So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God... - Ephesians 2:19
Several thousand immigrants come to the US every year, usually to become citizens of this country. Some have considered what's known as a dual citizenship (Being a citizen of both countries.); many have taken that route, while others simply call themselves as Americans and renounce their citizenship of the previous country.
This is the same thing for Christians; at one time, we were citizens of the sinful world and of the flesh. Now that we've been called to God through Christ, we are now citizens of Heaven; we don't have the option of dual-cititzenship and, honestly, we don't need that option! Why try to bunker down in this world when we have something much more awesome waiting for us? I'd rather have that than what is temporary in this life (Which happens to be almost everything!).
8/25/11
This week in Scripture; Bee chirps "Uh-oh!"
I'm working on Proverbs 3 for the next few days:
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:11-12
The previous week was Proverbs 3:7-8:
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Both groups of verses speak of wisdom (A big player in the book of Proverbs overall.); this week speaks of the wisdom of accepting God's correction, while the previous week encourages the reader to accept God's wisdom rather than relying on the self's "wisdom".
Onto this week!
Think about this week's verses this way: As parents, we have to discipline our kids whenever they get themselves into trouble; we love them so much that we want them to do well. When they get out of line, we must correct that behavior.
Case in point: Bee is learning that she is not to throw toys (Thankfully, stuffed animals!) when she is in the backseat of our vehicle. She starts to learn that her daddy and I won't keep handing her the same toy to throw and to hear her say "Uh-oh" multiple times (It does get taxing after a few minutes!).
In the same way, we must allow ourselves to see that God does love us, even when He's correcting our bad behavior.
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. - Proverbs 3:11-12
The previous week was Proverbs 3:7-8:
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Both groups of verses speak of wisdom (A big player in the book of Proverbs overall.); this week speaks of the wisdom of accepting God's correction, while the previous week encourages the reader to accept God's wisdom rather than relying on the self's "wisdom".
Onto this week!
Think about this week's verses this way: As parents, we have to discipline our kids whenever they get themselves into trouble; we love them so much that we want them to do well. When they get out of line, we must correct that behavior.
Case in point: Bee is learning that she is not to throw toys (Thankfully, stuffed animals!) when she is in the backseat of our vehicle. She starts to learn that her daddy and I won't keep handing her the same toy to throw and to hear her say "Uh-oh" multiple times (It does get taxing after a few minutes!).
In the same way, we must allow ourselves to see that God does love us, even when He's correcting our bad behavior.
8/2/11
This week in Scripture; hiding spots!
This week's Scripture verse comes from Psalms 119 (The longest chapter in the Bible; it also happens to fall neatly right in the middle of the Book!):
"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." - Psalm 119:114
I loved playing hide-and-seek as a kid (I guess that's a good thing to have siblings play with you!); I manage to find some hiding spots that I know that I won't be found by my brother.
In a different take of hide-and-seek, I'm able to "hide" in God's Word, but I'm also found hoping in His Word as well! As Christians, we put our trust in Christ at conversion; should we not put our hope in His promises and Word as well?
"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." - Psalm 119:114
I loved playing hide-and-seek as a kid (I guess that's a good thing to have siblings play with you!); I manage to find some hiding spots that I know that I won't be found by my brother.
In a different take of hide-and-seek, I'm able to "hide" in God's Word, but I'm also found hoping in His Word as well! As Christians, we put our trust in Christ at conversion; should we not put our hope in His promises and Word as well?
7/5/11
This week in Scripture; falling behind!
This week, I'm focusing on Isaiah 12:4, which goes like this:
And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
We often thank God during the good moments and when things are going well. The world is bright and sunny; kids are behaving well and your spouse is in good health.
What happens when the clouds and rain roll in, the kids misbehave and your healthy spouse suddenly becomes ill? Do we even bother thanking God that His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfect? We often grumble and complain; the Hebrews did the same thing after they escaped Egypt. After they came to the Promised Land. After they got their king. After they get what they want.
What happens when we get what we want? We often see something that's "better", so we demand that "better" thing. That sounds like a spoiled child, doesn't it?
Why not thank God for the blessings He chooses to give as well as the things He holds back from us? Could it be that what we may want at that moment isn't what we need?
*******
I've really been falling behind as of late and that's pitiful of me! I am sorry for that!
And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted.
We often thank God during the good moments and when things are going well. The world is bright and sunny; kids are behaving well and your spouse is in good health.
What happens when the clouds and rain roll in, the kids misbehave and your healthy spouse suddenly becomes ill? Do we even bother thanking God that His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfect? We often grumble and complain; the Hebrews did the same thing after they escaped Egypt. After they came to the Promised Land. After they got their king. After they get what they want.
What happens when we get what we want? We often see something that's "better", so we demand that "better" thing. That sounds like a spoiled child, doesn't it?
Why not thank God for the blessings He chooses to give as well as the things He holds back from us? Could it be that what we may want at that moment isn't what we need?
*******
I've really been falling behind as of late and that's pitiful of me! I am sorry for that!
6/14/11
This week in Scripture; Bee-sense!
It's been at least a couple of weeks since I wrote (Oops!); life has been hectic, to say the least! That said, it's better for my hands to not be idle. :)
Last week, I had memorized Romans 8:13-14 (For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.); like most of the verses I've memorized, this struck a cord with me. I have a hard time (by my own will) putting to death (Or to mortify; there's that pesky word again!) those sins that I desire (Don't kid yourself when you tell yourself that you don't desire sin; we do desire some sins, while detest others.). That's only by the grace of God that I can learn to detest those desirable sins!
This week, Ephesians 4:31-32 will be my verses to memorize: Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
As far as Bee goes, she's scheduled for occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy; it will be a busy few weeks (again). Pray that she gets up to speed developmental-wise!
Last week, I had memorized Romans 8:13-14 (For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.); like most of the verses I've memorized, this struck a cord with me. I have a hard time (by my own will) putting to death (Or to mortify; there's that pesky word again!) those sins that I desire (Don't kid yourself when you tell yourself that you don't desire sin; we do desire some sins, while detest others.). That's only by the grace of God that I can learn to detest those desirable sins!
This week, Ephesians 4:31-32 will be my verses to memorize: Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
As far as Bee goes, she's scheduled for occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy; it will be a busy few weeks (again). Pray that she gets up to speed developmental-wise!
5/25/11
This Week in Scripture; Marie is constantly late!
I'm quite behind on posting the weekly Scripture that I'm to memorize; do forgive me!
This week is Psalm 37:7, which goes something like this:
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
I find it sadly amusing that this is quite pertinent to how I should live my life; I'm constantly on the go and am constantly late to appointments and other things that must be done. That and I don't slow down to listen to what God has to say; that's the sad part about the whole thing. I need to slow down and listen to that still, small voice that whispers amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Perhaps now would be the best time to stop and listen. Won't you join me in that?
This week is Psalm 37:7, which goes something like this:
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
I find it sadly amusing that this is quite pertinent to how I should live my life; I'm constantly on the go and am constantly late to appointments and other things that must be done. That and I don't slow down to listen to what God has to say; that's the sad part about the whole thing. I need to slow down and listen to that still, small voice that whispers amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Perhaps now would be the best time to stop and listen. Won't you join me in that?
5/16/11
This Week in Scripture; Encouragement At It's Best!
When I chose this week's Scripture verse to memorize, I paused after I read it.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2, ESV)
It made me pause for this reason: During our trials and various problems through life, God will always be there and He will not turn His back on you.
When I was growing up, my dad was not the best dad out there; I knew that he would only show up at events I was involved in because my mom practically begged him to show up. Even when he did, he'd sit in the very back and closest to the exit; he was clearly not interested in being there and he showed his lack of enthusiasm. I knew that he would be bored out of his mind, yet I wanted him there to support and encourage me; I still never received that support and encouragement. The one thing I longed to hear from Dad was "I'm proud of you" and I never heard it from him.
When I became a Christian (God's grace alone did that; I can't claim anything on that one.) when I was 20 years old (That was 10 years ago; God's timing is perfect.), I had a hard time relating to God as Father (Sometimes, I still do.) and a perfect Father at that (That was even more mind-boggling.); He encourages, consoles and disciplines His children perfectly and with love. I never had that kind of example growing up and I struggled with that. I struggled a long time with the idea of an affectionate, loving and encouraging Father.
When I was younger, I looked at fathers with their kids and I ached with sadness; I was jealous of those kids because their dads actually cared. My dad was more concerned about his golf game and whether or not things were done his way.
I would not be surprised if Dad despised the idea of his daughter embracing Christ as Savior; it was the exact opposite of how he lived his life. He chose early on to reject Christianity and showed in various ways how hostile he was to the faith.
Now, I watch my husband with his little girl and I smile; he's encouraging her, he consoles her when she falls and disciplines her when she needs it. My daughter will know what a loving father is like, because she'll have both her temporal father and her eternal Father; that's what I want Bee to witness as she grows up and when the Holy Spirit draws her near to her Savior.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2, ESV)
It made me pause for this reason: During our trials and various problems through life, God will always be there and He will not turn His back on you.
When I was growing up, my dad was not the best dad out there; I knew that he would only show up at events I was involved in because my mom practically begged him to show up. Even when he did, he'd sit in the very back and closest to the exit; he was clearly not interested in being there and he showed his lack of enthusiasm. I knew that he would be bored out of his mind, yet I wanted him there to support and encourage me; I still never received that support and encouragement. The one thing I longed to hear from Dad was "I'm proud of you" and I never heard it from him.
When I became a Christian (God's grace alone did that; I can't claim anything on that one.) when I was 20 years old (That was 10 years ago; God's timing is perfect.), I had a hard time relating to God as Father (Sometimes, I still do.) and a perfect Father at that (That was even more mind-boggling.); He encourages, consoles and disciplines His children perfectly and with love. I never had that kind of example growing up and I struggled with that. I struggled a long time with the idea of an affectionate, loving and encouraging Father.
When I was younger, I looked at fathers with their kids and I ached with sadness; I was jealous of those kids because their dads actually cared. My dad was more concerned about his golf game and whether or not things were done his way.
I would not be surprised if Dad despised the idea of his daughter embracing Christ as Savior; it was the exact opposite of how he lived his life. He chose early on to reject Christianity and showed in various ways how hostile he was to the faith.
Now, I watch my husband with his little girl and I smile; he's encouraging her, he consoles her when she falls and disciplines her when she needs it. My daughter will know what a loving father is like, because she'll have both her temporal father and her eternal Father; that's what I want Bee to witness as she grows up and when the Holy Spirit draws her near to her Savior.
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