Sharing a poem about Pride

Hello Blog World!

Been a long time since I have been here.

Would like to say that I will try to do better. But I have done that several times in the past. So, for today, I have a poem that I want to share with you.

For many years now, I have used Beth Moore's "Praying God's Word" as a tool during devotions. Not always and not consistently, but today I picked it up again. Just turned to the page marked from the last visit. It was on on the chapter, "Overcoming Pride". And I once again read the poem that she has printed. I didn't just skim it (as often happens in a re-read). I read it again. So, I share it with you today. (if anyone still reads) Maybe someone else needs to read it too. Certainly, I am reminded that pride is a tool that the enemy uses in my life to try to defeat me.

My name is Pride.  I am a cheater.

I cheat you of your God-given destiny...

because you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment...

because you "deserve better than this."

I cheat you of knowledge...

because you already know it all.

I cheat you of healing...

because you are too full of me to forgive.

I cheat you of holiness...

because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.

I cheat you of vision...

because you had rather look out a window than in a mirror.

I cheat you of genuine friendship...

because nobody is going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love...

because real romance demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven...

because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's Glory...

because I convince you to seek your own.

My name is Pride.  I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I am always looking out for you.

Untrue.

I'm looking to make a fool of you.

God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...

If you'll stick with me,

You will never know.

My name is Pride.  I am a cheater....

Does it speak to you, as it has to me?  For the local people... goes along with the sermon series we have been hearing this summer, huh?  Pride is not "poor in Spirit"... Pride is not "mourning"... Pride is not "meek"...Pride is not "hungering and thirsting after righteousness"... Pride is not "merciful"... Pride is not "pure in heart"... Pride is not "peacemaking".

My Bible reading today was from Amos.  So, I leave with the Scripture that jumped off the page to me this morning.

(Amos 5:14)  Seek good and not evil, that you may live... 

(Amos 15:15)  Hate evil and love good... 

Pride is probably the biggest hinderance from doing so...

Thoughts to share?:  I would love to hear some...

Speak Blessings to them

The granddaughter has started to Kindergarten.

As I drove her to school this morning, she informed me that I just needed to "drop her off", that I did not need to go in with her. (note- this is her third day and my first day to take her) "Oh, no!" I responded. "Dee, has to go in with you today, so I can see your room." So, she said, "ok".

Good thing she agreed.... because this "MommaDee" needed to go in. Not for her sake (obviously) but for mine. I needed to hold her hand as we walked across the street. I needed to walk down the hall with her. I needed to see her walk into her room. I needed to stand outside her room for just a minute - pretending to look at the artwork from last week- and pray.

And in that walk back down the hall and out to the car - my mind was FLOODED with memories. Memories of my first walk down the halls of Main Avenue School. (WOW - WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?) Memories of taking my three children down the hall to their first days of school. And here I am again.

And to be completely honest, I am not sure that I like it. Mainly because it is such a reminder of just how fast life happens.

So, once again I am reminded of the scripture, "to number our days. That we may gain a heart of wisdom. "

But the MAIN reason that I wanted to share this with you all today is to encourage you to Speak Blessings to your little ones. We started the practice with our children on the way to school.

The particular blessing that we spoke to them most often is taken from the passage in Deuteronomy chapter 28. And now, I am sharing the same with her:

"Aubrey, today I want you to remember that you are the head and not the tail, you are the first and not the last. And whatsoever you put your hands to do, the Lord will bless you. And also know that Dee and Poppa love you and that we are praying for you today."

Then there is a reference point when I see her after her day: "So tell me about how God Blessed you today?" At this point in her little life, she does not always have an answer to that question... but I want to plant within her little mind the awareness of God's blessings on her all day in "whatsoever she is putting her hands to do."

So, for the parents and the grandparents reading this today... I encourage you to find a blessing (or use mine) and speak it to your children/grandchildren.

Life is short. Our days are numbered. Take the time to plant some scripture and speak blessings in their little heads so that those words help to mold their little hearts. Hearts tender toward Him and His Word.

Sweet, Sweet Blessings to you all!

Reading and Writing Again...

I have been reading again.

And I am reminded today of the quote, "Readers write, and Writers read." I posted a blog on that same topic in 2009.

When I am reading, I want to share the "nugget" that I have found. I want you to enjoy it too. I want it to speak to you as it has done for me.

So you know where I am going with this...
I have a quote to share today:

"Bad attitudes breed bad attitudes. Grumpy hearts breed more grumpy hearts. Ungratefulness breeds ungratefulness. On the flip side, praising God breeds more reasons to praise God. Thankfulness breeds more thankfulness. And a person who daily practices both praising and thanking has a rare joy that very few people possess." (Lysa Terkeurst, "Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl")

A RARE JOY THAT VERY FEW PEOPLE POSSESS.

I desire to be filled with that rare joy. The joy that comes from a thankful heart. The joy that comes from praising.

And on the flip side, I do not want to have bad attitudes OR a grumpy heart OR ungratefulness. Nor, do I want to be the one who breeds such.

It is all about attitude and perspective and truth and holiness and priorities and choices and...

Will you join me? Let's agree to truly let "the joy of the Lord be our strength"...

A rare joy...

2011 Scripture Memory #3 (and another quote)

Can you tell that I have been clearing the desk???



Another post-a-note...



"The decisions you make today will dictate how you end up in ten years."



Once again - I did not write who said it - or where I read it.



But once again... I am pausing to get the message that obviously I thought was worthy to write on a note. And for some reason, it is coming up AGAIN for me (or you) now.





On another note... but there could be a connection I think...



When I was trying to decide if I would go ahead and just cut the hair short enough to get the rest of the color off, my son encouraged me to "Just do it!" (sounds like a commercial-huh?) That particular day, that was all that I needed (well, and the fact that my hair stylist did have an opening - which is a miracle in itself). I just needed someone to tell me to go ahead.



Maybe that is what is holding us back sometimes in other decisions or dreams. Maybe we just need someone to tell us that we can. And to go ahead. Maybe even to push.



I have a few of those things sitting in my ideas and dreams.



Maybe that is the reason that these quotes, notes, and thoughts keep coming up.



I have heard this called a "God parade". He is so faithful to KEEP bringing up. He is so faithful to not give up. He is so faithful to PUSH. And He even brings others in our lives to do so too!



Scripture for me today: (you can feast on it too if you would like)

Isaiah 30:21 ESV

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,

"This is the way, walk in it,"

when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. "

Leaves me with MUCH to think about...
What about you?

More thoughts about our time...

A quote I found on a post-a-note on my desk. I do not remember who said it - or where I read it. But in light of my last post and last scripture committed to memory... it fits.

"A lot of us put off till tomorrow what we ought to be doing today.

And we keep doing that until years turn into decades.

Then... a lot does not turn out like we planned."

Scripture reminds us that our God has plans for us....

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,

plans for welfare and not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope."

So, what does God have planned for me...for you? What does He desire that I (we) be busy doing?

A couple of things that I know from Scripture:

(1) He wants us to trust Him to guide.

Psalm 37:4-6 ESV
4. Delight yourself in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5. Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him, and he will act.

6. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,

and your justice as the noonday.

(2) Whatever we do - it is to bring Glory to our Lord:

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
So, whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.

Thoughts? What are we putting off? What does He want to do in/through our lives? What is keeping us from doing so? Am I settling for good...when He is pushing me for BEST?

What thoughts are going through your head/heart right now?

2011 Scripture Memory #2

Yes, it should be #3 --- I am already behind. But I refuse to let that stop me.

So, this seems like the needed verse for me at this time. Not only for memorization but also for meditation:

Psalms 90:12
"So teach us to number our days,

that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom"

Schedules
Interruptions
Options
Distractions
Personal plans
Goals

They all come into play when we consider our days. But how easily one day turns into a week. One week becomes a month. A month is suddenly a semester. And the year flies away...

I need wisdom. Not earthly wisdom. Wisdom from above.

I desire to be so intune with my Heavenly Father, that He truly directs my steps. The steps that become days, weeks, months and years.

So, today, once again, I ask my Lord, to teach me to number my days... that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. His wisdom.

2011 Scripture Memory #1

Ready to start again on Scripture Memory.

Beth Moore at Living Proof Ministries is hosting this challenge for us all again. She even has a spiral card book that we can order ($3.00 - total cost). I feel a little behind getting started (even though today is only the 4th). But I am ordering my little book and have picked my first scripture.

I Corinthians 10:31

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,

do all to the Glory of God."

This is already a favorite verse of mine, but I choose to start the year with it. I want all that I do to be to the Glory of God. I want to be reminded every day that I review my verses for the entire year. (I also am working on remembering where even favorite verses are located.... the address)

So, today, I encourage you to join me. Pick a verse - put it on a card - begin the journey. Share your verse with me.... (order the cute little book if you would like) Hold me accountable. Join the large group with Beth...

Let's do this... all to the Glory of God!

Happy New Year 2011!

I have a couple of thoughts that I want to share on the first day of this new year (1/1/11).

I am not one to promote or make resolutions. But I have found that there are benefits to setting goals. I do not have all of mine settled in my mind and heart as of today... but am definitely pondering a few. I plan to share more specifics soon.

I know that one will be in my Bible reading. I want to spend MORE time in the Word consistently. I will have a reading plan. I will have a specific study (or several over the course of the year). And I want devote more time to reading good books.

"I believe it's absolutely crucial that you and I slow our pace and
discipline our time in order to be in the Word of God on a daily basis.
Why? Because when we're not in the Word-- reading it through
consistently-- we forget who our God is and what He expects and requires.
We have a tendency to rationalize our humanity and and forget His
holiness." (Kay Arthur)

Good encouragement for that first goal!

Secondly, I plan to continue running. I will sign up for a race or two... because I need the commitment to make me consistent in my training. (Michael Hiatt's blog gives good reasons)

Third, I want to blog consistently again. That will mean discipline in my time (away from FB) and discipline in writing.

Just a few quick thoughts for today....

What about you? Do you set goals for yourself? Sometimes that is the push/shove/encouragement that we need to just get started. Share them with someone. Put it out there. And then -- let's get started....

Scriptures for 2011

#1 January 1, 2011 (1/1/11)

# 2 February 2, 2011

# 3 February 22, 2011

Do You Set Goals for Yourself?

This summer I set two. A physical challenge and a spiritual challenge.

Both required discipline.

I decided to challenge myself to read the New Testament in 90 days. I had heard of a program called "B90X". Extreme Bible reading. There are some who have taken that challenge and actually read the entire Bible in 90 days. I decided to start with the New Testament. Hal and I have read the entire Bible each year for several years now. But this would be a new challenge. I printed my plan to keep in my Bible and began August 1st.

The second challenge for me was a physical challenge. For some crazy reason, I decided to train to run with the goal being a 5k run in our city on Oct 30. I used the "Couch-to-5K" program. This too began on August 1st.

Since I have read my Bible consistently for years, the challenge was just to read MORE each day. And to be consistent.

But the running was a different story. This was new. I mean VERY new. As in, I have NEVER run. I had thought about it some. And this past year, when some friends at church began running, I thought about it some more. But I had been able to talk myself out of the idea. I had convinced myself that since I was 52 years old, that I did not even need to start. But while reading a blog one day, the writer was talking about the benefits of running- and that he had started running at the age of 52. hummmmm.

Maybe I could.

I heard a speaker recently call that a God parade. When He starts moving in our lives - and we have that parade of things that lead us in the direction that He wants us to go. My last excuse was my age... until I read the blog of someone who began running at my age.

The first week was "do-able". The second week was ok - but the first time that I had to run 3 minutes, I thought I would die. But I kept training. At least 3 times a week, I ran. Doing exactly what the program told me to do.

I iced my 52 year old knees when I would get home. I bought some better shoes. I did exercises to strengthen the knees and to stretch the legs. I read articles about how to run.

And on October 30th, I ran the 5k. I am slow, but my goal was to run the entire race. And I did.
And the crazy thing is, I even won in my age division.

Sometimes it pays to be old.

It always pays to train for the race set before us.

This week, I had someone ask me which goal was harder. I had to think. The run was a real challenge. But the warfare that happens to keep us out of the Word was extreme. Regardless, I finished BOTH.

Today, I am thinking about what new goals I need/want to set. For I know this... if I had not set the goals, I would not have accomplished either.

Do you set goals for your life?
Would you share?

The Other Team's Fight Song...

Do you ever find yourself singing the other team's fight song?

I grew up in a city where there were two High Schools - one was a city school and one was a county school. They were actually close in location. There were only a couple of city blocks and a set of train tracks that separated them. As rivals - they were definitely on different sides of the track.

Then in my home state - there are two big College Football rivals. And the lines are clearly drawn. You are for one team or the other. The colors are defined. Crimson and White are completely different from Orange and Blue. I know this is true in other states as well. The point is that in the game of football - we clearly choose our sides. (well, those of us who like football do).

For those reading who are not sports fans of any type - work with me here - I am trying to make a point! I am sure you understand what I am saying.

So, I return to my post title... and ask this question: "Do you ever sing the other team's fight song?" Do you ever cheer for the other side? Do you ever wear their colors?

For those avid fans - I know the answer. It is a resounding NO! NEVER!

Yet, as Christians, we often do.

Light is totally different from darkness.

But it is so easy to say that our particular issue (sin - hobby - lust , etc. ) is ok. It is so easy to compromise and straddle the fence when my own pleasure is involved.

Now, I could make a list of compromises. But the truth is I don't have to. Because as Christians, the Holy Spirit of our Living God indwells us and He will convict of sin. He will fill in my blank________ . He will fill in your blank________.

Let me share a few scriptures for us to meditate on:

I Peter 1: 14-15
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."

Ephesian 5:8-13
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live
as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,
righteousness and truth) and find our what pleases the Lord. Have
nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose
them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in
secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is
light that makes everything visible..."

Luke 11:23
"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me
scatters."

and look at this same passage from the Message Version:

Luke 11:23
"This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side,
you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse. "

"nuff said. That last passage says it pretty strong.... "there is NO neutral ground"

So, the question remains... Do we ever sing the other team's fight song? What is our life humming?

Any thoughts?

The Written Word is truly the LIVING Word of God...

We have just received word from our Soldier Son that he will soon be boarding his plane for the first leg of his journey home. This is the end of his second deployment.

In 2007, the day that he was actually leaving the USA to begin his first deployment, I posted a blog about my personal devotion. We had open house in our new church and my emotions were fragile to say the least. During my time in the Word that morning before I began my day, God so clearly spoke to my heart, and I scribbled my promise on a piece of paper. I literally held on to it all day. You can read the entire post here.

As I sat today, opened my Bible and my "read-through" plan for this year, I was taken to Psalms 73. It is a different Bible than I was reading in 2007 and an entirely different reading plan. But the passage once again JUMPED off the page - straight to my heart. Verse 26: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever"

I just stared for a few minutes. How amazing - the very verse given to me for strength and encouragement as he began his first deployment - was the exact same verse given once again today - as He is at the END of his second deployment. I did not orchestrate this. I did not go to this passage just to read it again. Like I said, it was a different Bible AND a different reading plan. To be perfectly honest, I did not even remember that this was where my original promise was found.

It was if God was so clearly speaking to me and reminding me that He is true to His Word. He gave me a promise to hold on to and the promise is still true.

The Living Word...

Given so freely - to speak so clearly - when we simply take the time to hear.

He IS the strength of my heart. He IS my portion forever. I choose to HOLD ON...even when my flesh and my heart may fail.

My heart is full. My emotions are once again fragile.

But today it is from an entirely different perspective.

In His Arms...

From today's reading in the Word - a very familiar passage - and yet with a vivid picture to me today for Brandy and Micheal... and for sweet little Abigail.

"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them for to such

belongs the kingdom of God."

Luke 18:16

The picture that first comes to mind is when our Savior was walking on this earth - and on this particular day - He stops and takes time to let the little children crawl into his lap. He RECEIVES them. He loves them. He has time for them.

But then I had the picture of my Savior receiving this precious 2-year-old into His arms. Literally.

While the hosts cry Hosanna,

from heaven descending,

With glorifed saints and the angels attending,

With Grace on His brow,

like a halo of Glory,

Will Jesus receive His own.

(Horatius Bonar)

Tuesdays Together (in the Word) for 2010...

I have not completely dropped the idea for our Tuesdays Together. It was a source of accountability and encouragement for me and I believe for the others who participated with me for 2009. But it is time for a change.

So, let's try this for 2010:

I have posted a reading plan on the side bar under the Tuesday's Together Button. However, instead of limiting us to only posting from this reading, let's just share from any passage that has spoken to you during that week. It could come from this reading, a sermon, a book that you are reading, or from your personal devotion.

The goal remains the same: to encourage each other in the Word and in our relationship with our Lord.

You can link your blog if you would like. You can just leave a comment and share your thoughts even if you do not have a blog.

I look forward to sharing Tuesdays with you again in 2010.

Remember to visit the others who link with us. We all need the encouragement. What you have to say and share may be just what someone else needs to hear...

Retreat Planning (again)...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 34 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from John 2-6; Psalms 126-128; and Proverbs 26.

As I seem to be mentioning in every post lately... life is extremely busy. I am really having a hard time finding the time to even blog this one day a week lately. And I am not happy about it!
However, this morning (Tuesday) as I sit in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains... I am blessed beyond measure. And I decided that a quick post is better than no post at all. Even if it is late going up. And I had so much that I really wanted to share.

So, I share this passage from Psalms 127 AND 128:

127

Unless the LORD builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early

and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to
those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their
enemies in the gate.

128

Blessed is everyone who fears
the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of
your hands;
you shall be blessed,

and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.

Behold, thus shall
the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel

Beautiful passages for the home and family. Precious promises to hold. Encouragement to embrace for us in the present days of attack on our marriages.

Once again, how fitting, the timing. Hal and I are away for our preparation/planning/studying time for our annual Marriage retreat. You can read about some of that preparation time here (all three posts)

How I love coming back to these verses that speak so specifically to the home and marriage and family.

I ask for prayer from all who come and read. We want ears to hear what the Spirit has to say to us. We want to have lives open and transparent enough to share our strengths and our weaknesses in this journey of life. We desire to embrace these promises and live by them. And then be able to teach/lead others to do the same.

So, for now, I go. I have much to do. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

P.S. As you can tell, Blogger has decided to act up in my formatting today. Wouldn't you know? I do not have time to wade through the html and figure out how to fix it today...so what you see is what you get. :)

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

A "No Greater Joy" Moment...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 33 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I John 5; II John; III John; Psalms 120-125; Proverbs 25; and John 1.

One of my favorite verses... as seen by the title of my blog... is III John 1:4.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

I have a previous blog that talks about all of my children here. The other "no greater joy moments" posts are here.

Today I want to tell you about the most recent:

My son-in-love, Andy has just been selected as a deacon at our church. I am so proud of him. I have watched him grow in the Lord. I have seen him serve our church diligently. I have observed him as a daddy to our grandbabies and as a husband to my precious baby daughter. (BTW - their 6th anniversary was this past Sunday)

And I have NO GREATER JOY than to see our Andy walk in truth.

...Brings joy to this momma-in-law's heart.

I took a picture as some of the deacon's of our church were praying over the three who were ordained. What a blessing!

***(Alan and Bill - I am so proud of you too)***

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

His Grace is Sufficient...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 32 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from II Corinthians 9-13; Psalms 115-118.

This would have to be one of my very favorite passages...

II Corinthians 12:9-10



But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I really will not be able to comment much on this right now- we are dealing with sickness - and I have just been called to come and help out with the Grandbabies. So, blogging time moves to the back burner - and it should.

And this passage applies to this particular situation - His grace is sufficient.

And for what ever we may be dealing with right now - weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities... His grace is sufficient. When we are weak - He is Strong.

I rest in that truth. I hold on to that truth. I am so thankful for that truth.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

So we do not lose heart...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 31 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from II Corinthians 5-8; Psalms 110-114; and Proverbs 23.

For my post today - I am backing up into the end of last week's reading.

II Corinthians 4:16-18

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner
self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is
preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look
not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the
things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

I am currently studying Priscilla Shirer's book, One in a Million, with the ladies of our church. This passage made me think of some of the things that we are learning in this study. I want to share a quote with you from the end of week #3:

"We've got to know that sickness, financial debacles, martial disasters, heartbreaks, and the greatest needs of our lives don't have to derail our relationship with God. In the midst of our pain, God makes a way for us to see and experience His greatness." (pg 77)

We have to remember that whatever we are dealing with right now is the "temporary - the transient." What is going on in the unseen world right now - for us- is the eternal. Therefore, we do not lose heart.

I am still chewing on this thought. So, tonight - I leave it with you.

By the way, I recommend the Bible Study to you. You would enjoy it too. I know you would.



Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Oh Death, Where is your Victory?...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 29 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.



This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I Corinthians 10-16.

These passages are so full of blog posts... it was going to be really hard to narrow down which passage or passages I wanted to share. However, with the events of early Monday Morning... I am compelled to share this.

I Corinthians 15:54- 57

When the perishable puts on the imperishable,

and the mortal puts on immortality,

then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin,

and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God,

who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This morning we received news that a dear friend had passed away. She had been sick. She had been in the hospital. We had visited her several times - even just Saturday. She was released to go home on Sunday. She entered her eternal home sometime during the night.

I think I have been in a numb shock all day. Once again I have had to go about the "normal" stuff - because I have my precious grandbabies on Monday's. But I have had such a heavy heart.

Certainly not for her. She died the way that I have always said that I want. Go to sleep in your bed one night - and wake up in the presence of our King. The one who gives us the Victory - Our Lord Jesus Christ! That is glory! I can get so excited just thinking about what she is seeing and what she is doing today.

But this particular family is ALMOST family to us. Our roots go deep and long with them in multiple directions. We know and love her husband, her children, her grandchildren. As a matter of fact, her grandson and my son are best friends and are together serving our country in Afghanistan. (Which means - be praying for him too - because I do not think he will be able to come home)

But that is not all - we know and love the extended family too. We know her brothers and sisters. Her brother was our pastor when we were called into ministry. He married us - licensed and ordained Hal into the Gospel Ministry. He baptized my father. He ordained both of our dads as deacons. You get the picture here.

We are really close to her nephew and his family.... I mean really close. Some of our best friends on this earth...

I could go on and on... trying to explain... but really can just say - they are ALMOST family to us. And we love them all like family.

And no, we do not grieve as they do - but almost.

But I love these scriptures. Because we do not grieve as those who have no hope - no we do not.

Because - oh Death where is your victory - oh death - where is your sting....

We have victory through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Oh.. she knew our Jesus as her Savior - and today she is with Him. VICTORY!

And because we know Jesus as our Savior - one day... we will be with Him. And that will be Victory!

(And we will be re-united with this precious one and the many others in our lives who have gone before us). That is good stuff!

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Morning Devotion...

Psalm 84:1

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O LORD Almighty!

The following is a portion from the Proverbs 31 Devotion today by Lysa Terkerst.

It is my prayer for today...and I wanted to share it with you...

Psalm 84:1 reminds me that God's dwelling place is lovely.

So, I ask God to dwell in me richly.

I want Him to be what radiates about me.

I want Him to be my pretty today.

Not my hair.

Not my outfit.
Not my efforts.

But simply Him

and His spirit dancing invisibly about me...
shifting a wrong attitude,

guarding my words,

and whispering constant truths into my heart.

.

Amen and Amen...

You can read the entire devotion here. Enjoy...

Thank you Lysa for these words this morning.