We had a special guest speaker today, Robert Stearns of Eagles' Wings...and he had a word for the house, which I think really applies to all of us:
The stakes are higher than you realize
He talked about the ability of one ordinary person, making extraordinary decisions, to change the world...then challenged each of us to make the decision to be that person; to rebuild the necessary, protective, defining walls that have been breached, broken and burned (Nehemiah was the example).
It was a powerful message (here's the podcast), and it made me think about how my routine day goes...doing routine things. I don't realize the importance of the moment...that little-noted decision to postpone, put off, momentarily delay my time with God. It happens more than I'd like to admit. Especially since that postponement or delay somehow tends to turn into the entire day and I've missed my daily manna without intending to.
I need to be more wise, more discerning. There really is more at stake than I realize.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday Flashback #12: Boundaries
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
I found this entry just this morning...and was surprised that I'd forgotten it until I read it. I actually copied a bit of it into a required autobiographical paper I had to write in the one post-bachelor's-degree class I've taken (about six months after I wrote the original entry), 'Child Development'. My professor put a little star by it...I guess *she* liked it! Anyway, it's dated April 22, 1992:
Anything and everything is defined by its boundaries; whether it's a Bach fugue, a city, a denomination or a person. There are many different kinds of boundaries: Legal boundaries (i.e., the speed limit), physical boundaries, moral boundaries, intellectual boundaries, etc.
I am defined by the boundaries I set for myself. Some of these may be fairly flexible and subject to change as I grow and mature. Others are rock-solid; boundaries I could not step across without having to totally remake myself as a person. By crossing these boundaries or disposing of them, the definition of me would cease to be...I would have to be redefined.
Notice, this implies that where there are NO boundaries, there is no definition.
Now these boundaries...cannot be dictated or legislated, these defining boundaries are self-imposed boundaries. Or maybe, [they are] the boundaries the Spirit sets for us. Whichever, it is up to us to choose them.
Adam and Eve chose to step beyond their boundaries, and all humanity was redefined. Jesus maintained his, so now each individual has the opportunity to be redefined [once more].
As I typed that just now, I realized I didn't say something quite the way I meant it. The boundaries God set for Adam and Eve were simple: don't eat the fruit of that tree. The boundaries they set for themselves were the boundaries of obedience. Once they decided to disobey, they first stepped across their own boundaries, which led them to crossing the boundaries God set.
Society can set legal boundaries, but we must decide if we are going to live within those boundaries or not. The decision to honor/not honor boundaries set by those in authority is really what I'm talking about...that is the *personal* boundary that defines one's character.
No one but me can set my own personal boundaries.
Anyway, food for thought today!
I found this entry just this morning...and was surprised that I'd forgotten it until I read it. I actually copied a bit of it into a required autobiographical paper I had to write in the one post-bachelor's-degree class I've taken (about six months after I wrote the original entry), 'Child Development'. My professor put a little star by it...I guess *she* liked it! Anyway, it's dated April 22, 1992:
Anything and everything is defined by its boundaries; whether it's a Bach fugue, a city, a denomination or a person. There are many different kinds of boundaries: Legal boundaries (i.e., the speed limit), physical boundaries, moral boundaries, intellectual boundaries, etc.
I am defined by the boundaries I set for myself. Some of these may be fairly flexible and subject to change as I grow and mature. Others are rock-solid; boundaries I could not step across without having to totally remake myself as a person. By crossing these boundaries or disposing of them, the definition of me would cease to be...I would have to be redefined.
Notice, this implies that where there are NO boundaries, there is no definition.
Now these boundaries...cannot be dictated or legislated, these defining boundaries are self-imposed boundaries. Or maybe, [they are] the boundaries the Spirit sets for us. Whichever, it is up to us to choose them.
Adam and Eve chose to step beyond their boundaries, and all humanity was redefined. Jesus maintained his, so now each individual has the opportunity to be redefined [once more].
As I typed that just now, I realized I didn't say something quite the way I meant it. The boundaries God set for Adam and Eve were simple: don't eat the fruit of that tree. The boundaries they set for themselves were the boundaries of obedience. Once they decided to disobey, they first stepped across their own boundaries, which led them to crossing the boundaries God set.
Society can set legal boundaries, but we must decide if we are going to live within those boundaries or not. The decision to honor/not honor boundaries set by those in authority is really what I'm talking about...that is the *personal* boundary that defines one's character.
No one but me can set my own personal boundaries.
Anyway, food for thought today!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I smell good.
Seriously...
We do little gift bags for the ladies who register for the woman's conference each year, and this year is no exception. Usually, those bags contain a package of Kleenex, a couple of mints, a bottle of water, a notepad and pen, and a little vial of mixed anointing oil.
I spent a couple of hours at church this morning helping to fill the vials for this year's conference (starts in 2 weeks).
You know what? You can't fill those teeny vials without getting somewhat anointed yourself.
So today I am walking in the fragrance of spikenard, frankincense and myrrh.
And it really does smell good!
We do little gift bags for the ladies who register for the woman's conference each year, and this year is no exception. Usually, those bags contain a package of Kleenex, a couple of mints, a bottle of water, a notepad and pen, and a little vial of mixed anointing oil.
I spent a couple of hours at church this morning helping to fill the vials for this year's conference (starts in 2 weeks).
You know what? You can't fill those teeny vials without getting somewhat anointed yourself.
So today I am walking in the fragrance of spikenard, frankincense and myrrh.
And it really does smell good!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Five 'B's -- Bride
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
The Five 'B's' of a Godly Woman: A Blogged Bible Study
Syllabus:
July 29 -- Intro
Aug. 5 -- B1: Brave
Aug. 12 -- B2: Beautiful
Aug. 19 -- B3: Bold
Aug. 26 -- B4: Bride
Sept. 2 -- B5: Becoming
Sept. 9 -- Conclusion
A Godly Woman is a Bride
(Warning: I'm going to get really abstract here...)
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.' -- Rev. 19:6-7
I began studying this under the assumption that the Bride of Christ is clearly stated to be the church, but as I really dug into it I found that there was no scripture reference that states this explicitly. There are, however, scriptures that *imply* that the church is the Bride of Christ...most notably the passage in Ephesians 5: 22-32, which compares the relationship of husband and wife to that of Christ and church. Also, the passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 describes the catching away of the believers (which is commonly called 'The Rapture',and although that name is not given to it in Scripture it works as a short description of that catching away) as very much like the traditional wedding ritual of the Bridegroom taking the Bride from her father's house to the house he has prepared for her. Compare that imagery to John 14: 1 - 3: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. That is a picture of the Jewish Bridegroom preparing to receive his Betrothed.
So the entire body of believers is the Bride of Christ...and there's a wedding coming.
But the abstract thing is that what we are corporately, we are also individually. I have no idea how God manages to do this, but we each are, in this case, not one part of a whole, as in only experiencing the event corporately, but each one experiencing the marriage as an individual, with the whole attention of the Bridegroom. We will not be hidden in the crowd, occupying just a part of the bridal train; we will, as individuals, 'see face to face...know fully as I am known.' (1 Cor 13:12)
Think of the most incredible corporate worship service you have been in. When the Spirit of God is moving, the body as a whole perceives it, but it is because the individuals in the body experience it; each experience is fully individual. God moves on the body...and each person experiences God's presence as a personal event. So it is with the Bride.
As far as each individual is concerned, each one of us is...alone...the Bride.
The most intimate knowledge is reserved for the Bridegroom and His Bride.
I still remember the moment that I realized that the Bride of Christ is going to be celebrated at the marriage feast...and what follows a marriage feast is a consummation.
What can the consummation of that marriage be? We have no earthly idea, because such a thing is not an earthly possibility. Not only is it beyond our experience, it is beyond our ability to consider.
But there is a greater marvel than that.
Consummation leads to conception leads to birth.
What will the marriage of the Lamb and His Bride engender? CS Lewis was right to call it 'the beginning of all things'.
Closing thoughts Revelation 19:7 states that '...his bride has made herself ready.' Verse 8 goes on to state that her garment is fine linen, which stands for the righteous acts of the saints. However, Ephesians 5:25 - 27 says that '...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,...to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish,but holy and blameless.' Think of the bride on the morning of her wedding...bathing, anointing, dressing...preparing for the ceremony. However, much of that has been done for us, as the Bride of Christ. HE has cleansed us, anointed us, provided the garment of righteousness for us. Our task in making ourselves ready is only to receive what He has done, and put on the righteousness He has provided. How am I submitting to that process, and in what ways am I still trying to substitute my own righteousness, which Isaiah 64:6 clearly demonstrates is not a bridal gown, for the true righteousness He has provided?
The Five 'B's' of a Godly Woman: A Blogged Bible Study
Syllabus:
July 29 -- Intro
Aug. 5 -- B1: Brave
Aug. 12 -- B2: Beautiful
Aug. 19 -- B3: Bold
Aug. 26 -- B4: Bride
Sept. 2 -- B5: Becoming
Sept. 9 -- Conclusion
A Godly Woman is a Bride
(Warning: I'm going to get really abstract here...)
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns! Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.' -- Rev. 19:6-7
I began studying this under the assumption that the Bride of Christ is clearly stated to be the church, but as I really dug into it I found that there was no scripture reference that states this explicitly. There are, however, scriptures that *imply* that the church is the Bride of Christ...most notably the passage in Ephesians 5: 22-32, which compares the relationship of husband and wife to that of Christ and church. Also, the passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 describes the catching away of the believers (which is commonly called 'The Rapture',and although that name is not given to it in Scripture it works as a short description of that catching away) as very much like the traditional wedding ritual of the Bridegroom taking the Bride from her father's house to the house he has prepared for her. Compare that imagery to John 14: 1 - 3: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. That is a picture of the Jewish Bridegroom preparing to receive his Betrothed.
So the entire body of believers is the Bride of Christ...and there's a wedding coming.
But the abstract thing is that what we are corporately, we are also individually. I have no idea how God manages to do this, but we each are, in this case, not one part of a whole, as in only experiencing the event corporately, but each one experiencing the marriage as an individual, with the whole attention of the Bridegroom. We will not be hidden in the crowd, occupying just a part of the bridal train; we will, as individuals, 'see face to face...know fully as I am known.' (1 Cor 13:12)
Think of the most incredible corporate worship service you have been in. When the Spirit of God is moving, the body as a whole perceives it, but it is because the individuals in the body experience it; each experience is fully individual. God moves on the body...and each person experiences God's presence as a personal event. So it is with the Bride.
As far as each individual is concerned, each one of us is...alone...the Bride.
The most intimate knowledge is reserved for the Bridegroom and His Bride.
I still remember the moment that I realized that the Bride of Christ is going to be celebrated at the marriage feast...and what follows a marriage feast is a consummation.
What can the consummation of that marriage be? We have no earthly idea, because such a thing is not an earthly possibility. Not only is it beyond our experience, it is beyond our ability to consider.
But there is a greater marvel than that.
Consummation leads to conception leads to birth.
What will the marriage of the Lamb and His Bride engender? CS Lewis was right to call it 'the beginning of all things'.
Closing thoughts Revelation 19:7 states that '...his bride has made herself ready.' Verse 8 goes on to state that her garment is fine linen, which stands for the righteous acts of the saints. However, Ephesians 5:25 - 27 says that '...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,...to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish,but holy and blameless.' Think of the bride on the morning of her wedding...bathing, anointing, dressing...preparing for the ceremony. However, much of that has been done for us, as the Bride of Christ. HE has cleansed us, anointed us, provided the garment of righteousness for us. Our task in making ourselves ready is only to receive what He has done, and put on the righteousness He has provided. How am I submitting to that process, and in what ways am I still trying to substitute my own righteousness, which Isaiah 64:6 clearly demonstrates is not a bridal gown, for the true righteousness He has provided?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Jubilee Monday #6: Unfolding Dreams
Last night, our pastor and worship team traveled a bit over an hour to a nearby city to do guest ministry at a church there.
Although this had been planned for some time, it just so happened that yesterday was the first Sunday for their new pastor. And, it just so happened that their new pastor (Pastor Bill) was the first Senior Associate Pastor of our church, where he served for something like 4 years. He left, with the full blessing and love of our congregation, 2 1/2 years ago to take on a new associate/ administrative position in Florida, and, through a series of events and contacts that can only be supernatural ('You couldn't make this stuff up!' he told us), was just called to be the Senior Pastor at the church down the road a piece.
Did we have a celebration last night? You bet.
But what was amazing was this: during the brief message our pastor gave, he mentioned that this represented an unfolding of dreams that had been long laid aside; a returning to the dreams of youth.
As I listened, I thought, 'That sounds like Jubilee.'
Then I remembered that Pastor Bill is six months older than I am. It's *his* Jubilee year, too.
I was greatly encouraged. What God does for one, he will do for another. So now I'm going to think this week about this:
What are the dreams that I've considered unattainable, that I've folded up and put away?
Maybe I should pull them out and dust them off and see what God does with them.
Although this had been planned for some time, it just so happened that yesterday was the first Sunday for their new pastor. And, it just so happened that their new pastor (Pastor Bill) was the first Senior Associate Pastor of our church, where he served for something like 4 years. He left, with the full blessing and love of our congregation, 2 1/2 years ago to take on a new associate/ administrative position in Florida, and, through a series of events and contacts that can only be supernatural ('You couldn't make this stuff up!' he told us), was just called to be the Senior Pastor at the church down the road a piece.
Did we have a celebration last night? You bet.
But what was amazing was this: during the brief message our pastor gave, he mentioned that this represented an unfolding of dreams that had been long laid aside; a returning to the dreams of youth.
As I listened, I thought, 'That sounds like Jubilee.'
Then I remembered that Pastor Bill is six months older than I am. It's *his* Jubilee year, too.
I was greatly encouraged. What God does for one, he will do for another. So now I'm going to think this week about this:
What are the dreams that I've considered unattainable, that I've folded up and put away?
Maybe I should pull them out and dust them off and see what God does with them.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Flashback Friday #11 - Thirsty
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Here's an entry dated April 7, 2003:
For seeking God in a dry place, read Psalms 42 & 43. The whole cry of the desperate heart is there. Two verses in particular stand out to me:
"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?... send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of my God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, o God, my God." (Ps. 42:2, 43:3-4)
"When can I go and meet with God?"
Boy, isn't that still true for me today? But it is reassuring to know that God will draw me with truth and light to the time and place where I can meet with Him...I don't have to flounder around trying to figure it out for myself.
All I really need to do is look for His Light, listen for His truth...and respond.
Aye, there's the rub. I must respond. Immediately.
Not after I finish (whatever) or postpone it to a more convenient time.
I think that's the price that those who truly know God and walk with Him pay. That's where we really lay down our will for His. Look, listen, and respond.
The spring will not refresh the thirsty if the thirsty do not turn aside and drink from it.
Man, am I ever stomping on my own toes this morning!
Ow!
Here's an entry dated April 7, 2003:
For seeking God in a dry place, read Psalms 42 & 43. The whole cry of the desperate heart is there. Two verses in particular stand out to me:
"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?... send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of my God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, o God, my God." (Ps. 42:2, 43:3-4)
"When can I go and meet with God?"
Boy, isn't that still true for me today? But it is reassuring to know that God will draw me with truth and light to the time and place where I can meet with Him...I don't have to flounder around trying to figure it out for myself.
All I really need to do is look for His Light, listen for His truth...and respond.
Aye, there's the rub. I must respond. Immediately.
Not after I finish (whatever) or postpone it to a more convenient time.
I think that's the price that those who truly know God and walk with Him pay. That's where we really lay down our will for His. Look, listen, and respond.
The spring will not refresh the thirsty if the thirsty do not turn aside and drink from it.
Man, am I ever stomping on my own toes this morning!
Ow!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Five B's: Bold
Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
The Five 'B's' of a Godly Woman: A Blogged Bible Study
Syllabus:
July 29 -- Intro
Aug. 5 -- B1: Brave
Aug. 12 -- B2: Beautiful
Aug. 19 -- B3: Bold
Aug. 26 -- B4: Bride
Sept. 2 -- B5: Becoming
Sept. 9 -- Conclusion
A Godly Woman is Bold
Well, sort of, anyway.
Y'see, the American Heritage Dictionary lists the following varied definitions for the word 'Bold':
1)Fearless and courageous
2)Requiring or exhibiting courage and bravery
3)Unduly forward or brazen in manner
4)Clear and distinct to the eye: standing out prominently
Three out of four, would you say?
1 and 2 are basically different ways of saying the same thing; 3 is definitely not a quality of the Godly Woman, and there are verses pertaining to that kind of boldness, but I'm not going there in this little study. Finally, I believe 4 is true, but in an abstract fashion.
As I said in the study on 'Brave', I think the difference between being brave and bold is that someone who is brave is facing fear and yet proceeding, while someone who is bold is unafraid.
And, I think there are two ways of being unafraid.
The first way is through grace of ability. Just for example, it's not difficult for me to get up in front of people and speak. Oh, I might be nervous about doing a good job, but I'm not afraid in the sense that I want to bolt out the door or toss my breakfast. It's something I can do, I know I can do it, I even enjoy it a bit. I may or may not do a good job of speaking...but I'm not afraid to try it. And if I mess up (by saying 'Moldovia' instead of 'Moldova', for instance), I can laugh at myself.
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." - Prov. 28:1
"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." - 2 Cor. 3:12
"After they prayed, the place where the were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." - Acts 4:31
"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." - Acts 28:30-31
I think the second way is through the ability of grace. It comes by the way of bravery...doing something, even though I'm scared spitless, until I find that God really does take it and make it into something I could never do on my own. Then the fear is gradually outgrown, and I can be bold where once I was brave.
"When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." Ps. 138:3
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." - Acts 4:29
As I jotted down references from the concordance, I noticed that the largest concentration of the words boldly/boldness is in Acts. I don't think that's a coincidence; look back up at Acts 4:31: 'And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.' The ability to shift from doing it afraid to doing it without fear has got to lie in the filling of the Holy Spirit. He enables us to do what makes us afraid, then teaches us in the process that we have nothing to fear.
And a woman who truly is not afraid is...someone who stands out against the crowd. Distinct.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." - 2 Tim. 1:7
Closing thoughts: One of my favorite challenging questions now challenges me again: "What would you do if you truly were not afraid?" What are the first steps I must take with the Spirit in order to do those things?
The Five 'B's' of a Godly Woman: A Blogged Bible Study
Syllabus:
July 29 -- Intro
Aug. 5 -- B1: Brave
Aug. 12 -- B2: Beautiful
Aug. 19 -- B3: Bold
Aug. 26 -- B4: Bride
Sept. 2 -- B5: Becoming
Sept. 9 -- Conclusion
A Godly Woman is Bold
Well, sort of, anyway.
Y'see, the American Heritage Dictionary lists the following varied definitions for the word 'Bold':
1)Fearless and courageous
2)Requiring or exhibiting courage and bravery
3)Unduly forward or brazen in manner
4)Clear and distinct to the eye: standing out prominently
Three out of four, would you say?
1 and 2 are basically different ways of saying the same thing; 3 is definitely not a quality of the Godly Woman, and there are verses pertaining to that kind of boldness, but I'm not going there in this little study. Finally, I believe 4 is true, but in an abstract fashion.
As I said in the study on 'Brave', I think the difference between being brave and bold is that someone who is brave is facing fear and yet proceeding, while someone who is bold is unafraid.
And, I think there are two ways of being unafraid.
The first way is through grace of ability. Just for example, it's not difficult for me to get up in front of people and speak. Oh, I might be nervous about doing a good job, but I'm not afraid in the sense that I want to bolt out the door or toss my breakfast. It's something I can do, I know I can do it, I even enjoy it a bit. I may or may not do a good job of speaking...but I'm not afraid to try it. And if I mess up (by saying 'Moldovia' instead of 'Moldova', for instance), I can laugh at myself.
"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." - Prov. 28:1
"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." - 2 Cor. 3:12
"After they prayed, the place where the were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." - Acts 4:31
"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." - Acts 28:30-31
I think the second way is through the ability of grace. It comes by the way of bravery...doing something, even though I'm scared spitless, until I find that God really does take it and make it into something I could never do on my own. Then the fear is gradually outgrown, and I can be bold where once I was brave.
"When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." Ps. 138:3
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." - Acts 4:29
As I jotted down references from the concordance, I noticed that the largest concentration of the words boldly/boldness is in Acts. I don't think that's a coincidence; look back up at Acts 4:31: 'And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.' The ability to shift from doing it afraid to doing it without fear has got to lie in the filling of the Holy Spirit. He enables us to do what makes us afraid, then teaches us in the process that we have nothing to fear.
And a woman who truly is not afraid is...someone who stands out against the crowd. Distinct.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." - 2 Tim. 1:7
Closing thoughts: One of my favorite challenging questions now challenges me again: "What would you do if you truly were not afraid?" What are the first steps I must take with the Spirit in order to do those things?
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