Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Mary, Mary quite... the example
My grandmother used to sing
Lazy Mary you better get up
She answered back I am not able
Lazy Mary you better get up
We need the sheets for the table
Lazy Mary you smoke in bed
There’s only one man you should marry
My advice to you would be
Is to pay attention to me
You’d better marry a fireman
He’ll come and go, go and come
I once believed she made this song up about my Aunt Mary, which I found very rude of her to sing while Aunt Mary was around. I was disappointed to later learn it was an actual song.
The picture above is a picture of me, my sisters and my cousin Katie with my Mema. (That is me to the far left, blue suit, you can tell it's me by the derriere.) Thanks to her, we vacationed every year at Vero Beach. My Mema was the life of the party. She was a very forward woman who many could describe as pushy or intrusive.
But the flip side of her intrusiveness was the fact that you knew she loved you. Birthday parties, family gathering, or just the importance of making sure I was up to date with all the Lucky drama (General Hospital) you knew you would never be left out or forgotten with her.
I remember being younger and knowing that when my Mema arrived at church, she would give me candy and kiss me too hard. She always wanted us, from always cooking for us, bringing us bagels, or wanting us to join her at the pool, we always knew we were wanted. Yes, there were times we didn't exactly want her (no lack of love just people want space) but we knew we were always wanted by her.
Honestly her pushiness may be what I miss most about her. Everyone needs a Mema character in there lives someone who you know whether you want them or not they will be there, someone who deeply cares about you, is invested and is consistent.
I once picked up my Mema and brought her to Lakeland to stay with me for a week. While she was there she hung out at Starbucks while I worked, went to church with me, watched all her soaps, napped and cooked. I had a few friends over for dinner and of course they all fell in love with Mema. A few were scared by some Italian stories she told. I went to clean the kitchen and came back to find my friends in tears as my Mema spoke of Jesus. She told them how He changed her, gave her meaning, healed her, how she loved the Holy Spirit, and how she is deeply in love with Him. I stood there and just watched. As my friends were leaving one hugged me and said "She really knows Him, Rose you should be so proud of your spiritual heritage."
I am proud. I had Mema, my Nana which taught Sunday school to me growing up, and my mother who has spent more time on her knees before God than any other woman I will ever know.
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
I pray that the faith which was in these three woman will continue to live in me and guide me.
My sister Jenna, my mother and Mema.
Reading from my Dad's Bible today
I love reading something in Matthew then looking to see what Mark, Luke and John have to compliment what I am reading.
After Jesus died, it says in Matthew 27:55-56
"Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons" (The mother of the Zebedee's sons is the woman who knelt in front of Jesus and asked that her sons sit at the right hand and left hand of Jesus in His kingdom.)
Honestly her pushiness may be what I miss most about her. Everyone needs a Mema character in there lives someone who you know whether you want them or not they will be there, someone who deeply cares about you, is invested and is consistent.
I once picked up my Mema and brought her to Lakeland to stay with me for a week. While she was there she hung out at Starbucks while I worked, went to church with me, watched all her soaps, napped and cooked. I had a few friends over for dinner and of course they all fell in love with Mema. A few were scared by some Italian stories she told. I went to clean the kitchen and came back to find my friends in tears as my Mema spoke of Jesus. She told them how He changed her, gave her meaning, healed her, how she loved the Holy Spirit, and how she is deeply in love with Him. I stood there and just watched. As my friends were leaving one hugged me and said "She really knows Him, Rose you should be so proud of your spiritual heritage."
I am proud. I had Mema, my Nana which taught Sunday school to me growing up, and my mother who has spent more time on her knees before God than any other woman I will ever know.
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
I pray that the faith which was in these three woman will continue to live in me and guide me.
My sister Jenna, my mother and Mema.
Reading from my Dad's Bible today
I love reading something in Matthew then looking to see what Mark, Luke and John have to compliment what I am reading.
After Jesus died, it says in Matthew 27:55-56
"Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons" (The mother of the Zebedee's sons is the woman who knelt in front of Jesus and asked that her sons sit at the right hand and left hand of Jesus in His kingdom.)
...when Jesus was placed in the tomb..
61 "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb." In Luke is explains that the woman followed Joseph, the man who asked Pilate for Jesus' body, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid in it. They then went home to prepare spiced and perfumes. They rested on the Sabbath to honor the commandment. I get the feeling that Mary would have been there the entire time if its wasn't for the Sabbath.
Chapter 28
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. (Mark 16 says they were bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body, and questioned 'who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?")
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women (In Mark it says the woman entered the tomb, they must have really wanted to anoint Jesus' body, seeing as they proceeded to enter the tomb probably walking over the two guards who had 'became like dead men') , “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
61 "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb." In Luke is explains that the woman followed Joseph, the man who asked Pilate for Jesus' body, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid in it. They then went home to prepare spiced and perfumes. They rested on the Sabbath to honor the commandment. I get the feeling that Mary would have been there the entire time if its wasn't for the Sabbath.
Chapter 28
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. (Mark 16 says they were bringing spices to anoint Jesus' body, and questioned 'who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?")
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women (In Mark it says the woman entered the tomb, they must have really wanted to anoint Jesus' body, seeing as they proceeded to enter the tomb probably walking over the two guards who had 'became like dead men') , “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
In Luke "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee; 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' Then they remembered his words."
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Mark 16 starting in verse 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signswill accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
John 20
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Mark 16 starting in verse 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signswill accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
John 20
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
I love how I feel like I know this lady, Mary Magdalene. This is a woman that experience the healing power of Jesus and was forever changed. He healed her and from that day on she chose to follow Him and serve Him. You can tell she truly loved Him. From being at the crucifixion, following Joseph to see that the body got proper care, to getting spiced to anoint His body, this was a woman who truly loved Jesus and made her love known to Him. It's no wonder she was the first person JESUS revealed Himself to.
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
I love how I feel like I know this lady, Mary Magdalene. This is a woman that experience the healing power of Jesus and was forever changed. He healed her and from that day on she chose to follow Him and serve Him. You can tell she truly loved Him. From being at the crucifixion, following Joseph to see that the body got proper care, to getting spiced to anoint His body, this was a woman who truly loved Jesus and made her love known to Him. It's no wonder she was the first person JESUS revealed Himself to.
I feel I know Mary Magdalene, she resembles my Mema . We all have this figure in our lives, that person that shows up to everything you invite them to, calls and checks up on you, a loyal friend. I love that she was always around Jesus, she was at His death and even sat around a tomb. I love how it explains she clasped His feet and worshiped Him. She was a very loyal friend to Jesus. You see Mary had a reason to want to support Jesus the way she did, we find the reason in Luke 8.
Luke 8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Jesus freed Mary, and she in turn used her freedom to love Him. Mary knew Jesus, because she made herself available to Him. Even after He was gone she still stayed close to Him. When He was dead behind a stone, there was Mary sitting across from the tomb. That is a friend, that is a true example of someone who was truly grateful for her friendship in Jesus.
Luke 8 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Jesus freed Mary, and she in turn used her freedom to love Him. Mary knew Jesus, because she made herself available to Him. Even after He was gone she still stayed close to Him. When He was dead behind a stone, there was Mary sitting across from the tomb. That is a friend, that is a true example of someone who was truly grateful for her friendship in Jesus.
I find myself today longing to be more like Mary. I, like Mary, have been freed of more than I can say. Jesus has healed me, delivered me, and given me a reason to live. I need to be more like Mary and Mema and be available. Wherever Jesus is, be there, even places I feel unworthy to be. Mary had every excuse to feel unworthy, everyone knew her story, yet she pushed her way in to everywhere Jesus was.
Why was she the first one Jesus revealed Himself to?
I honestly do not know.. but here is my guess...
She was available
She showed her love to Him
She had faith in who He said He was
Today things may not look like we wish they would. Maybe you are like me and find your heart yearning for promises that have yet to come to life. I find myself in the position of Mary outside the tomb, I know what Jesus has promised but it seems as if the promise is behind a stone. I wonder like Mary 'who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?'
I find comfort in the story that although Mary knew the stone was there she was still prepared with her spiced to anoint Jesus' body. There is truth in the idea of holding on to the promises even if we can't see it.
Today, we must still prepare for the promise, knowing God is not dead and He will do all He has promises.
But maybe, we find ourselves prepared and as we walk up to the promise we see the stone is pulled away, and God has done what He has promised us.
May we be like Mary Magdalene today, a faithful friend to Jesus, holding on to the promise and ready to go into all the world to tell others what He has done and what He will do.
I sure miss this clown.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Abide
I love all 90's sitcoms but definitely one of my favorites is Full House. Except for the hunky Uncle and the comical Joey and the fact that I have a Dad and Mom, the show really mirrored my life. Much like the show I had two sisters and just like Stephanie Tanner, I too was the middle child.
Whenever I meet people I share that I have two sisters, one older and one younger. The immediate response is usually 'Oh, middle-child?' as if to say, "oh are you needy and starved for attention?" I never saw myself as one that struggled with "middle child syndrome" (MCS) Thank God I had very attentive parents who were always border line obsessed with me and my sisters, that I can honestly say I never felt less loved by my parents.
I am sure we all have found ourselves in the same place as Stephanie Tanner in this clip. Maybe not dealing with the MCS but dealing with feeling left out or maybe just overlooked. We have all been at one time not invited or forgotten. Many of us have watched as people less talented have received position we knew we would be better for. We have all had a Stephanie Tanner moment "Excuse me, did any one hear me say I WENT TO MARS."
In these times we feel undervalued and invisible, we have all been there.
I have been learning in this season it is not so much about me feeling left out as much as it is about me not leaving Jesus out.
Am I involving Jesus in my day to day? Am I bringing Jesus up in my conversations? Am I telling others about Jesus? Am I leaving Jesus out?
Do not get me wrong, Jesus is not a Stephanie Tanner, He is not starved for attention and He is definitely not trying to rub anything in our face for the times we have not involved Him. What I am saying is my focus needs to change from worrying about my own involvement to exploring ways of involving Jesus.
The story of Jesus must be told, who better than us to share it? Who can share our story better than us? Who is tell about what Jesus did for me better than me?
Let's read John 15...
John 15
English Standard Version (ESV)
I Am the True Vine
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant[b] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
The Hatred of the World
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,[c] but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
You see our identity is not found in our birth order, job, or even our accomplishments. Our identity is found in that fact the fact that we are a branch a part of the True Vine.
Our identity or role is now being 'involved' with the Vine (God).
Our role is sharing with others what Vine we are a branch of.
Our role as disciples is talking and sharing with others about our Rabbi, our Leader.
The less we focus on ourselves, the more we focus on the Vine, the more fruit we will bear. The more fruit we bear the more opportunity Jesus has to be involved, and the more we involve Him. The more we involve Him, the less we worry about not feeling involved, hello Stephanie Tanner.
We were chosen by God and loved by Him.
We have a beautiful invitation to abide in Him. There is a beautiful promise of abiding in Him, that He will abide with us.
All of a sudden we are the awkward middle schooler that gets invited to the popular table for lunch.
If we change our mindset and our dreams to be focused on His glory and His kingdom we find another promise 'ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."
"16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another."
My favorite ending verse "26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning."
We have a Helper in the Holy Spirit!!
I pray today for all those struggling with feeling left out or unimportant that you will speak over yourself today the truth given in John 15
-I will abide in Him, because He desires to abide with me
-I am chosen by God
-I am loved by God
-I will love because He has loved me
-Because He loves me, He prunes me, so I can bear fruit
-I have the Holy Spirit as a Helper, I am not alone, I am not left out
-I am not Stephanie Tanner (this last one is a joke)
Thankful this is not us, we are our own branch a part of the True Vine.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
The Google version of me
Identity
November the month I start dreading mid October. Why you ask... it's the annual celebration of my birth.
I sincerely love life, I love my God, my family and friends. I thoroughly enjoy daily life, I enjoy my job, my activities and love my church. Every year without fail, the last week of October I wake up in panic.
"Oh noooo, my birthday is coming!"
"How was that a whole 12 months?
"Who am I?"
"What have I accomplished this year?"
Then I usually quickly jump out of bed to escape the pity party taking place in my mind.
On one slow day in the office I decided to google myself.
.PNG)
I thought to myself what would someone think of me just by looking at the google options listed. If the person just looked at this page, did no further stalking, who would they think I am? Google gathered that I enjoy twitter, "I laugh too much and smirk in awkward moments," I am an actress, and by the pictures provided it looks as if I am a selfie-taking queen, that enjoys dancing and cook books. I wondered what do I know that Google doesn't? Is there more than the first two options listed?
God has been teaching me over the past three years about my identity. I am good enough, I have worth, not of myself but worth that He has put within me. When I look at others all I see is worth, but I need to believe in the worth that HE sees in me.
I was having my quiet time the other day and felt the need to read John 1. I didn't really want to read John because I felt I could recite it word for word, no need to read it. So I started "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..."
....everything felt familiar until I got to verse 9
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The idea of adoption has been on my mind a lot lately and one of my family member is currently living out an example of what the longing heart of mothering an orphan looks like. Listening to her story of how this child was before her and the miraculous improvements in speech and behavior, made me so tender to the idea how God chose us all. He saw the need we all were in and chose to make the sacrifice of all sacrifice to make us a part of His family.
This idea of adoption has always been beautiful to me but especially now, watching a true example and story unfold before me. I have always heard in church that we have been adopted by God. Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Reading in John I felt alive in the idea of I am not only adopted by God, but He has gone above that and it says "He gave (me) the right to become "a child' of God...not born of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will., BUT BORN OF GOD."
This truly hit me in a place where I did not even know I need to be moved. It opened my eyes to my true identity in God, I am not just chosen or adopted by Him, I am HIS completely, if we were to go on Maury's talk show for a DNA test, Maury would say "God, King..you are the Father of Amberly Rose!" In my quiet time this is similar to how I felt, Maury sitting across reading the results and God saying "see I told you, you are mine!" I have a crazy imagination, I know.
Heaven felt so much closer in that moment, God's voice louder, and my heart so much softer. It helped put everything in perspective. I am God's, I am His child, He can't deny me, because of Jesus' blood shed for me, I am now His. It blew my mind, I grew up in church and have always heard about Jesus' blood being shed for me, the perfect sacrifice.
What hit me this week is the fact that the ultimate switch took place in all of our lives.
Everything we deserved Jesus took and everything Jesus (perfect) deserves is now ours, this included sonship. In getting what Jesus deserves, we are receiving His DNA, His blood line, what a scandal that is.
One of my favorite verses when sharing with someone about salvation is the promise found in John 10 starting in verse 27
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Nothing (no person, circumstance, sickness) can snatch us from His hand. You remember that song in Sunday school "He's got the whole world in His hand..." At my house we used to sing, "He's got mommy, daddy and sisters in His hand...He's got the whole world in His hand." There is actual theological truth in this silly song. He's has us in His hand and nothing can snatch us from our place in Him.
The one He loved
We don't really know who wrote the book of John and we don't necessary know who is "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Many say it is John, others believe it is James but there is no actual evidence. I love the fact though that his identity is based on the fact that he is loved by Jesus. John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7 and 21:20
23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her,“Woman,[a] here is your son,”
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)
I love what Charles Pope says on this subject
"deeper purpose for not supplying the name of the beloved disciple is so that you will understand and experience in a very true sense that the beloved disciple is YOU. You are the disciple whom Jesus loves. You are the one who reclines next to the Lord at the Last Supper and first Mass (jn 13:23). You are the beloved disciple at the foot of the cross to whom the Lord said, “Behold your mother” (John 19:26). You are the beloved disciple who runs to the tomb and comes to faith (Jn 20: 8). You are the beloved disciple who announces to others, “It is the Lord” (Jn 21:7). You are the Disciple who follows after the Lord and Peter (Jn 21:20). The beloved disciple, if you are prepared to accept it, is you. "
This week has been a week of my remembering my identity in Him, I am His daughter, His girl, I am safe in His hands, nothing can snatch me from Him, I am the one He loves!
Hey google, I am the one He loves.
Praying this for all of us today!
November the month I start dreading mid October. Why you ask... it's the annual celebration of my birth.
I sincerely love life, I love my God, my family and friends. I thoroughly enjoy daily life, I enjoy my job, my activities and love my church. Every year without fail, the last week of October I wake up in panic.
"Oh noooo, my birthday is coming!"
"How was that a whole 12 months?
"Who am I?"
"What have I accomplished this year?"
Then I usually quickly jump out of bed to escape the pity party taking place in my mind.
On one slow day in the office I decided to google myself.
.PNG)
I thought to myself what would someone think of me just by looking at the google options listed. If the person just looked at this page, did no further stalking, who would they think I am? Google gathered that I enjoy twitter, "I laugh too much and smirk in awkward moments," I am an actress, and by the pictures provided it looks as if I am a selfie-taking queen, that enjoys dancing and cook books. I wondered what do I know that Google doesn't? Is there more than the first two options listed?
God has been teaching me over the past three years about my identity. I am good enough, I have worth, not of myself but worth that He has put within me. When I look at others all I see is worth, but I need to believe in the worth that HE sees in me.
I was having my quiet time the other day and felt the need to read John 1. I didn't really want to read John because I felt I could recite it word for word, no need to read it. So I started "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..."
....everything felt familiar until I got to verse 9
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The idea of adoption has been on my mind a lot lately and one of my family member is currently living out an example of what the longing heart of mothering an orphan looks like. Listening to her story of how this child was before her and the miraculous improvements in speech and behavior, made me so tender to the idea how God chose us all. He saw the need we all were in and chose to make the sacrifice of all sacrifice to make us a part of His family.
This idea of adoption has always been beautiful to me but especially now, watching a true example and story unfold before me. I have always heard in church that we have been adopted by God. Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Reading in John I felt alive in the idea of I am not only adopted by God, but He has gone above that and it says "He gave (me) the right to become "a child' of God...not born of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will., BUT BORN OF GOD."
This truly hit me in a place where I did not even know I need to be moved. It opened my eyes to my true identity in God, I am not just chosen or adopted by Him, I am HIS completely, if we were to go on Maury's talk show for a DNA test, Maury would say "God, King..you are the Father of Amberly Rose!" In my quiet time this is similar to how I felt, Maury sitting across reading the results and God saying "see I told you, you are mine!" I have a crazy imagination, I know.
Heaven felt so much closer in that moment, God's voice louder, and my heart so much softer. It helped put everything in perspective. I am God's, I am His child, He can't deny me, because of Jesus' blood shed for me, I am now His. It blew my mind, I grew up in church and have always heard about Jesus' blood being shed for me, the perfect sacrifice.
What hit me this week is the fact that the ultimate switch took place in all of our lives.
Everything we deserved Jesus took and everything Jesus (perfect) deserves is now ours, this included sonship. In getting what Jesus deserves, we are receiving His DNA, His blood line, what a scandal that is.
One of my favorite verses when sharing with someone about salvation is the promise found in John 10 starting in verse 27
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Nothing (no person, circumstance, sickness) can snatch us from His hand. You remember that song in Sunday school "He's got the whole world in His hand..." At my house we used to sing, "He's got mommy, daddy and sisters in His hand...He's got the whole world in His hand." There is actual theological truth in this silly song. He's has us in His hand and nothing can snatch us from our place in Him.
The one He loved
We don't really know who wrote the book of John and we don't necessary know who is "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Many say it is John, others believe it is James but there is no actual evidence. I love the fact though that his identity is based on the fact that he is loved by Jesus. John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7 and 21:20
23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.
26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her,“Woman,[a] here is your son,”
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)
I love what Charles Pope says on this subject
"deeper purpose for not supplying the name of the beloved disciple is so that you will understand and experience in a very true sense that the beloved disciple is YOU. You are the disciple whom Jesus loves. You are the one who reclines next to the Lord at the Last Supper and first Mass (jn 13:23). You are the beloved disciple at the foot of the cross to whom the Lord said, “Behold your mother” (John 19:26). You are the beloved disciple who runs to the tomb and comes to faith (Jn 20: 8). You are the beloved disciple who announces to others, “It is the Lord” (Jn 21:7). You are the Disciple who follows after the Lord and Peter (Jn 21:20). The beloved disciple, if you are prepared to accept it, is you. "
This week has been a week of my remembering my identity in Him, I am His daughter, His girl, I am safe in His hands, nothing can snatch me from Him, I am the one He loves!
Hey google, I am the one He loves.
Praying this for all of us today!
Friday, October 11, 2013
My pastor said this week "the very thing you can't forgive yourself of, is the very thing God cannot remember." This past month has been a time when I have fought and struggled in forgiving or letting go of past failures. I went to sleep one night so burdened feeling so exhausted from my racing heart and mind. I woke up the next morning to find myself sick with regret and shame. Images kept playing over and over in my mind, images I tried to forget, images from YEARS ago that weighed me down.
"How could I have done that?"
"I am horrible, I will never be forgiven?"
"I will have to die with shame, it will never leave."
The message of my Redeemer and friend Jesus, that I had taught so many of seemed unreachable in this moment. I asked my sister Jenna to come into my room, I admitted to her how I was feeling. I could not even look into her face, I felt such shame. I admitted to her who I was agreeing with the enemy that I was.
She looked at me as I wept and reminded me of my worth, and what a liar the enemy is. She reminded me that God no longer holds those things against me, she reminded me of my freedom.
"The very thing you can't forgive yourself of, is the very thing God cannot remember."
BUT... what about the things you can't forget?
We have all been there, something sparks a thought, a name pops up in conversation, or some of us have people in our lives that continually remind us so we can not forget. It is hard to forgive when you can not forget.
We have all heard the story of the prodigal son but allow me show you what I feel God is speaking to me in this time. This is out of Luke 15, the son has realized what he has done and this is where we find him..
17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."
So many of us feel this way when approaching God, "Father I know I am worthless, I know I am a complete mess, so I understand if you are done with me." God always runs towards us just like the father in the story, His heart is always filled with compassion towards us, hugging and kissing us. To think we have a God that celebrates us!
As I laid in bed that night feeling so much shame I felt the Holy Spirit say, "Fight!" Fight for the Truth, fight for what has already been won, my freedom. I love Romans 5 "
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Christ has set me free, to be free! I love that it say do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Many, like myself, are allowing ourselves to be burdened by our past, something we have already been freed from. So, stand firm! Another place in scripture is states to stand firm is in Ephesians 6..
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We all need to fight and stand firm! That night I clung to this passage, I clung to Jesus and I fought back, greater is He who is in me!
We all have an "older brother" in our lives or we are the "older brother" in someone else's life. We have someone who always reminds us of our shortcomings or something I struggle with is not letting go of who people once were in order to accept who Christ has made them now.
25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
I find myself at times carrying around the "older brother' attitude. If you have someone in your life that you feel they will not let go of your past, maybe it is because they can not forgive themselves of something that they have done also. Maybe they feel like they don't deserve forgiveness so it is hard for them to forgive also. This is a great way for us all to share Jesus with others. Sharing our stories of who we once were and who we are now, sharing how guilt and shame have been taken and replaced with the love of a Father. We all need to know that the way the father felt about his son is the same way God feels about us, nothing can separate us from Him!
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
"Do you have a sick heart?"
"Is your heart sick?"
Many of us if asked these questions would reply rather rashly.
"I am not sick, I am very healthy!"
"What are you trying to say?"
If we were to all talk candidly, I know we could all come to the conclusion that either we know someone with a sick heart or maybe we are the ones walking around with a sick heart.
You may be wondering what I mean by a "sick heart" but let me explain.
Proverbs 13:12 say " Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
and here it is in the Message version "Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick,
but a sudden good break can turn life around."
Many of us are carrying hearts that are sick due to disappointment, loss, and failures. Maybe you hoped and prayed things would be different than they are now. Some of us put "all of our eggs into one basket." Maybe you set a five year plan, and still find yourself on day one. Some more tragically were praying for a miracle that never seemed to be heard by God. If honest, we all have had a sick heart, or currently are dealing with a sick heart.
Sometimes we have a sick heart because we set our hearts on things that will continually let us down. We put too my faith and trust in people, people are not perfect and will continually let us down. We put our faith in our jobs or money. Sometimes we set ourselves up for disappointment by putting our faith in something besides God. God is the only one who can fully support our hearts. Although our family and friends are God-given they are not God-givers. Although our jobs are God-given they are not our true source of provision. People cannot give us what God can, and we cannot set our hearts on them. Jobs/money will not save us from hurt or loss, no matter the amount. Luke 12:34... "For wherever your treasure is, you may be certain that your heart will be there too!"
The best thing is to get alone and talk to God, we must always remember He cares for us. Matthew 6 encourages us vs 5-6 "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." I love verse 8 "your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Our Father, knows our needs, before we even ask. Today if you find yourself disappointed and discourage, go have a talk with the Father, allow the Holy Spirit to comfort you today. "Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today."
I don't know about you but I would prefer not to feel this way much longer, I am going to talk with my Father, who knows what I need.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
You have a story, tell it!
Psalm 107
1. Give THANKS to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD; His LOVE endures FOREVER.
2. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell THEIR STORY- those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.
This passage tore me up this morning. I woke up feeling like I was in the same position I was in last year. I feel like I am running in circles, trying to figure out the same lesson over and over again. I feel the Lord saying "Look into the pattern and figure the way out." I heard someone say the other day that God always shows up things in patterns. Thinking this morning about it, God brought me directly to this passage.
The pattern I see is God always saves, BUT it is our responsibility to TELL OUR STORY, the story of how He has redeemed us.
vs 4-5 says they were wandering, unsettled, hungry, thirsty, exhausted
vs 6 They cried out, HE DELIVERED them from their distress, I love this part in verse 7 "He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle."
What a great testimony for many of us today the feeling of being unsettled, but the promise is that if we call on Him, He will lead us a straight way, give us a short cut to somewhere to settle. How many of us today are dealing with unsettled heart issues, hurt, resentment, disappointment? Would you like God to give you a settled heart? Would you like God to give you a behind the scenes tour to what is really going on, so He can heal you faster? Why struggle, when you know you can cry out and be DELIVERED?
vs 8-9 "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Thank you Jesus for unfailing love and satisfying us with GOOD things.
vs 10 "some sat in darkness, utter darkness"
vs 13-14 "then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains."
vs 15 "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deed for mankind."
He did it again!"
vs 17 "some became fools through their rebellious ways...."
vs 19 "They cried out...HE saved them!"
vs 20 "He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave."
...and again"
vs 23 "some went out on the sea in ships..."
vs 28 "they cried out...He brought them out of their distress."
read the rest of it, it shows you the heart of our Father, no matter what we do He continues to save and redeem us!
I wanted to write and speak encouragement over us today. God is looking for thankful hearts among His children. Many of us have found ourselves in situations like the people in Psalm 107 unsettled, in darkness, rebellious but we know He always saves and redeems us. My mother always says "When did God ever fail us?" The answer is always, NEVER! He has never failed me or abandoned me in my trouble. But what is He asking in return for all He does "Let them give THANKS!" Sometimes the best way to give thanks is to tell your story of redemption. Who can you share your story with today?
1. Give THANKS to the Lord, for HE IS GOOD; His LOVE endures FOREVER.
2. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell THEIR STORY- those He redeemed from the hand of the foe, those He gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.
This passage tore me up this morning. I woke up feeling like I was in the same position I was in last year. I feel like I am running in circles, trying to figure out the same lesson over and over again. I feel the Lord saying "Look into the pattern and figure the way out." I heard someone say the other day that God always shows up things in patterns. Thinking this morning about it, God brought me directly to this passage.
The pattern I see is God always saves, BUT it is our responsibility to TELL OUR STORY, the story of how He has redeemed us.
vs 4-5 says they were wandering, unsettled, hungry, thirsty, exhausted
vs 6 They cried out, HE DELIVERED them from their distress, I love this part in verse 7 "He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle."
What a great testimony for many of us today the feeling of being unsettled, but the promise is that if we call on Him, He will lead us a straight way, give us a short cut to somewhere to settle. How many of us today are dealing with unsettled heart issues, hurt, resentment, disappointment? Would you like God to give you a settled heart? Would you like God to give you a behind the scenes tour to what is really going on, so He can heal you faster? Why struggle, when you know you can cry out and be DELIVERED?
vs 8-9 "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Thank you Jesus for unfailing love and satisfying us with GOOD things.
vs 10 "some sat in darkness, utter darkness"
vs 13-14 "then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains."
vs 15 "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deed for mankind."
He did it again!"
vs 17 "some became fools through their rebellious ways...."
vs 19 "They cried out...HE saved them!"
vs 20 "He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave."
...and again"
vs 23 "some went out on the sea in ships..."
vs 28 "they cried out...He brought them out of their distress."
read the rest of it, it shows you the heart of our Father, no matter what we do He continues to save and redeem us!
Psalm 107:29-43
New International Version (NIV)
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[a] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
the waves of the sea[a] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33 He turned rivers into a desert,
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.
39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.
43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord
and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord
I wanted to write and speak encouragement over us today. God is looking for thankful hearts among His children. Many of us have found ourselves in situations like the people in Psalm 107 unsettled, in darkness, rebellious but we know He always saves and redeems us. My mother always says "When did God ever fail us?" The answer is always, NEVER! He has never failed me or abandoned me in my trouble. But what is He asking in return for all He does "Let them give THANKS!" Sometimes the best way to give thanks is to tell your story of redemption. Who can you share your story with today?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)