As I flipped through my journal (book of notes from church), I realized that the "adding to" study began before February - where I started my current journal.
Another delay until tomorrow...but May 1st is probably a good day to start something different. (As long as I remember to find my other journal tonight.)
For the month of May, I am going to try something else too.
Have you heard of reading a chapter in Proverbs each day of the month?
That is my goal for the month.
I started it this week for April.
But, I am going to start over tomorrow with Proverbs, chapter 1.
On a different note, our class that meets Sunday night at church (taught by JP) is studying about the "Deity of Jesus." My notes from 3/8/09 stood out as I flipped through pages today.
Number 1
Jesus is really not on our level.
Although He is our friend, our roles are not the same - He alone IS high and lifted up! Our GOD to worship and praise.
We serve a GREAT God.
And he will always have the preeminence.
Number 2
Remember Lucifer.
A fallen angel that we now deal with as Satan/the devil.
When Lucifer tried to usurp the position of God, he failed.
See Isaiah 14:12-17
14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?
Notice that Lucifer said "I will" five times in the scriptures above.
That is not a statement of doubt, but of certainty.
But to overcome God? Not going to happen.
Number 3
And as you read verses 15-17, you will see that Satan is going to "be brought down."
People will see this and wonder why/how he could be so powerful to cause soooo much trouble and create so many problems throughout the ages. The one who shook kingdoms, held people captive, destroyed lives - in the end, he is going to LOSE. At the "back of the book" - Jesus wins.
Look up Psalms 45: 6,7. God's throne is forever and ever.
And as a reference to that, Hebrews 1 is a good chapter to read about the exalted position of Jesus. Made so much better than the angels, he sits on the right hand of God. The Son of God.
As I read over the notes I had, I thought about a song "King of Glory" (found on a Brooklyn Tab Choir CD - I'm Amazed Live). That whole CD has a worshipful tone. And the scriptures below highlight the song "King of Glory" -
Philippians
2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Psalms
24:7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
24:9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
I want to emphasize that -
He IS THE KING of GLORY!
4.30.2009
4.29.2009
Delays and Purple Cows
Ok - a delay in my "adding to" blogs.
I went home yesterday and relaxed.
Finished reading a book that I had started a little while ago.
Flipped through recipe books and planned a menu.
Worked on an article.
Had an early bedtime for a change.
And one of the highlights - a Purple Cow.
If you don't know what a purple cow is, here's a quick recipe.
Fill a cup (glass, etc) full of vanilla ice cream
Pour in grape juice (not artificial, but "real juice")
And stir it up to have a fresh, cool, soothing ice cream treat
(of course, a blender would make it easier.)
It is soooo good.
I promise.
I went home yesterday and relaxed.
Finished reading a book that I had started a little while ago.
Flipped through recipe books and planned a menu.
Worked on an article.
Had an early bedtime for a change.
And one of the highlights - a Purple Cow.
If you don't know what a purple cow is, here's a quick recipe.
Fill a cup (glass, etc) full of vanilla ice cream
Pour in grape juice (not artificial, but "real juice")
And stir it up to have a fresh, cool, soothing ice cream treat
(of course, a blender would make it easier.)
It is soooo good.
I promise.
4.28.2009
Bittersweet
This morning I am sad.
A 21st birthday milestone for Hannah M yesterday.
But, she is not here.
A victim of a less-than sober man's crazy driving.
Two years ago, but it still brings pain.
Some things pale in the light of death.
There are some things I need to work on.
I'm trying.
Life is hard at times.
Sometimes I wonder which direction my life will go.
My circumstances right now are not my favorite.
But, I have a choice in how I view them.
Sunday evening, I listened to a 33 Miles CD.
I played it over and over Monday too.
The song "Jesus Calling" has some great lyrics.
To read them, click below:
http://www.elyrics.net/read/0-9/33-miles-lyrics/jesus-calling-lyrics.html
My favorite line right now is the phrase about a choice:
"how you see your circumstance is all about a choice"
I collect quotes at work and yesterday I brought the 33 Miles CD
with me and I had to add a bright green sticky note with
the phrase above. I posted some of the lyrics on facebook from this song -
if you saw them, I posted them for one reason only...
I like the words, it speaks to my heart.
What I am going to refer to as the "adding to" scriptures will be my next few blogs. (coming from a series of Wednesday night studies at my church)
Check out 2 Peter 1: 1-11
1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Updating this blog is on my to do list.
And right now, my to do list is VERY long.
Thankfully, I am marking a few things off lately.
That makes me happy!
Nothing like the happiness found from celebrating the little things.
I am a "details" person, so little things either bother me or make me happy.
So with a mixture of sad memories and a little bit of happiness -
in one word - today I am feeling....
Bittersweet.
A 21st birthday milestone for Hannah M yesterday.
But, she is not here.
A victim of a less-than sober man's crazy driving.
Two years ago, but it still brings pain.
Some things pale in the light of death.
There are some things I need to work on.
I'm trying.
Life is hard at times.
Sometimes I wonder which direction my life will go.
My circumstances right now are not my favorite.
But, I have a choice in how I view them.
Sunday evening, I listened to a 33 Miles CD.
I played it over and over Monday too.
The song "Jesus Calling" has some great lyrics.
To read them, click below:
http://www.elyrics.net/read/0-9/33-miles-lyrics/jesus-calling-lyrics.html
My favorite line right now is the phrase about a choice:
"how you see your circumstance is all about a choice"
I collect quotes at work and yesterday I brought the 33 Miles CD
with me and I had to add a bright green sticky note with
the phrase above. I posted some of the lyrics on facebook from this song -
if you saw them, I posted them for one reason only...
I like the words, it speaks to my heart.
What I am going to refer to as the "adding to" scriptures will be my next few blogs. (coming from a series of Wednesday night studies at my church)
Check out 2 Peter 1: 1-11
1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1:9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Updating this blog is on my to do list.
And right now, my to do list is VERY long.
Thankfully, I am marking a few things off lately.
That makes me happy!
Nothing like the happiness found from celebrating the little things.
I am a "details" person, so little things either bother me or make me happy.
So with a mixture of sad memories and a little bit of happiness -
in one word - today I am feeling....
Bittersweet.
4.27.2009
Infallible Proofs
From the Easter Sunday School Lesson by MM (the adult teacher at my church):
In summary, Easter is celebrated because "Jesus IS Alive!"
Luke 24:1-6 / 22-23
Revelation 1:17-18
[18: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.]
In verse 18, the words are written in red. The words of Jesus. This "Amen" after saying "I am alive forevermore" is saying that it is settled. That's the truth. Jesus affirmed the fact that He was alive, He is alive, and even forevermore. I'm so glad. Aren't you?
MM attributed a statement to Martin Luther regarding the spring time. Something like "every leaf of springtime testifies to the resurrection of Jesus." Life is so precious and I am soaking in the colorful, budding flowers; the green leafs shooting from dull, brown branches; and the birds chirping sweet songs in the morning. The arrival of spring is a promise of hope. A reminder of new life/resurrection for Jesus - but also the hope of another resurrection. One that I do not want to miss. A resurrection that I want to make sure I prioritize in my one shot at life.
Acts 1:2,3
Jesus "shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs." MM spoke about Jesus proving himself alive with infallible proofs in his life - in the present - in 2009.
As he talked about a situation, I thought about an infallible proof in my life recently.
I had a Friday night babysitting appointment with two of my nieces (both under age 4.) Can you guess where we went to eat? Golden Arches. Kid's Meals. Playground. You're right - McDonald's!
Well after little girls eat and drink, then start playing, it comes time for a potty-break. For whatever reason, I had decided to leave my huge bag of a purse in the car and just grab my Vera wallet with the nifty wrist strap. When I helped my niece in the bathroom stall, I put my wallet on top of the tissue dispenser. While trying to juggle "mommy tasks" (no, I am not a pro - obviously), I made a REAL bad mistake. I grabbed the shoes, Kid's Meals prizes, and finished up with washing hands. And I walked out of the bathroom, holding my niece - without my wallet. As I walked out of the restaurant with a promise to go to Wal-Mart, I felt relieved that I had handled that bathroom break fairly well. (Take heed that when you think you're standing - lest you fall.) Yeah, I know that I didn't quote verbatim, but it sure applies.
I drove away to Wal-Mart and as I started to park, I realized that my wallet was NOT THERE!
Oh my - my heart started pounding and I understood the "tasting fear" phrase. At that moment, I knew that I had left my wallet at McDonald's. I told the girls to sit down and I drove as fast as I could back to McD. The girls' were laughing and giggling as I careened around the curves while also praying that I did not meet a police on the back streets of Lburg and pleading with God for help in finding my wallet. As I got out of the car, I hurried my nieces up and rushed into the bathroom. I walked in the stall - my heart dropped. No wallet.
I walked around the restaurant to the table we sat on, peered out at the playground, rushed back to the car to throw around the stuff in the seat. Still no wallet. (All the time pulling along 2 little girls - who didn't realize the seriousness of the situation.) I was literally feeling sick. All I could think about was "identity theft." I think I still had an un-cashed payroll check, some cash, who knows how many checks, and of course, some plastic. I walked back in the restaurant again, can't remember if I checked the bathroom or not, and I asked an employee on break, sitting near the bathroom if he had seen anyone with a wallet - or noticed anyone turning one in. Or I think I asked the person the 2nd time - it could have been the first. Talk about major adrenaline rush - it was zipping along my nerves.
Feeling defeated and sick, I thought about which numbers I would need to hurriedly call - or how I would get the numbers to call - in order to cancel some cards. (I had already called my mom and told her - b/c of an authorized user card.) I walked toward the door and an older lady stopped me. She asked if I was looking for something or if I had lost something. Whichever question it was, I replied that I had. She asked me what it was - I replied, "my wallet." She told me that she found it in the bathroom and turned it into the manager. That I just needed to tell the manager that it was mine. I think she told me before I got it back that she didn't even open it. All I could think of was "thank you."
So amazing that on a Friday night in Lburg, with all kinds of people in the restaurant, that an honest person would find my wallet. So many "what-if" scenarios had crashed through my brain. The ball of fear in my stomach lessened after I saw the manager returning with my cafe' latte wallet - it seemed like he had taken a LONG time. I gratefully thanked him. With shaking hands, I unzipped my wallet -everything was there. The woman looking on, said that she hadn't opened it - I nodded my head, intent on finding what cash I had. I gratefully handed over some money to the lady and thanked her "profusely."
Whew - talk about relief. I walked out of McDonald's a happy person. The girls and I made our way back to the car and I called my mom to update her on the status (praise conversation to say the least.) Thank you Jesus for watching over me. He was definitely taking care of me - in ways that I COULD see that night. Jesus DOES have his eyes on me! He cares. I could have faced some devastating financial blows. However, nothing happened. I'm amazed that it ended so well. It is an infallible proof for me - Jesus IS Alive! And Well! And He Loves Me - just a simple, little, nothing-much human - He loves me still!
I am thankful.
In summary, Easter is celebrated because "Jesus IS Alive!"
Luke 24:1-6 / 22-23
Revelation 1:17-18
[18: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.]
In verse 18, the words are written in red. The words of Jesus. This "Amen" after saying "I am alive forevermore" is saying that it is settled. That's the truth. Jesus affirmed the fact that He was alive, He is alive, and even forevermore. I'm so glad. Aren't you?
MM attributed a statement to Martin Luther regarding the spring time. Something like "every leaf of springtime testifies to the resurrection of Jesus." Life is so precious and I am soaking in the colorful, budding flowers; the green leafs shooting from dull, brown branches; and the birds chirping sweet songs in the morning. The arrival of spring is a promise of hope. A reminder of new life/resurrection for Jesus - but also the hope of another resurrection. One that I do not want to miss. A resurrection that I want to make sure I prioritize in my one shot at life.
Acts 1:2,3
Jesus "shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs." MM spoke about Jesus proving himself alive with infallible proofs in his life - in the present - in 2009.
As he talked about a situation, I thought about an infallible proof in my life recently.
I had a Friday night babysitting appointment with two of my nieces (both under age 4.) Can you guess where we went to eat? Golden Arches. Kid's Meals. Playground. You're right - McDonald's!
Well after little girls eat and drink, then start playing, it comes time for a potty-break. For whatever reason, I had decided to leave my huge bag of a purse in the car and just grab my Vera wallet with the nifty wrist strap. When I helped my niece in the bathroom stall, I put my wallet on top of the tissue dispenser. While trying to juggle "mommy tasks" (no, I am not a pro - obviously), I made a REAL bad mistake. I grabbed the shoes, Kid's Meals prizes, and finished up with washing hands. And I walked out of the bathroom, holding my niece - without my wallet. As I walked out of the restaurant with a promise to go to Wal-Mart, I felt relieved that I had handled that bathroom break fairly well. (Take heed that when you think you're standing - lest you fall.) Yeah, I know that I didn't quote verbatim, but it sure applies.
I drove away to Wal-Mart and as I started to park, I realized that my wallet was NOT THERE!
Oh my - my heart started pounding and I understood the "tasting fear" phrase. At that moment, I knew that I had left my wallet at McDonald's. I told the girls to sit down and I drove as fast as I could back to McD. The girls' were laughing and giggling as I careened around the curves while also praying that I did not meet a police on the back streets of Lburg and pleading with God for help in finding my wallet. As I got out of the car, I hurried my nieces up and rushed into the bathroom. I walked in the stall - my heart dropped. No wallet.
I walked around the restaurant to the table we sat on, peered out at the playground, rushed back to the car to throw around the stuff in the seat. Still no wallet. (All the time pulling along 2 little girls - who didn't realize the seriousness of the situation.) I was literally feeling sick. All I could think about was "identity theft." I think I still had an un-cashed payroll check, some cash, who knows how many checks, and of course, some plastic. I walked back in the restaurant again, can't remember if I checked the bathroom or not, and I asked an employee on break, sitting near the bathroom if he had seen anyone with a wallet - or noticed anyone turning one in. Or I think I asked the person the 2nd time - it could have been the first. Talk about major adrenaline rush - it was zipping along my nerves.
Feeling defeated and sick, I thought about which numbers I would need to hurriedly call - or how I would get the numbers to call - in order to cancel some cards. (I had already called my mom and told her - b/c of an authorized user card.) I walked toward the door and an older lady stopped me. She asked if I was looking for something or if I had lost something. Whichever question it was, I replied that I had. She asked me what it was - I replied, "my wallet." She told me that she found it in the bathroom and turned it into the manager. That I just needed to tell the manager that it was mine. I think she told me before I got it back that she didn't even open it. All I could think of was "thank you."
So amazing that on a Friday night in Lburg, with all kinds of people in the restaurant, that an honest person would find my wallet. So many "what-if" scenarios had crashed through my brain. The ball of fear in my stomach lessened after I saw the manager returning with my cafe' latte wallet - it seemed like he had taken a LONG time. I gratefully thanked him. With shaking hands, I unzipped my wallet -everything was there. The woman looking on, said that she hadn't opened it - I nodded my head, intent on finding what cash I had. I gratefully handed over some money to the lady and thanked her "profusely."
Whew - talk about relief. I walked out of McDonald's a happy person. The girls and I made our way back to the car and I called my mom to update her on the status (praise conversation to say the least.) Thank you Jesus for watching over me. He was definitely taking care of me - in ways that I COULD see that night. Jesus DOES have his eyes on me! He cares. I could have faced some devastating financial blows. However, nothing happened. I'm amazed that it ended so well. It is an infallible proof for me - Jesus IS Alive! And Well! And He Loves Me - just a simple, little, nothing-much human - He loves me still!
I am thankful.
4.11.2009
Easter
Easter.
I think of:
Betrayal.
By a friend. Not just a stab in the back, but face to face. A kiss on the cheek. While all the time meaning it for harm. Identifying the man who the Jews hated. Who they wanted “Gone.”
Unbelief.
The Jews did not realize the magnitude of their actions. They were turning their back on something precious. By not believing in Jesus as the Messiah.
Cruelty.
Pain.
Agony.
Whips. Scourging. Beatings. Mockings. Insults. Cramming thorns into His head. Can you imagine how much blood flowed onto his face from those head wounds? Such disregard. Such disrespect. For not just the King of the Jews, but the King of all Kings. The Lord of the universe. The Creator of the ones who were inflicting the cruel treatment. I wonder if he wanted to strike back. Wanted to say “Stop.” Knowing that he was just “allowing” this to happen. And that if he did not want it to happen – it would not. What love – to lay down His life. Knowing that it was for a far greater purpose. His death at Calvary – a new beginning for all mankind.
Calvary.
More than just a hill. Precious Blood flowed there. Not just a “man” hanging there in the middle on one of 3 Rugged Crosses, BUT a Savior hung there. Had it not been for this choice, we would not have redemption from sin - pardon granted from the flow from Calvary’s fountain.
Separation.
Feeling forsaken by His Father. Loneliness. So unfair. Yet, I am so grateful that Jesus took this bitter cup. He experienced EXTREME circumstances – so when we call on Him - He KNOWS how we feel.
BUT 3 Days after the scene at Calvary...
Resurrection.
New Life.
Hope.
The Rose of Sharon came forth from the tomb.
That tomb is EMPTY!
Breaking Free!
No more held captive by death.
But holding the keys to it.
Victory over it - along with death and hell.
Wow!
I think of:
Betrayal.
By a friend. Not just a stab in the back, but face to face. A kiss on the cheek. While all the time meaning it for harm. Identifying the man who the Jews hated. Who they wanted “Gone.”
Unbelief.
The Jews did not realize the magnitude of their actions. They were turning their back on something precious. By not believing in Jesus as the Messiah.
Cruelty.
Pain.
Agony.
Whips. Scourging. Beatings. Mockings. Insults. Cramming thorns into His head. Can you imagine how much blood flowed onto his face from those head wounds? Such disregard. Such disrespect. For not just the King of the Jews, but the King of all Kings. The Lord of the universe. The Creator of the ones who were inflicting the cruel treatment. I wonder if he wanted to strike back. Wanted to say “Stop.” Knowing that he was just “allowing” this to happen. And that if he did not want it to happen – it would not. What love – to lay down His life. Knowing that it was for a far greater purpose. His death at Calvary – a new beginning for all mankind.
Calvary.
More than just a hill. Precious Blood flowed there. Not just a “man” hanging there in the middle on one of 3 Rugged Crosses, BUT a Savior hung there. Had it not been for this choice, we would not have redemption from sin - pardon granted from the flow from Calvary’s fountain.
Separation.
Feeling forsaken by His Father. Loneliness. So unfair. Yet, I am so grateful that Jesus took this bitter cup. He experienced EXTREME circumstances – so when we call on Him - He KNOWS how we feel.
BUT 3 Days after the scene at Calvary...
Resurrection.
New Life.
Hope.
The Rose of Sharon came forth from the tomb.
That tomb is EMPTY!
Breaking Free!
No more held captive by death.
But holding the keys to it.
Victory over it - along with death and hell.
Wow!
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