Friday, August 21, 2009
God will deal with the wicked!!!
Loved reading this, this morning, after all the "news" and emails I read last night....."LORD, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. Will You permit a corrupt government to rule under your protection--agovernment permitting wrong to defeat right? Do you approve of those who condemn the innocent to death? No! The LORD my God is my fortress--the mighty Rock where I can hide. God has made the sins of evil ment to boomerang upon them!! He will destroy them by their own plans. Jehovah our God will cut them off." Psa 94:19-23
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Conflict
Is it possible to go through a day without some sort of conflict? I have been wondering about this ever since we spent a week last month at a family camp in one 12x15' room with 2 adults and four children, with wall to wall "beds" and suitcases!!
All things considered, the week went really well...........almost!! Except for one exceptional night of conflict. One of the grandchildren was way out of sorts and just had to let it all out. It happens, you know!! And that is what precipitated my thoughts down this runway!! I call it a runway, because my tendency is to want to just "take off" and leave it all behind, hoping (I guess) it will resolve itself. But, at my "mature" age, I know better!!
So, since that time, I have just been so much more aware of the instances of conflict in day to day life. Even in my reading in the Psalms the past couple of weeks, it has just jumped off the pages. And now I am preparing lessons to teach Ephesians in a few weeks and have been struck by the reason for Paul's writing Ephesians............to give the news that the "wall of conflict" had been torn down by the blood of the cross..........the wall that separated Jew and Gentile for millenniums.
There are the personal conflicts that are from within.........everything from what to eat, where to eat, what to buy to eat and what not to buy to eat, who will eat what and who won't, .....then let's go to clothing, or housework, or homework, or yardwork, or just "work". On and on it goes. Conflict can occur in small things and in huge issues.............like Health Care!!! Or taxes!! Or religion!!
But, when I went into my sanctuary...........my quiet place ("A glorious throne on high from the beginning Is the place of our sanctuary." Jeremiah 17:12) ........meditating on some Scripture, the LORD reminded me (from Ephesians) that HE Himself is our peace. He is the end of all conflict. Eph 2:14, 17. He preached peace to those who were far off...........Gentiles.........and to those who were near............Jews. In other words, Jesus preached Peace to everyone. Peace is the absence
of conflict.
Back to that night of conflict in our tiny room, I understand why I had this overwhelming, urgent need to pray. It was the only way Peace would be brought near!! Thank You, Jesus, my Prince of Peace!!!
All things considered, the week went really well...........almost!! Except for one exceptional night of conflict. One of the grandchildren was way out of sorts and just had to let it all out. It happens, you know!! And that is what precipitated my thoughts down this runway!! I call it a runway, because my tendency is to want to just "take off" and leave it all behind, hoping (I guess) it will resolve itself. But, at my "mature" age, I know better!!
So, since that time, I have just been so much more aware of the instances of conflict in day to day life. Even in my reading in the Psalms the past couple of weeks, it has just jumped off the pages. And now I am preparing lessons to teach Ephesians in a few weeks and have been struck by the reason for Paul's writing Ephesians............to give the news that the "wall of conflict" had been torn down by the blood of the cross..........the wall that separated Jew and Gentile for millenniums.
There are the personal conflicts that are from within.........everything from what to eat, where to eat, what to buy to eat and what not to buy to eat, who will eat what and who won't, .....then let's go to clothing, or housework, or homework, or yardwork, or just "work". On and on it goes. Conflict can occur in small things and in huge issues.............like Health Care!!! Or taxes!! Or religion!!
But, when I went into my sanctuary...........my quiet place ("A glorious throne on high from the beginning Is the place of our sanctuary." Jeremiah 17:12) ........meditating on some Scripture, the LORD reminded me (from Ephesians) that HE Himself is our peace. He is the end of all conflict. Eph 2:14, 17. He preached peace to those who were far off...........Gentiles.........and to those who were near............Jews. In other words, Jesus preached Peace to everyone. Peace is the absence
of conflict.
Back to that night of conflict in our tiny room, I understand why I had this overwhelming, urgent need to pray. It was the only way Peace would be brought near!! Thank You, Jesus, my Prince of Peace!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
"Death is not dying" by Rachel Barkey
I just listened to this wonderfully inspiring testimony of a relatively young mother, 37 years old, who was dying of cancer. Another friend has this post on her facebook, but I just want to make sure others hear the Truth about death and dying. So powerful. Enough said! Take the next and hour and listen for yourself!!
In my favorite 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers is this great quote to God "You are too wise to ever make a mistake, too loving to ever do anything unkind." Listen to Rachel Barkey make sense of that. http://deathisnotdying.com/
Rachel Barkey (nee Sawer) went home to her Lord on July 2, 2009 at 37 years of age. Rachel is survived by her husband Neil and her children Quinn and Kate, parents Ben and Cathy Sawer, brother David (Johanna) Sawer and sister Andrea Sawer.
In my favorite 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers is this great quote to God "You are too wise to ever make a mistake, too loving to ever do anything unkind." Listen to Rachel Barkey make sense of that. http://deathisnotdying.com/
Rachel Barkey (nee Sawer) went home to her Lord on July 2, 2009 at 37 years of age. Rachel is survived by her husband Neil and her children Quinn and Kate, parents Ben and Cathy Sawer, brother David (Johanna) Sawer and sister Andrea Sawer.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Reformation Takes Time
Last week Monty and I watched "John Adams", an HBO mini-series,htthttp://www.hbo.com/films/johnadams/p:// that Ty and Kaylyn gave to us. We highly recommend it to all, as we thoroughly enjoyed the great presentation of the formulation of the United States of America.
One of the statements that John wrote to his beloved wife Abigail was: "Not having you in my life would be the ruination of me." She was such a godly wife with great wisdom and grace, well-deserving of such recognition by John. He wisely sought her counsel and listened to her insights, benefitting from her perceptions over and over.
It was a challenge to me in my relationship with Monty..........that I would be a grace-filled woman who wisely counsels him because of having Jesus in my life. I took John's statement to Abigail and thought about my relationship with the LORD and that "Not having HIM in my life would be the ruination of me!!!!" What I have to offer my husband is only as deep as my commitment to the LORD Jesus and His Word.
One other interesting thing in watching this series was the insights into the character of Thomas Jefferson and of Benjamin Franklin. I mentioned in my post the other day about reading Rosenberg's wonderful book, Inside the Revolution. Well, the correlation between the reformers in the American Revolution and the movement of the Muslim Reformers Rosenberg explains so well in his book is thought-provoking. Reform takes time. Let me whet your appetite for an interesting read with the following quote from the book (pg 217).
"What is so fascinating and compelling to me about this movement of Reformers is that while they see the world through the lens of the Qur'an--whether for religious reasons or merely cultural ones--they simultaneously agree with Thomas Jefferson, who wrote in America's Declaration of Independence that all people have been 'endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'"
I will stop there and just encourage you to get the book and be amazed at what God is doing!!! (This is not a paid commercial!!!!!)
BOOK REVIEW:
INSIDE THE REVOLUTION Inside the Revolution takes you inside the winner-take-all battle for the hearts, minds and souls of the people of the Middle East. It includes never-before-seen profiles of the Radicals, the Reformers, and the Revivalists. It explains the implications of each movement and the importance of each leader – not only through the lenses of politics and economics but through the third lens of Scripture as well. Today, wars and revolutions define the modern Middle East, and many believe the worst is yet to come.
One of the statements that John wrote to his beloved wife Abigail was: "Not having you in my life would be the ruination of me." She was such a godly wife with great wisdom and grace, well-deserving of such recognition by John. He wisely sought her counsel and listened to her insights, benefitting from her perceptions over and over.
It was a challenge to me in my relationship with Monty..........that I would be a grace-filled woman who wisely counsels him because of having Jesus in my life. I took John's statement to Abigail and thought about my relationship with the LORD and that "Not having HIM in my life would be the ruination of me!!!!" What I have to offer my husband is only as deep as my commitment to the LORD Jesus and His Word.
One other interesting thing in watching this series was the insights into the character of Thomas Jefferson and of Benjamin Franklin. I mentioned in my post the other day about reading Rosenberg's wonderful book, Inside the Revolution. Well, the correlation between the reformers in the American Revolution and the movement of the Muslim Reformers Rosenberg explains so well in his book is thought-provoking. Reform takes time. Let me whet your appetite for an interesting read with the following quote from the book (pg 217).
"What is so fascinating and compelling to me about this movement of Reformers is that while they see the world through the lens of the Qur'an--whether for religious reasons or merely cultural ones--they simultaneously agree with Thomas Jefferson, who wrote in America's Declaration of Independence that all people have been 'endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'"
I will stop there and just encourage you to get the book and be amazed at what God is doing!!! (This is not a paid commercial!!!!!)
BOOK REVIEW:
INSIDE THE REVOLUTION Inside the Revolution takes you inside the winner-take-all battle for the hearts, minds and souls of the people of the Middle East. It includes never-before-seen profiles of the Radicals, the Reformers, and the Revivalists. It explains the implications of each movement and the importance of each leader – not only through the lenses of politics and economics but through the third lens of Scripture as well. Today, wars and revolutions define the modern Middle East, and many believe the worst is yet to come.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers
Living in Oklahoma brings the unique celebration of "89er's Day", which is a day commemorating the land run in 1889. It is at the end of April, and I found out a few days before that two of my grandchildren needed costumes for their school festivities. So, I whipped out a dress, bonnet and apron for the girl and some pants with fringe on the sides for the boy. Well, with 12 other grandchildren, it became "Well, I want one, too!!" So, here is the final result.....well, almost!! Now I have finished the Davy Crockett hats, but haven't had the boys here to photograph them. But this was a fun day for all 14 of them to be here together.
My prayer for each one of them is that they will be sons and daughters of King Jesus who are willing pioneers for His kingdom and territory here on earth, sharing His good news to their generation.
10/40 Window
A couple of interesting things have happened to me recently that have caused me to praise the Most High that He is The Ancient of Days, who knows the beginning from the end and everything before and after. I love that phrase in Daniel that helps us to know that no matter what may seem wrong or unjust to us, God is there as the Ancient of Days and He has all of the facts and is the perfect One to judge the living and the dead. I try to keep that in perspective when I lack understanding about what I would call delays, but are really right on time in His time piece.
Today is July the 4th and we have so many reasons to be thankful for our freedoms in this amazing country. Yes there are flaws and disappointments in the decisions being made in DC these days, but the LORD has been bringing it all into perspective for me in recent months.
Now to bring this all to my two interesting things: Several years ago, probably 25 or so, at a missions conference at my church where I was challenged in my spirit to pray for the unreached people groups of the world to get the Bible translated into their own language. The name on the card given to me was the Karen-Paku of Burma. So, for over two decades, probably closer to three, I prayed for this people group as the LORD brought them to my mind, even though I knew very little about them. Neither did anyone else I asked.
When I went through the facility of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Orlando a few years ago, I learned that that region had a name change, which often happens when new regimes move in and take control. The new name of the same people who needed the Word of God in their own tongue was Myanmar. And through the catastrophic cyclone, the whole world’s eyes were suddenly on my very own “Karen-Paku”…………..with believers everywhere praying for them in their devastation…….joining me in praying that God would reveal Himself to them and meet their needs. WOW! That was huge to me.
The second realization that has come more recently has been through the reading of Joel Rosenberg’s wonderful book, Inside the Revolution.http://www.joelrosenberg.com/ Do you remember, those of you old enough to have been praying in the 80’s, the awareness of the needs for hearing the gospel in the 10/40 window? I can remember hearing that phrase for the first time and having no clue as to what it meant. (For the sake of you readers who might not have been born then or at least not old enough to understand the challenge to pray fervently for the masses of people in the 10/40 window ……………the area of the world between 10 and 40 latitudes of the world). This is predominantly Islamic countries.
I want to quote one small part of Rosenberg’s book that brought me to my knees in worship and thanks for God’s faithfulness to hear and answer prayers. “In the last 20 years, more Iranians have come to Christ [than in] the last 14 centuries,……………..At the time of the Islamic revolution in 1979, there were only about five hundred known Muslim converts to Jesus inside the country. By 2000, a survey of Christian demographic trends reported that there were 220,000 Christians inside Iran, of which between 4,000 and 20,000 were Muslim converts. And according to Iranian Christian leaders I interviewed for this book, the number of Christ-followers inside their country show dramatically higher between 2000 and 2008.” pg.384-385
Prayer is not a new thing to me, nor is the total belief that God not only hears my prayers, but delights in having me come to Him. And such answers to prayer is why I write………..to encourage you to trust Him, even when you are praying for a people group you have never heard of before to get the Bible in their own language, as strange as that may seem……………or for a section of the world that seems completely disinterested in the claims of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Don’t underestimate the Ancient of Days with your impossible prayers!!!
Today is July the 4th and we have so many reasons to be thankful for our freedoms in this amazing country. Yes there are flaws and disappointments in the decisions being made in DC these days, but the LORD has been bringing it all into perspective for me in recent months.
Now to bring this all to my two interesting things: Several years ago, probably 25 or so, at a missions conference at my church where I was challenged in my spirit to pray for the unreached people groups of the world to get the Bible translated into their own language. The name on the card given to me was the Karen-Paku of Burma. So, for over two decades, probably closer to three, I prayed for this people group as the LORD brought them to my mind, even though I knew very little about them. Neither did anyone else I asked.
When I went through the facility of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Orlando a few years ago, I learned that that region had a name change, which often happens when new regimes move in and take control. The new name of the same people who needed the Word of God in their own tongue was Myanmar. And through the catastrophic cyclone, the whole world’s eyes were suddenly on my very own “Karen-Paku”…………..with believers everywhere praying for them in their devastation…….joining me in praying that God would reveal Himself to them and meet their needs. WOW! That was huge to me.
The second realization that has come more recently has been through the reading of Joel Rosenberg’s wonderful book, Inside the Revolution.http://www.joelrosenberg.com/ Do you remember, those of you old enough to have been praying in the 80’s, the awareness of the needs for hearing the gospel in the 10/40 window? I can remember hearing that phrase for the first time and having no clue as to what it meant. (For the sake of you readers who might not have been born then or at least not old enough to understand the challenge to pray fervently for the masses of people in the 10/40 window ……………the area of the world between 10 and 40 latitudes of the world). This is predominantly Islamic countries.
I want to quote one small part of Rosenberg’s book that brought me to my knees in worship and thanks for God’s faithfulness to hear and answer prayers. “In the last 20 years, more Iranians have come to Christ [than in] the last 14 centuries,……………..At the time of the Islamic revolution in 1979, there were only about five hundred known Muslim converts to Jesus inside the country. By 2000, a survey of Christian demographic trends reported that there were 220,000 Christians inside Iran, of which between 4,000 and 20,000 were Muslim converts. And according to Iranian Christian leaders I interviewed for this book, the number of Christ-followers inside their country show dramatically higher between 2000 and 2008.” pg.384-385
Prayer is not a new thing to me, nor is the total belief that God not only hears my prayers, but delights in having me come to Him. And such answers to prayer is why I write………..to encourage you to trust Him, even when you are praying for a people group you have never heard of before to get the Bible in their own language, as strange as that may seem……………or for a section of the world that seems completely disinterested in the claims of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Don’t underestimate the Ancient of Days with your impossible prayers!!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Quiet Times
Recently, most of my mornings have begun with small children in the early hours wanting to sit on my lap and cuddle while I am reading my Bible!! It might have been out on the patio with a cup of coffee and the crisp beauty of the early morning sun coming up high enough to warm us, or in "my prayer chair" where much of my time is spent in quietness with the LORD..........or, even more recently these past few days, on the sofa in Kaylyn's living room here in Lakewood, CO.
It has made me flash back about 30+ years to when our children were little (like our grandchildren now) and they would come downstairs in the early hours to do the same thing. I remember telling them when they asked what I was doing that I was having my "quiet time with the LORD". Then next question was: "What's that?"! And deja vu happened when one of my grandchildren asked the same thing!!! And my answer was the same as it was 3 decades ago......"It is like I am sitting in my Daddy's lap, cuddling with Him, listening to Him, talking with Him first thing in the morning, just like you are with me! It is how I like to start my day!!"
Praise the LORD..........some things never change!!!!
It has made me flash back about 30+ years to when our children were little (like our grandchildren now) and they would come downstairs in the early hours to do the same thing. I remember telling them when they asked what I was doing that I was having my "quiet time with the LORD". Then next question was: "What's that?"! And deja vu happened when one of my grandchildren asked the same thing!!! And my answer was the same as it was 3 decades ago......"It is like I am sitting in my Daddy's lap, cuddling with Him, listening to Him, talking with Him first thing in the morning, just like you are with me! It is how I like to start my day!!"
Praise the LORD..........some things never change!!!!
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