Archive for March, 2009
March 31, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Bible, Christian, disciples, doubt, eternity, evidence, God, Jesus, Lord, resurrection, Thomas
Whenever I have doubts about something, it helps to be able to do the research to get the answers I need. Gathering up all the evidence I need to support my conclusion alleviates my doubt.
Although, sometimes even the evidence can come into question. “Tangible” evidence is ideal. If something is clearly defined, or better yet, able to be touched physically, how can there then be any doubt?
In the Bible, we are told how Jesus made sure that there was plenty of “tangible” evidence of His birth, ministry, and more importantly, of His resurrection.
He appeared to many people after He rose from the dead. One of the most memorable accounts was of His appearance to a disciple named “Thomas”.
Thomas had serious doubts, and Jesus made sure that He provided “tangible” evidence to alleviate these doubts. After His resurrection, Jesus made another appearance at a gathering of the disciples. He specifically asked Thomas to physically “touch” Him – especially His wounds………
And Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
If we take the time to look, we will find that Jesus left the “tangible” evidence we need……. especially to alleviate the “doubting Thomas” in all of us………
……… and I am “eternally” glad He did !
March 25, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged Christian, clothing, economy, faith, food, God, Jesus, kingdom, needs, peace, promise, provision, shelter, trouble
What are you willing to live “without” ?
This has been on my mind lately, with the downturn of our economy. I am now having to modify my schedule and habits due to the changes. Businesses are shortening their hours of operation, employers are laying off or offering less hours, and costs for food, clothing, etc., are still gradually rising.
Here in America, we are used to prosperity and convenience. Compared to many other countries, we live “with” a great deal of extras. Giving up some of the extras is do-able. But of course, we physically can’t do “without” food, water, clothing and shelter. For those who are struggling with these necessities, daily living is a great hardship.
Whether we are living “with” or “without” – we need to put faith in God at the top of our list of necessities. Trouble comes to all of us at some point, whether we have much, or whether we have little. God promises to provide for all our needs, and cover us with His peace.
Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all else will follow”.
When we have a relationship with the One who created “all” —–
—– we will never have to live “without” !
March 14, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged awareness, Bible, Christian, economy, encouragement, fellowship, furlough, Jesus, love, positive, relationships
Due to the economic situation, mandatory furloughs are being taken at the company where my husband is employed. These are week long absences from work without pay. No contact with work is allowed, no cell phone calls, no emails, etc.
Feedback on these furloughs has been interesting. People are finding out that this time off has allowed them to put their focus on other things. Spending time with loved ones has been a positive outcome.
Sometimes we need to have something taken away to guide us into an awareness of something more important, and perhaps more gratifying. Often, we can get bogged down with what we think we need to be doing.
Slowing down the pace, and taking the time to relate with other people enriches our lives. Encouraging others, and enjoying good times together is always time well spent.
In the Bible, Jesus reminds us to fellowship with one another, to take care of one another………………so don’t wait for a “forced” furlough from work to spend time with loved ones…….
…………make a “fellowship” furlough a part of your usual routine !
March 12, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged Bible, Christian, clean, gangs, graffiti, hypocrites, Jesus, law, relationships, righteous, transparent
Graffiti appears everywhere these days.
We see it on walls, street signs and any flat piece of public property. Some time ago spray paint cans were put behind locked glass doors at the stores to hopefully decrease graffiti. Apparently, the people responsible for defacing public property are still acquiring what they need because it is still being done.
Eventually, these gang signatures are “whitewashed” and then the cycle starts all over again. It becomes obvious that just painting over the graffiti doesn’t get rid of the problem. The real problem goes deeper. It begins with the people who are using the paint to make their mark.
Just cleaning up outward appearances by “whitewashing” doesn’t always clean up underlying problems. Although something may look “clean” on the outside, the “dirt” underneath could still be there.
In the Bible, Jesus talked about the hypocrites who appeared “clean” on the outside, but inside they were full of extortion and self-indulgence. He compared them to a “whitewashed” tomb, which appears beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of “dead men’s bones and all uncleanness”.
“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness”. (Math. 23:28)
Let us not be fooled by people who appear “whitewashed” on the outside…………and make sure we’ve taken the time to clean up ourselves……….
………….inside and out !
March 9, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged change, Christian, cooking, faith, God, life, meatloaf, recipe, strength
I like meatloaf !
There are different ways to make it. My recipe has seasoned bread crumbs, onion, milk, soy sauce and some lean ground beef. Other recipes call for eggs, sausage, and other spices.
The differences in recipes take on a personal flair according to our own acquired taste preference. Sometimes a better recipe happens when you’re out of one of the ingredients and you have to figure out a substitute.
This is similar to how my day turns out at times. The ingredients of “my” recipe got changed, and the day took on a whole new flavor from what I had planned.
Over the years, my faith in God has been strengthened by these changing “recipes” for my days. I find I have acquired a new taste for the various end results……..
and that “God’s” recipe always seems to come out “better” !
March 5, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged anger, attitude, behavior, Christian, covet, Cross, envy, evil, God, good, heart, Holy Spirit, human nature, Jesus, joy, laws, Lord, remedy, rules, selfishness, sin
“Thou shalt not – lie, covet, steal, murder, take the Lord’s name in vain……..”
Anyone hearing or seeing the news reports of our society finds out very quickly that what shouldn’t be done …….. does. Unfortunately, just “knowing” what we should or shouldn’t do doesn’t seem to be an adequate remedy for the troubles of our world.
Human nature leans precariously towards falling into bad behaviors. There are many bad behaviors that are obvious enough for us to avoid as a general rule. But there are the subtle transgressions that can fool us into thinking we don’t fall into any of these ”sinful” categories.
The roots of “evil” can grow out of seemingly “good” soil. Growing up in a “good” home, being responsible, paying the bills, helping out in the community – these are all the fine trademarks of a good life. But sometimes underneath these outer layers of good deeds we can still hide attitudes of selfishness, envy, jealousy, anger………
It is not enough to just “know” how we should be – we also need to know “why” and “for whom” we live our lives………for without a higher calling and purpose, the “shouldn’ts” of life are just rules to try and follow, and also break.
Jesus came to save us from the endless attempts to keep “rules” that eventually get broken. He came to give us “new” hearts and attitudes, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to genuinely guide us into purity. Through Him, we no longer have to fear breaking any rules……….He took our penalties with Him at the Cross……
……….then we can think more about the joy of what “shall” be done…..instead of what “shall not” be done !
March 3, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged Bible, Christian, Creator, eternity, God, Jesus, Lord, Old Testament, relationship, Savior, separation, sin, Son, Temple, veil
“And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom…..”
In the Old Testament of the Bible, we learn about the veil of the Temple. It was used as a separation. Only the High Priest could physically go behind the veil and access a special area reserved to speak with God.
When Jesus Christ died on the cross, this veil was torn from top to bottom. Man did not tear this veil. God did. It was one of many symbolic events which occurred at Christ’s death………into eternal life.
This “tearing” of the veil was to let “us” know that there need no longer be any separation between us and God. We can now access God directly, through His Son Jesus.
Jesus paid the price for all of our sins. If we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, we can now go directly to God, our Father – through Jesus.
The “torn” veil was a powerful visual to all of mankind. It was, and still is, a vivid representation of an important invitation ——–to engage in a loving relationship with our Creator…………forever.
If a decision regarding your eternal destination has you “torn”………..consider placing that “tear” in Jesus’s hands…….
….you’ll never regret it !
March 2, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged behavior, Bible, Christian, evil, God, good, Jesus, knowledge, mentor, mimic, mockingbird, relationships, wisdom
My morning coffee time is enriched by the cheerful song of the mockingbird. I try to figure out how many different “tunes” he sings before he repeats them, and if he does them always in the same order. Then I wonder if he has his “own” tune thrown in there somewhere.
This bird must have spent time hanging around with other birds to have copied their songs. His talent for mimicking becomes very obvious as he then sits on the very top of a tree and runs through his repertoire.
Children also have a talent for “mimicking”. Spending time with our infant grandchildren makes me acutely aware of how quickly they mimic my mannerisms and words. It also reminds me of what an important responsibility we have as adults to model good behaviors and conversations, worthy to be copied.
Good behavior isn’t “good” unless we have the wisdom to discern what is good or bad. The Bible tells us that “when wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul – then discretion and understanding will preserve and keep you.”
God’s wisdom never fails -
- if we mimic “Him” - we can feel more confident to have others mimic us !
