I absolutely hate this phrase. Everytime I see it on a shirt or the call back sign of a cell phone text, I truly want to scream. For those of you that might have this phrase on something, I don't mean to offend you, but I don't think you have thought about the meaning of this phrase. In fact, I think it is opposite to Christianity.
As Christians, God has called us all to a purpose greater than ourselves. According to 1 Peter 2:9 it says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness in to his wonderful light".
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
It doesn't matter if you know what your spiritual gift is or if you know your exact "calling" from God, the fact is that as a Christian, your life is no longer "All About Me!" You made a commitment that your life would be "All About God!"
During struggles or decisions in my life inevitably someone will say, "Do what makes you happy or what is best for you." In our society, we tend to think about what will make us happy, stress free, or what is easiest for ourselves. The truth is that as a Christian, God expects more. He expects us to come to him in prayer and ask, "God what do you want me to do?"
Maybe I should make a t-shirt that says, "It's not all about me.... IT's all About Christ!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Doesn't Jesus deserve Broadway?
The Christmas Play was my first project as a youth director about 8 years ago. My oldest daughter was a year old. That first play was simple and written by someone else. The practice was so terrible that I literally cried. The play was less than a day a way. The kids were not listening, didn't know their lines and all of the songs were off key.
Faye said, "Don't worry, the worst the practice goes, the better the play will be."
Every year it seems to be about the same way. The practice takes at least twice as long as the actual play. I've got at least one kid that doesn't know any of his/her lines and one kid that is completely stressed out because they have put their heart and soul into the play this year. Each year, my husband asks why I am doing it. Someone reminds me that we are not putting on a Broadway production and it is just a little Christmas play and each year Faye gives me the exact same line about the worst practice.
Just so you all know. I know the answer to those questions. I do it because no matter how much it stresses me out, I know that some people completely love the tradition. I do it because some people only come to church that one time every year. I do it because I have seen grown men cry at how the message touched them. I do it because I have heard that moment when the actors in the play realize the meaning and feel that little tug in their heart that they are sharing God's message. I do it because I loved it as a child and my girls love it now. But, mainly I do it because God gives me a message to share.
Secondly, I am very well aware that it is not Broadway. Trust me, I wouldn't cut it as a director on Broadway and some of my players couldn't make the school play let alone a Broadway audition. I don't necessarily choose my actors because they are talented. I get whatever God gives me each year to work with and I try to find the part that will have the most meaning to that actor. We don't have the money, glamour, or glitz of Broadway. All we got is a message from God and group of kids that may or may not be dedicated to performing God's message. No, I'm not Broadway style, yet I think Jesus deserves that level of effort. Yes, I think if I was in a Broadway play that I would do my absolute best. I would take the time and put the effort in it, because after all who gets to go to Broadway only the best of the best. I give it my all because it might bring me fame, fortune and more opportunity. Should I not give this play the same level of respect. After all, Jesus Christ is the best of the best of the best. He's chosen me through a series of events that I can't explain to give his message. He may not give me fame or fortune, but he has given me eternal life and he gives me opportunities all the time (sometimes whether I deserve them or not).
Yes, this is not a Broadway play, but I will give it my best effort, because God has given me his and he deserves mine. So no matter how bad that last practice is or how much I stress, I know that Faye's right. The worse the practice, the better the play because God knows much better than I do why, when and how his message will get to people.
(For those involved in the play - I have three Queries for you. First - Why are you involved in the play? Second - Are you putting as much effort as you do your school/sport events? Third - Do you understand the message that God is giving through your character?
Faye said, "Don't worry, the worst the practice goes, the better the play will be."
Every year it seems to be about the same way. The practice takes at least twice as long as the actual play. I've got at least one kid that doesn't know any of his/her lines and one kid that is completely stressed out because they have put their heart and soul into the play this year. Each year, my husband asks why I am doing it. Someone reminds me that we are not putting on a Broadway production and it is just a little Christmas play and each year Faye gives me the exact same line about the worst practice.
Just so you all know. I know the answer to those questions. I do it because no matter how much it stresses me out, I know that some people completely love the tradition. I do it because some people only come to church that one time every year. I do it because I have seen grown men cry at how the message touched them. I do it because I have heard that moment when the actors in the play realize the meaning and feel that little tug in their heart that they are sharing God's message. I do it because I loved it as a child and my girls love it now. But, mainly I do it because God gives me a message to share.
Secondly, I am very well aware that it is not Broadway. Trust me, I wouldn't cut it as a director on Broadway and some of my players couldn't make the school play let alone a Broadway audition. I don't necessarily choose my actors because they are talented. I get whatever God gives me each year to work with and I try to find the part that will have the most meaning to that actor. We don't have the money, glamour, or glitz of Broadway. All we got is a message from God and group of kids that may or may not be dedicated to performing God's message. No, I'm not Broadway style, yet I think Jesus deserves that level of effort. Yes, I think if I was in a Broadway play that I would do my absolute best. I would take the time and put the effort in it, because after all who gets to go to Broadway only the best of the best. I give it my all because it might bring me fame, fortune and more opportunity. Should I not give this play the same level of respect. After all, Jesus Christ is the best of the best of the best. He's chosen me through a series of events that I can't explain to give his message. He may not give me fame or fortune, but he has given me eternal life and he gives me opportunities all the time (sometimes whether I deserve them or not).
Yes, this is not a Broadway play, but I will give it my best effort, because God has given me his and he deserves mine. So no matter how bad that last practice is or how much I stress, I know that Faye's right. The worse the practice, the better the play because God knows much better than I do why, when and how his message will get to people.
(For those involved in the play - I have three Queries for you. First - Why are you involved in the play? Second - Are you putting as much effort as you do your school/sport events? Third - Do you understand the message that God is giving through your character?
Friday, December 9, 2011
For All have Sinned
I went to a birthday party for one of my youth a couple of years ago and had almost a comical experience that opened my eyes. When I arrived, the mother came out and promptly warned me that her family was "a little rough." I smiled and told her not to worry, my family was as well. My youth member's sister came by the door and gave me this quick warning, "My Grandpa cusses." I told her that was fine, I'd heard those words before. The father took the present that I had brought and leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Our family is not a church going kind of family. I'm sorry." I laughed and told him that not all my family was a church going kind of family either. I spent the rest of the party enjoying meeting the various members of the youth's family. As you might suspect from this introduction, some of them were covered in Tattoos, smelled of alcohol, and talked like sailors. They were also very kind to me as they made sure I had a seat, served me cake and ice cream, and commented on what a "fine" job I had done with the youth..... particularly the one youth member that we had all come to celebrate. It was a fine party and I had a wonderful time getting to know the family.
As I drove home, I reflected on the family and how they were a little rough, but nothing that I hadn't seen before. In fact had the youth's immediate family not made such a big deal about it, I would have never even thought about how "rough" around the edges that they were. I wondered why the family felt the need to "prepare" me to meet them. They obviously loved their family "rough" or not. So, why was the meeting so uncomfortable for them?
Overtime, I've had several of the same type of meeting with various members of the youth's family and/or friends. They each prepare me for the worst in the person that I am going to meet. I've come to realize it is more about how they see me rather than how they feel about the person. They love that person faults or not. They see me as someone who teaches them not to sin and to do right. Therefore, I must be without sin. ..... well, we all know that isn't true.
Romans 3:23 -"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
I have sinned. ..... a lot.... I've lied, I've cheated, I've been drunk, I've coveted, I've dishonored my parents, I've put things before God, I've stolen things, I've had impure thoughts, I've cursed, and this is probably just a small part of all the things that I have done that I continue to teach you not to do. Yes, I'm a hypocrite. ... First step is admission right?
Pat Summit is the coach for the Lady Vols basketball team. She played basketball for some college in middle Tennessee back 40 years ago. Now, she has the most wins of any coach in basketball history. She wasn't the basketball player with the most wins.... she was a coach with the most wins.
I don't know if Coach Summit could ever dunk a basketball, but she has players that can. She never played professionally, but she has players that do. Her job is not to make a bunch of "mini" Pat Summits. Her job is to make a winning basketball team.
God has given me a job. I usually feel completely unworthy to do it because I sin almost every day. Not because I don't know right from wrong. Sometimes I just make the wrong choice and justify it at the time. I realized a long time ago, it isn't my job to make all of my youth members "mini Melissa's" Its my job to make a youth program that shares God's message. I'm not perfect.
You are not perfect. Nor will you ever be perfect. You will sin. You will make the wrong decision knowing that it is the wrong decision. You will fall down. It doesn't matter.
See, It isn't about how we fall down. It is about how we get up. Coach Summit has lost games. She has made bad decisions. Yet, she has the most Wins of any Coach of Basketball History and that is how we will remember her. In the same way, I sin everyday, yet you each introduce me as your Youth Director. As someone that is in touch with God and knows right from wrong just because I still get up and come and teach you anyway. .... sins and all.
We sin. We all sin. Do we all get up or do we wallow in our sins?
As I drove home, I reflected on the family and how they were a little rough, but nothing that I hadn't seen before. In fact had the youth's immediate family not made such a big deal about it, I would have never even thought about how "rough" around the edges that they were. I wondered why the family felt the need to "prepare" me to meet them. They obviously loved their family "rough" or not. So, why was the meeting so uncomfortable for them?
Overtime, I've had several of the same type of meeting with various members of the youth's family and/or friends. They each prepare me for the worst in the person that I am going to meet. I've come to realize it is more about how they see me rather than how they feel about the person. They love that person faults or not. They see me as someone who teaches them not to sin and to do right. Therefore, I must be without sin. ..... well, we all know that isn't true.
Romans 3:23 -"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
I have sinned. ..... a lot.... I've lied, I've cheated, I've been drunk, I've coveted, I've dishonored my parents, I've put things before God, I've stolen things, I've had impure thoughts, I've cursed, and this is probably just a small part of all the things that I have done that I continue to teach you not to do. Yes, I'm a hypocrite. ... First step is admission right?
Pat Summit is the coach for the Lady Vols basketball team. She played basketball for some college in middle Tennessee back 40 years ago. Now, she has the most wins of any coach in basketball history. She wasn't the basketball player with the most wins.... she was a coach with the most wins.
I don't know if Coach Summit could ever dunk a basketball, but she has players that can. She never played professionally, but she has players that do. Her job is not to make a bunch of "mini" Pat Summits. Her job is to make a winning basketball team.
God has given me a job. I usually feel completely unworthy to do it because I sin almost every day. Not because I don't know right from wrong. Sometimes I just make the wrong choice and justify it at the time. I realized a long time ago, it isn't my job to make all of my youth members "mini Melissa's" Its my job to make a youth program that shares God's message. I'm not perfect.
You are not perfect. Nor will you ever be perfect. You will sin. You will make the wrong decision knowing that it is the wrong decision. You will fall down. It doesn't matter.
See, It isn't about how we fall down. It is about how we get up. Coach Summit has lost games. She has made bad decisions. Yet, she has the most Wins of any Coach of Basketball History and that is how we will remember her. In the same way, I sin everyday, yet you each introduce me as your Youth Director. As someone that is in touch with God and knows right from wrong just because I still get up and come and teach you anyway. .... sins and all.
We sin. We all sin. Do we all get up or do we wallow in our sins?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wisdom is a "Super Power"!
At our Wednesday night services, we have been studying proverbs. It has been a great learning opportunity as we have focused on gaining wisdom and the importance of wisdom. After a conversation with a very faithful Christian Man, I decided to check out the passage of the bible where King Solomon requests wisdom from God.
I Kings 3:1-15
1Solomon signed a treaty with the king of Egypt and married his daughter. She lived in the older part of Jerusalem [a] until the palace, the LORD's temple, and the wall around Jerusalem were completed. 2At that time, there was no temple for worshiping the LORD, and everyone offered sacrifices at the local shrines. [b] 3Solomon loved the LORD and followed his father David's instructions, but Solomon also offered sacrifices and burned incense at the shrines. 4The most important shrine was in Gibeon, and Solomon had offered more than a thousand sacrifices on that altar.
5One night while Solomon was in Gibeon, the LORD God appeared to him in a dream and said, "Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you."
6Solomon answered:
My father David, your servant, was honest and did what you commanded. You were always loyal to him, and you gave him a son who is now king. 7LORD God, I'm your servant, and you've made me king in my father's place. But I'm very young and know so little about being a leader. 8And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.
9Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.
10-11God said:
Solomon, I'm pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. 12So I'll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live.
13I'll also give you what you didn't ask for. You'll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you'll be greater than any other king. 14If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I'll let you live a long time.
15Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord [c] and sacrifices to ask his blessing. [d] Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.
Although I find this passage interesting in many ways, I find it especially unique in a couple aspects. First, King Solomon had already built a relationship with God and was striving to find the Lord's role in his life. The scripture does not specifically say that King Solomon was having a hard time as a leader, but from his comments regarding his youth and lack of leadership skills, we can gather that he was at the very least worried about not doing a good job for the people and God. He doubted himself, but knew that he could trust God's judgement. Do we honestly look for God's leading in our life or do we try to lead ourselves and hope that God comes along with us? Do we honestly evaluate our own skills and look to God for help?
King Solomon did not ask to be the smartest man in the world or the first Bill Gates. He asked to have wisdom to teach him right from wrong so that he could lead God's people. He didn't pray to God for something for himself. The gift that he requested was so that he could fulfill his work for God. Do we ask for the same things in our prayers? I've often heard that you can't pray to God and request a new corvette. However, if the corvette was needed so that I could use it to do God's will then, I have no doubt that I wouldn't get it. Now, that being said, I don't think God's going to give me a corvette when the chevette will work just as well for what he has called me to do.
I am a firm believer that God can grants us all gifts or "special abilities." I think we tend to under value the importance of some of those gifts. I'm sure that many of the people surrounding King Solomon did not see his Wisdom as some kind of super power that God had granted him. King Solomon probably did not evaluate himself as a super hero, but make no mistake God's gifts are super natural and have the power to change not only your own life but those around you. We may not be able to ask God for a specific "gift" or "power," but I think there is no doubt that God give us all something to use for his will. It may be acceptional kindness to others, a heart for service, or like Aunt Marthie used to say "God's got to call somebody to mop the stage, it might as well be you." It may not seem like much but do not under value God's gift and do not mistake that it was your talent, hardwork, or that you just happen to be the one kid in Sunday School the Sunday that the preacher spilled his coffee on the stage. God has a purpose for you and you are meant to use your gift.
(By the way, Thanks to Aunt Marthie, I am a great mopper:)
I Kings 3:1-15
1Solomon signed a treaty with the king of Egypt and married his daughter. She lived in the older part of Jerusalem [a] until the palace, the LORD's temple, and the wall around Jerusalem were completed. 2At that time, there was no temple for worshiping the LORD, and everyone offered sacrifices at the local shrines. [b] 3Solomon loved the LORD and followed his father David's instructions, but Solomon also offered sacrifices and burned incense at the shrines. 4The most important shrine was in Gibeon, and Solomon had offered more than a thousand sacrifices on that altar.
5One night while Solomon was in Gibeon, the LORD God appeared to him in a dream and said, "Solomon, ask for anything you want, and I will give it to you."
6Solomon answered:
My father David, your servant, was honest and did what you commanded. You were always loyal to him, and you gave him a son who is now king. 7LORD God, I'm your servant, and you've made me king in my father's place. But I'm very young and know so little about being a leader. 8And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.
9Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.
10-11God said:
Solomon, I'm pleased that you asked for this. You could have asked to live a long time or to be rich. Or you could have asked for your enemies to be destroyed. Instead, you asked for wisdom to make right decisions. 12So I'll make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live.
13I'll also give you what you didn't ask for. You'll be rich and respected as long as you live, and you'll be greater than any other king. 14If you obey me and follow my commands, as your father David did, I'll let you live a long time.
15Solomon woke up and realized that God had spoken to him in the dream. He went back to Jerusalem and stood in front of the sacred chest, where he offered sacrifices to please the Lord [c] and sacrifices to ask his blessing. [d] Then Solomon gave a feast for his officials.
Although I find this passage interesting in many ways, I find it especially unique in a couple aspects. First, King Solomon had already built a relationship with God and was striving to find the Lord's role in his life. The scripture does not specifically say that King Solomon was having a hard time as a leader, but from his comments regarding his youth and lack of leadership skills, we can gather that he was at the very least worried about not doing a good job for the people and God. He doubted himself, but knew that he could trust God's judgement. Do we honestly look for God's leading in our life or do we try to lead ourselves and hope that God comes along with us? Do we honestly evaluate our own skills and look to God for help?
King Solomon did not ask to be the smartest man in the world or the first Bill Gates. He asked to have wisdom to teach him right from wrong so that he could lead God's people. He didn't pray to God for something for himself. The gift that he requested was so that he could fulfill his work for God. Do we ask for the same things in our prayers? I've often heard that you can't pray to God and request a new corvette. However, if the corvette was needed so that I could use it to do God's will then, I have no doubt that I wouldn't get it. Now, that being said, I don't think God's going to give me a corvette when the chevette will work just as well for what he has called me to do.
I am a firm believer that God can grants us all gifts or "special abilities." I think we tend to under value the importance of some of those gifts. I'm sure that many of the people surrounding King Solomon did not see his Wisdom as some kind of super power that God had granted him. King Solomon probably did not evaluate himself as a super hero, but make no mistake God's gifts are super natural and have the power to change not only your own life but those around you. We may not be able to ask God for a specific "gift" or "power," but I think there is no doubt that God give us all something to use for his will. It may be acceptional kindness to others, a heart for service, or like Aunt Marthie used to say "God's got to call somebody to mop the stage, it might as well be you." It may not seem like much but do not under value God's gift and do not mistake that it was your talent, hardwork, or that you just happen to be the one kid in Sunday School the Sunday that the preacher spilled his coffee on the stage. God has a purpose for you and you are meant to use your gift.
(By the way, Thanks to Aunt Marthie, I am a great mopper:)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Expressing Your Faith
One of my best friends when I was growing up transferred to a private school when we were in eighth grade. It was the kind of private school where you wore navy, grey, white or beige. This was kind of shock for my friend. See it was the early 1990's when colorful clothes were everywhere. The Fresh Prince of Bell Air was wearing multi colored silk shirts and hot pink was the it color for girls in our school. My friend was so disappointed with the move and the idea of the uniforms made her hate her parents even more for their decision.
Her mother came up with this plan to help ease her pain. She explained that although she could no longer "express" herself through the colorful clothes that they would make a trip to the mall and buy the most outrageous and colorful earrings that they could find. (The school didn't have a policy on the color or style of earrings). As a result, my friend had so many unusual earrings that she became known for having crazy earrings. She had ones that looked like birds, cherries, large dangle ones, and bright multi colored ones.
When I think about expressing yourself, my mind always drifts back to those bright silly earrings that she wore. It was a part of her and what she wanted people to know about her. She wanted them to know that she was more than the drab navy skirt and the white shirt. She was exciting and fun.
Expressing yourself through your clothes can be fun and let people know what kind of person that you want to be. Can we also express our faith so that people immediately know what kind of person that Christ wants us to be?
Galatians 5:6 - The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Her mother came up with this plan to help ease her pain. She explained that although she could no longer "express" herself through the colorful clothes that they would make a trip to the mall and buy the most outrageous and colorful earrings that they could find. (The school didn't have a policy on the color or style of earrings). As a result, my friend had so many unusual earrings that she became known for having crazy earrings. She had ones that looked like birds, cherries, large dangle ones, and bright multi colored ones.
When I think about expressing yourself, my mind always drifts back to those bright silly earrings that she wore. It was a part of her and what she wanted people to know about her. She wanted them to know that she was more than the drab navy skirt and the white shirt. She was exciting and fun.
Expressing yourself through your clothes can be fun and let people know what kind of person that you want to be. Can we also express our faith so that people immediately know what kind of person that Christ wants us to be?
Galatians 5:6 - The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Favorite Verses
Most everyone that has spent anytime reading the bible finds a verse that is their favorite verse. For some reason, that verse above any other sets in your minds and speaks to your heart. My Aunt Dorthy's favorite verse was Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. She read this verse to me several times and looking back at the woman that she was, I can see why this verse spoke to her so much. She was one of the strongest and toughest women that I ever knew. Maybe it was this verse that made her so strong.
My favorite verse has varied throughout my life. As a little kid, I loved John 3:16. It was easy to remember and it told me everything that I needed to know. - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
As a teenager, I wanted to be cool. It was important to me. Heck... it still is.. I guess it's the human side of me, but I still like people to think of me as that cool laid back girl. With the desire to be cool, I always struggled with the way I would be cool. To be a cool christian, it takes a little extra effort. Luckily, I discovered sometimes it was the being different that made you cool. I was different than most of my other high school friends. Sometimes it was that difference and the way that I accepted and didn't care that I was different that made me cool. Don't get me wrong I crossed the line plenty of times, but this verse was always a reminder to me. It helped me remember that the way that I was different & cool was because of God.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans - 12:2
Young Adults have it even harder than teenagers. Most teenagers still have a guiding factor in their parents and that restriction of their freedom. That freedom of becoming an adult gives you the opportunity to come to your own understanding. It is wonderful to realize that your beliefs are your own and not some product of your raising or your community. However, it is this time in life that people tend to make their biggest mistakes. I think that is why at this age, I gravitate towards the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
As a young married woman with kids and too much stuff going on. I sometimes struggle with my commitment to God. It seems like the more time I give God..... the more he wants. As a christian, the answer seems simple. Just give God what he is asking for. As a mother and wife, their is only so much time during the day and my kids need me too. Don't get me wrong. I think God wants me to be a good mother and wife, but he also has called me to do so many things. Whenever I am having trouble balancing all of the roles that God has given me, I remember these verses. Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
What are your favorite verses and how do they speak to you?
My favorite verse has varied throughout my life. As a little kid, I loved John 3:16. It was easy to remember and it told me everything that I needed to know. - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son so that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
As a teenager, I wanted to be cool. It was important to me. Heck... it still is.. I guess it's the human side of me, but I still like people to think of me as that cool laid back girl. With the desire to be cool, I always struggled with the way I would be cool. To be a cool christian, it takes a little extra effort. Luckily, I discovered sometimes it was the being different that made you cool. I was different than most of my other high school friends. Sometimes it was that difference and the way that I accepted and didn't care that I was different that made me cool. Don't get me wrong I crossed the line plenty of times, but this verse was always a reminder to me. It helped me remember that the way that I was different & cool was because of God.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans - 12:2
Young Adults have it even harder than teenagers. Most teenagers still have a guiding factor in their parents and that restriction of their freedom. That freedom of becoming an adult gives you the opportunity to come to your own understanding. It is wonderful to realize that your beliefs are your own and not some product of your raising or your community. However, it is this time in life that people tend to make their biggest mistakes. I think that is why at this age, I gravitate towards the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
As a young married woman with kids and too much stuff going on. I sometimes struggle with my commitment to God. It seems like the more time I give God..... the more he wants. As a christian, the answer seems simple. Just give God what he is asking for. As a mother and wife, their is only so much time during the day and my kids need me too. Don't get me wrong. I think God wants me to be a good mother and wife, but he also has called me to do so many things. Whenever I am having trouble balancing all of the roles that God has given me, I remember these verses. Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
What are your favorite verses and how do they speak to you?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Seeking Wisdom
According to Webster's dictionary, wisdom has three different definitions. One version states that wisdom is the accumulation of philosophic and scientific knowledge. Another that is is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships and the third explains it simply as good sense.
Looking in Proverbs, King Solomon states that wisdom includes receiving words of insight, prudent behavior, just and fair behavior, and knowledge and discretion to the young. King Solomon was known as the wisest because when given the choice to have anything in the world that he wanted from God. He chose wisdom. Through wisdom, he did remarkable things for his people. However, it is clear from proverbs that he though teaching them was was one of his goals.
In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to look at Proverbs in an effort to study God's word. Please join me as we learn about Wisdom from King Solomon.
Looking in Proverbs, King Solomon states that wisdom includes receiving words of insight, prudent behavior, just and fair behavior, and knowledge and discretion to the young. King Solomon was known as the wisest because when given the choice to have anything in the world that he wanted from God. He chose wisdom. Through wisdom, he did remarkable things for his people. However, it is clear from proverbs that he though teaching them was was one of his goals.
In the next couple of weeks, I'm going to look at Proverbs in an effort to study God's word. Please join me as we learn about Wisdom from King Solomon.
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