When I began writing and attempting to minister to others through my website and blogs, it was because of the leading of the Holy Spirit. I was led to share my life and my life experiences in a way that would glorify the Lord, and Him alone. I do this by being authentic and transparent in my writings. I share anything about myself, without fear of condemnation. It does not take courage on my part, because I have faith that the Lord has forgiven all my sins, and is shaping me into the person I am to become. He has also used my past to shape me into who I am today. I belong to the most wonderful church- Clovis Hills. Part of their philosophy is to live in Joyful Authenticity.
"Healthy things grow. They are fed, pruned, bear fruit and experience a harvest. If they don’t, they wither, shrink and eventually die. Our spiritual lives are no different. They don’t just grow on their own, they have to be nurtured, cared for and invested in.
God desires to transform our lives into reflections of his character. This happens by spending time with him, studying his word, talking to him and seeking his direction in our lives. And when we do this, we have the freedom to live with Joyful Authenticity- true to not just who we are today, but to who he is calling us to be." From the Clovis Hills Community Church website
It has been said of me on more than one occasion that it must take courage for me to share with my readers. Again I say, emphatically, that no, that is not the case. I have no fear, for that is not of God. Those that would condemn me are not listening to the Holy Spirit in their own lives.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed Romans 3:23-25 NKJV
That is not to say that I judge them either. Just that Jesus told us in this world we would have trials, tribulations and that we would be persecuted for our faith. I welcome that if that be His will for me. It would not bother me at all to stand at Heaven's Gate, a martyr to the Word of God. I am human though, and perhaps it may bother me from time to time, if a person does condemn me, but not much. I know that my faith will see me through.
I encourage everyone to live their lives with true transparency and authenticity. There is nothing to be afraid of. Life is but a blink of an eye, and we have such a short time to further His Kingdom. Why live it in fear of what others may think, if it is for His glory alone? So go on: Glorify Him! Glorify Him! Share yourself wholly, with full knowledge that, prayerfully, when your time of judgement comes, you can hear Him say to you "Well done, my good and faithful servant." That is my only goal.
--Lord, I pray today that my efforts do glorify You alone, and that others will see the benefits of living Joyfully Authentic. I pray that they are able to see their way to being transparent in their lives and sharing that which You alone have done for them and through them. I pray that You continue to work through me and allow me to glorify You above all. I pray these things in Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
Showing posts with label joyful authenticity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joyful authenticity. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
An Inteview of Me by DM
I was surfing some blogs yesterday (this post is meant for Tuesday), and came across an interview on one of my regular blog "waves." This interview was unique in that, 1) you requested to be interviewed, and 2) that after answering the questions, you allow others to request to be interviewed. If this sounds like something you would like to do, here are the rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
DM of Heart to Heart blog has taken on the task of interviewing me. Or maybe I should say, I've taken on the task of being interviewed by him. These are some tough questions! His questions are in blue to identify them more easily.
DM Tell me more about your mother...tell me a story that illustrates what kind of person she was...how do you see yourself like her/ different than her?
SK Well actually, DM, this may be one of the easier questions for me to answer. Though it will be the most difficult for me to answer emotionally. She's only been gone two years now. I think the best way to describe my mother would be to say she was a fighter and a survivor. My mother had rheumatic fever as a child, so her heart health was compromised from a very young age. Her family endured poverty, she was the victim of sexual and physical abuse (though things like that weren't talked about when she was a child.) She had my sister and myself by the time she was 19, so she survived a young motherhood. She became a high rise iron worker at a time when women didn't do that kind of work (she was one of the very first women in our area to ever become one- despite the fact that she was very petite. Only 5 foot 2 at her tallest.) She survived what should have been a fatal attack by her second husband (not my father) At the risk of getting gory on you, he hit her over the head 15 times with a hammer and punctured one of her lungs. She overcame the 2 month coma that resulted from that, she also overcame the complete amnesia she suffered. She had to learn EVERYTHING over again, including that she had two children, how to talk, and how to walk, she obviously overcame the projected prognosis of being "a vegetable" for the rest of her life. Later in her 30's she was diagnosed with cancer and overcame that. She had a gastric bypass to finally rid herself of a decades long obesity problem, but only caused her to end up malnourished. Because of this she had it reversed two years later. I tell you all this to show just how much of a fighter and survivor my mother was. At the time of her passing, she had just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. All these ailments she suffered and fought against, she did it all it seemed by sheer will power alone. And that was how she dealt with life too. No one could tell my mom that she couldn't do something. How am I like her? Well aside from the fact that we look alot alike (except that I'm MUCH taller), I would say that I am a survivor too. I have been through many hardships and struggles, and yet I've come out the other side. The way we're different? While she used the power of her will to accomplish what she did, I call on the power of the Lord. I know I wouldn't be who I am today without His merciful intercession. Ok, on to the next question, before I get any more weepy eyed.
DM You obviously love to write. What is the best experience you've had as a writer, and what is the worst?
SK Now where did you get that impression?? :) Ok, seriously though, the best and worst experiences I have had as a writer are, strangely enough, one and the same. They are writing my post "The Best Blessing". It is the best because I was able to show God's divine love to others through my suffering, but it was the worst, because it caused me to relive, if only for a moment that EXTREME pain that I was in, at that time of my life. And it caused one of my periods of darkness to overtake me. I suffer from depression, and while I have hope in my Lord at all times, it is during these times when I must literally cling to Him for my sanity's sake.
DM Tell me who are the 5 most influencial people in your life spiritually? (Hint, it could even be an author)
SK Well I know that all Scripture is God breathed, but the apostle Paul, is one of the most influential, because he too, had a thorn in his flesh, and yet he was able to be such a spiritual influence to the beginning churches. That is my wish, to be a spiritual fire for others. My husband would have to be second. We walk this walk together, so he helps me, and I help him. My pastor is also a huge influence. He is always willing to answer questions, no matter whether they pertain to the sermon or not. His willingness to be open and transparent has been a guiding force in my life since I became a believer. My friend Hannah, is also a VERY strong influence. She has much more experience in studying the bible, so when I get stuck, I call on her. She's always willing to lend a helping hand. And she has no problem letting me know when I've stumbled a little. And she does it all with love. I don't know if there is a 5th one, unless all the like minded believers I come into contact with on a daily basis, that help me along in my spiritual walk, can be counted as one.
UPDATE: Readers please see my comment as to why Jesus was not listed in this original list. (Obviously, He is the biggest influence on me spiritually.)
DM This is a parenting question. I know your oldest is currently only 14...but pretend you've made it to her 18th birthday and she is heading off for college in just a couple of days. What final words in a letter would you like to pass on to her before she moves out?
SK Now, why'd you have to go and ask something like that? Don't you know, moms revel in their denial that their kids are growing up. I don't want to think about her leaving home! You can't make me, you cant! You can't! I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I will waterlog my laptop. As Scarlett used to say..."I won't think about it now. I'll think about it tomorrow..."
DM You mention in one of your blogs, you are now a stay at home mom, what are the positive and negative aspects of that decision? If another Christian woman were to come along side of you currently and ask..."Is there anything I can do to help make your job as a stay at home wife/mother any easier, what would you say to them?
SK Show me how to minister to my children by doing this. I know how to clean house, I know how to cook, but help me to understand how this is all a ministry to my children. Especially right now, when they show no gratitude for it. They don't understand that it is a sacrifice to give up outside contact. It is a sacrifice to be responsible for all the household chores. It is a sacrifice to give up the independence that having your own income brings. It is a sacrifice period. Help me to see that though they don't see it, it is still a ministry to them. And help me everyday, to see my way to be grateful for the opportunity to make this sacrifice. Because I want that more than anything. Not for them to be grateful, but for me to be grateful, especially since I chose this option of my own free will.
Thank you DM for such thought provoking questions. That was fun! Blessings to you and yours.
There is no "MORE" to this post. Isn't this enough??? :)
1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
DM of Heart to Heart blog has taken on the task of interviewing me. Or maybe I should say, I've taken on the task of being interviewed by him. These are some tough questions! His questions are in blue to identify them more easily.
DM Tell me more about your mother...tell me a story that illustrates what kind of person she was...how do you see yourself like her/ different than her?
SK Well actually, DM, this may be one of the easier questions for me to answer. Though it will be the most difficult for me to answer emotionally. She's only been gone two years now. I think the best way to describe my mother would be to say she was a fighter and a survivor. My mother had rheumatic fever as a child, so her heart health was compromised from a very young age. Her family endured poverty, she was the victim of sexual and physical abuse (though things like that weren't talked about when she was a child.) She had my sister and myself by the time she was 19, so she survived a young motherhood. She became a high rise iron worker at a time when women didn't do that kind of work (she was one of the very first women in our area to ever become one- despite the fact that she was very petite. Only 5 foot 2 at her tallest.) She survived what should have been a fatal attack by her second husband (not my father) At the risk of getting gory on you, he hit her over the head 15 times with a hammer and punctured one of her lungs. She overcame the 2 month coma that resulted from that, she also overcame the complete amnesia she suffered. She had to learn EVERYTHING over again, including that she had two children, how to talk, and how to walk, she obviously overcame the projected prognosis of being "a vegetable" for the rest of her life. Later in her 30's she was diagnosed with cancer and overcame that. She had a gastric bypass to finally rid herself of a decades long obesity problem, but only caused her to end up malnourished. Because of this she had it reversed two years later. I tell you all this to show just how much of a fighter and survivor my mother was. At the time of her passing, she had just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. All these ailments she suffered and fought against, she did it all it seemed by sheer will power alone. And that was how she dealt with life too. No one could tell my mom that she couldn't do something. How am I like her? Well aside from the fact that we look alot alike (except that I'm MUCH taller), I would say that I am a survivor too. I have been through many hardships and struggles, and yet I've come out the other side. The way we're different? While she used the power of her will to accomplish what she did, I call on the power of the Lord. I know I wouldn't be who I am today without His merciful intercession. Ok, on to the next question, before I get any more weepy eyed.
DM You obviously love to write. What is the best experience you've had as a writer, and what is the worst?
SK Now where did you get that impression?? :) Ok, seriously though, the best and worst experiences I have had as a writer are, strangely enough, one and the same. They are writing my post "The Best Blessing". It is the best because I was able to show God's divine love to others through my suffering, but it was the worst, because it caused me to relive, if only for a moment that EXTREME pain that I was in, at that time of my life. And it caused one of my periods of darkness to overtake me. I suffer from depression, and while I have hope in my Lord at all times, it is during these times when I must literally cling to Him for my sanity's sake.
DM Tell me who are the 5 most influencial people in your life spiritually? (Hint, it could even be an author)
SK Well I know that all Scripture is God breathed, but the apostle Paul, is one of the most influential, because he too, had a thorn in his flesh, and yet he was able to be such a spiritual influence to the beginning churches. That is my wish, to be a spiritual fire for others. My husband would have to be second. We walk this walk together, so he helps me, and I help him. My pastor is also a huge influence. He is always willing to answer questions, no matter whether they pertain to the sermon or not. His willingness to be open and transparent has been a guiding force in my life since I became a believer. My friend Hannah, is also a VERY strong influence. She has much more experience in studying the bible, so when I get stuck, I call on her. She's always willing to lend a helping hand. And she has no problem letting me know when I've stumbled a little. And she does it all with love. I don't know if there is a 5th one, unless all the like minded believers I come into contact with on a daily basis, that help me along in my spiritual walk, can be counted as one.
UPDATE: Readers please see my comment as to why Jesus was not listed in this original list. (Obviously, He is the biggest influence on me spiritually.)
DM This is a parenting question. I know your oldest is currently only 14...but pretend you've made it to her 18th birthday and she is heading off for college in just a couple of days. What final words in a letter would you like to pass on to her before she moves out?
SK Now, why'd you have to go and ask something like that? Don't you know, moms revel in their denial that their kids are growing up. I don't want to think about her leaving home! You can't make me, you cant! You can't! I refuse to answer that question on the grounds that I will waterlog my laptop. As Scarlett used to say..."I won't think about it now. I'll think about it tomorrow..."
DM You mention in one of your blogs, you are now a stay at home mom, what are the positive and negative aspects of that decision? If another Christian woman were to come along side of you currently and ask..."Is there anything I can do to help make your job as a stay at home wife/mother any easier, what would you say to them?
SK Show me how to minister to my children by doing this. I know how to clean house, I know how to cook, but help me to understand how this is all a ministry to my children. Especially right now, when they show no gratitude for it. They don't understand that it is a sacrifice to give up outside contact. It is a sacrifice to be responsible for all the household chores. It is a sacrifice to give up the independence that having your own income brings. It is a sacrifice period. Help me to see that though they don't see it, it is still a ministry to them. And help me everyday, to see my way to be grateful for the opportunity to make this sacrifice. Because I want that more than anything. Not for them to be grateful, but for me to be grateful, especially since I chose this option of my own free will.
Thank you DM for such thought provoking questions. That was fun! Blessings to you and yours.
There is no "MORE" to this post. Isn't this enough??? :)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Purposeful Ministry by Shalene
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
Yesterday, I wrote about how we could change the world by having a purposeful ministry in our blogs and our websites. Today, I want to touch on what it means to have a purposeful ministry.
What does it mean to be purposeful?
Purposeful is defined as having intent. Is it your intent to spread the Word of God and His Good News to all that come into contact with your blog and/or website? How do you do this? Is it obvious to others that your love of God is first and foremost in your life? I don't mean you need to go "Holier- than- thou" on them, but is it clear to all that read your content, that you are a Christ follower? Or is it just a vague idea hidden somewhere as a sidenote?
What does it mean to minister and/ or to witness?
I am aware that not all are comfortable being teachers, and few are qualified to be evangelists or pastors. I am certainly not qualified to be either, though I like to think I'm a fairly good teacher. Having said that, I want to make clear that while helping others to learn to read their bible, and learn the contents within, is of utmost importance, (It is God's Holy Instruction Manual, after all.) there are also other ways to minister and witness to others as well.
I believe the most effective means of doing this (aside from teaching bible study) is to be authentic and transparent. What does that mean, you ask? Let's take transparent first: Being transparent means letting others know that though you are a Christ follower, you are still human. They see the way you live your life, and how God's presence influences it. It means showing your motives, so to speak.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV (emphasis mine)
Being authentic is very close to the same thing. It means not only letting your motives show, but the reasons behind them as well. It means showing the real you. Warts and all. Many unbelievers get the impression that Christians are hypocrites (and sometimes, unfortunately, they are correct.) They also get the impression that believers have it easy. That we don't have the same problems they do, because we put on our mask of peace. We're afraid to let the world know that while we have peace, it is only through trust in Him that it exists. Not because we don't have issues and moments of utter human-ness.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 ESV(emphasis mine)
So to those of you that want to be purposeful, transparent and authentic in your faith, I say Praise God! For you are doing much the same as Paul did, in his ministry to the early churches.
For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV (emphasis mine)
---Lord, today I pray that I might be purposefully authentic and transparent in all my dealings. That this ministry you have blessed me with will touch others according to Your Plan. I pray that the others that you have also blessed with the talent and responsibility to reach others will pray the same prayer. I pray that I reach believers and unbelievers alike, that Your Name alone would be glorified. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
Yesterday, I wrote about how we could change the world by having a purposeful ministry in our blogs and our websites. Today, I want to touch on what it means to have a purposeful ministry.
What does it mean to be purposeful?
Purposeful is defined as having intent. Is it your intent to spread the Word of God and His Good News to all that come into contact with your blog and/or website? How do you do this? Is it obvious to others that your love of God is first and foremost in your life? I don't mean you need to go "Holier- than- thou" on them, but is it clear to all that read your content, that you are a Christ follower? Or is it just a vague idea hidden somewhere as a sidenote?
What does it mean to minister and/ or to witness?
I am aware that not all are comfortable being teachers, and few are qualified to be evangelists or pastors. I am certainly not qualified to be either, though I like to think I'm a fairly good teacher. Having said that, I want to make clear that while helping others to learn to read their bible, and learn the contents within, is of utmost importance, (It is God's Holy Instruction Manual, after all.) there are also other ways to minister and witness to others as well.
I believe the most effective means of doing this (aside from teaching bible study) is to be authentic and transparent. What does that mean, you ask? Let's take transparent first: Being transparent means letting others know that though you are a Christ follower, you are still human. They see the way you live your life, and how God's presence influences it. It means showing your motives, so to speak.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV (emphasis mine)
Being authentic is very close to the same thing. It means not only letting your motives show, but the reasons behind them as well. It means showing the real you. Warts and all. Many unbelievers get the impression that Christians are hypocrites (and sometimes, unfortunately, they are correct.) They also get the impression that believers have it easy. That we don't have the same problems they do, because we put on our mask of peace. We're afraid to let the world know that while we have peace, it is only through trust in Him that it exists. Not because we don't have issues and moments of utter human-ness.
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 ESV(emphasis mine)
So to those of you that want to be purposeful, transparent and authentic in your faith, I say Praise God! For you are doing much the same as Paul did, in his ministry to the early churches.
For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV (emphasis mine)
---Lord, today I pray that I might be purposefully authentic and transparent in all my dealings. That this ministry you have blessed me with will touch others according to Your Plan. I pray that the others that you have also blessed with the talent and responsibility to reach others will pray the same prayer. I pray that I reach believers and unbelievers alike, that Your Name alone would be glorified. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
A Study of The Rapture Part 2 by Shalene
I received some great comments yesterday, and wanted to touch on them for a moment. First, though I have a lot of questions about the Rapture, I don't expect that every one of them will be answerable while I am still alive. My questions are only those which, in a perfect world, would be answered. Does this make sense? I have a VERY inquisitive mind, so if I can learn the answers to something, I'll do my best to do so. I do understand that for some of my questions, my faith that it is so, will have to suffice. May God grant me the wisdom to know when to "let go of the bone." Second, I do believe in the Rapture. I do not believe it has happened yet. I believe the Bible is literal not interpretive. I have hope that those that have questions about the Rapture will travel this study with me, and if they don't agree, they're free to do so. I'm not here trying to change anyone's mind about the Rapture; though if it happens, I won't complain. :) Now on to the post.
What about the dead?
But someone may ask, "How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?" What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. ....The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies....It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised in glory.....they will be raised as spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,40,42-44 NLT (please read this passage in it's full context for further clarification.)
What does that mean?
What that means is that for whatever reason, we will have new bodies- heavenly bodies- whether we are dead or alive at the time of the Rapture. I don't have an answer for why we need those bodies, except to say "Because God said so." I'm sorry but that's the only answer I have. Faith will have to suffice on this one, I'm afraid. :)
Now what about where the dead are until then?
Well, a good friend pointed out Luke 16:22 to me in reference to this. While it is true that it's a parable, it also gives us a good idea as to where we go when we die.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame. ...And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Luke 16:22-24, 26 KJV
So, from that I get that the dead are indeed waiting in one of two places for the day that we will all come before the judgement seat of God.
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead *at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Timothy 4:1 NKJV
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV
---Lord, I thank you again for Your Holy Word, that we might find the answers we seek, if we will but seek with a pure and open heart. I thank you for those that you have placed in my path, that my faith walk would be strengthened, and the words that I write would be true to Your Word. I ask that you continue to show me the Way, and that You guide me in the ways that will Glorify Your Name always. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
What about the dead?
But someone may ask, "How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?" What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. ....The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies....It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised in glory.....they will be raised as spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,40,42-44 NLT (please read this passage in it's full context for further clarification.)
What does that mean?
What that means is that for whatever reason, we will have new bodies- heavenly bodies- whether we are dead or alive at the time of the Rapture. I don't have an answer for why we need those bodies, except to say "Because God said so." I'm sorry but that's the only answer I have. Faith will have to suffice on this one, I'm afraid. :)
Now what about where the dead are until then?
Well, a good friend pointed out Luke 16:22 to me in reference to this. While it is true that it's a parable, it also gives us a good idea as to where we go when we die.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame. ...And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Luke 16:22-24, 26 KJV
So, from that I get that the dead are indeed waiting in one of two places for the day that we will all come before the judgement seat of God.
I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead *at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Timothy 4:1 NKJV
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV
---Lord, I thank you again for Your Holy Word, that we might find the answers we seek, if we will but seek with a pure and open heart. I thank you for those that you have placed in my path, that my faith walk would be strengthened, and the words that I write would be true to Your Word. I ask that you continue to show me the Way, and that You guide me in the ways that will Glorify Your Name always. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Answering Questions by Shalene Kearney
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter 3:15
Do you set apart Christ as Lord in your life? Has anyone asked you "What is it about you?" And have you answered unwaveringly that is is the Lord working in your life? Have you done it without pushing the envelope?
In today's society, unfortunately, many have been "turned off" by Christianity and all they think it stands for. Because of this, we have to be mindful of our delivery. This is such a hard thing to do, especially when you are on fire for the Lord.
Have you ever wondered what it is that people see in us, as true believers that makes them want what we have? I can't be so dense as to believe that it's all about the material things. Because I've met some people in my life that just radiated the love of God from every ounce of their being, and didn't have much in the way of material possessions.
I have a best friend like that. For years she just stood by me, witnessing without saying a word. She was the only person that I admired enough not to argue my point of view with (back before I was a believer.) It just seemed disrespectful to do it.
Are you like my friend, in your day to day dealings with people? Do they know you by your deeds and not just by your words? Do you walk the walk; not just talk the talk? And do you have a gentle and respectful way of sharing with them where your hope comes from?
--Lord, today I ask you, to help me shine Your Light to all I come into contact with. Let me be blessed enough to answer when someone asks for the source of my hope. Let me be gentle and respectful in every way. Let my witness be effective. I ask that you work through all that read this, in the same manner. I ask this in Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen.
Do you set apart Christ as Lord in your life? Has anyone asked you "What is it about you?" And have you answered unwaveringly that is is the Lord working in your life? Have you done it without pushing the envelope?
In today's society, unfortunately, many have been "turned off" by Christianity and all they think it stands for. Because of this, we have to be mindful of our delivery. This is such a hard thing to do, especially when you are on fire for the Lord.
Have you ever wondered what it is that people see in us, as true believers that makes them want what we have? I can't be so dense as to believe that it's all about the material things. Because I've met some people in my life that just radiated the love of God from every ounce of their being, and didn't have much in the way of material possessions.
I have a best friend like that. For years she just stood by me, witnessing without saying a word. She was the only person that I admired enough not to argue my point of view with (back before I was a believer.) It just seemed disrespectful to do it.
Are you like my friend, in your day to day dealings with people? Do they know you by your deeds and not just by your words? Do you walk the walk; not just talk the talk? And do you have a gentle and respectful way of sharing with them where your hope comes from?
--Lord, today I ask you, to help me shine Your Light to all I come into contact with. Let me be blessed enough to answer when someone asks for the source of my hope. Let me be gentle and respectful in every way. Let my witness be effective. I ask that you work through all that read this, in the same manner. I ask this in Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen.
Monday, July 2, 2007
This Is The Day by Shalene Kearney
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
I hear this psalm first thing every morning when I wake up, and I think "HAH! What if I don't want to rejoice? It is morning after all. I am not a morning person!" But the verse plays over and over in my head until I speak the words out loud. And then something miraculous happens. Though I'd still love to be asleep, I have now acknowledged that the Lord has indeed made another day for me, and I can do nothing but be glad in it.
Oh I know that the day may not be especially great, or that I may not like something that is likely to happen at some point in the day, but how can I not rejoice that the Lord has given me one more day with my children and my family.
I can rejoice that the sun is shining for another day; I can rejoice that I have the opportunity to reach out to others in Christ's name; I can rejoice that I am simply alive. I am aware that there are those that have a hard time with rejoicing that they are alive. I've been there, I understand. I too have had many dark, dark days. Days when I wished the sun would quit shining, because it seemed a slap in the face of my emotional being. However, a day came when I cried out to the Lord, and pleaded with Him to take my pain away, and to heal my brokenness. He has, all in the simple way that He moves the Spirit within me to recite these words over and over in my head until I say them out loud and believe them for myself.
I am not trying to tell anyone that they can just "snap out" of their negative emotional state. Quite the contrary, actually. What I am saying is that while we may suffer from bouts of depression, worry or anxiety, if we just keep our eyes and hearts on the Lord, and read His Word, we can overcome anything. He will help us through. He does not leave us alone during any of it. Though I usually think of God as a fatherly type figure, in this one instance, I kind of compare Him to a small child, who upon seeing their mother crying goes and picks a flower and gives her a hug to make her feel better. That's the way I see each new day that the Lord has made. As a great big hug and flowers to brighten my day. Because of this how can I not simply- rejoice and be glad in it?
---Lord, today I say a humble "Thank You" for this day you have made for me and for all mankind. You do not have to be with us each day, and you don't have to ease our hurts, but like any good father, you want to. You love us and it shows in everything You do. Even something so simple for you to do, as to provide another glorious day. I ask that you continue to remind me to rejoice and be glad in everyday. I ask this is Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen
I hear this psalm first thing every morning when I wake up, and I think "HAH! What if I don't want to rejoice? It is morning after all. I am not a morning person!" But the verse plays over and over in my head until I speak the words out loud. And then something miraculous happens. Though I'd still love to be asleep, I have now acknowledged that the Lord has indeed made another day for me, and I can do nothing but be glad in it.
Oh I know that the day may not be especially great, or that I may not like something that is likely to happen at some point in the day, but how can I not rejoice that the Lord has given me one more day with my children and my family.
I can rejoice that the sun is shining for another day; I can rejoice that I have the opportunity to reach out to others in Christ's name; I can rejoice that I am simply alive. I am aware that there are those that have a hard time with rejoicing that they are alive. I've been there, I understand. I too have had many dark, dark days. Days when I wished the sun would quit shining, because it seemed a slap in the face of my emotional being. However, a day came when I cried out to the Lord, and pleaded with Him to take my pain away, and to heal my brokenness. He has, all in the simple way that He moves the Spirit within me to recite these words over and over in my head until I say them out loud and believe them for myself.
I am not trying to tell anyone that they can just "snap out" of their negative emotional state. Quite the contrary, actually. What I am saying is that while we may suffer from bouts of depression, worry or anxiety, if we just keep our eyes and hearts on the Lord, and read His Word, we can overcome anything. He will help us through. He does not leave us alone during any of it. Though I usually think of God as a fatherly type figure, in this one instance, I kind of compare Him to a small child, who upon seeing their mother crying goes and picks a flower and gives her a hug to make her feel better. That's the way I see each new day that the Lord has made. As a great big hug and flowers to brighten my day. Because of this how can I not simply- rejoice and be glad in it?
---Lord, today I say a humble "Thank You" for this day you have made for me and for all mankind. You do not have to be with us each day, and you don't have to ease our hurts, but like any good father, you want to. You love us and it shows in everything You do. Even something so simple for you to do, as to provide another glorious day. I ask that you continue to remind me to rejoice and be glad in everyday. I ask this is Jesus' Holy Name.
Amen
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