For almost my entire life, I think, I've wanted God to use me. Sometimes over the years, I thought it needed to be something big, or miraculous, or really noble. Through a crisis in my life He taught me that being used by Him might not be monumental, or noble, or big or even readily visible to me everyday in the ways that I thought it might be. I remember thinking that He needed me and if I messed up, everything would be messed up. What pressure! But praise be to God, He showed me how much bigger He is than that!!!! He doesn't really need me, but gives me the pleasure of being used by Him.
Sometimes what He has wanted from me has been very clear and sometimes the ways He's used me have been crystal clear. There have been other times when I have felt as if I was grappling, reaching to find what He wanted from me or how I could be used by Him. Sometimes I am tempted to fret that I need to go and find out what He wants from me, how He may see fit to use me, what purpose He has for me...I guess I get overwhelmed with all the causes in the world, all the hurt, all the things that need fixing and all the people that need help. Sometimes my tender heart is overstimulated and flooded and I don't know what good cause to focus my heart on, or my time, or my talents or my energy.
But even as my heart is confused or worried about what my purpose is in the grand scheme of life, I hear the Spirit of the LORD saying good things to me:
"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" ~Philippians 1:6
"In a large house there article not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some for honor and some for dishonor. If anyone cleanses himself of the latter he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." ~2 Timothy 2:20-21
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, that He has prepared beforehand,that we should walk in them." ~Ephesians 2:10
And for practicality purposes, I know what the will of God is for me in simple ways...
...to love my husband, and to love my children ~Titus 2
...to do justice, love mercy and to walk humbly with my God ~ Micah 6:8
...to pray without ceasing ~Philippians
And a heart that even a few minutes ago was whirling around wondering what God wants from my life in the grand scheme, is brought to peace and all from His word.
He will do it. I must, in His strength, cleanse myself of worldly things, and He will use me for whatever good that HE has ALREADY prepared for me to walk in. So no need to fret, my dear heart, He will do it. He began the work in me me. He will complete it until I get to see Him face to face.
Spurred on by the Spirit and others to write...my heart, my struggles, my life, my chaos, and to find that EVERYTHING is SACRED...finding the sacred in the chaos of real life, for the glory of God.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Law of Kindness
Proverbs 31 is a very popular Proverb and many people frequently use it to lay out this amazing woman to imitate. She has many wonderful qualities. So many qualities I long for and pray that the LORD make real in my life. One that has been coming up quite often, even in my dealings with my own children is the phrase, "and on her tongue is the law of kindness". I love that. I also am cut to the heart by that small phrase.
The Holy Spirit has been speaking to my heart lately and reminding me that when I sin in tongue, that is one of the things Christ had to die for. When I choose to speak angrily, rudely or unkindly in any way because I feel like I "need to", I am sinning. And for that sin, for the convenience and lack of self-control in my life, Christ died. I don't want to be so flippant with my words that I just speak them and ask for forgiveness later. Christ had to pay for that and I want to choose words that bring life rather than death.
Today my Pastor was speaking and teaching us that our sins are like arrows into the heart of the LORD. Every time I sin, it is like an arrow into His heart. I don't want to continually shoot arrows of grief into my Savior's heart. Sin is grievous to the heart of God. Yes, Jesus swallows up all my punishment in the cross and covers my sins with His blood. That should not be license for me to sin with my mouth. If I can make an active choice to have the law of kindness on my tongue, let this happen in my life, OH GOD!
What is the "Law of Kindness" and what does that look like fleshed out in my life? How can that be made more true in my life? I would say that the largest portion of my sins fall from my lips. I am a talker, so my words are many. The
Bible says that none of us are perfect in our words. So, all of us, have room for improvement, me first in line.
The Law of Kindness on my tongue:
Being patient in words with my children, husband and others... "Love is patient, love is kind..."
Not saying the mean or grumbling thought that comes to my mind when someone offends me..."Do all things without complaining or disputing..."
Saying words that only build up others..."speaking the truth in love..."
Refraining from yelling or negative speech...about anyone anywhere...
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification [b]according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." ~Ephesians 4:29
Who will with me, this week, seek the heart of God to be a woman on whose tongue is the "Law of Kindness"? Let's write on our refrigerators, by our sinks, on our mirrors, on our hands and God be pleased to write it on our hearts!!!!!! May we be those who it can be said, "on her tongue is the law of kindness". AMEN!!!
~Theresa xo
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Some Trust in Chariots
I only sometimes read the news...and I more often say to my hubs, "what's going on in the world?". That's his signal to update me on the happenings in the news. Most times, whether reading it with my own two eyes or hearing it from my husband's mouth, my heart is overwhelmed at what is happening in the world.
Last night was one of the nights I read the news...Uggh. And yes, I finished overwhelmed. And sad. And curious. And, well...scared. If you read the news and are never a little bit fearful, then you probably aren't normal. (I'd like to be more like you ;)
Journalist beheaded, Christians persecuted, children slain, riots in the city, pedophiles...you've seen it. I don't need to tell you what is in the news. But last night, as I watched and read, I was overwhelmed at what is happening all around and what could happen right here in my own state, my own town, to my own family. There was this momentary feeling of tears, and dread. Asking my hubby, what if?? What if any of this touches our lives right here, in Lynchburg, right here on our street, right here in my home, with my family, my children...
Well, even if you think things with the U.S. are fine and there will be no economic collapse and
Christians won't be martyred for their faith...or whatever. Bad things will eventually happen to you or those you love and while you can make wise choices, purchases and plans, you will not ALWAYS be able to stop the bad things from happening to you. So not to be a "Debbie Downer" or anything, but one day something bad very well may happen (and small bad things have already happened to all of us, haven't they? Some big things for some of you too.)
Ok, so bad things will happen, my Daddy told me that years ago when I was struggling with overwhelming fears as a young teen. That is for sure. But there is good news to go with that bad news, good news that far outweighs the bad. There is ONE who goes with us, before us, and loves us. Anything that touches my life, He knows about. All my days are already written in His book. Even my last day. It's already written. And while I wonder why? in many things all my days, I know Who it is Who holds my life in His hands and I know that He is always good and always in control. And one day, will right all things wrong. And so, it is in Him that I chose to put my trust. Because no matter what happens, He is with me. He is near and He knows. And in this crazy, sin sick world, He is the only ONE that doesn't change. So when the world is out of control and I see difficulties, challenges, battles, wars, murders, sickness all around, I cling to the ONLY thing that has any real promise for me. I cling to the Name of the LORD my God.
"Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but we trust in the Name of the LORD our God" Ps. 20:
So when I go to bed tonight, I will lock my doors and windows, but I will not trust in those locks to keep me and my family safe. When I get in the car to drive, I will buckle my seat beat and drive as safely as I can, but I will not trust in that belt or the strength of my car to keep me safe, or my skill in driving for that matter. When I send my kids off to a friend"s or to practice or class somewhere, I will know to whom I am sending them, but I will not put my trust in that person or place. I want good things to happen and I plan on lots of them happening. But I am not ultimately in control of what happens, and neither are you my friends. So when you see instability, wars, rumors of wars, murders, molestations, robberies, and martyrdom where will you look for strength, stability, and hope?
Make good plans, if you like, buy guns or stores of food or water, get safes for your gold and jewels, lock your windows and your doors, screen all the people that come into your children's lives...but in all that, remember Who ultimately holds your life in His hand. "Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Let me remember, OH GOD, let me remember this when I am afraid of what lurks around the corner, what may come to pass...Let me remember, "unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Oh God, guard us and keep us, but if and when trials come, let me cling to the NAME OF THE LORD MY GOD. He is my hope, my strength, the ONE in WHOM I will trust.
"In God I will put my trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Where do you put your trust?
~Theresa xo
Last night was one of the nights I read the news...Uggh. And yes, I finished overwhelmed. And sad. And curious. And, well...scared. If you read the news and are never a little bit fearful, then you probably aren't normal. (I'd like to be more like you ;)
Journalist beheaded, Christians persecuted, children slain, riots in the city, pedophiles...you've seen it. I don't need to tell you what is in the news. But last night, as I watched and read, I was overwhelmed at what is happening all around and what could happen right here in my own state, my own town, to my own family. There was this momentary feeling of tears, and dread. Asking my hubby, what if?? What if any of this touches our lives right here, in Lynchburg, right here on our street, right here in my home, with my family, my children...
Well, even if you think things with the U.S. are fine and there will be no economic collapse and
Christians won't be martyred for their faith...or whatever. Bad things will eventually happen to you or those you love and while you can make wise choices, purchases and plans, you will not ALWAYS be able to stop the bad things from happening to you. So not to be a "Debbie Downer" or anything, but one day something bad very well may happen (and small bad things have already happened to all of us, haven't they? Some big things for some of you too.)
Ok, so bad things will happen, my Daddy told me that years ago when I was struggling with overwhelming fears as a young teen. That is for sure. But there is good news to go with that bad news, good news that far outweighs the bad. There is ONE who goes with us, before us, and loves us. Anything that touches my life, He knows about. All my days are already written in His book. Even my last day. It's already written. And while I wonder why? in many things all my days, I know Who it is Who holds my life in His hands and I know that He is always good and always in control. And one day, will right all things wrong. And so, it is in Him that I chose to put my trust. Because no matter what happens, He is with me. He is near and He knows. And in this crazy, sin sick world, He is the only ONE that doesn't change. So when the world is out of control and I see difficulties, challenges, battles, wars, murders, sickness all around, I cling to the ONLY thing that has any real promise for me. I cling to the Name of the LORD my God.
"Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but we trust in the Name of the LORD our God" Ps. 20:
So when I go to bed tonight, I will lock my doors and windows, but I will not trust in those locks to keep me and my family safe. When I get in the car to drive, I will buckle my seat beat and drive as safely as I can, but I will not trust in that belt or the strength of my car to keep me safe, or my skill in driving for that matter. When I send my kids off to a friend"s or to practice or class somewhere, I will know to whom I am sending them, but I will not put my trust in that person or place. I want good things to happen and I plan on lots of them happening. But I am not ultimately in control of what happens, and neither are you my friends. So when you see instability, wars, rumors of wars, murders, molestations, robberies, and martyrdom where will you look for strength, stability, and hope?
Make good plans, if you like, buy guns or stores of food or water, get safes for your gold and jewels, lock your windows and your doors, screen all the people that come into your children's lives...but in all that, remember Who ultimately holds your life in His hand. "Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Let me remember, OH GOD, let me remember this when I am afraid of what lurks around the corner, what may come to pass...Let me remember, "unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Oh God, guard us and keep us, but if and when trials come, let me cling to the NAME OF THE LORD MY GOD. He is my hope, my strength, the ONE in WHOM I will trust.
"In God I will put my trust, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Where do you put your trust?
~Theresa xo
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Once Your Enemy
Sitting in church today, I hear the music begin and I hear this song that I love..."Jesus, Thank You". Loved that moment....I was so excited that we were singing that today.
The chorus of the song says:
"Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus thank You.
The Father's wrath completely satisfied Jesus, Thank You.
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table.
Jesus, Thank You."
Ummm....this is the summation of my life. I was born a sinner, in need of a Savior. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment that my sin deserved, because a Holy God requires a payment for sin. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord" The requirement for my sin was paid by the blood of Jesus. Just like in the Old Testament, there was a requirement for sins to be atoned. There needed to be blood shed. Jesus said it, "without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins". JESUS' blood washes away my sins. The Father's rightful wrath against the sins that we commit was completely satisfied, when Jesus willingly paid the price by giving His life on the cross. And now, my favorite part of the song..."ONCE YOUR ENEMY, NOW SEATED AT YOUR TABLE"....ahhhhhh
I don't know about you, but as far as I know, most enemies are not sitting around tables together enjoying one another. And also, for most of what I have seen and known in life and in the movies, most people are not dying for someone that hates them or that they consider their enemy, right? That is why that statement is amazing...I was His enemy, and that is when He died for me, way before I ever loved Him. He died for me when I was His enemy. What a beautiful thought to me!! This Jesus, of Whom I once was an enemy, now He and I are seated at the table together. Today, it may not be Him in bodily form sitting at a table with me, but in spirit, I sit at His table, I am a friend of God now, because Jesus died for me and made me His own. I am His sister, a co-heir with Him. I am entitled to enter the presence of God, not because of me, but because of Him. And that while I did not love Him, He loved me.
AND one day, I will meet Him face to face and we will eat real food and drink real wine together at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. I cannot wait!!! I will be seated with Him and get to worship Him unhindered for eternity. I think I might be the loudest one there ;), singing at the top of my lungs, "Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus, Thank You...ONCE YOUR ENEMY, NOW SEATED AT YOUR TABLE, JESUS, THANK YOU!"
It is my prayer that all can sing those words with me...all my friends, family, acquaintances and strangers, even, be able to say this: That I am a sinner in need of a Savior, needing a payment and taking the offer Christ makes for me. I admit that I need Jesus and His blood. Once His enemy, I now can sit at His table as a friend of God. OH, how I want that for all of you...May God make it so. AMEN.
"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:6-10
The chorus of the song says:
"Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus thank You.
The Father's wrath completely satisfied Jesus, Thank You.
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table.
Jesus, Thank You."
Ummm....this is the summation of my life. I was born a sinner, in need of a Savior. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment that my sin deserved, because a Holy God requires a payment for sin. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord" The requirement for my sin was paid by the blood of Jesus. Just like in the Old Testament, there was a requirement for sins to be atoned. There needed to be blood shed. Jesus said it, "without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins". JESUS' blood washes away my sins. The Father's rightful wrath against the sins that we commit was completely satisfied, when Jesus willingly paid the price by giving His life on the cross. And now, my favorite part of the song..."ONCE YOUR ENEMY, NOW SEATED AT YOUR TABLE"....ahhhhhh
I don't know about you, but as far as I know, most enemies are not sitting around tables together enjoying one another. And also, for most of what I have seen and known in life and in the movies, most people are not dying for someone that hates them or that they consider their enemy, right? That is why that statement is amazing...I was His enemy, and that is when He died for me, way before I ever loved Him. He died for me when I was His enemy. What a beautiful thought to me!! This Jesus, of Whom I once was an enemy, now He and I are seated at the table together. Today, it may not be Him in bodily form sitting at a table with me, but in spirit, I sit at His table, I am a friend of God now, because Jesus died for me and made me His own. I am His sister, a co-heir with Him. I am entitled to enter the presence of God, not because of me, but because of Him. And that while I did not love Him, He loved me.
AND one day, I will meet Him face to face and we will eat real food and drink real wine together at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. I cannot wait!!! I will be seated with Him and get to worship Him unhindered for eternity. I think I might be the loudest one there ;), singing at the top of my lungs, "Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus, Thank You...ONCE YOUR ENEMY, NOW SEATED AT YOUR TABLE, JESUS, THANK YOU!"
It is my prayer that all can sing those words with me...all my friends, family, acquaintances and strangers, even, be able to say this: That I am a sinner in need of a Savior, needing a payment and taking the offer Christ makes for me. I admit that I need Jesus and His blood. Once His enemy, I now can sit at His table as a friend of God. OH, how I want that for all of you...May God make it so. AMEN.
"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:6-10
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Resolving to Pray
The last few days, the radio and internet have been full of resolutions for the new year. I actually haven't made any...could be that from the exhaustion of traveling over the holiday and the stomach bug that will not leave us alone... I have not even gotten to that point. But as I just sat for a minute in quiet (the girls are watching a movie and the boys are at piano) I am decidedly resolving to do what I know is the real answer to anything that needs changing in my life..re-solving my problems can only be done through PRAYER. I would have always said I was a person who prayed, and I do, it's just that I know FOR SURE, that I don't pray the way I should. I don't say that like there is a rule to keep or some thing to do because I need to check it off my list so that I can be good or that God would love me. In the depths of my heart, I know I need to talk with God...I need Him. His word says,"without Me, you can do nothing." I know He is the only way to walk with peace through this world, to have true joy, and also prayers are the best way I can serve those I love at home and abroad. I need to pray...I want to know Jesus more, I want to know the heart of God, I want to love the things He loves and love people the way He calls me to. I cannot do that flying by the seat of my pants into the day and surfing the web more than I pray and read my Bible. I am not feeling guilted and I am not trying to make anyone else feel guilted. I am encouraged and am encouraging those who read, let's get to know the Savior more. Let's meet Him more often in prayer, as we would with a friend over coffee. The Bible says to, "pour out our hearts before Him"! He hears and on His mysterious ways He uses those prayers to draw us closer to Him and make changes in this world...
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