddenly realized it DOES make at least some sense to sing Easter music at Christmas. Because, as one of my favorite Christmas songs remind us, Jesus, our Savior, was born for to die....
The first song in Sunday's set is soaring, both lyrically and vocally, and is appropriately titled 'Glorious' -
My God You reign
Forever and ever
How great Your name
Your love remains
Forever and ever
You stay the same
He IS THE SAME. The same God who took on human flesh and lived among us loves us as much now as he did when He stepped out of heaven and into the limits of physical life with the intention of restoring relationship with us. The same Jesus who didn't reject any person who came to him but did exhort him/her to leave a sinful lifestyle...whether it was sexual sin or the sins of greed and lack of faith...receives folks just the same. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done, just that you're willing to leave what is wrong and follow Him.
But that brings up another thought...it's easy for us to get all awe-struck over a baby born in a barn, with angels and heavenly wonders announcing His birth. He hasn't asked us to do anything hard yet. But He's the same. You can't truly embrace infant Jesus if you can't embrace what adult Jesus said...'One thing you lack. Go and sell all you have (or 'go and sin no more')...and follow me'. What is the one thing (or maybe more than one) that He would say to me, 'That's holding you back from following me fully'....?
The second song in the set, 'Your Love Awakens Me', reminds us that because He is alive, we live. It leans a little more into the theme of resurrection..
Hear the song awaken
All creation singing
We're alive
Cause You're alive
But the closer of the set is full on Easter morning:
The Anthem [Lyrics]
by Jonathan Hunt, Henry Seeley, and Liz Webber
By His stripes we are healed
By His nail pierced hands we're free
By His blood we're washed clean
Now we have the victory
The pow'r of sin is broken
Jesus overcame it all
He has won our freedom
Jesus has won it all
Hallelujah You have won the victory
Hallelujah You have won it all for me
'Cause death could not hold You down
You are the risen King
Seated in majesty
You are the risen King
Our God is risen
He is alive
He won the victory
He reigns on high
It's good to remember the why of the manger while we're focusing on preparing to celebrate His birth. Because...without the 'why', we've really no reason to celebrate.
In the denominational church we were in for years and years, there was one section of the hymnal that we sang out of exclusively, starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving through the last service before Christmas, whenever that would be. You know the section, if you're in a church that uses a hymnal. The Advent and Christmas- themed entries. The choir would have been rehearsing the Christmas cantata music since early in September.
But in our non-denominational, contemporary-worship-style church, where the musicians play by the Nashville numbers instead of from music staves, it is rare that we sing traditional Christmas music at all before the last Sunday before Christmas.
Our choir set this past week was right in that pattern; it was not Christmas music. In fact, two out of the three songs (and maybe the third one as well; I can't remember for sure) were songs we've used in an Easter set. I chuckled to one of my co-choir members as we left the platform after the worship set second service, 'Only at The Rock would we be singing Easter music during Advent!'
I thought I was making a little joke, but that began to echo in my spirit and I suddenly realized it DOES make at least some sense to sing Easter music at Christmas. Because, as one of my favorite Christmas songs remind us, Jesus, our Savior, was born for to die....
The first song in Sunday's set is soaring, both lyrically and vocally, and is appropriately titled 'Glorious' -
My God You reign
Forever and ever
How great Your name
Your love remains
Forever and ever
You stay the same
He IS THE SAME. The same God who took on human flesh and lived among us loves us as much now as he did when He stepped out of heaven and into the limits of physical life with the intention of restoring relationship with us. The same Jesus who didn't reject any person who came to him but did exhort him/her to leave a sinful lifestyle...whether it was sexual sin or the sins of greed and lack of faith...receives folks just the same. It doesn't matter who you are or what you've done, just that you're willing to leave what is wrong and follow Him.
But that brings up another thought...it's easy for us to get all awe-struck over a baby born in a barn, with angels and heavenly wonders announcing His birth. He hasn't asked us to do anything hard yet. But He's the same. You can't truly embrace infant Jesus if you can't embrace what adult Jesus said...'One thing you lack. Go and sell all you have (or 'go and sin no more')...and follow me'. What is the one thing (or maybe more than one) that He would say to me, 'That's holding you back from following me fully'....?
The second song in the set, 'Your Love Awakens Me', reminds us that because He is alive, we live. It leans a little more into the theme of resurrection..
Hear the song awaken
All creation singing
We're alive
Cause You're alive
But the closer of the set is full on Easter morning:
The Anthem [Lyrics]
by Jonathan Hunt, Henry Seeley, and Liz Webber
By His stripes we are healed
By His nail pierced hands we're free
By His blood we're washed clean
Now we have the victory
The pow'r of sin is broken
Jesus overcame it all
He has won our freedom
Jesus has won it all
Hallelujah You have won the victory
Hallelujah You have won it all for me
'Cause death could not hold You down
You are the risen King
Seated in majesty
You are the risen King
Our God is risen
He is alive
He won the victory
He reigns on high
It's good to remember the why of the manger while we're focusing on preparing to celebrate His birth. Because...without the 'why', we've really no reason to celebrate.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Advent is Upon Us: Let Your Light Shine
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Sigh. Wrong watermark. Ohwell...
At choir practice last night, our worship pastor made the statement that 'This year has gone by faster than any year has ever gone by!' I kinda think I agree with him. I'm shifting all kinds of paradigms now to try and get my spirit, my subconscious, my house and my gift giving preparations all caught up to the fact that it is December 2, the first Friday in Advent.
The antique aluminum tree was the first actual decor of the season that went up at our house. I've had it for about 6 years...it came from a hoarder's stash... but didn't put it up until last year. I was waiting on the completion of the sunroom rebuild. My grandmother had a tree that was the dead spit of this one when I was a kid...and there's just something about it that makes me smile. My Sweet Babboo will put an American Flyer setup under it and our nostalgia corner will be complete.
Now, I've been mulling what to do for this suddenly arrived Advent season. I've done a couple of studies in years past, and I still enjoy reading them. I had an idea for a study this morning, but realized I didn't have enough time to put it together like I really wanted to. Maybe that's next year's plan.
So, this year...it's going to be a little more, um, inspired. And what has inspired my thinking for today is my rather pitiful little aluminum Christmas Tree.
The passage that got my attention today is Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV 84):
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The Advent season, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, is the darkest season of the year. The days are getting colder and shorter. In the US, we have had an election that has exposed the deep rift in the beliefs and priorities of the populace. Anger has surfaced and has sometimes turned violent. The media, in pursuit of notoriety, sensationalism and the accompanying advertising income, has proven itself untrustworthy to proclaim the truth. Reason and common sense seem to have taken an extended vacation. It is dark in these parts...very dark.
But what does Jesus tell us? To be light. No,wait; that's not quite right. He doesn't tell us to be light, He says we ARE light. Set on a hill. Or, like my shiny tree in the sunroom windows, on display.
But here's the kicker, and this is why the aluminum tree inspired this train of thought...look at that photo. The tree is lighting up the room, not because it is light, but because it is reflecting light.
And the reason it is reflecting light is because it is appropriately located near the source. And I realized that letting my light shine is not so much about doing as it is about being.
Am I positioned near enough to the Source of All Light that I am reflecting that light out into the darkness around me so that folks will know the Source?
At choir practice last night, our worship pastor made the statement that 'This year has gone by faster than any year has ever gone by!' I kinda think I agree with him. I'm shifting all kinds of paradigms now to try and get my spirit, my subconscious, my house and my gift giving preparations all caught up to the fact that it is December 2, the first Friday in Advent.
The antique aluminum tree was the first actual decor of the season that went up at our house. I've had it for about 6 years...it came from a hoarder's stash... but didn't put it up until last year. I was waiting on the completion of the sunroom rebuild. My grandmother had a tree that was the dead spit of this one when I was a kid...and there's just something about it that makes me smile. My Sweet Babboo will put an American Flyer setup under it and our nostalgia corner will be complete.
Now, I've been mulling what to do for this suddenly arrived Advent season. I've done a couple of studies in years past, and I still enjoy reading them. I had an idea for a study this morning, but realized I didn't have enough time to put it together like I really wanted to. Maybe that's next year's plan.
So, this year...it's going to be a little more, um, inspired. And what has inspired my thinking for today is my rather pitiful little aluminum Christmas Tree.
The passage that got my attention today is Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV 84):
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
The Advent season, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, is the darkest season of the year. The days are getting colder and shorter. In the US, we have had an election that has exposed the deep rift in the beliefs and priorities of the populace. Anger has surfaced and has sometimes turned violent. The media, in pursuit of notoriety, sensationalism and the accompanying advertising income, has proven itself untrustworthy to proclaim the truth. Reason and common sense seem to have taken an extended vacation. It is dark in these parts...very dark.
But what does Jesus tell us? To be light. No,wait; that's not quite right. He doesn't tell us to be light, He says we ARE light. Set on a hill. Or, like my shiny tree in the sunroom windows, on display.
But here's the kicker, and this is why the aluminum tree inspired this train of thought...look at that photo. The tree is lighting up the room, not because it is light, but because it is reflecting light.
And the reason it is reflecting light is because it is appropriately located near the source. And I realized that letting my light shine is not so much about doing as it is about being.
Am I positioned near enough to the Source of All Light that I am reflecting that light out into the darkness around me so that folks will know the Source?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)