Father, may our readers grow and mature as they seek you on this journey. May they know you in a fresh, new way. May they fully give themselves to you, and may their families choose to live differently; totally abandoning themselves to your infinate love. May they sense your presence in such a delightful, refreshing way today and may you heal their hearts, comfort them with your love and may they live in the light of your presence today. Amen.
We do pray for you. Every day. You are so precious to us and to God. We so want to change the face of Christmas from the commercial mayhem that it has become to a time of peace, love and fulfillment in Christ. Only God can accomplish that. Will you join us in prayer for that?
Today is the Fourth day of Christmas. Four calling birds. Four gospels. Which one speaks to you the most? I love all of them, but John is my favorite. He speaks to my heart. Whenever I don't know what to do, or what God is trying to tell me, I go to John. In the first 5 verses, he clears everything up.
John 1:1-5 says it all:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has hot understood it.
He is my all in all. When I do not know what to do, or where to turn, I go here and remember who is my life and light. And when I feel like everything is dark, I remember that is just a feeling. And that it too will pass, because he is my light and life. And that darkness does not understand him, even though the light has shined into it. And that in my darkness when I don't understand him or what he is up to, that I can still trust him, put my faith in him, hope in him and love him. For he is the light of my life, and he has not abandoned me in my darkness. In fact, his light of love is shining brighter than ever. I just have to rest in it until I can see it again. He is my light at the end of the tunnel. My joy in everything. I may not feel it, but John helps me remember and live there.
I pray you will live in his light today. Love, Leslie
Join us for the 12 Days of Christmas at www.12daysbook.com. You can help us spread the joy of a new way of doing Christmas. Join us!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Day Three of the 12 Days of Christmas
Ok, I had good intentions. Really I did. But Linda and I were having so much fun that the day got away from us, and by the time I got home from her house, which is only a few minutes away, It was almost 1 AM and I just fell into bed. You see, Linda's husband bought her a new toy for Christmas. One of those fancy sergers (sewing machine) with some amazing stitches and we were busy all day making pajamas for the kids and baby blankets for the crisis pregnancy center. And we didn't do too badly, either. 12 blankets finished, 15 pajama bottoms cut out, 1 finished completely and 5 sewn partially. Plus we cooked dinner for both families and put dinner in the crock pot to be cooked today. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you work together! I guess that is why God expects us to work together as his body. But that subject is for another blog!!
Anyway, when I had my time with God in the garden, he took me again to Colossians. I love that letter. It was so appropriate for the subject of the day: The three french hens represent Faith, Hope and Love. And that is exactly what the verses I read today focused on.
Colossians 1:3-6 says:
We (Paul was speaking) always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith and love that springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
Wow! If that doesn't fit in with the day, I don't know what does! We have been given the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. He revealed himself to us, and that gives us hope. Hope for now, and a hope for the future. This isn't all there is, folks. I tell my kids that all the time. I want them to be focused on the things to come, not on the here and now. And the hope within us bears forth love- love for our families, friends and kindred spirits. But also love for those 'irregular people'. Those that are not easy to love, but that God loves just the same.
Who is that in your life? I know who it is in mine. Actually, there are several. One of them, I have to spend time with this weekend. And it is someone who is a believer, and has hurt me deeply, in ways unfathomable. But how can I overcome my feelings and love him anyway?
First, remember that God loves them too. And then that we are "forgiven as we forgive those who trespass against us". I don't understand how they could have done what they did, but I have said careless words and heartless comments. And I sure want to be forgiven. So I better forgive!
Second, let it go. Even though you don't feel like it, choose to forgive. When you pray, tell Jesus, "I am so hurt by ----- and I don't want to forgive them. But I choose to forgive. Would you give me a willing heart to forgive and help my feelings to follow?" I also remember that unforgiveness is one of the leading causes of colon cancer. It will literally eat you alive. It causes bitterness and damage that affects you physically and all other relationships. So give it to God and he will help you let go of the past.
Third, pray for the person. Realize that they are lost. If not lost, they are still mortal and living in a fallen world, so therefore capable of sin. They probably didn't even realize how much you were hurt, and if they did, they need to seek forgiveness. But even if they never do, you need to, for your sake and for the sake of Christ, forgive them. If they know what they did, and are unrepentant, you might need to go to them and tell them you forgive them anyway. Ask God, and he will tell you what to do. Don't flaunt it in their face, like I am better than you because you did not ask and still I forgive. But humbly tell them you forgive them and you are not going to let a root of bitterness take root in your heart. If they are blissfully unaware, perhaps you should just leave it that way. If God wants you to bring it up, he will tell you. But if it is someone you have to face daily, and they are a fellow believer, you may need to tell them. You know the situation best, and if you truly desire restoration, God will lead you.
One word of caution: Don't be a doormat. If there is a broken relationship, and it is a continual thing, seek help. Seek wise council and God's word for the answer. But know that continually being abused is not healthy. For you or for the other person. Loving someone doesn't mean they get to abuse you. You want restoration and reconcilliation, but that cannot happen in a hostile environment. Hostility is no way to treat another human being.
We are so thankful that God has shown us himself in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We have faith in him, and hope springs up from our faith, which then allows us to love beyond what is humanly possible. Aren't you so thankful?
Our journey is 1/4 of the way over. But you can still join in. Go to www.12daysbook.com and order your copy of The 12 Days of Christmas in an ebook so you can download now. You'll be glad you did!!
Anyway, when I had my time with God in the garden, he took me again to Colossians. I love that letter. It was so appropriate for the subject of the day: The three french hens represent Faith, Hope and Love. And that is exactly what the verses I read today focused on.
Colossians 1:3-6 says:
We (Paul was speaking) always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith and love that springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.
Wow! If that doesn't fit in with the day, I don't know what does! We have been given the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. He revealed himself to us, and that gives us hope. Hope for now, and a hope for the future. This isn't all there is, folks. I tell my kids that all the time. I want them to be focused on the things to come, not on the here and now. And the hope within us bears forth love- love for our families, friends and kindred spirits. But also love for those 'irregular people'. Those that are not easy to love, but that God loves just the same.
Who is that in your life? I know who it is in mine. Actually, there are several. One of them, I have to spend time with this weekend. And it is someone who is a believer, and has hurt me deeply, in ways unfathomable. But how can I overcome my feelings and love him anyway?
First, remember that God loves them too. And then that we are "forgiven as we forgive those who trespass against us". I don't understand how they could have done what they did, but I have said careless words and heartless comments. And I sure want to be forgiven. So I better forgive!
Second, let it go. Even though you don't feel like it, choose to forgive. When you pray, tell Jesus, "I am so hurt by ----- and I don't want to forgive them. But I choose to forgive. Would you give me a willing heart to forgive and help my feelings to follow?" I also remember that unforgiveness is one of the leading causes of colon cancer. It will literally eat you alive. It causes bitterness and damage that affects you physically and all other relationships. So give it to God and he will help you let go of the past.
Third, pray for the person. Realize that they are lost. If not lost, they are still mortal and living in a fallen world, so therefore capable of sin. They probably didn't even realize how much you were hurt, and if they did, they need to seek forgiveness. But even if they never do, you need to, for your sake and for the sake of Christ, forgive them. If they know what they did, and are unrepentant, you might need to go to them and tell them you forgive them anyway. Ask God, and he will tell you what to do. Don't flaunt it in their face, like I am better than you because you did not ask and still I forgive. But humbly tell them you forgive them and you are not going to let a root of bitterness take root in your heart. If they are blissfully unaware, perhaps you should just leave it that way. If God wants you to bring it up, he will tell you. But if it is someone you have to face daily, and they are a fellow believer, you may need to tell them. You know the situation best, and if you truly desire restoration, God will lead you.
One word of caution: Don't be a doormat. If there is a broken relationship, and it is a continual thing, seek help. Seek wise council and God's word for the answer. But know that continually being abused is not healthy. For you or for the other person. Loving someone doesn't mean they get to abuse you. You want restoration and reconcilliation, but that cannot happen in a hostile environment. Hostility is no way to treat another human being.
We are so thankful that God has shown us himself in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We have faith in him, and hope springs up from our faith, which then allows us to love beyond what is humanly possible. Aren't you so thankful?
Our journey is 1/4 of the way over. But you can still join in. Go to www.12daysbook.com and order your copy of The 12 Days of Christmas in an ebook so you can download now. You'll be glad you did!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Day two of the 12 Days of Christmas
Today was Sunday, and worship day. We are so blessed to be in a great church that really focuses on having a real, vibrant relationship with God. There is also a huge emphasis on missions and ministry coming from a heart full of love from him. We have been so blessed by being a part of what God is doing here.
Today was the last week in the minor prophets. Our pastor spoke on how the Israelites didn't know and trust God, so they didn't want to put their lives in his hands. They wanted to control everything, yet they failed miserably. If they had only trusted, only submitted, if only....
Then he talked about his father and how he was out of work for 14 months during a difficult period in his family life, yet whenever his father got work, he would give 10% of his income to God. His father told him, "even though we cannot afford nice things, I am not going to miss out on the blessings of God for 10 cents on the dollar."
As we were reading Day 2, we talked about Jesus being the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and how the israelites missed it, and so many in our day miss it too. And that we who have accepted him have been grafted into the root of Jesse and now receive the inheritance of the firstborn, because of what Jesus has done. If the children of Israel had only known....had only been able to see what we now see...
Would it have really made a difference? Do we have enough foresight to change our own 'history' before it happens? What would you do differently? If only....
You cannot change what has already happened. But you can choose to live differently now. Make the choice to freely love him with your whole heart, and live like it. And realize that even though others do not make the sam choice, your job is to love them. Even if they treat you badly or disrespect you. That is not to say that you should allow them to treat you like a doormat. No, that is not self-respecting. Your job is to forgive, and pray for them in love. You may even have to lovingly confront them. But not on your own- God will guide you. But if you are genuinely loving God, seeking his face and having conversations with him, he will show you how to love people like he does. Even those who are the most difficult.
I hope you are being blessed by The 12 Days of Christmas. If you are, or if you have any comments, please post them here or on our website at www.12daysbook.com
We are praying for you. More tomorrow. Until then, may you have joy in the journey!
Today was the last week in the minor prophets. Our pastor spoke on how the Israelites didn't know and trust God, so they didn't want to put their lives in his hands. They wanted to control everything, yet they failed miserably. If they had only trusted, only submitted, if only....
Then he talked about his father and how he was out of work for 14 months during a difficult period in his family life, yet whenever his father got work, he would give 10% of his income to God. His father told him, "even though we cannot afford nice things, I am not going to miss out on the blessings of God for 10 cents on the dollar."
As we were reading Day 2, we talked about Jesus being the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and how the israelites missed it, and so many in our day miss it too. And that we who have accepted him have been grafted into the root of Jesse and now receive the inheritance of the firstborn, because of what Jesus has done. If the children of Israel had only known....had only been able to see what we now see...
Would it have really made a difference? Do we have enough foresight to change our own 'history' before it happens? What would you do differently? If only....
You cannot change what has already happened. But you can choose to live differently now. Make the choice to freely love him with your whole heart, and live like it. And realize that even though others do not make the sam choice, your job is to love them. Even if they treat you badly or disrespect you. That is not to say that you should allow them to treat you like a doormat. No, that is not self-respecting. Your job is to forgive, and pray for them in love. You may even have to lovingly confront them. But not on your own- God will guide you. But if you are genuinely loving God, seeking his face and having conversations with him, he will show you how to love people like he does. Even those who are the most difficult.
I hope you are being blessed by The 12 Days of Christmas. If you are, or if you have any comments, please post them here or on our website at www.12daysbook.com
We are praying for you. More tomorrow. Until then, may you have joy in the journey!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Day One of the 12 Days of Christmas
Today was one of the best days ever!
Traditionally, my family invites our neighbors over for a Christmas morning breakfast. This tradition was started by my mom, who is now spending Christmas in heaven. She used to have her next door neighbors over every Christmas to exchange gifts and have breakfast. My mom was a single mom, and after I got married, she was all alone, so her neighbors became like family. They took care of her yard, repairs on her home, did her hair (the wife was a hairdresser) and other things as they came up. They went to the same church, and shared so many things. In fact, when my mother had a stroke, it was the neighbor who found her on the floor and called 911. But I digress....
Anyway, when she died, I wanted a way to honor and remember her on Christmas. I also wanted to have a way to reach out to my neighbors and befriend them. So that year, we had our first Christmas breakfast.
This year was our 4th year. Now everyone expects it and looks forward to it. But this year, we were going to our family 2 hrs away on Christmas day. So I let all the neighbors know that the Breakfast was on the 26th. Which was today. And let me tell you, it was the best breakfast yet. Not only did we have some good food, but because Linda was here and it was the First Day of Christmas, we did the first day with all our neighbors. We got to clearly share our faith with all who were there!! It was so natural, and so easy. And it opened the door for some amazing discussion. We were able to answer and discuss deep spiritual truths with everyone. God was so present. I am so thankful and so blessed. And my heart is so full. I am so thankful. God is so good.
I cannot wait until tomorrow. What will he give us to do? And what will we do with it?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes on him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
What can we give to the one who has everything? The only thing he needs and wants for is us. Thats why we were created. For friendship with God. Remember Adam and how God walked with him in the garden in the cool of the day? Thats why I feel so close to him in the garden, I think. I am just so thankful that he wants to be my friend and I have the opportunity to oblige him. It is the best and only thing that I have that he doesn't unless I choose to give it to him. That is what makes us different than the angels. He wants to be our friend and to make us his hands and feet in this world. He wants us to give him our friendship and our lives because he gave his for us. So that is my gift is to him today. I hope it is yours too.
Don't miss day 2 tomorrow. Visit www.12daysbook.com to download days 1-3 and order your copy of the full book of The 12 Days of Christmas.
Traditionally, my family invites our neighbors over for a Christmas morning breakfast. This tradition was started by my mom, who is now spending Christmas in heaven. She used to have her next door neighbors over every Christmas to exchange gifts and have breakfast. My mom was a single mom, and after I got married, she was all alone, so her neighbors became like family. They took care of her yard, repairs on her home, did her hair (the wife was a hairdresser) and other things as they came up. They went to the same church, and shared so many things. In fact, when my mother had a stroke, it was the neighbor who found her on the floor and called 911. But I digress....
Anyway, when she died, I wanted a way to honor and remember her on Christmas. I also wanted to have a way to reach out to my neighbors and befriend them. So that year, we had our first Christmas breakfast.
This year was our 4th year. Now everyone expects it and looks forward to it. But this year, we were going to our family 2 hrs away on Christmas day. So I let all the neighbors know that the Breakfast was on the 26th. Which was today. And let me tell you, it was the best breakfast yet. Not only did we have some good food, but because Linda was here and it was the First Day of Christmas, we did the first day with all our neighbors. We got to clearly share our faith with all who were there!! It was so natural, and so easy. And it opened the door for some amazing discussion. We were able to answer and discuss deep spiritual truths with everyone. God was so present. I am so thankful and so blessed. And my heart is so full. I am so thankful. God is so good.
I cannot wait until tomorrow. What will he give us to do? And what will we do with it?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes on him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
What can we give to the one who has everything? The only thing he needs and wants for is us. Thats why we were created. For friendship with God. Remember Adam and how God walked with him in the garden in the cool of the day? Thats why I feel so close to him in the garden, I think. I am just so thankful that he wants to be my friend and I have the opportunity to oblige him. It is the best and only thing that I have that he doesn't unless I choose to give it to him. That is what makes us different than the angels. He wants to be our friend and to make us his hands and feet in this world. He wants us to give him our friendship and our lives because he gave his for us. So that is my gift is to him today. I hope it is yours too.
Don't miss day 2 tomorrow. Visit www.12daysbook.com to download days 1-3 and order your copy of the full book of The 12 Days of Christmas.
Friday, December 25, 2009
December 25th, Christmas Day!
What a day! We got up early and of course, opened gifts. My family was too good to me this year, as usual.
Afterward,As I was fixing pancakes for breakfast, I was hit between the eyes with the fact that my second born baby girl was missing. And I had to cry. She is living in California now, and since she was home for Thanksgiving, we couldn't bring her home for Christmas too, nor could she get the time off. So I had to settle for talking to her on the phone several times during the day. So my day was filled with joy, mingled with sadness.
Now that all our parents are spending Christmas with Jesus, we usually have dinner at home. We usually do an international dinner, with traditional food from another country. But this year, my husband's brother invited us to their home that is about two hours south of here and since Sarah was not coming home, and she is our 'foodie' and traditions mean the most to her, I jumped at the opportunity to not cook on the holiday. So we headed south. And I lost it.
I was so disagreeable to my husband, and he just took it. He is such a great guy. He deserves so much better than me. But I am so thankful I got him. I was so tired, (from being up too late Christmas Eve doing stockings and wrapping the last of the gifts,)and so sad that I just exploded at him. I didn't even realize how much Sarahs first Christmas away has affected me until I just wrote the above paragraph. But I did know there was a melancholy sadness hanging over me all day. I just didn't realize where it was coming from.
Amazing how those things affect us. Yet we don't have to let them run our lives. Yesterday we looked at 1 Peter 1:13-16. Verse 16 says For it is written: "be holy becasue I am holy."
That whole passage gives me hope. It implies that I have a choice. I do not have to let my feelings rule. I can choose the higher road and choose holiness. That applies to every area of my life. Even those I don't like to admit that I can choose to let him control. And as I let him control more and more, he shows me more and more and challenges my way of living to help me to be more like him.
Remember: We start the 12 Days of Christmas tomorrow! Hope you will join us! www.12daysbook.com
Afterward,As I was fixing pancakes for breakfast, I was hit between the eyes with the fact that my second born baby girl was missing. And I had to cry. She is living in California now, and since she was home for Thanksgiving, we couldn't bring her home for Christmas too, nor could she get the time off. So I had to settle for talking to her on the phone several times during the day. So my day was filled with joy, mingled with sadness.
Now that all our parents are spending Christmas with Jesus, we usually have dinner at home. We usually do an international dinner, with traditional food from another country. But this year, my husband's brother invited us to their home that is about two hours south of here and since Sarah was not coming home, and she is our 'foodie' and traditions mean the most to her, I jumped at the opportunity to not cook on the holiday. So we headed south. And I lost it.
I was so disagreeable to my husband, and he just took it. He is such a great guy. He deserves so much better than me. But I am so thankful I got him. I was so tired, (from being up too late Christmas Eve doing stockings and wrapping the last of the gifts,)and so sad that I just exploded at him. I didn't even realize how much Sarahs first Christmas away has affected me until I just wrote the above paragraph. But I did know there was a melancholy sadness hanging over me all day. I just didn't realize where it was coming from.
Amazing how those things affect us. Yet we don't have to let them run our lives. Yesterday we looked at 1 Peter 1:13-16. Verse 16 says For it is written: "be holy becasue I am holy."
That whole passage gives me hope. It implies that I have a choice. I do not have to let my feelings rule. I can choose the higher road and choose holiness. That applies to every area of my life. Even those I don't like to admit that I can choose to let him control. And as I let him control more and more, he shows me more and more and challenges my way of living to help me to be more like him.
Remember: We start the 12 Days of Christmas tomorrow! Hope you will join us! www.12daysbook.com
December 24th
Its Christmas day, but I had to write about my amazing Christmas Eve. So here goes.
The day started out with an early (5:30am) wake up to worship. I have been so grateful for everything that the Father has done for me and so I spent some time with him just enjoying his presence. Then I went back to bed and got up and went downstairs to make tea and enjoy the garden before everyone woke up. I was about to go out when I noticed, lying on the back of the sofa the beautiful shawl that Linda made for me for and early Christmas present. It is a prayer shawl, that was made during an illness in her life, and as she made it, she prayed for me. She made one for several of us this year, and we all feel so blessed to have one. I like to use mine while I pray. So I grabbed it and put it around my shoulders and walked out to the garden.
There is an archway on the path leading to my garden, and as I passed under that archway, I felt such a sense of peace and love and God's presence that I began to weep. I was so overwhelmed by his love, and I felt so covered by him with my prayer shawl on that I could do nothing but say thank you over and over again. I was so filled with gratitude. I cannot adequately describe it, and I am afraid I will destroy it by trying, so I will suffice it to say that I was utterly awestruck. So I got the phone and called Linda so she could come over and have tea with God and me in the garden. It was beautiful.
We read 1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ isrevealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy because I am holy."
We discussed it a bit, then talked about our day, and what was on our hearts. Then we prayed and had the sweetest prayer time together. We don't spend enough time doing that.
But the most amazing thing about the day was that I didn't miss it this year. I mean, I did not miss him. The rest of the day was spent thinking on him and his goodness. My heart was so full of him, and his great gift to us, that when we sat at the Christmas Eve service, I couldn't contain my grateful tears.
He has come!! Let us adore him and live our lives worthy of the one who gave his life for us!!
The day started out with an early (5:30am) wake up to worship. I have been so grateful for everything that the Father has done for me and so I spent some time with him just enjoying his presence. Then I went back to bed and got up and went downstairs to make tea and enjoy the garden before everyone woke up. I was about to go out when I noticed, lying on the back of the sofa the beautiful shawl that Linda made for me for and early Christmas present. It is a prayer shawl, that was made during an illness in her life, and as she made it, she prayed for me. She made one for several of us this year, and we all feel so blessed to have one. I like to use mine while I pray. So I grabbed it and put it around my shoulders and walked out to the garden.
There is an archway on the path leading to my garden, and as I passed under that archway, I felt such a sense of peace and love and God's presence that I began to weep. I was so overwhelmed by his love, and I felt so covered by him with my prayer shawl on that I could do nothing but say thank you over and over again. I was so filled with gratitude. I cannot adequately describe it, and I am afraid I will destroy it by trying, so I will suffice it to say that I was utterly awestruck. So I got the phone and called Linda so she could come over and have tea with God and me in the garden. It was beautiful.
We read 1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ isrevealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy because I am holy."
We discussed it a bit, then talked about our day, and what was on our hearts. Then we prayed and had the sweetest prayer time together. We don't spend enough time doing that.
But the most amazing thing about the day was that I didn't miss it this year. I mean, I did not miss him. The rest of the day was spent thinking on him and his goodness. My heart was so full of him, and his great gift to us, that when we sat at the Christmas Eve service, I couldn't contain my grateful tears.
He has come!! Let us adore him and live our lives worthy of the one who gave his life for us!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wow! has it really been 4 days since my last post? I am embarassed and sad. I missed blogging and the rest it affords me. Weird, but it really puts me in a restful and contented state of mind. It keeps me focused and forces me to be on my knees and in my garden for a word from Him....for me and for you. I have had some time with Jesus, but I must confess, not as much as I need.
This morning, I had a great time with Jesus. I dont know why I was thinking about this, but I was praying and thinking about Moses. I was wondering and asking God about his relationship with him and the severity of his punishment when he struck the rock and was not allowed to enter the promised land. I thought about how disappointed he must have been. I was thinking about it, and realized several things:
I don't think he was really disappointed. Actually, he was probably relieved. Remember he had just spent 40 years wandering around with those whiny, ungrateful, untrusting people. I think I would have been happy to be in heaven and rid of them! He probably didnt feel that way, in fact I wouldn't either. I am sure there were some people he would really miss. I know that even when my kids are whiny and ungrateful, I still miss them. I just hope they will grow up someday and not whine and complain.
Also, even though he may have been disappointed, the thought of heaven when you are old and tired is pleasant and welcoming. He was thinking about Gods welcoming arms, not about what he was going to be missing here. I don't think of it being so much of a punishment as a reward for a job mostly well done.
So I asked God about my life and my disobedience. God and I had a conversation, and it occured to me: I wonder how many blessings and opportunities I had missed because of my disobedience? God used Moses to show us that our disobedience costs us, and it can cost us dearly. But if we trust God, and follow him, even when we do disobey, God still blesses us, just like he did Moses.
God planned for Moses to go with the Children of Israel into the promise land. But he also knew he wouldn't make it. But still he used Moses to deliver the Israelites and show everyone the great "I AM". He knew the Israelites would have to wander for 40 years to get "Egypt out of them". And he knew that Moses would strike the rock and not make the cut of those who go in. Maybe he did other disobedient stuff. But that is not what the Bible indicates. But what I do know is that God used him anyway. And he took a terrible situation and made it even better because he loved Moses and wanted to show him.
So he took Moses home. Really home. To the real land flowing with Milk and Honey. He took Moses disobedience and forgave him, and blessed him in spite of it. He gave him more than he could ever ask or imagine. I am not saying to just go ahead and be disobedient. Quite the contrary. I still wonder who I didn't touch or what I missed because of my disobedience. But I know that he makes all things beautiful in his time. So I trust him and know that I am so blessed and I don't want to miss out on any more by being disobedient.
Colossians 3:5-14 says:
Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language form your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against on another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which bonds them all together in perfect unity.
That says it all. And what better reason is there than that? We are no longer under law, but under love. And I love Jesus so much that I want him in all of me, over all of me and oozing out of all of me. Not because I might loose my spot in heaven. I know I can't do that. But I don't want to disappoint him. So I want to please him and show him my love by obeying him in love. I will fail. But knowing he loves me and forgives me gives me hope and makes me want to do better and better in his strength. And that is my goal.
Remember: only 3 more days till the 12 days of Christmas begins! Do you have your book? visit www.12daysbook.com to order your copy. And join us as we begin a new year giving back to Christ for all he gave to us!
This morning, I had a great time with Jesus. I dont know why I was thinking about this, but I was praying and thinking about Moses. I was wondering and asking God about his relationship with him and the severity of his punishment when he struck the rock and was not allowed to enter the promised land. I thought about how disappointed he must have been. I was thinking about it, and realized several things:
I don't think he was really disappointed. Actually, he was probably relieved. Remember he had just spent 40 years wandering around with those whiny, ungrateful, untrusting people. I think I would have been happy to be in heaven and rid of them! He probably didnt feel that way, in fact I wouldn't either. I am sure there were some people he would really miss. I know that even when my kids are whiny and ungrateful, I still miss them. I just hope they will grow up someday and not whine and complain.
Also, even though he may have been disappointed, the thought of heaven when you are old and tired is pleasant and welcoming. He was thinking about Gods welcoming arms, not about what he was going to be missing here. I don't think of it being so much of a punishment as a reward for a job mostly well done.
So I asked God about my life and my disobedience. God and I had a conversation, and it occured to me: I wonder how many blessings and opportunities I had missed because of my disobedience? God used Moses to show us that our disobedience costs us, and it can cost us dearly. But if we trust God, and follow him, even when we do disobey, God still blesses us, just like he did Moses.
God planned for Moses to go with the Children of Israel into the promise land. But he also knew he wouldn't make it. But still he used Moses to deliver the Israelites and show everyone the great "I AM". He knew the Israelites would have to wander for 40 years to get "Egypt out of them". And he knew that Moses would strike the rock and not make the cut of those who go in. Maybe he did other disobedient stuff. But that is not what the Bible indicates. But what I do know is that God used him anyway. And he took a terrible situation and made it even better because he loved Moses and wanted to show him.
So he took Moses home. Really home. To the real land flowing with Milk and Honey. He took Moses disobedience and forgave him, and blessed him in spite of it. He gave him more than he could ever ask or imagine. I am not saying to just go ahead and be disobedient. Quite the contrary. I still wonder who I didn't touch or what I missed because of my disobedience. But I know that he makes all things beautiful in his time. So I trust him and know that I am so blessed and I don't want to miss out on any more by being disobedient.
Colossians 3:5-14 says:
Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language form your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against on another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which bonds them all together in perfect unity.
That says it all. And what better reason is there than that? We are no longer under law, but under love. And I love Jesus so much that I want him in all of me, over all of me and oozing out of all of me. Not because I might loose my spot in heaven. I know I can't do that. But I don't want to disappoint him. So I want to please him and show him my love by obeying him in love. I will fail. But knowing he loves me and forgives me gives me hope and makes me want to do better and better in his strength. And that is my goal.
Remember: only 3 more days till the 12 days of Christmas begins! Do you have your book? visit www.12daysbook.com to order your copy. And join us as we begin a new year giving back to Christ for all he gave to us!
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