I love nicknames! Do you have any special names that only certain people use? I do and I love it! There's just something about hearing a dear friend or family member call you by a name that you know they chose just for you.
In Revelation 2:17, it says that God will give us a "white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." I've always imagined that was a special name... the nickname that Our Heavenly Father uses for us when He talks with the Son and the Holy Spirit about us. I don't think that it is a change from "Julie" to "Sarah" or "Elizabeth"... I think it's that special name that only My Father uses.... I imagine it's like Little House on the Prairie where Pa always calls Laura "Half-Pint".
I like that... can't wait to see what my new name will be! How wonderful it will be to hear it from My Father's lips when I see Him face to face. Joy!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Church: a human institution with a divine commission.
I've recently had conversations with a few different people about the value of attending Church. I know many who have deep faith, but no interest in "religion" (i.e. the church as an institution). Today I received this devotional thought from the pastor of Bowling Green 1st Christian Church (where my parents attend).
In a pointed editorial in Saturday's New York Times, Maureen Dowd... posed a question... It is a question churches of every hue need to contemplate. "How do you take spiritual direction from a church that seems to be losing its soul?"I ask myself: am I a stumbling block or a stepping stone to others who would seek Christ?
I fear one of the reasons more and more people have opted out of church life rises from a feeling that the church doesn't have relevant answers for today's world. Young adults have witnessed scandal after scandal that have rocked both Protestant and Catholic Churches. They've seen churches fight and feud over things like the kind of music to be used in worship. They've seen people turned away from the church because of their skin color, their sexual orientation, or their poverty. They've seen television ministes get wealthy and committed small church pastors struggle for survival. They've heard liberal Churches demonized and conservative churches minimized. They've seen parents put on saintly faces on Sunday morning only to live like the devil the rest of the week. "How do you take spiritual direction from a church that seems to be losing its soul?"
While those of us in the institutional church wring our hands and worry about what is to become of the church, it might be good to remember a young man who lived years ago who felt the religious structure of his day had disappointed. "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer'; but you are making it a den of robbers," (Matt. 21:13). This young man wasn't anti-God. Indeed he had come from God with a message of hope and grace. He would die on a Roman cross for his new ideas and God would honor this young man by raising him from the dead.
I pray those who feel the church is losing its soul won't give up on their quest for God. And I pray they will recognize the church is capable of reformation and change. It is a human institution with a divine commission. When it works, it works better than any other human organization. When it is filled with those committed to be the faithful hands and feet of Christ, nothing on earth can stop it. If this is not the case today, may a new generation make it so.
Prayer: Lord, you give us the church as your body in the world. We confess its flaws and weakness. We pray for new strength and power to transform that which is corrupt into that which gives glory to you and bears witness to the life of Jesus. Renew us, we pray, in the name of our brother Jesus. Amen
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Critical of my brothers and sisters
Hmmm.... seems like today is another day that my blog will be a confession. I'm reflecting on yet another stumbling block in my walk with Christ and I'm seeking to move beyond another bad habit. The fact is, I have an overly critical heart when it comes to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me give you a few examples so you'll see what I mean:
Example 1: There is a woman I know who always seems to rub me the wrong way. Anytime someone has a problem to tackle she is always quick to quote a scripture or have a "pat answer". In my own spirit I feel her words are harsh and critical nearly saying "if you were just perfect in your faith like me, you would know that [this Bible truth, that resource] is the answer to all your problems." Now I know the Lord has used her to reach many people and impact their lives. She has a heart for the lost and loves them deeply. Plain and simple the problem is that she doesn't do things the way I would do them. [insert tongue in cheek here] She is bold and crisp with her approach; I tend to be slow and test the waters. I often challenge myself to ask why I allow her style to annoy me. Perhaps, if I'm honest, it's partly because she has a boldness that I don't have. There are ways I wish I were more like her... and ways I'm glad I'm not. The fact is that both of us are uniquely designed by God to serve His good purpose to glorify His name and bring others into His kingdom. There are people that she can reach that I never will... and vice versa.
Example 2: I have friends who I love dearly and who sometimes frustrate me to no end! They love the Lord and teach their children to walk in His ways. They have family members who do not walk with God and who live lifestyles which my friends do not approve. They are openly critical of their family members, sometimes showing great disgust for their lives. Deep under their disgust are genuine hearts for their loved ones; they want them to know Jesus and to walk in His ways, choosing right for themselves and their children. I wonder if their critical hearts have become more visible than their loving, compassionate hearts? Would they reach their family better by another way? Again, I realize that their way is not my way, but that doesn't make it wrong. I think I'm too quick to "excuse" the bad behavior of those who "know no better". I don't speak up; I don't make people aware of their sin for fear of offending them.
The bottom line for me is this: I need to stop focusing on how my brothers and sisters in Christ are "doing it wrong" and start focusing on how I can be obedient to what God is asking of me; I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and the path He is leading me down, instead of being critical of others. Certainly, if I see a brother or sister who I genuinely believe is in error, I should confront them privately [as opposed to harboring negative feelings in my heart]. Good dialog among believers can heal a multitude of hurts and alleviate a lot of misunderstandings.
More and more each day I find myself wanting to be more like Jesus. This means I must rid myself of the things that hinder my walk with Him. If it doesn't not honor God and edify His Children [my brothers and sisters] I need to purge it from my mind.
I am praying that God will "fill you [and me] with the knowledge of His will... so that we may live lives worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way." Read Colossians 1:9-14 A great prayer!
Example 1: There is a woman I know who always seems to rub me the wrong way. Anytime someone has a problem to tackle she is always quick to quote a scripture or have a "pat answer". In my own spirit I feel her words are harsh and critical nearly saying "if you were just perfect in your faith like me, you would know that [this Bible truth, that resource] is the answer to all your problems." Now I know the Lord has used her to reach many people and impact their lives. She has a heart for the lost and loves them deeply. Plain and simple the problem is that she doesn't do things the way I would do them. [insert tongue in cheek here] She is bold and crisp with her approach; I tend to be slow and test the waters. I often challenge myself to ask why I allow her style to annoy me. Perhaps, if I'm honest, it's partly because she has a boldness that I don't have. There are ways I wish I were more like her... and ways I'm glad I'm not. The fact is that both of us are uniquely designed by God to serve His good purpose to glorify His name and bring others into His kingdom. There are people that she can reach that I never will... and vice versa.
Example 2: I have friends who I love dearly and who sometimes frustrate me to no end! They love the Lord and teach their children to walk in His ways. They have family members who do not walk with God and who live lifestyles which my friends do not approve. They are openly critical of their family members, sometimes showing great disgust for their lives. Deep under their disgust are genuine hearts for their loved ones; they want them to know Jesus and to walk in His ways, choosing right for themselves and their children. I wonder if their critical hearts have become more visible than their loving, compassionate hearts? Would they reach their family better by another way? Again, I realize that their way is not my way, but that doesn't make it wrong. I think I'm too quick to "excuse" the bad behavior of those who "know no better". I don't speak up; I don't make people aware of their sin for fear of offending them.
The bottom line for me is this: I need to stop focusing on how my brothers and sisters in Christ are "doing it wrong" and start focusing on how I can be obedient to what God is asking of me; I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and the path He is leading me down, instead of being critical of others. Certainly, if I see a brother or sister who I genuinely believe is in error, I should confront them privately [as opposed to harboring negative feelings in my heart]. Good dialog among believers can heal a multitude of hurts and alleviate a lot of misunderstandings.
More and more each day I find myself wanting to be more like Jesus. This means I must rid myself of the things that hinder my walk with Him. If it doesn't not honor God and edify His Children [my brothers and sisters] I need to purge it from my mind.
I am praying that God will "fill you [and me] with the knowledge of His will... so that we may live lives worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way." Read Colossians 1:9-14 A great prayer!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Putting Words In God's Mouth
I have a friend who often uses the phrase "the Lord told me to..." or "the Lord told me not to..." or "the "Lord told me [this or that] will happen." Often times at I hear these words I sense in my own spirit that the word she received isn't what God would speak to her at all.
Do I believe that God speaks to us? Absolutely! I have my own testimony of dreams that I believe were given to me as a word from the Lord. However, I am also trying to learn to be very careful about putting words in God's mouth.
This morning, I read Jeremiah 23:36. God says, "You must not mention 'the oracle of the Lord' again, because every man's own word becomes his oracle so you distort the words of the Living God." The warning here is against false prophets. John also addressed false prophets when he said, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)
We can be false prophets ourselves. Whether we say "the Lord told me" to ourselves or someone else, we must be careful not to put words in God's mouth! It is easy to want God to be "on our side" about an issue, especially when we really want (or don't want) something. Most of us would confess that we've presented an issue with God on our side at some time in our lives. However, as mature Christians, we must learn to test that word by studying what God says about the matter in scripture and listening to the wise counsel of friends, family, and church leaders.
God most definitely wants to speak to each of us and He desires that we hear His voice. Let's be intentional about seeking out His Word in scripture and through Godly Counsel before we put words into His Mouth!
May His Voice ring clearly in your ears today.
Do I believe that God speaks to us? Absolutely! I have my own testimony of dreams that I believe were given to me as a word from the Lord. However, I am also trying to learn to be very careful about putting words in God's mouth.
This morning, I read Jeremiah 23:36. God says, "You must not mention 'the oracle of the Lord' again, because every man's own word becomes his oracle so you distort the words of the Living God." The warning here is against false prophets. John also addressed false prophets when he said, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)
We can be false prophets ourselves. Whether we say "the Lord told me" to ourselves or someone else, we must be careful not to put words in God's mouth! It is easy to want God to be "on our side" about an issue, especially when we really want (or don't want) something. Most of us would confess that we've presented an issue with God on our side at some time in our lives. However, as mature Christians, we must learn to test that word by studying what God says about the matter in scripture and listening to the wise counsel of friends, family, and church leaders.
God most definitely wants to speak to each of us and He desires that we hear His voice. Let's be intentional about seeking out His Word in scripture and through Godly Counsel before we put words into His Mouth!
May His Voice ring clearly in your ears today.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Have you had your 8 glasses today?
Dehydration. I live in a perpetual state of dehydration because I have not made it a habit to drink the "eight glasses of water a day" that is prescribed by health professionals. There are days that I can look back and realize that I've not even managed 2 glasses, let alone 8! (Many experts actually recommend more, depending on your body type, age, etc)
So what?
There are all kinds of implication of not getting enough water. Hypertension and poor blood circulation are just two areas impacted by a lack of sufficient water. I suffer from both. A few months ago, I attempted to give blood but was turned away. Why? They couldn't find my blood vessels because I was so dehydrated! Not only was my unhealthy habit damaging to myself, but it also hindered my ability to help others.
Learning to drink more water is a difficult discipline for me to develop. It just isn't in the forefront of my mind and I often overlook my body's "thirst indicator." Did you know that we often time mistake our bodies thirst signal for hunger and eat when we really just need a drink of water? Yep. It's true.... and this feeds right into another difficult discipline for me: eating right.
This week I read this passage from Jeremiah: “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Obviously there are some spiritual implications here; however, I believe there are physical implications as well. My body is designed to need water, yet I have forsaken the habit of drinking water as needed. AND I have substituted unhealthy alternatives in place of water: drinking beverages that are filled with sugar, caffeine, etc and eating when my body really just wants a drink of water OR simply not drinking anything at all (empty cisterns).
Plain and simple: I need to have good old fashioned water in my diet because that is the best thing I can do for my physical body. It hydrates me, keeps my blood flowing (which gives me more energy), cleans out my system and in the end, it contributes to losing weight. Nothing but good can come from adding water to my daily regimen. I like that!
If you're ever in the neighborhood drop by for a cup of cold water. Cheers!
Blessings,
Julie
So what?
There are all kinds of implication of not getting enough water. Hypertension and poor blood circulation are just two areas impacted by a lack of sufficient water. I suffer from both. A few months ago, I attempted to give blood but was turned away. Why? They couldn't find my blood vessels because I was so dehydrated! Not only was my unhealthy habit damaging to myself, but it also hindered my ability to help others.
Learning to drink more water is a difficult discipline for me to develop. It just isn't in the forefront of my mind and I often overlook my body's "thirst indicator." Did you know that we often time mistake our bodies thirst signal for hunger and eat when we really just need a drink of water? Yep. It's true.... and this feeds right into another difficult discipline for me: eating right.
This week I read this passage from Jeremiah: “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Obviously there are some spiritual implications here; however, I believe there are physical implications as well. My body is designed to need water, yet I have forsaken the habit of drinking water as needed. AND I have substituted unhealthy alternatives in place of water: drinking beverages that are filled with sugar, caffeine, etc and eating when my body really just wants a drink of water OR simply not drinking anything at all (empty cisterns).
Plain and simple: I need to have good old fashioned water in my diet because that is the best thing I can do for my physical body. It hydrates me, keeps my blood flowing (which gives me more energy), cleans out my system and in the end, it contributes to losing weight. Nothing but good can come from adding water to my daily regimen. I like that!
If you're ever in the neighborhood drop by for a cup of cold water. Cheers!
Blessings,
Julie
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Is there anything else.....?
"Is there anything I can get for you that I haven't offered you yet?"This question has become a part of my daily routine when serving breakfast to guests at The Potter's Inn. It is a joy to "go the extra mile" to make someone's day by providing the unexpected "more."
Today when I asked the question, my guests were delighted... not that they had anything particular in mind, but that I was willing to do whatever I was able to make their stay a pleasant one. Just knowing that I wanted to do something good for them made a difference.
As I was cleaning up afterwards, I reflected on the experience and thought about the fact that God asks us that question all the time. "What more can I do for you, my child? Is there something extra, something special that I can do just for you today?"
God knows our hearts and our minds. He knows the things that we long to have, the places we long to go, the dreams we dare to dream... and He wants to help bring the good things to us. Everyday, He provides for us in ways that we don't see; He provides our "daily bread."
And yet, He longs to do so much more! He wants to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). So, think about what it is that you want? The thing that goes beyond daily need and gets to the heart of what will bring you delight. God, the Father, is waiting to give you that little something extra that is special just for you. Ask!
Oh, and while you're waiting for Him to give you the desires of your heart... take time to thank Him for caring enough to ask "What more can I do for you my child?"
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Two are better than one...
Today is one of those days for me... One of the days when I hate being alone. It's a day that this passage from Ecclesiastes 4 comes to mind:
I think it has a lot to do with the way God designed me, perhaps the way He designed us all. After all, He's the one who said "It is not good for man to be alone." (Gen 2:18) I do not believe God ever intended for individuals to live their lives alone and with out a "helper". [NOTE: Having said that, I also do not believe that everyone is "destined" to marry. I'll discuss that in another blog, but that's not what I want to talk about here.]
Solomon, in all his wisdom, notes that "they have good return for their work." I get that. I'm the kind of person who needs to have someone to come along side me and help me to reason through the ideas that I have. Nothing motivates me more than to have someone else be excited about the things that are exciting to me. It's not so much that I need someone to DO the work with me; I need someone with whom I can talk out loud about the work that needs to be done. When I speak, I need to know that someone hears.
Today I feel lost and overwhelmed because I have a mind full of truly good ideas and I don't know where to start. I look around me and see dozens of things that need to be done now and can't find the place to begin. Today is a day that I feel like I've fallen and there's no one to help me up.
Wise counsel has suggested that when I feel lonely, I should think of Jesus being in the room with me and talk to Him. I like that idea; I get the concept. And yet, the fact is, sometimes I need to audibly hear Him talking with me. I need to hear Him saying, "Yes, that's a good idea... and what about this? Did you think of how this would impact that?" And sometimes, I need Jesus to get the other end of the table, help me to move it and then to say, "Yes, I think this is the perfect set up for tomorrow's activity!"
God never intended for us to do everything alone and certainly He is always with us in spirit. (He's promised never to leave or forsake us ~ Deuteronomy 31:6) However, Jesus also wants to be present to us physically and, for now, He can only do this through His Children. One day we will see Him face-to-face. In the meantime, I sure do wish / hope / pray that He would show me who it is that can "come along side" and help me in the journey I am traveling.
9 Two are better than one,I have so many things I want to accomplish, so many dreams I want to pursue... and, yet, I find myself never getting around to doing anything.
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I think it has a lot to do with the way God designed me, perhaps the way He designed us all. After all, He's the one who said "It is not good for man to be alone." (Gen 2:18) I do not believe God ever intended for individuals to live their lives alone and with out a "helper". [NOTE: Having said that, I also do not believe that everyone is "destined" to marry. I'll discuss that in another blog, but that's not what I want to talk about here.]
Solomon, in all his wisdom, notes that "they have good return for their work." I get that. I'm the kind of person who needs to have someone to come along side me and help me to reason through the ideas that I have. Nothing motivates me more than to have someone else be excited about the things that are exciting to me. It's not so much that I need someone to DO the work with me; I need someone with whom I can talk out loud about the work that needs to be done. When I speak, I need to know that someone hears.
Today I feel lost and overwhelmed because I have a mind full of truly good ideas and I don't know where to start. I look around me and see dozens of things that need to be done now and can't find the place to begin. Today is a day that I feel like I've fallen and there's no one to help me up.
Wise counsel has suggested that when I feel lonely, I should think of Jesus being in the room with me and talk to Him. I like that idea; I get the concept. And yet, the fact is, sometimes I need to audibly hear Him talking with me. I need to hear Him saying, "Yes, that's a good idea... and what about this? Did you think of how this would impact that?" And sometimes, I need Jesus to get the other end of the table, help me to move it and then to say, "Yes, I think this is the perfect set up for tomorrow's activity!"
God never intended for us to do everything alone and certainly He is always with us in spirit. (He's promised never to leave or forsake us ~ Deuteronomy 31:6) However, Jesus also wants to be present to us physically and, for now, He can only do this through His Children. One day we will see Him face-to-face. In the meantime, I sure do wish / hope / pray that He would show me who it is that can "come along side" and help me in the journey I am traveling.
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