"Our Father Who is Near Us"

My husband and I have been attending a series of Bible Studies at our church that have just been wonderful. The last two weeks we have been talking about the 4 habits to develop if we want to grow in Christ. We've had some great discussions and I plan to share some of it with you over the next few weeks.

I'll start tonight with just a small bit of history/insight in regards to the Lord's Prayer. We were discussing prayer (habit #2) and this was just one of those tidbits of information that gives a whole new vantage point from which to view a passage of scripture.

In our society today, we typically believe and talk about heaven being above us... in the sky. However, at the time Jesus was on the earth, it was commonly believed amongst the Jews that heaven was all around us. The air that surrounded us. The molecules that touched our skin. So, when Jesus taught us how to pray in the New Testament with the words "Our Father Who Art in Heaven..." what He was saying in the understanding of people at that time was "Our Father Who is Near Us...". Changes your whole perspective as you read the verse, doesn't it?

My prayer today is that we all will experience "Our Father Who is Near Us"!

Friday Fun - Noah's Ark - Quiz #4

Here we are again... another Friday... another Noah's Ark quiz.

Last Friday, the question was....

How many clean animals went into the ark?

In Genesis 7:2 we read, "You shall take with you of every clean animal by sevens, a male and his female; and of the animals that are not clean two, a male and his female."

Ready for one more question about Noah's Ark? After this one, we'll switch to another Bible topic or character (I haven't quite made up my mind yet where to go from here. If you've got any ideas, just let me know in the comments. I'm open and eager to hear your interests.)

Okay, so here's the new question for this week.....

Where did the ark come to rest?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for our church family. Oh, my.. how they have blessed our lives since we joined several years ago. This church family has a heart for reaching out to the community, for being a praying church, for being a committed church.

This week is VBS and I am once again reminded what awesome people make up this church. The last attendance count I heard was approximately 1100 children! Do you know what a HUGE commitment this is by so many members of our church??!! Over 500 church members have stepped up to volunteer their time and money to make this happen for, not only their own children, but so many other children throughout our community that attend.

In order to make this happen our VBS director (one awesome lady herself!) begins planning in the fall, which means she spends most of her year planning for the next VBS. During the week of VBS we run 3 sessions each day (morning, afternoon, evening) for 3 hours in each session. On the final night all that attended are invited, along with their families, back to the church for dinner and a big 'ole celebration in our sanctuary.

My husband and I both volunteered to help out this year and as I've walked around the church, watched the excitement of the children (as well as seen and heard first hand the excitement from my own children) I am just amazed at the awesomeness (is that even a word?!... smile) of this church family and what we can all do together as a family.

Oh, Lord, thank you for a church that is committed to children in such a HUGE way!

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 19:1

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

1 John 3:16-24

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We shall know by this that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before Him, in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things, Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us." 1 John 3:16-22


In the Greek language their are four types of love. There is Eros which refers to sexual love. Then, there is Storge which refers to family love; the love between a parent and child. The third kind of love is Philia which speaks of brotherly love and affection. And, the fourth kind of love is Agape love. Agape love is described as a love that loves without changing. In the Enduring Word commentary, we find this description -- "Agape love gives and loves because it wants to; it does not demand or expect repayment from the love given - it gives because it loves, it does not love in order to receive". Wow!

It really sums up all that God has done for us. He loves us unconditionally. He allows us to choose whether or not we will follow Him.... and then continues to love us even if we choose NOT to follow. He sent His only son into this world to save us and to do so by giving up His very own life. The perfect example of a love the gives and does not expect repayment, huh?

"...in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart..." I love this truth written in this passage of scripture. I find it so very comforting. No matter how I feel in my heart -- no matter the untruths I have allowed to creep in and eat away at my self-confidence and affect how I feel about myself and all around me -- God's love is greater than all of that. God still loves me and God is still with me. It does not affect my Christianity. God knows that even as Christians the things around us are going to creep in from time to time and He is there to help us combat all of that. He helps us to put it aside and to listen no more. He provides us the truth and shows us His love throughout it all.

As we look at the way God loves us, we can see how He wants us to love our fellow man. We should be willing to lay aside what we are doing and things that are important to us in order to help others. To be there for them and show them the love of God. Even as we look out for our own interests -- our family, our well-being -- we should be looking out for the interests of others.

It is important that we share His love with others. We must be willing to show them God's love and His mercy. We must be willing to help them and, at times, put their needs before ours. After all, if we cannot love others, how can we ever love God and be committed to Him in all that we do? How can we ever convince the world that we are Christians and that God exists if we are not willing to help someone else in their time of need? It all goes hand in hand.

This morning as we were singing the closing song at the end of our worship service four teeenage girls came forward to visit with our pastor. After they had spoken for a moment, large smiles broke out on the faces of all four girls and they began jumping up and down. As we soon found out, these girls were all close friends that went to school together. Three of them had invited the fourth to church with them several months ago. Since that time, this friend had become active in our youth group and had renewed a commitment to the Lord that had fallen by the wayside since she had first accepted Christ into her life several years ago. Today she was coming forward in church to publicly state her commitment to the Lord and to join our church. As she did this she was supportedly wholeheartedly by her dear friends that loved her.

When someone joins our church we have a short responsive reading that our congregation says together welcoming them and committing to support them in their walk with the Lord. As we completed this, these friends all clapped and smiled and rejoiced together. The joy I saw on these young faces was spectacular! It was truly beautiful and brings tears to my eyes even as I type these words.

To me, this was a beautiful example of showing God's love to others. These girls know what it means to love with God's love. They know how to share God's love with their friends and the people they encounter in their daily life. I know God was smiling as He looked down and watched today.

I pray we all will show this same kind of love each day. I pray we can show daily what it means to know the Lord, what it means to be a true friend, what it means to love unconditionally.

Then Sings My Soul - "Whatever"

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.


I've been listening alot this week to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Speechless" CD. There are some great songs on this CD and several of them have really spoken to me this week (which means you may hear several SCC songs from me over the next couple of Saturdays). The song "Whatever" has really got me to thinking alot about how I listen to know what God would have me do... or, in actuality, if I do listen at all.

As in the first verse of this song, I have found myself at times making of list of things I could do for God based on my interests and abilities and then trying to follow through without even consulting God first. And, you know, it usually doesn't work out too well when I do that. This song is great reminder that we need to listen for what God wants.... and then be willing to do WHATEVER!






Whatever

I made a list, wrote down from A to Z
All the ways I thought that You could best use me
Told all my strengths and my abilities
I formed a plan it seemed to make good sense
I laid it out for You so sure You'd be convinced
I made my case, presented my defense
But then I read the letter that You sent me
It said that all You really want from me is just

Whatever, whatever You say
Whatever, I will obey
Whatever, Lord, have Your way
'Cause You are my God, whatever

So strike a match, set fire to the list
Of all my good intentions, all my preconceived ideas
I want to do Your will no matter what it is
Give me faith to follow where You lead me
Oh, Lord, give me the courage and the strength to do ...

I am not my own
I am Yours and Yours alone
You have bought me with Your blood
Lord, to You and You alone do I belong
And so whatever

Friday Fun - Noah's Ark - Quiz #3

Friday has rolled around once again. With Friday, comes the answer to last week's quiz, which was.....

What material was used to water-proof the ark?

Genesis 6:14 tells us, "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with rooms, and shall cover it inside and out with pitch." The walls and the main construction of the ark was build of gopher wood and it was the pitch that was used to waterproof the gopher wood. The pitch was what kept the flood waters from leaking into the ark.

In keeping with the theme of Noah and Noah's Ark, here's another related question for this week...

How many clean animals went into the ark?

See ya back next Friday for the answer!

Thankful Thursday - June 19, 2008

"Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." Psalm 33:3

I am thankful for the music that God has given us! Music has always been a large part of my life and I am blessed almost daily by something I hear on the radio, on CD, or a song my kids are singing around the house.

I grew up in a musical family. My mother has played the piano since she was a child. She taught piano lessons in our house as I was growing up and has played the piano in most of the churches we attended while I was growing up. My father grew up playing the trumpet in band and then was a high school band director for a number of years before following God's calling into full time music ministry. My grandparents also enjoy music in many ways, as well as many of my aunts and uncles. So, as you can probably guess, music has always been around me and is something that I cannot imagine being without.

As an adult I have found that music is such a powerful force for me in my daily walk with the Lord. There are so many wonderful Christian artists and so many different avenues for finding and playing their wonderful songs of worship and praise. It provides for me a wonderful way to praise and worship God in my car, as I clean house, or just as I sit and meditate on His Word.

One of my favorite times to worship and spend time with God while listening to music is in my car as I travel to and from work each day. Not only is this a wonderful blessing on good days, but it provides me a great source of strength and comfort on those not so good days.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of music and all the ways it has been, and continues to be, such a special blessing in my life.

Word-Filled Wednesday - 1 John 4:7

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

1 John 3:10-15

"By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; not as Cain, {who} was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:10-15


So far throughout 1 John, there has been more than one mention of being children of God. This passage of scripture falls into line with this, however, it also brings the other side into the picture. That of being children of the devil.

While we do not read much in the Bible about being children of the devil it is not a new topic of discussion either. In John 8:41-47, Jesus also makes reference to being children of the devil. In this passage, Jesus is pointing out the importance of our heritage. In this case, the heritage we find in God when we accept Him into our lives. Here is how this passage reads --

"You are doing the deeds of your father." They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me." Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God."

If we are children of God, we recognize the truth in the words of God. The words He gives us in the Bible. The way He guides and directs us in our daily lives. If we are children of the devil, we do not recognize the truth in God's words, but only the lies that are given to us by Satan.

As children of God, we are most easily recognized by the way we love our brothers. Do we show hatred and dislike towards those around us? Or, do we always show an attitude of love and caring? Do we speak unkindly towards someone that is different than we are? Or, do we treat them with kindness and try to know them better? Do we ignore those we meet that are not Christians? Or, do we care for them and share with them the love of God?

Is the world always going to show the same love towards us even though we are loving and kind to them? No. There will be many times in our lives that we will be treated unkindly, disrespectfully, ignored, or shown hatred simply because we are Christians. As a matter of fact, John tells us we should expect to be treated in this manner by some. And, while that can make life difficult at times, I think we can also use it as a source of encouragement. As John tells us in verses 13-14 "Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren." If the world hates us because of our faith in God -- because we love our fellow man --we know we are a loving witness of our Lord. People are able to see it in the way we live our lives and the words we say.

I know for me this isn't usually the way I would prefer to see that I am living my Christian life. As a human, I would prefer a more positive manner in which to have this realized. I do know, though, that there are many positive ways in which I see where God is working in my life and I choose to place my focus on those -- peace from God, the receiving of God's grace, desire to be closer to Him, the many blessings I have received from God, etc.

As I am seeing more and more, it is where I choose to place my focus. Am I more concerned with how the world views me and seek to live my life according to those views or am I more concerned with how God sees me and strive to live my life according to His Word?

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - "Your Grace Still Amazes Me"

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.





I don't think I will ever cease to be amazed by God's grace. And, really, I don't think it would be right if I did cease to be amazed by God's grace. After all, it is a truly amazing gift that has been given to us. A gift that should NEVER be taken for granted.







"Your Grace Still Amazes Me"
sung by Phillips, Craig and Dean

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

CHORUS:
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

Friday Fun - Noah's Ark - Quiz #2

So... are you ready for the answer to last week's question about Noah?
The question that was asked was.....

How old was Noah when the flood came?

And, the correct answer is......

Noah was 600 years old when the flood came.

Genesis 7:16 it tells us, "Now Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of water came upon the earth."

Congratulations to each one that answered correctly...
Lea of Shabby Olde Potting Shed
Tricia of It's All About Him!

Are you ready for another question about Noah? Or, maybe I should say, are you ready for another question about Noah's Ark? This one may be a bit tougher (at least it was for me) as it is about a specific type of material used in the building of the Ark.

What material was used to waterproof the ark?

See you back next Friday (June 20) for the answer.

Thankful Thursday - June 12, 2008

"Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done"

Last weekend we traveled out of state for a family reunion. The family of my great-grandparents comes together each year for a wonderful weekend together. Each year there are about 80-90 in attendance (although this year we maxed out at over 100) that includes members of 5 generations. This year was a little extra special as we celebrated the 90th birthday of my dear, sweet grandmother. Because of this, my father and his siblings along with myself and all my first cousins made sure we were able to attend. As always, this was a special weekend sharing time with family members we are unable to see often. And, unfortunately, as it seems to be each year, we also mourn the loss of one or more family members and/or spend time in prayer for those that are ill or experiencing struggles in their lives.

Just a few weeks ago we unexpectedly lost a member of our family. My great-uncle John was dearly loved by all and, because he was a doctor, was also a family member that had been with many of us in times of illness. He delivered many of my father's cousins (including my father). He will be greatly missed by each one of us and especially by his children and grandchildren.

We also have several family members at this time that are very ill. One in particular that is about to begin chemotherapy treatments as he has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Each year we end our reunion with a time of worship on Sunday morning. Each year a specific family group is responsible for choosing the hymns we will sing together and will share a devotion with the group. This year, my Dad's cousin Reba shared with us in the time of devotion. She spoke and remembered with us each of the ones I have mentioned above and how life is not always easy due to these types of difficulties and others that we may experience. However, she also reminded us that no matter what we are going through, there are ALWAYS blessings. God doesn't just send us through the rough times and that is all we experience. We can experience blessings at the same time. And, many times, we experience blessings that we would never experience if not for the difficulties.

We wrapped up our worship times with the hymn "Count Your Many Blessings". I had not heard this hymn in quite some time and it really spoke to me Sunday morning as we all sang it together as a family. Each one of us is SO blessed... regardless of our personal situations. It is so easy to lose sight of that as we go about our daily lives. Particularly if our daily life is difficult.

So, today, I thank God that there are blessings regardless. I thank Him that He can take any situation -- no matter how wonderful or how difficult -- and He can bring a blessing through that situation.

Word-Filled Wednesday - Psalm 150:1

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

Picture taken on Mackinaw Island, MI.

1 John 3:4-9

"Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." 1 John 3:4-9


It is so easy to be deceived. Daily we are deceived by false advertising, by stories in the media, and by so many other sources. With all these mixed messages going on around us it is incredibly easy to lose site of the life we have as God's children. We lose site of His love, His mercy, His grace. We lose site of what it means to have a relationship with God.

Once we lose site of those things that are of God we so readily begin believing the lies we hear around us. We begin believing them and then repeating them to ourselves over and over again.

"Youre not worth it."

"You're not good enough."

"You're a failure."

"You can't get beyond your past."

The lies seem to come at us from many different directions. We hear them at work, thru acquaintances, the media, etc. Ultimately, however, they all come from only one place... one person... Satan. Satan tries to convince us in many different ways that we are not worthy of God's love; of God's grace. And, if we're not worthy of God's love and grace, what does it hurt to sin? It shouldn't matter because we're no good anyway. Right?

There couldn't be a more untruthful thought. We are all worthy of God's love and of God's grace. No matter our history and no matter our sins. We are all worthy. If we actively choose to follow Jesus and to accept Jesus and his teachings as a very real part of our life, He will destroy the work Satan has done in our lives.

Verse 7 tells us"...let no one deceive you...". We need to stay focused on God and not on Satan and all those lies he places in front of us that draw us away from God. If we keep our focus on God, no one will be able to deceive us... God will show us the truth. He will show us the way.

It reminds me of the song "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. God's voice, the voice of truth, tells us a completely different story. God's story brings no deceit. If we choose to listen to God's voice, there will be no deceit. The works of Satan will be destroyed.

Friday Fun - Noah's Ark - Quiz #1

I've always been one that loved a good quiz.... well, except for the kind that came in the classroom and effected my school grade and all :). What I enjoy is a good trivia type question. One of my favorites is quizzes on Bible facts. It's a fun way to learn more about the Bible and set my mind a thinkin' on things of the Lord.

With that said, I thought it might be fun to start a Friday Fun day devoted to Bible questions. I'll post a question regarding the Bible and anyone that wants to join in can share their answer in the comments. I'm going to keep it simple. I'll post a question and then the following week I will follow up with the correct answer and a new question for that week.

I thought I'd start with questions related to Noah and Noah's Ark and we'll focus on that topic for a few weeks and then move on to another part of the Bible. The story of Noah and the floods can be found in Genesis in chapters 6-10.

The question for this week is.....

How old was Noah when the flood came?

Stop by next week (Friday, June 13) for the answer!

Thankful Thursday - June 5, 2008

"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders." Psalm 9:1



This week I am thankful that thru seeking the Lord more in my daily life and striving to walk closer with Him that I have grown as a Christian and in my relationship with the Lord.

This morning on my way to work I was listening to my Philips, Craig, and Dean Greatest Hits CD. One of the songs on this CD is "I Am Proud to be a Christian". I have always liked this song.... it is upbeat, fun, and always gets me moving. However, this morning I really focused on the words and their meaning. I played it over several times really listening and examining myself. Am I really proud to be a Christian? Am I willing to tell others how proud I am to be a Christian

The answer was Yes, I am proud and Yes, I am willing to share with others. No, I will never be a person that just shouts it out loudly or sings it from the mountaintops.... that just isn't my personality. But, I am willing to talk about my beliefs with friends and acquaintances. I am willing to talk about attending church and activities I am involved in there. I am willing to share with others what the Lord can do in their lives.

About 10 years ago, I'm afraid I couldn't answer this question quite as easily. While I was very active in church and sought a relationship with God, I would not readily admit that I was active in church around non-believers. I would never deny it, but I didn't offer it up either. I remember many times sitting at work and listening to others discuss weekend activities. I would always join in with what I was doing, but would leave out the part about attending church on Sunday morning and any other church related activities for the weekend. I worried too much about what they would think or if they would challenge my beliefs.

Since that time I have learned so much about trusting God in these situations and understanding that I must be willing to share in order to be the Christian that God would have me to be. I have learned that the reason we were placed on this earth was to be living testimonies for God and to be witnesses to all around us.

So, this week I am so thankful that God has given me strength, courage, and understanding that allows me to willingly discuss Him and all that I do for Him. I thank Him that He has guided me in my growth so that I am ready, willing and waiting to "...tell of all Thy wonders."

Word-Filled Wednesday - Isaiah 6:3

For more "Word-Filled Wednesday" posts visit The 160 Acre Woods.

Picture taken on Mackinaw Island, MI.