Thursday, March 31, 2011

I Admit It....One of my Bathsheba's is FOOD!


I Love Food! I've been wanting to lose some extra "poundage" for about two years, but have not been able to because of the food...especially cookies! I desire other foods and beverages too, including pizza, breads, and soda. Whenever I see these foods or begin to crave them, it is hard for me to resist the temptation of eating them. Nutrition is only one part of the "natural" weight loss solution, but I've been successful with exercising several times a week, except for the last month. In a previous post, I discussed David's falling into sin with Bathsheba. This desire for food will eventually lead to an unhealthy body. Actually, it has already became a problem due to excess weight on my joints and muscles. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul reminds the church in Corinth to take care of their bodies and do not do anything unpleasing to God. Paul writes: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies". I am challenging myself to turn to God and begin taking better care of my temple. Admission is the first step...now begins the hard part not allowing the temptation make me "fall".

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

What is Your Bathsheba?


Why is it so difficult to flee temptation, but so easy to give in? Being tempted is a daily occurrence in our lives as we walk with Christ. In 2 Samuel 11, we are told of David's difficulty and his struggle with temptation that eventually became sin. Bathsheba, a very beautiful woman, caught David's eye as she bathed. David called for her and the rest is "what they call history". I think that Bathsheba can not only represent temptation in David's life, but also OUR "desires". In James 1:13-15, "When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death". Our desires can tempt us and eventually lead to sin. While some of our desires may impact our lives greatly, others will slowly lead us to destruction. It is never too late to rid your life of your Bathsheba. So, the question is what is your Bathsheba? What are you doing about it? How are you making sure your desire (Bathsheba) does not "give birth to sin"?

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Faith-Action=Nothing


Robert Kennedy once said, "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" I have discussed this quote in other writings I have completed, but I think it is very important to discuss again. Kennedy's quote inspires me. The quote challenges me. I have always been a dreamer, but I think it is more important to put your dreams into action. A plan, idea, or dream without action is worthless. In our Christian life, our faith is worthless without action. In James 2:26, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." We need to act on our dreams and plans. Kennedy's quote is saying not to settle with the way things are, but look for ways to improve the world around us. Never underestimate yourself...ask why not? Why not put those dreams or plans into action today?

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Power of the Word "CAN'T"


Last weekend, I used a bad word. A word that limits so many people. A word that has the power to influence attitudes in often negative ways. The word was can't. I am not the most mechanically inclined person. It takes me hours what it takes a "handyman" to do. I was not up for the challenge of assembling a trailer, even if it meant 10 lug nuts and 2 bolts. I attempt to teach my children and my students the importance of hard work and achieving what they feel might be impossible. I am often reminded of words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” For my children, I told them that can't is a "bad" word. ALL things are possible with God, whether it is as simple as putting together a trailer or moving a mountain. This weekend I needed to listen to my own advice.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Power of the Word "CAN"


"You can do it!!!" Hopefully, you have been encouraged with that phrase sometime in your life. Can is a positive word. According to Dictionary.com, can means "to have the ability, the power, and the skill to". Can is an empowering word. In the Presidential election in 2008, Barack Obama used the phrase "Yes We Can" as he campaigned around the country. This phrase empowered Americans as they voted for a change America's leadership. Just as Obama rallied America during the election, Paul rallied the church. In Philippians 4:13, Paul encouraged the church at Philippi and future Christians. Paul wrote: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." It does not matter what the challenge ,the mountain or the hardship is. Remember that with Christ all things are possible and that you CAN do it.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Power of Words


Words are powerful. Words can mean different things to people depending on their understanding of the word or their experiences. Words can build up or tear down. Words have the potential to change attitudes. In Psalms 119:130, the psalmist writes: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple". Words can direct us and guide us. This week’s posts will focus on two different words: can and can’t. Each word has the power to transform your attitude and your life. I'm often reminded of the power of words when Paul addresses "unwholesome" talk in his letter to the church in Ephesus. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen".

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Defining the Elimination of Desire


I have been reflecting on the previous post “Eliminating Desire” and what it means to my life. The question I am attempting to figure out is how extreme to go with this concept. The world we live in is very materialistic. What do we truly need for survival in American society today? What are considered extras or “luxuries”? Why does society value material possessions so much? Over the last few months, a transformation has started to take place in my life. Things (extras) that I desired so much for my life are no longer things I want to spend my time pursuing. Many other things should and will begin to become priorities in my life. In Matthew 6:33-34, Jesus says: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Jesus promises that if we FIRST seek His kingdom and His righteousness all our needs will be met. So for me, eliminating desire for me at this point is focusing on God and prioritizing my life.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Giving Up---No Way Man!


President John F. Kennedy in his address at Rice University in 1962 said, “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too”. Kennedy’s quote was focused on beating the Russians to the moon, but I think it can apply to the daily challenges we face in our lives. Often times, we want to give up and we want to quit because the challenges we face are difficult or hard. Sometimes our relationships are complicated. Giving up is easier than working through or struggling through the challenges in our lives. Paul discussed the importance of “finishing the race” in his letter to Timothy. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 1 Timothy 4:7. The trials or challenges we face in our lives are used to grow our character and dependency on Christ. James reminds us of the importance of persevering through our challenges. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” James 1: 2-4. Don’t give up...push through the challenges!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Obedience=Difficult

Listening and knowing what God wants for your life is very important. Obeying God is a must. Obedience is a difficult thing to do sometimes, especially when you cannot see the path in which you are to take. Obedience requires great faith. The Bible discusses several men and women who were obedient and disobedient. Adam and Eve disobeyed God when they ate of the fruit. Abraham obeyed God when he went to sacrifice his son Issac. Once you know your purpose or understand what God wants you to do, you must follow through. We were all created to bring glory to God. We are created to go and make disciples of ALL nations according to Matthew 28:20. In Romans 5:19, Paul writes, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous”. If God opens a door for you, it is important that you obey Him and walk through it despite reservations. God has given you a gift. Go and use it for His glory.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Faithful God


I was really not wanting to go to rehearsal tonight. Actually, I was planning on skipping until I received a text from the Teresa reminding me of rehearsal. As I was pondering whether I would go, God already knew why I needed to be there. In our lives, we struggle with multiple challenges. Some are simple challenges that with time and prayer...will pass. Others are more challenging. Tonight, Teresa challenged me with a statement she shared with the group. She said something like, “The reason we often quit something is because of the difficulty...it is easier to quit”. We have a faithful God and He has placed us in that spot for a reason. When we quit, we are giving in to the challenge and might miss out on great opportunities. Reflecting back on my past, I have went through multiple job changes that have prepared me for where I am today. However, I often wonder, what opportunities or blessings I missed out because I didn’t trust in the Faithful God, who sustains us. I am reminded of David and his struggles and challenges he faced. David always looked to God and poured his heart out before God. In Psalms 71:22, David writes “I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God;I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel”. I’m really at a unique place in my life. My current job is the job that I have had the longest. I have been most content with my current occupation of teaching. However, things have been challenging and I’ve been questioning my effectiveness. This year has been plagued by more frustrating days then what I would call successful days. I have pondered moving on. After tonight and Teresa’s insight on our faithful God, I am going to push on and push through this challenge. I am eager to see what God is going to do as I persevere through the challenges of daily life.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Conformed...Transformed...Sacrifice


Conforming to this world is very easy due to the society that exists. Our society is an instant gratification society that is selfish. God blessed each and everyone of us with a gift or talent. We are supposed to use the gift that God gave us to the best of our ability and to bring glory and honor to God. In Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. To use your gift for God is using your body as a “living sacrifice”. Focus on God’s will for you life, let Him use you to transform lives without conforming to this world.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Oh Vacation...I Need a Break!


Note to the Reader:
Do not take this the wrong way I love my job...I just need a break...With that disclaimer...here we go! Oh vacation...where are you? Why are you hiding? Where have you gone? I need to see you soon. Kind of wishing I would have seen you a couple of weeks ago during the wonderful ice storm we had. Instead I was running around making sure my pipes didn’t freeze at my house. I am so ready for the sand between my toes and total relaxation as the wind blows and the waves hit the shoreline. I cannot wait to feel the warm sun on my skin and smell the salty ocean air. Oh, vacation! Things just got a little better. No additional work load because of classes. Now to adjust the remaining tasks. Vacation...how many days until we meet again...please count with me...one, two, three days...forget that idea you are too far away...more like 158, 159, or 160 days... Proverbs 19:23 says: “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble”.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Expanding Your Territory

What does it mean to expand your territory? Could it simply mean getting out of your comfort zone? Does territory mean “horizons” or the way you look at things? Is Jabez referring to expanding his geographic area/property? Was he referring to a certain skill or talents? In 1 Chronicles 4:10, Jabez prays a very simple prayer. “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.“

Jabez’ life was changed. This short but powerful verse has changed many lives. In my life, I can relate to “expanding my territory” as expanding my horizons (through travel) and the way I think about things. I was given the opportunity to visit over three countries and nearly 28 states in the last ten years. During my travels, I have experienced different cultures and God’s beautiful creation. In August of 2010, I finished a master’s degree in Global Studies. The classes opened my mind to a new way of thinking. I often find myself looking at world events with a different set of eyes.

The beauty of this prayer found in 1 Chronicles is the last part, “and God granted his request”. Jabez asked and God answered and blessed him. God answers prayer.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The Purposeful Listener

Why is it so difficult to slow our minds down enough to listen or think about nothing? I was recently reading a study by Dr. Charles Stanley that discussed listening to God. Stanley discussed the difference between a passive and purposeful listener. These are two different types of listeners. A passive listener is just “there” with little or no plan to implement what he or she hears during a sermon, lesson, or meditation time. A purposeful listener comes to church with the intention of listening and applying the sermon or lesson heard. As discussed in an earlier writing, we must not only pray to God, but we must listen for his direction and guidance. If we are not purposeful in our listening, we may miss out on what direction God wants us to know. David writes in Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Being still and listening for God’s direction is the first step in becoming a purposeful listener versus a passive listener.