5 things to see differently (5/31)
More from “...Hospitality” (5/30)
Book review: A Christian View of Hospitality (5/29)
Friday’s Fave Five # 3 (5/29)
Let’s read a classic together (5/28)
Book review: the Love Dare (5/27)
What a deal! (5/26)
What’s on your nightstand? (5/26)
3 things to remember (5/24)
Are you satisfied with his decisions? (5/23)
Where’s your place in the circle? (Friday’s Fave Five, # 2) (5/22)
Create in me a clean heart (5/21)
He says it because he means it (5/20)
The [expanded] Bible: a review (5/19)
Jesus’ birth certificate—He is who he was (5/18)
Curios – 13 (5/17)
Blog Carnival # 2 – Accepting loss (5/16)
Friday’s Fave Five, # 1 (5/15)
In plain sight (5/14)
More from “Anxious for Nothing” (5/14)
8 ways to stop worrying (5/13)
Who are “his people?” (5/12)
Love never fails (5/11)
God is faithful_Attributes of God (5/11)
Supermom? (5/9)
Book review: “Dancin’ toward the Dawn” (5/8)
Today is National Day of Prayer—So pray! (5/7)
Book review: not yet... (5/6)
2009 Dove Award Winners (5/5)
Complainer or encourager (5/5)
“Empty Me” by Chris Sligh (5/4)
The empty spaces (5/3)
Does God have the right to? (5/2)
Book review: “The Secret Life of Bees” (5/1)
MAY 2009 Posts
5 things to see differently
Through the eyes of hospitality, see differently.
1. See the situation differently.
We have all the resources we need. All of the great pressures that hospitality brings and all of the risks and costs can never deplete what we have in Christ.
2. See others differently.
We have a choice. Is the person in front of us an annoyance or a beloved guest? ...If our spiritual eyes are open to the gift of hospitality, we look for people who need a special welcome. We look for strangers who need to be loved. ...With the eyes of hospitality, we can see others as Jesus does.
3. See time differently.
Being a good host does take time. It takes a relaxed sense of time to nurture relationships. ...We speak volumes about how we love someone by how much time we are willing to spend with them. For many of us, time is our most precious resource.
4. See God differently.
This is the God who wants to provide for all of our needs as hosts. When we see God differently, we begin to see our giving differently. Why not give in an outlandish, extravagant way, if God is the one supplying the provisions for our needs?
5. See ourselves differently.
That does not mean I can be careless in my work because God will always cover my mistakes, but it does mean I can relax in the grace of God. I’m not the one ultimately responsible. I’m the one God has chosen to work through. But God is the one doing the real work, not men.
~Michele Hershberger
A Christian View of Hospitality
More from “…Hospitality”
Yet after I finished it and scanned back over pages I’d marked, it began to more fully sink in—this is strong stuff; don’t take it lightly.
Who does it belong to?...
“The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry, the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the [person] who needs it, the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the [person] who has no shoes, the money you put in the bank belongs to the poor. You do wrong to everyone you could help but fail to help.” ~ Basil the Great
Connection between hospitality and spirituality
As hosts, we receive a gift. Sometimes the gift is physical, sometimes it is the surprise of a new friendship, and sometimes it is the gift of being stretched. ...We meet Jesus in the people we serve. Our hospitality becomes a form of worship for us; our welcome serves as a sweet offering to God.
Waste time with God
“I began to realize I needed to waste time with God too. I needed to just be with God, to spend time without an agenda. I have other times with God that do have an agenda, such as prayer and devotions. But it is imperative for my relationship with God that sometime, every day, we just—waste time.” ~June Alliman Yoder
Test for idolatry
For the desert monks, hospitality was the test for idolatry. To be free from possessions is to be open with them. If we really believe that our so-called possessions are God’s and that God is our only source of security and joy, then it matters not whether we have possessions or go without. Our freedom from care has direct correlation with our freedom to share.
Hospitality and Evangelism
See our acts of hospitality as important ministry tasks, equal to the tasks of pastoring and evangelism. What we do and who we are in the marketplace speak as loudly as the Sunday morning sermon.
Book review: A Christian View of Hospitality
Some chapters I loved; some chapters (I confess) bored me.
But together, they convicted me.
NEED IT
But then I’d hit a chapter that would stop me cold. I needed this book. My hospitality quotient is as up and down as I felt the book was. I have seasons of open doors, and seasons where I feel I have no resources to offer.
So when Michele addressed my weak spots, I cringed at my lack of faith in the ever-giving God who lavishes us abundantly with everything we need—and everything we need to give. With the proper perspective, there is no lack with God.
TWO THINGS
I was intrigued especially by:
1. The “40-day experiment in hospitality”
A group of individuals committed to watching for and participating in opportunities to be hospitable for 40 days, and to journal about it. Michele includes many of their entries in the book, and big or small, they added value to her thoughts. The experiment is one I should consider myself, along with doing the book as a small group study (discussion questions are included in the back).
2. The host as guest
The author clearly showed through examples and scriptures that in being hospitable, the hosts receive gifts that the guests bring with them. It’s not as simple as “us helping them” when we welcome others. We need “them” as much as they need “us.” It shouldn’t be doing for them, but rather doing with them. And it’s not just a matter of semantics; it’s a different mindset.
So many times we only see hospitality as an act of service—something we give...In true hospitality, the roles always blend. Loving the stranger means allowing the stranger to minister to us, even though they are the guests.
EXPECT THE FOOD TO BURN
I admit I often dislike cooking because it takes so long to prepare a great meal, yet it is consumed so quickly. But Michele points out that when we see our meals as acts of worship, our attitude toward the work changes. It’s like a handwritten love letter or a homemade quilt—yes, they’re time-consuming and inefficient, but that itself speaks volumes about our feelings towards those we give them to.
Our hospitality and the work and preparation that go into it are offerings. Be extravagant. Place it on the altar and let it burn. What a sweet aroma.
Friday’s Fave Five # 3
1. The return of the black snake
Sunday afternoon my daughter rushed into the house—“Dad, hurry, hurry!” We both followed her quickly to the front porch to discover a long black snake beside the house, behind the bushes. Which also happens to be where a duck has been nesting. On a few less eggs now. Jeff opted for the hoe instead of the gun because he didn’t want to splatter duck eggs. But he only injured the snake before it quickly slithered away. So we’re all on the alert—I love a good snake adventure to get the blood pumping.
But in God’s circle of life, who should we be rooting for? The snakes need food; the ducks need to reproduce...
2. A phone call
One of my best friends called me out of the blue Tuesday to catch up. She’s one of those kind that you can go for months and months with no contact, but at “hello,” you’re right back where you left off. Her sanguine personality always makes me smile, and her faith in the Lord always bolsters mine.
3. Taking my mother shopping
What a twist. My family basically hates to shop (which my husband loves about us). And we never do it together. But my mother needed new clothes. She’s been dependent on my dad helping her, but they finally agreed to let us daughters take her this time, so we opted in. She wasn’t thrilled about the shopping part, but she was cooperative and pleasant.
So three generations of women in our family shopped together on Wednesday—a real record! We won’t do it “just for fun” any time again soon, but now we know we can do it when we have to.
4. Listening to my husband work from home
It’s rare that he can work from home, but he did two days this week. And most of it was spent on the phone and his laptop. The fun part to me was listening to him alternately talk and laugh and get serious with his co-workers. It gave me a glimpse into his world that I don’t usually get to see.
He’s not always convinced that his work is meaningful, but I know God is using him mightily through not just his work-related tasks, but even more so through his relationships.
5. Locked out of the house
Not me. My 60’s-something neighbor locked herself out of her house yesterday. So she had to come use our phone to call her husband. And wait with us until he got home. It was a treat for me. She’s a delightful woman that I don’t know very well, so hearing her stories had us all intrigued.
Whoever thinks older people are boring hasn’t been around many. Some of the most interesting people I know have been decades older than me. Her visit was also special because I had just finished reading Hospitality and she provided me an opportunity to put it into practice by simply being present. Isn’t the Father’s timing impeccable?
Once again, God is good, all week long.
Let's read a classic together
Then 3 weeks from today, June 18, visit with the gang at Challies.com to start posting comments on the first section, “Christian Contentment Described.” The reading pace is always reasonable, typically one chapter/section or so per week.
Not only will the book itself be profitable reading, but the comments from the study group are sure to be thought-provoking as well. The motivation of accountability helps ensure we all stay on schedule.
The book itself is one of Jeremiah Burroughs' most valuable written contributions to the faith (so they say--he's new to me). Born in 1599, this great Puritan preacher writes of maintaining peace regardless of circumstances.
But his thoughts are just as applicable in our times as in his, because as we all know, our culture encourages discontentment and the need to buy and consume more, more, more to get and stay happy.
I look forward to reading what Mr. Burroughs has to say about it. And if you’re so inclined, I look forward to reading what you have to say about it, too.
Book review: The Love Dare
While The Love Dare was designed for marriage relationships, I found it applicable to a variety of relationships (some chapters will be exceptions). All serious relationships would benefit from applying the principles presented by Stephen and Alex Kendrick.
It’s a how-to book about loving, unconditionally, through the strength of Christ. It’s a proactive process.
And it’s a dare. If you accept the dare, you commit to 40 days (give or take—I took much longer) of reading a short devotional in the book, doing the suggested exercise, and journaling about the results.
Exercises include:
Day 4: Love is thoughtful.
Contact your spouse sometimes during the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.
Day 15: Love is honorable.
Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine…Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes.
Day 28: Love makes sacrifices.
What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse’s life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need.
I admit I didn’t do much journaling, and I failed on some of the exercises, but overall, I hope my husband was blessed because of the book (and it certainly stretched me!). I tried to keep it secret—but I think he eventually figured it out. And he had no objections. :-)
[If you haven’t seen the movie Fireproof that started the book, please go see it.]
* * *
Excerpts from The Love Dare:
When you prioritize the well-being of your mate, there is a resulting fulfillment that cannot be duplicated by selfish actions. This is a benefit that God created and reserves for those who genuinely demonstrate love.
* * *
Love thinks. It’s not a mindless feeling that rides on waves of emotion and falls asleep mentally. It keeps busy in thought, knowing that loving thoughts precede loving actions.
* * *
Being easily angered is an indicator that a hidden area of selfishness or insecurity is present where love is supposed to rule.
* * *
But when your attempts at honor go unreciprocated, you are to give honor just the same. That’s what love dares to do—to say, “Of all the relationships I have, I will value ours the most. …With all your failures, sins, mistakes, and faults—past and present—I still choose to love and honor you.” That’s how you create an atmosphere for love to be rekindled.
* * *
Keeping this covenant is not something you can do in your own strength. There’s good reason why God was the One who initiated covenant with His people. He alone is able to fulfill the demands of His own promises.
What a deal!
Matthew 10:32 
Let me make sure I’ve got this right:
If I confess in front of other people that I believe in Jesus, Jesus will stand up for me, in front of God. Some fantastic trade-off for us! We’re blessed.
Could God have gone any more out of his way to let us know we’re loved? Death, perhaps? What an ultimate bargain for us. What an ultimate cost to him.
What’s on your nightstand?
We’re nearing the completion of the Spring Reading Thing 2009. I’ve completed the majority of my list, and have at least begun the remainders.
But I’ve been letting vagabond books meander into my pile as of late.
I suppose it was inevitable. I’ve never read straight from a book list before; why did I think I would now?
In addition to the books I said I would read, I’m also now reading:
1. Planet Google about how Google is taking over the world (well, something like that).
2. Blue like Jazz because a friend said it was one of the two most life-changing books she’s ever read, and I couldn’t wait any longer to see what she meant.
3. The Divine Conspiracy because we may have a church class on it this summer, and even though I’ve read it before, I’ve forgotten what it’s about. I do remember I liked it; does that count? No.
4. The Cryptid Hunters because several of Roland Smith’s books were recommended as great teen readers, and my husband and daughter have both enjoyed all 3 of the Roland Smith novels we’ve checked out so far, including this one.
5. The Noticer by Andy Andrews because I’ve always wanted to read his works, and I keep hearing great things about this book (and a great project—more later) and Thomas Nelson Publishers made an offer for free reading to those who’ll write a book review on it. Are they nuts? It’s a win-win.
6. and Every Day Deserves a Chance because I saw it at the library and it’s by Max Lucado and, well, isn’t that reason enough? Yes.
3 things to remember
They did it for family. For friends. For country. For us.
We have this holiday so we won’t forget. And flags and celebrations and music. And memories.
God gives us memories to help us remain grateful and to stay faithful to the cause. When we become discouraged and want to quit the fight, we need to remember to remember.
1. Remember who God is
Remind yourself of his character—his faithfulness, his goodness, his love. His power, his omniscience, his sovereignty. Because of who God is, he can be trusted. We derive security and significance to go forward because of our roots.
2. Remember what he’s already done
The Bible stories are recorded for a reason. Go back and review how faithful God has been to his people in the past. Then meditate on your own stories of times God helped you. Write them down. Reinforce your memories with meaningful Ebenezers—stones of remembrance. Collect souvenirs and mementos and pictures and scriptures and journals.
3. Remember what he's promised to do
Are you aware of all the good things God has promised to do for you? Here’s one list of promises to jog your memory. Keep your own personal list as you read through scripture. Having hope for the future is a sure way to stay encouraged in the present.
God knows about remembering. He never forgets about us, ever. Let us return the favor by keeping our memories strong.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:11-12
Are you satisfied with his decisions?
Matthew 9:28
I believe he can, but I can’t predict if he will. I can’t discern which miracles will bring him lasting glory. And which non-miracles would bring him more glory.
Can I be satisfied with his perfect decision between the two?
More faith, Lord, please give me more faith.
Where’s your place in the circle?
1. Kids love babies
(watching 7-yr-olds and ducks) 
2. Older people love babies
(watching my mom and ducks)
After the school trip, we took the ducks to my parents. As my mom progresses, I see her innate love for babies gain strength. I thank God that Mama has a sweet nature as the foundation of her personality. What would be the base of mine, if social niceties were stripped away? A scary thought. Lord, I depend on your grace.
3. Used books and aging children
Watching the moms gather around the tables of used books at our homeschool book sale yesterday was quite satisfying. It’s the first year I sold more books than I bought. But isn’t that yet another sign that I’m in the countdown of active parenting years? Yes. It’s bittersweet.
4. New gifts and young brides
Last night my high school daughter went with me to a lingerie shower for a church friend. (It was quite tame. Whew.) I want her to understand that within God’s design, marriage is a blast and meant to be enjoyed. Great things are worth waiting for. The Lord does reward.
5. The Parents’ Room
My daughter’s pediatric dentist moved to a new location. With 3 separate waiting rooms. One for rambunctious kids, one for TV addicts, and one for quiet parents. I chose Door # 3 yesterday and when it closed behind me, it was a Calgon-take-me-away moment. Silence. Except for the pages turning in my book. And the dad who went to sleep in the chair beside me who woke himself up with a snort. I’ll go back to visit soon—with or without an appointment.
Each of us has a place in the circle. I take advice from the elderly; I give advice to the younger. As I exit one stage, I step onto a new one. On and on. This is my place. Where is yours?
Create in me a clean heart
And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Matthew 8:2-3
So it’s obviously not your will to give physical healings to all who ask, like you gave to the leper. You don’t remove all our pain or all our heartaches or even all our minor irritations. It’s not your will to stunt out growth with pampered lives.
But it is always your will to make us clean.
Which is more important to us? Can we be content with washed hearts?
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
~ Psalm 51:10-12
He says it because he means it
Mark 1:22
Passion. Knowledge. Authority. They pulled off all three.
Some people act like they know what they’re talking about, but they really don’t. Others do know, but lack the enthusiasm to express it.
Then there’s Jesus. He’s in a category all his own.
He knew what he was talking about, and it showed every time. He always spoke truth. He never lacked confidence.
He had passion; he had knowledge; he had authority. We like that in a teacher, and definitely in our Lord. He left no doubts that he meant what he said, and he could back it up anytime, anywhere.
The Master has mastered it. I believe.
The [expanded] Bible: A review
Another new Bible? Yes.
If you like it, go to your favorite bookstore or on-line source on August 11, 2009, and buy the hardcopy. Watch a video here about it.
Because I like using a different version each time I read through the Bible, I’m happy to try The [expanded] Bible. Seeing a little different wording catches my eye and my heart on scriptures that I might otherwise gloss over from common usage.
The primary difference this Bible offers? Its tagline states it well: “Study the Bible while you read.” And that’s precisely its best feature to me—the notes included in line with the text.
Excerpt
I’m in the gospels right now, so here’s an excerpt from The [expanded] Bible that I read last Friday:
Likes:
1. Alternative phrases and words are included in line with the text, instead of footnoted in a margin. Seeing the various possibilities of how a phrase could be translated adds richness to my understanding (similar to The Amplified Bible).
2. Direct cross-references are also included in the text itself. You’ll immediately see the reference and know where the quote came from.
3. Short cultural and historical comments are also incorporated as you read. No flipping pages or using dictionaries.
4. The main text appears in bold-faced typed, while the extra information is bracketed in lighter type. So if you want to skip all the study notes, you can read just the scripture itself by following the bold print.
Dislikes:
1. The base text is taken from the New Century Version, which is easy to read, but is a meaning-based translation, thus not as accurate as more literal translations, such as my personal favorite, the English Standard Version. So I read both together when I have a question or when my goal is to study instead of just read.
2. If you’re compelled to read every word in the text (which I can’t help but do), it takes longer to read a chapter.
3. Because I’m reading the pdf version, it’s a little time-consuming to navigate. The sidebar does include a Table of Contents for a quick click to the beginning of each book of the New Testament. But my daily reading plan keeps me hopping through different books each week, so it takes me a minute to scroll to my appropriate chapter.
Thomas Nelson
Kudos to Thomas Nelson Publishers for making this free offer. The more I learn about them (they’re the largest Christian publishing company in the world), the more impressed I am. They’re willing to take innovative risks to maintain viability in the changing digital world. I follow their CEO, Michael Hyatt, on Twitter and read his daily blog. I’m always learning something interesting (he’s a techno-geek as well as a booklover).
Bottom line: a thumbs-up for this Bible. Check it out for yourself.
Jesus’ birth certificate—He is who he was
Jesus ...being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,...
…Kenan was the son of Enosh.
Enosh was the son of Seth.
Seth was the son of Adam.
Adam was the son of God.
Luke 3:23, 38
I was administering the AP Chemistry test to a student last week. Before he could answer chemistry questions, he had to fill in answers about himself. Address. ID numbers. College choices. 
And, of course, name. Full legal name. It’s something we don’t get to choose for ourselves, but is chosen for us, usually before we’re born. Neither do we choose our parents, our grandparents, their parents.
Except for Jesus. He chose his forefathers, because he existed before they did.
His lineage traced all the way back to...himself. No chemistry or physics or biology we know can explain that.
He is who he was from the beginning (John 1:1-2,15).
Curios - 13
1. Do you ever say this?: “I just need more time!” Then read “How much is watching TV costing you?”
2. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. Where do we rank now in the history of martyrdom? Check out this visual.
4. This will give you chills. John Piper on abortion: “No, Mr. President. Killing is killing no matter what you call it.” Read the text here. Watch it below.
Gallup Survey: for the first time since the poll began in 1995, more Americans (51%) call themselves "pro-life" than "pro-choice" (42%).
Blog Carnival # 2 – Accepting loss
Writers from 15 different blogs share their encouragement for you. My contribution is The Empty Spaces, accepting the gaps of emptiness that we need from time to time to avoid living too crowded.
* * *
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
~ David
Psalm 37:39
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
~ Jesus Christ
John 14:27
Friday’s fave five, # 1
Here are mine:
1. Mother’s Day 
It’s always special, but it continues to get even better as my girls get older. They gave me a beautiful rose bush, a set of photo coasters that they completed themselves, a wonderfully sweet card that I’ll treasure forever, and their time—a biggie, the older they get.
2. Watching AI with my teenager
Some things are meant to be shared, and watching American Idol is one of them. Jenna and I laugh and moan together each week over our favorites. She eats ice cream; I eat popcorn. And if we’re not together, we call each other every few minutes to reassess. This week she laughed at my sadness over losing Danny. We’re both rooting for Kris in next week’s finale.
3. Singing with my brothers/sisters
Wednesday night 5:30-6:30 is always a highlight. Praising the Lord with like-minded believers is a sweet victory over whatever else is happening in the world. “O, Great God be glorified, Our lives laid down, Yours magnified. O, Great God, be lifted high, There is none like You.”
4. All day/night Thursday
...because I didn’t have to leave the premises. It’s hard to beat a good, long day at home. And then it was topped off by Jeff coming home a day early (technically it was still Thursday).
5. An empty stomach
You know how awful you feel when you’re nauseated? But once you throw up, you feel on top of the world again? (At least for a little while.) I cycled through it today. Sometimes we have to feel bad to fully appreciate feeling good. God knows this about us. He is good.
In plain sight
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples...
Luke 2:29-32
He had been waiting for this moment. Now he was seeing salvation—in the eyes of a baby, a God. And because of this birth, he could die in peace.
Because of that baby, we can all die in peace. If we choose to believe. Our options were delivered in plain view for all people. A bright light had entered the world through this birth (John 1:5), and has never left.
More from “Anxious for Nothing”
John MacArthur:
* We allow our daily concerns to turn into worry and therefore sin when our thoughts become focused on changing the future instead of doing our best to handle our present circumstances.
* God promises not to allow anything to happen to us that will be too much for us to bear (1 Cor 10:13), to work out everything for our good in the end (Rom 8:28), and to “perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish” us in the midst of our suffering (1 Pet 5:10). ...Know that all your difficulties are within God’s purpose, and thank Him for His available power and promises.
* Do you ever think of God as being characterized by peace? In fact, He is peace. Whatever it is that He gives us, He has and He is. ...God is never stressed. He is never anxious. He never worries. He never doubts.
* Our concerns are productive when they lead to a sensible course of action, but not when they lead to anxiety.
More Anxious for Nothing
8 Ways to Stop Worrying
Hi. I’m Lisa. And I’m a worrier.
But I don’t want to be.
We too often discount worrying as just an annoying habit, when instead it is sin. Jesus plainly tells us not to worry, so when we do anyway, we’re essentially saying, “Lord, I know you care, but I don’t think you can handle this one.”
In his book, as usual, John MacArthur sticks to the Bible to equip us with resources in overcoming sin. It is filled with scriptures and concludes with a rich appendix, “Psalms for the Anxious,” as well as a “Readers’ Guide for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion.”
Here are 8 ways MacArthur offers to overcome anxiety:
1. Observe how God cares for you (Matt 6:28-30)
Look for the abundant evidence all around you that God is providing for your needs. If he feeds all his creatures and clothes even the fields with beauty, he’ll certainly care for you. “He promised to provide all your needs and he will (Phil 4:19). That is his concern, not yours.”
2. React to problems with thankful prayer (Phil 4:6)
Being thankful is a “tangible demonstration of trusting your situation to God’s sovereign control. And it is easy to do, since there are so many blessings to be thankful for: knowing that God will supply all our needs (Phil 4:19), that He stays closely in touch with our lives (Ps 139:3), that He cares about us (1 Pet 5:7), that all power belongs to him (Ps 62:11), that he is making us more and more like Christ (Ro 8:29; Phil 1:6), and that no detail escapes him (Ps 147:5).”
3. Develop a humble attitude (1 Pet 5:5-7)
“The key is never to contest God’s wisdom, but instead to accept humbly whatever God brings into your life as coming from His hand.”
4. Look to Jesus (Heb 12:2)
Get your focus off yourself and onto Jesus and his will. Praise God in the now for who he is and what he does. “Jesus gives us three reasons for not worrying about this life: It is unnecessary because of our Father, it is uncharacteristic because of our faith, and it is unwise because of our future.”
5. Remember that others are looking out for you (Heb 1:14)
Your life is never a solitary struggle. Angels watch over you; the Holy Spirit guides you; fellow believers are at your service.
6. Have peace in every circumstance (2 Thess 3:16)
Divine peace is a gift that is always available and not subject to circumstances. Understand that God is using the difficulties you face to perfect you. It is not all for nothing.
7. Do all thing without complaining (Phil 2:14-16)
“Isn’t it God we are really complaining against when we gripe about our circumstances? After all, He is the one who put us where we are. A lack of thankfulness and contentment is ultimately an attack on God.”
8. Learn to be content (Phil 4:10-19)
Be confident in God’s providence. Be satisfied with little. Detach from circumstances. Preoccupy yourself with the well-being of others. Cling to the promise of Romans 8:28: “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.”
* * *
18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalm 94:18-19
More Anxious for Nothing
Who are “his people?”
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
Jesus came for his. When Joseph, the soon-to-be dad, heard that Jesus was coming to save his people, he surely thought those people were one group: the Jews, God’s chosen people.
Unless Joseph was more intuitive than the average Jew, he would not have imagined the blasphemous thought that “his people” would one day include pagan Gentiles. Samaritan half-breeds. Roman soldiers. You. Me.
Everybody could end up being Jesus’ people.
When Jesus came to his original people—the ones born by flesh and blood—many refused his message (John 1:11-13). As planned, the net was then thrown wider, to whoever would believe (John 3:16).
Includes you. Includes me. When he came to save “his people” from their sins, he was talking about us.
Series Index_Attributes of God
7. Faithful
He has never let anyone down in the past. He can be trusted for the future.
6. Immutable
Because God never changes, we can be confident.
5. Creator
If anyone knows about creativity, it is God. We get it from him.
4. Eternal
He has no beginning, no end. Can we imagine eternity?
3. Omniscient
Only HE knows everything. That's a good thing.
2. Incomprehensible
He is impossible to fathom, which is even more reason to believe he is God.
1. Good
His goodness is abundant, and everything he does is good. Believe it?
Intro
B. Michelangelo and Me: Why we didn’t want to paint God?
Three excuses to NOT seek God.
A. Why bother?
Does it make any difference what I think about God?
Love never fails
Love Never Fails—doesn't that sum up God’s faithfulness? This song is based on 1 Corinthians 13, a place where we learn who God is and who he wants us to be:
Lyrics
Love Never Fails
Brandon Heath
Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all
Matters the most
Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside
Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you
Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time
Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you
When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this
Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life
Love is the river that flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you
God is Faithful _ (Attributes of God)
ATTRIBUTE DEFINED
Faithful: Firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty; dependable.
BIBLE VERSES
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love...
Joshua 21:45 Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Hebrews 10:23 ...He who promised is faithful.
(Also see Gen 21:1; 24:7; 28:15; Deut 31:6; 32:4; Rom 15:8; 1 Cor 1:9; 1 Pet 4:19)
CHRIST'S EXAMPLE
2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself.
Hebrews 2:17 ...So that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...
DIRECTLY TO ME
People have failed me. Circumstances have failed me. My body and own spirit have failed me. But God has never failed me (Hebrews 13:5). Because of his faithfulness in the past, I know he is safe to trust for the future.
ECHO IT
God is faithful to me; I am to be faithful to him. He rewards faithfulness (James 1:12). But he is a jealous God and despises when I turn to lesser gods. My unfaithfulness rises from fear, selfishness, pride, weakness...but God is not influenced by any of those (James 1:13-14).
FORGIVE ME
Lord, I can’t explain why I sometimes doubt your faithfulness. Forgive my lack of belief that your grace will be as sufficient for tomorrow as it has been for today. Forgive me for listening to the lies of the world that you won’t be true to your Word, especially in the little things. You are as faithful in small things as in big things.
GLORY TO GOD
Lord, it is your very nature to be faithful—not just to believers or to humankind in general, but even to yourself. You can’t or wouldn’t be otherwise. We praise you for your Word being solid and dependable. Everything about you is stable and unwavering. We can rest on your promises.
HIS WORDS
Memorize:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Supermom?
I miss the middle daughter I’m not raising, even though she’s in the best Hands where she is.
And I miss the mother that could kiss all my hurts away and make everything alright in the morning, even though she’s still here.
The realization that moms don’t have superpowers comes slowly. Even though I’m a grown woman myself, I still have days when I want to call my mother and whine about trivial things and have her assure me, “Everything’s gonna be okay.”
But the older I get, the more our roles rotate. Seasons change, and I must change with them.
As I watch my mother age and her memories fade, I need my memories to stay strong. Of the new ones we're making now. And of my mother in the early days. When she could sew up any kind of rip. Cook food for whatever occasion. Give comforting advice to every aching heart.
I want to honor her for those days by being good to her in these days. Being her daughter continues to shape who I am. So I rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28).
She is still my Supermom. Not just on Mother’s Day, but Every Day.
Book Review: “Dancin’ toward the Dawn”
1. NTS
Sprinkled throughout are occasional NTS entries: Next Tiny Step. Small, practical suggestions. Things TO DO.
God doesn’t always ask us to take big steps, but he does ask us to take the next tiny one. Take opportunities to exercise control. Make life happen instead of being paralyzed by circumstances or emotions. Experience has no substitute.
Tim quotes one of the soundest pieces of advice he was ever given:
Do the very best you can
with what you have
where you are now.
Example of NTS:
Saint Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Write down a list of those things that make you feel most alive, and see if you can find His presence there.
2. From My Journal
Excerpts from Tim’s own journals are also splashed throughout the chapters. They expose his heart, his vision, his learning from his own experiences.
Example:
When our striving fails, He is a God who comes to find us—even when we can’t find ourselves. All too often we think we have to change, be good, to grow in order to be loved. In truth we are loved in order to change and grow and be all the things that God wants us to be.
* * *
This isn’t a book just for the lonely, or I might not have read it. Loneliness isn’t a place I live, although I visit there from time to time. Rather Tim writes to touch souls wherever they are, lonely places or otherwise, and urges them to go higher and deeper from that place.
Perhaps that’s why I connect so much with his words. He touches the spirit in me that longs for more and more of the Lord, and encourages me to feast at the rich table spread before us.
* * *
On Emptiness:
But you say, “I’m lonely, too. Why doesn’t someone come to me?” It is interesting that the passage in Isaiah doesn’t say, “Here I am, find me,” nor does it say “Fill my needs.” The Scriptures are clear. The correct response is, “Here I am, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
On Wholeness:
God is not going to take all the loneliness away and patch every hole in our lives. He is just going to give it meaning and purpose. He doesn’t promise to fix us—just make us whole and holy.
On Solitude:
Solitude doesn’t transform things; it simply makes us see things that we couldn’t see before. Solitude invites the inner presence of God. It’s about as obvious and reasonable as daylight. And as magnificent. I cannot explain it any further. (Journal Entry)
Today is National Day of Prayer – So pray!
Disappointingly, for the first time in eight years, no public ceremony will be held by our President, in contrast to former President Bush, who maintained a flawless record in holding a prayer service each year in office.
Beth Moore, the Honorary Chairwoman at events this year, will pray the prayer below. Ricky Skaggs will sing “Somebody’s Praying.” A free MP3 download is available here. Former NFL MVP (and Alabama football star) Shaun Alexander will speak on Capitol Hill.
Shaun twittered yesterday afternoon:
Thursday,May 7 National Day of Prayer on Capital Hill 9am-12pm. I speak 11:20a.m. Pray w/me today for hearts 2 shift & Jesus 2 shine Thurs.
We can do this, right?
Here is the official prayer. Please take a moment and lift up our nation to the One who with real power.
2009 Prayer for Our Nation
by Beth Moore, Honorary Chairman
Father in Heaven,
We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness.
Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear to us.
We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor.
Look over this fevered landscape and heal us, Lord.
Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes to the sky, for we know where our help comes from.
Unite these States again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line.
Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart.
“May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You.”
In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Amen
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