On this final day of 2010, I've not felt compelled to think back over the year. I've not wanted to dwell on the ups an downs. Instead I sit here doing my normal thing. I'm here in the present. I read the blogs on my list and wish that more were updated today. I smile at the cat curled comfortably next to my husband's Bible on the couch. I am again thankful to be in this place at this time.
I consider my friend, Ashley, and am grateful for her parents and their dedication to choose life. Choosing life is a reflection of God. Awesome. I consider another family waiting and working patiently for their Ukrainian child. Their desire to care for an orphan is a reflection of God. Awesome. My heart grows heavy when I consider my friend, Jan. Cancer has invaded her life aggressively. Yet, she has chosen to live with her daughter and redeem this time to the best that she can. What a lesson for me to learn! Sounds a bit like another reflection of God, doesn't it? My son is defending his faith against an atheist. Their conversation challenges me to grow more intimate with my LORD. It requires me to see the reflection of God in His Word.
I know I can't change the past. It has happened. I will be exposed to the consequences of it. And, I can fully trust God for all I need in the present. I am so thankful to be surrounded by reflections and remembrances and realities of my God. Awesome!
(Father God, thank you for your great and mighty presence in my life. Thank you that you surround me with reflections of yourself in so many places. What a joy! Father, I pray that as this calendar year closes you will be a welcome, comforting, sustaining presence to Ashley, Angela, Jan, and us. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Straddling a Fence
Are you on the fence? Are you lukewarm? Do you try to stand in the place of neutrality? Do you find yourself saying, "I'm not real sure how I feel about that. I don't know if I'm for or against it?"
God tells us in plain language that we are either for Him or against Him. We either believe in Him or we don't (John 3:18). He also tells us how He feels about lukewarm Christians sitting on a fence (Revelation 3:16).
Ultimately, it does not really matter if you are for or against something (abortion, lying, adultery, etc.). Your job is to find out where God stands on the issue. If God hates divorce and you love God, you hate divorce. My own personal experience is filled with things that God hates. It makes me want to cry. But God is faithful to forgive. (Thank You, Lord God.) He is faithful to use those that love Him for His purpose. He is faithful to heal. He is wonderful. He is the everlasting God. Daily we are called to take up our cross, bring our flesh under control, love the things that God loves and hate the sin that God hates. We are not to be bench warmers on the fence. If God hates divorce, do everything you can to keep it from your marriage. If you must divorce, remember that God loves you so much that He gave His only Son that You might have everlasting life. Seek God's forgiveness. Then, do everything you can to keep divorce away from this point forward. But, don't waver in the middle. That is just sickening. Be hot or cold about homosexuality, idolatry, covetousness, etc. Just don't ride the fence.
(Father God, help me to always recognize and stand on your side. And, when I fail, Father, please forgive me. Thank you for making your position clear through your Word. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)
God tells us in plain language that we are either for Him or against Him. We either believe in Him or we don't (John 3:18). He also tells us how He feels about lukewarm Christians sitting on a fence (Revelation 3:16).
Ultimately, it does not really matter if you are for or against something (abortion, lying, adultery, etc.). Your job is to find out where God stands on the issue. If God hates divorce and you love God, you hate divorce. My own personal experience is filled with things that God hates. It makes me want to cry. But God is faithful to forgive. (Thank You, Lord God.) He is faithful to use those that love Him for His purpose. He is faithful to heal. He is wonderful. He is the everlasting God. Daily we are called to take up our cross, bring our flesh under control, love the things that God loves and hate the sin that God hates. We are not to be bench warmers on the fence. If God hates divorce, do everything you can to keep it from your marriage. If you must divorce, remember that God loves you so much that He gave His only Son that You might have everlasting life. Seek God's forgiveness. Then, do everything you can to keep divorce away from this point forward. But, don't waver in the middle. That is just sickening. Be hot or cold about homosexuality, idolatry, covetousness, etc. Just don't ride the fence.
(Father God, help me to always recognize and stand on your side. And, when I fail, Father, please forgive me. Thank you for making your position clear through your Word. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)
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