Due to school, work and lack of time, I have not been able to write. Part of me wants to write but I feel like I'm cheating if I only write one or two paragraphs. We'll just have to see how long this one gets:
This week's theme for me has been "freedom" and how I view it. How do you view freedom?
I went to a dictionary (albeit an online one) to properly define freedom. Here is what I found:
-the quality or state of being free
-the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action
-a political right
-The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint
-exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
Above are just a few of the definitions I found throughout dictionaries. Now I want to look at the Bible for freedom:
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Yes, we were in bondage to sin. We were captured and held by our lusts, but no because of God's sacrifice, Jesus Christ, we can be free!
1Co 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.
Now wait a second, I was just told that I was set free, but now you're telling me I'm in bondage again? Seems like a lose, lose...from slavery to servitude.
It is...and it's not.
God's freedom is a bondage of love, commitment, sacrifice. It's a "want to be" bondage. When you realize the ultimate sacrifice he's made to you then you can't help but want to be a servant for Him because you are SO indebted.
Unfortunately the world's view of freedom is my own right, my own choice, what I want to do, how I want to do it, who I want to be with, and so much more. We confused personal demands with freedom, and yes, I truly believe there is a difference. We had no "right" to anything good. In fact, the only thing we ever had a right to was hell. There was a place for us reserved right along with Satan and his henchmen. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. But somehow God was merciful and spared us from this "right", he was gracious and gave us a "right" we never deserved.
We need to step back and examine our outlook on freedom. How do you view it? Do you view it as an indebtedness to the Savior? Or are you one who would think that it is your right to be happy, healthy, wealthy? Woe to you Believer if you have forgotten the true meaning of freedom. Step back, examine, and act on what you've read.
"Freedom," Jesus says, "You're doing it wrong."
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Inadequate Prayers
I sit here and experience a small portion of God's power and creation as Hurricane Irene rolls over the Eastern Coast. The roads are bare as people remain inside to avoid the floods, winds and rain. I am also supremely blessed as our electricity has remained on through the whole ordeal...but I didn't get on to blog about the hurricane.
You're probably looking at the title and wondering "What does this have to do with inadequate prayers, and what are inadequate prayers?"
How many times have you watched the news and witnessed a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, tsunami or some other sort of natural disaster attack an area and wished you could do something? I know. I'm guilty of this. Haiti, New Orleans, Japan, Joplin: these are a few of the many recent disasters I've witnessed in my past. During the hype of publicity and empathy going out to the victims, I've always wondered- what can I do? I've wanted to go visit and help with the relief efforts, but I can't afford the traveling expenses. I've wanted to send relief funds, but who do you trust the money with? It may sound like a bunch of excuses but in all honesty, money is tight for everyone these days. Sometimes our only option to "help" is prayer.
Funny how we say that: 'Our only option'. You may not say it that way but how many times have you thought it? "Well, this is all I can do." "It's the only way I can pitch in." -- all, only. Why do we look at prayer as our last resort? Sadly, today, if we do not feel helpful or productive in actions then we assume that whatever else we do is inadequate.
I can't begin to describe the many times I've had the attitude of "all I can do is sit back and pray". Does God consider my prayers as a last resort? No, never! He listens to my seemingly "inadequate prayer" just as attentively as he would if I had spent two hours praying for a personal issue in my life. Why then do we deem our prayers not worthy enough of His attention?
I don't believe this deals only with natural disasters. I think we still have this 'inadequate prayer' attitude...too often. Have we forgotten who we're praying to? (Luke 6:12 "And it came to pass in those days, that he went into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.") He's there waiting for our prayers 24/7 without holidays! Remember the verse "Pray without ceasing". Do you think He would command that of us if He wasn't going to be on call to listen?
I challenge myself and you to put more sincerity into our prayers- to realize that every word is significant and nothing is missed by our Lord. (Psalm 55:17 "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.") Note that it doesn't say he 'might' hear my voice. He 'shall' hear my voice. What about those times you don't know what to say? (Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.")
Prayers should not be our last resort; they should be our first response.
Jeremiah 29:12 "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."
You're probably looking at the title and wondering "What does this have to do with inadequate prayers, and what are inadequate prayers?"
How many times have you watched the news and witnessed a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, tsunami or some other sort of natural disaster attack an area and wished you could do something? I know. I'm guilty of this. Haiti, New Orleans, Japan, Joplin: these are a few of the many recent disasters I've witnessed in my past. During the hype of publicity and empathy going out to the victims, I've always wondered- what can I do? I've wanted to go visit and help with the relief efforts, but I can't afford the traveling expenses. I've wanted to send relief funds, but who do you trust the money with? It may sound like a bunch of excuses but in all honesty, money is tight for everyone these days. Sometimes our only option to "help" is prayer.
Funny how we say that: 'Our only option'. You may not say it that way but how many times have you thought it? "Well, this is all I can do." "It's the only way I can pitch in." -- all, only. Why do we look at prayer as our last resort? Sadly, today, if we do not feel helpful or productive in actions then we assume that whatever else we do is inadequate.
I can't begin to describe the many times I've had the attitude of "all I can do is sit back and pray". Does God consider my prayers as a last resort? No, never! He listens to my seemingly "inadequate prayer" just as attentively as he would if I had spent two hours praying for a personal issue in my life. Why then do we deem our prayers not worthy enough of His attention?
I don't believe this deals only with natural disasters. I think we still have this 'inadequate prayer' attitude...too often. Have we forgotten who we're praying to? (Luke 6:12 "And it came to pass in those days, that he went into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.") He's there waiting for our prayers 24/7 without holidays! Remember the verse "Pray without ceasing". Do you think He would command that of us if He wasn't going to be on call to listen?
I challenge myself and you to put more sincerity into our prayers- to realize that every word is significant and nothing is missed by our Lord. (Psalm 55:17 "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.") Note that it doesn't say he 'might' hear my voice. He 'shall' hear my voice. What about those times you don't know what to say? (Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.")
Prayers should not be our last resort; they should be our first response.
Jeremiah 29:12 "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Time, time everywhere and never enough...
Well, hello world! Time is an evil thing, is it not? Never enough when you need it and too much when you don't want it. Take for instance the news of someone's physical decline. Sitting in a waiting room for hours is definitely too much time. Or how about the weeks when you have Dr. appointments, work, activities, services, birthdays, visitors, and much more? Then you never can have enough time to get anything done. But why is this? Do we not prioritize correctly? Are we planning too much? Are we not planning enough? Why do we have these constant struggles with "time"? The answer is...yes to all, and no at the same time. I believe two of the key words for managing time properly are: Responsibility and Contentment.
Responsibility = to be mentally accountable.
Good description. Especially since responsibility can't be forced on anyone. You can't make someone responsible. Sure you can make them get things done in a certain time period...but are they mentally accountable? Are they choosing to be responsible? Only they will know. When they have no one to keep them accountable- then their true attitude towards responsibility will show (Galatians 6:5 "For every man shall bear his own burden"). Responsibility isn't something that just comes naturally, unfortunately. If that were the case I might be getting a whole lot more done than what I am now. I might even be working on this online coursework staring at me instead of writing the next post for me oh so unpopular blog. (I've never been good at keeping a blog honestly. Five posts and I'm done.) So what do we know? Responsibility is only something you can do. It is something you have to work at. People cannot be forced to be responsible. Your attitude reflects your responsibility.
Contentment = a state of happiness and satisfaction.
When I think of contentment, I think I should be happy with what I have...my family, my house, my clothes, my boyfriend, my job. All of these are (for the most part) tangible things but have you ever been content with your time? When you're stressed and you feel like you don't have enough, are you content with your time? There are two areas of being content.
First, you must be content with the time that you have to use (Future tense). For example: two days to plan a 300 guest wedding. This would stress me out, especially since I just love schedules and planning but when you look at the task before you and the time you have to fulfill that task, you may not be content with what you see. Sometimes you just won't have all the time you want to plan or do something. (Stop my beating heart! Now there's a revelation.) Instead of stressing out, grumbling or complaining (Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings"), use the time you have right then as best you can and remember where your strength comes from. (Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.")
Second, you must be content with how you used your time (Past tense). When all is said and done, how do you feel? Obviously you aren't perfect. You just can't possibly manage your time to the perfect 'T', but did you do all that you possibly could to the max? Did you exercise as much responsibility as you could to manage your time? If so, then stop stressing. You did the best you could and that's all God asks. (Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.") You will make yourself sick worrying over what you could've, would've or should've done but when all is said and done there's nothing else you can do. Exercise your contentment that you did your best. If, on the other hand, you did NOT do your best, learn from your mistakes. Maybe those flowers you promised to deliver at five didn't get there til the next day at two because you forgot. Seems you have a memory problem: write it down. Look back on your mistakes and learn from them.
I hope what I have shared has been a blessing to one. Most of it is just practical thoughts and ideas. Time can be your best dream...or your worst nightmare. What do you choose to do with it?
Responsibility = to be mentally accountable.
Good description. Especially since responsibility can't be forced on anyone. You can't make someone responsible. Sure you can make them get things done in a certain time period...but are they mentally accountable? Are they choosing to be responsible? Only they will know. When they have no one to keep them accountable- then their true attitude towards responsibility will show (Galatians 6:5 "For every man shall bear his own burden"). Responsibility isn't something that just comes naturally, unfortunately. If that were the case I might be getting a whole lot more done than what I am now. I might even be working on this online coursework staring at me instead of writing the next post for me oh so unpopular blog. (I've never been good at keeping a blog honestly. Five posts and I'm done.) So what do we know? Responsibility is only something you can do. It is something you have to work at. People cannot be forced to be responsible. Your attitude reflects your responsibility.
Contentment = a state of happiness and satisfaction.
When I think of contentment, I think I should be happy with what I have...my family, my house, my clothes, my boyfriend, my job. All of these are (for the most part) tangible things but have you ever been content with your time? When you're stressed and you feel like you don't have enough, are you content with your time? There are two areas of being content.
First, you must be content with the time that you have to use (Future tense). For example: two days to plan a 300 guest wedding. This would stress me out, especially since I just love schedules and planning but when you look at the task before you and the time you have to fulfill that task, you may not be content with what you see. Sometimes you just won't have all the time you want to plan or do something. (Stop my beating heart! Now there's a revelation.) Instead of stressing out, grumbling or complaining (Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings"), use the time you have right then as best you can and remember where your strength comes from. (Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.")
Second, you must be content with how you used your time (Past tense). When all is said and done, how do you feel? Obviously you aren't perfect. You just can't possibly manage your time to the perfect 'T', but did you do all that you possibly could to the max? Did you exercise as much responsibility as you could to manage your time? If so, then stop stressing. You did the best you could and that's all God asks. (Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men.") You will make yourself sick worrying over what you could've, would've or should've done but when all is said and done there's nothing else you can do. Exercise your contentment that you did your best. If, on the other hand, you did NOT do your best, learn from your mistakes. Maybe those flowers you promised to deliver at five didn't get there til the next day at two because you forgot. Seems you have a memory problem: write it down. Look back on your mistakes and learn from them.
I hope what I have shared has been a blessing to one. Most of it is just practical thoughts and ideas. Time can be your best dream...or your worst nightmare. What do you choose to do with it?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Hypocrite
I sit amongst the sinners
Myself being the worst
But still my anger kindles towards
Fake smiles, cold hands, and more
They bob their heads mechanically
They whisper or shout "Amens"
But soon they'll leave the service
And return to sin again
"Hypocrites!" I want to scream
"How dare you show your face!
Your lies, your lusts, and your deceits
Changing from place to place
You have no love, you have no care
For anything you hear
You're lazy, wicked, selfish ones
But claim that God is near"
"Hypocrite" The word slipped out
My gaze trailed to the cross
I thought of what my Savior did
My gain had caused his loss.
Jesus, the only man
To fully pay the price
Had sacrificed for anyone
Knowing it would suffice.
The people I had scorned and mocked
Were mirrors of myself
By using the word "hypocrite"
I had defined myself
"Hypocrite" I thought again
Then I truly did see
I hadn't realized it til now
The "hypocrite" was me!
Myself being the worst
But still my anger kindles towards
Fake smiles, cold hands, and more
They bob their heads mechanically
They whisper or shout "Amens"
But soon they'll leave the service
And return to sin again
"Hypocrites!" I want to scream
"How dare you show your face!
Your lies, your lusts, and your deceits
Changing from place to place
You have no love, you have no care
For anything you hear
You're lazy, wicked, selfish ones
But claim that God is near"
"Hypocrite" The word slipped out
My gaze trailed to the cross
I thought of what my Savior did
My gain had caused his loss.
Jesus, the only man
To fully pay the price
Had sacrificed for anyone
Knowing it would suffice.
The people I had scorned and mocked
Were mirrors of myself
By using the word "hypocrite"
I had defined myself
"Hypocrite" I thought again
Then I truly did see
I hadn't realized it til now
The "hypocrite" was me!
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