More than you can imagine!
For anyone who knows me, you know that the biggest struggle for me comes from covetousness. Satan knows EXACTLY where to hit me – right between the eyes every time. Bigger house, newer car, nicer clothes, motorhome, a boat, etc – these are all things I’d love to have. Yet, I know that being a believer in Jesus Christ does not guarantee me any earthly treasure. However, sometimes knowing and letting go are two very different things.
At church tonight, one of our elders spoke about Heaven. He spoke mainly about the New Heaven, the one to come after the Great White Throne Judgment. Fellow believers, let me tell you, this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear.
Do you realize the sheer size of the holy city of Jerusalem when it comes down to earth at that time? Even if it were built just like human cities, the size alone would astound even the most skeptical of critics. Fifteen hundred miles wide, long, and high! This city is a 1500 mile cube! Not only the size, but consider this: the paving material is, as our elder put it, “the most prized possession in the world today – gold.” But, this isn’t the kind of gold on your wedding band. In comparison, that’s cheap. This gold is so perfectly pure that it is like glass.
Then, there’s the “pearly” gates. First, imagine how enormous gates for a city such as this would be. David said that 1500 miles would cover the USA from the Canadian border into Mexico, and from the Mississippi River into the Pacific Ocean. Now, imagine that height as well. So, again….how big do those gates have to be? And each one is created from a single pearl. I don’t know about you, but I had heard the pearly gate thing before, and have read it. But, when I really think about the SIZE of it, the wonder comes back again. One pearl equals one gate. Unfathomable.
The foundations of 12 different precious jewels. I think maybe the idea here is that God uses what we perceive to have immense value as building materials. But, when you think about it, it makes sense. God sees more value in us than He does those jewels.
So, how does this tie into the covetousness thing? Glad you asked.
On one hand, it doesn’t. It is simply a wonderful reminder of what awaits us in Heaven when we get to see our blessed Saviour.
However, on the other hand, I needed to hear it tonight, because this week has been one of those weeks I have really struggled. On this hand, this reminder taught me something…something simple, yet very profound hit me as I listened. Maybe, just maybe, I’m like Fanny Crosby. She once said that if she had the chance, she would have been born blind all over again. Why? Because the first face she would ever see would be that of her Saviour, Jesus. Now, I have my eyesight, hearing, full use of my arms and legs, but maybe there is still a correlation: not having everything I long for here on earth means that when I get to Heaven, it will be that much better.
Yeah, right now we live in a mobile home…hey, we’re adults, let’s call it what it is…we live in a trailer. But that does not define me. I buy clothes at Walmart, garage sales, and resale shops. But that does not define me. I drive a used minivan – and I still owe on it. But that does not define me. I do not have a perfect figure, and I am a diabetic. But, that does not define me.
What defines me is who I am in Christ. He has forgiven my sins! Even mine! And, everyday I wonder why. As humans, we are so caught up in what we do to deserve something, that we find it hard to understand how the Creator of the world can forgive us so freely – without us doing anything to “deserve” it. What defines me is knowing that I have a place secured in Heaven…that my Saviour went there to prepare a place for me, and is returning again to bring me home. How or when, only Heaven knows.
Either way, the song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus says it perfectly, and I’ll leave you with these words, because tonight, the Lord used them to speak to me:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of this world will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Sorry I’m late! VERY late!
Ok – here’s the week….I hope you kept reading even though I hadn’t posted anything!!!!
Mon Exo 28-30 Matt 22:1-22
Tues Exo 31-33 Matt 22:23-46
Wed Exo 34-35 Matt 23
Thurs Exo 36-37 Matt 24:1-28
Fri Exo 38-39 Matt 24:29-51
Sat Exo 40 Matt 25
Sun Leviticus 1-2 Matt 26:1-29
I will do my very best not to be late again!
*~*~Toni~*~*
Facts don’t change…but the outcome can
The facts are in. They cannot be disputed. They cannot be changed. Deal with it.
Obama is President.
It is not what we, as Bible-believing Christians, wanted, but it is a truth.
He is making unprecedented changes in record time – much to the disapproval of conservatives everywhere.
We knew it would happen. We knew he was going to go for the biggest change – and he promised the very changes he is making. And then some.
An assault has begun, nay, been stepped up, on the very fabric of American freedom and foundation.
Again, those who listened to his campaign rhetoric, knew what was coming.
Nope. We can’t change what happened. We warned everyone we could think of that an Obama presidency would mean disaster for families, conservative values, and sanctity of life preservation. But, when the votes were tallied, he won. And, since then, many of us have done nothing but complain.
Now, I am not in any way suggesting that we should stop fighting Obama – on the contrary, we should scrutinize his every move, and make a phone call if he does anything in the direction of a liberalistic ideal. We should fight for our every right as we still have them – and fight to get back any we lose along the way.
However, more even than fighting the President, we should take action where we live! How? Support organizations which uphold the values and principles we stand behind. Prayerfully and financially (along with volunteer efforts, etc.) support organizations such as the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), Focus on the Family, etc., which fight for these things everyday – often with more pull than a single individual can muster. Instead of arguing across the fence about our right to keep and bear arms, join the NRA! When there is an opportunity to have your voice heard, don’t sit at home and say, “I just can’t believe what those {goofy} liberals are doing now! When will it stop?” Get up, get out, and get going! Stand in front of an abortion clinic. Talk to women who are considering one and offer CHRISTIAN advice. Do something!
But there are more opportunities: volunteer at your local pregnancy help center to help prevent abortion in unwanted pregnancies, volunteer at local soup kitchens, encourage your church to have a more active and widespread outreach ministry, pray for our leader.
God never intended for Christians to be spectators – LIFE is not a spectator sport! Nor are we meant to be mere commentators! He never wanted us to sit around bickering and complaining about things we cannot change. He did mean for us to reach out to make a difference. He did mean for us to find ways to serve the downtrodden in society. After all, isn’t that where Jesus spent the majority of His own time?
So while we do need to stay abreast of what is happening here on our own soil, in the White House Oval Office, and abroad, we cannot let it dictate our mood or attitude any longer. If we do, our words will be ineffective because there will be no action to speak of.
I encourage everyone reading this to find at least one way each week you can make a difference: write to your senator/congressman/woman, etc., volunteer, support a worthy cause, etc. Do something to promote worthy “change” – not just moan about the bad.
Bible Reading Challenge wk of 1/26-2/1/09
Sorry this wasn’t up yesterday! I was out of town, and forgot to schedule this post! Anyway, without further ado…..:
Mon: Exo 13-14 Matt 18:1-20
Tues: Exo 15-16 Matt 18:21-35
Wed: Exo 17-18 Matt 19
Thurs: Exo 19-20 Matt 20:1-16
Fri: Exo 21-22 Matt 20:17-34
Sat: Exo 23-24 Matt 21:1-22
Sun: Exo 25-27 Matt 21:23-46
The Name Game
From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, 1594:
JULIET:
‘Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What’s Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself.Although I’m taking this a bit out of context, Shakespeare’s intended meaning is the same: Juliet meant that it doesn’t matter what name we give to something, it remains the same. Think about it: does a rose smell any different if I call it garlic? Nope. Still smells delicious – just with a different name.
As it is with a lie. Still reeks, just with a different label.
A lie is a lie regardless of the packaging. It’s sort of like being given the most hideous gift ever, something truly revolting, in a beautiful package trimmed with bows, ribbons, exquisite wrapping and a lovely gift card with real gold lettering. The package itself does not make the gift any less revolting. In fact, it makes it worse because you expect something fabulous, and instead, get…..horrific.
In our society, we have given way to “New Age” beliefs, numerology, scientology, kabbala (sp?), hinduism, buddhism, islam, athiesm, homosexuality, abortion on demand, success-oriented churches, astrology, etc. And in doing these things, we heap lie upon lie.
Satan, the author of lies and confusion, loves it. He doesn’t really care what we call his lies as long as we believe them. But the fact remains, it is still a lie. It doesn’t matter what name we give the religion or agenda, if it is contrary to the Word of God, it is a lie. Regardless of the name.
Everything happens for a reason….but whose reason is it?
I know someone who is very fond of saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” meaning that everything that happens is supposed to happen. It’s actually a fatalistic view of the world, of course – depending on who says it.
You see, when a Christian says, “Everything happens for a reason,” what he or she means is that the Lord can use anything for the good of His Kingdom. However, the actual statement, is somewhat faulty. Let’s examine.
God is in complete control – period. However, BECAUSE He allows us free will, things happen everyday that are outside the will of God. For instance: adultery, murder, homosexuality, unwed mothers, theft, idolatry, gossip, etc., are ALL outside the will of God. God CAN use those experiences for good, but that is because He can REDEEM a situation – NOT because He condones it.
The things that happened in my past – wait, let me rephrase – the things that I did in my past are there because I chose to do them – NOT because God wanted me to do them, or to have those experiences. Quite the contrary – had I lived within His will for my whole life, I would have been spared much of the pain of the guilt of sin. But, I chose my own way for a season. Some would say, “Everything happens for a reason.” But, whose reason is it?
The truth is, the things that happened in my past happened for my reasons. They were what I wanted. They were not what God had planned for my life. He knew it would happen. He allowed it to happen. And in his infinite grace and wisdom, He chose to REDEEM my life IN SPITE OF WHAT I DID.
That’s the key – in spite of me. God redeemed my life, saved my soul, and gave me hope not because of me, but in spite of me.
God calls us to obedience, and through obedience, He can bless us. But when we are disobedient, He sometimes allows us to feel the sting of the consequences of our actions so that we can learn a lesson for next time.
Regardless, we serve a God who is in the Miracle Making Business. In fact, He has a monopoly on the market. So, when the world condemns a situation, God can redeem it for His purposes. This is evidenced by Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” In my KJV Bible, the word His is italicized. Emphasized. Special. It is THE word to take note of in this verse – HIS purpose.
So, yes, in a sense, I guess everything happens for a reason. But, we need to be very careful in placing the blame of reason where it rightly belongs. Did it happen because God supernaturally caused it to happen (and He can!)? Or, did it happen because we were living outside the will of God and ignored His laws and precepts?
Bible Reading Challenge wk of 1/19-25/09
Here’s your weekly reading schedule:
Mon: Gen 45-46 Matt 13:1-36
Tues: Gen 47-48 Matt 13:37-58
Wed: Gen 49-50 Matt 14
Thurs: Exodus 1-3 Matt 15:1-20
Fri: Exodus 4-6 Matt 15:21-39
Sat: Exodus 7-9 Matt 16
Sun: Exodus 10-12 Matt 17
Ok, gang….we’ve read through Genesis….what’d you think? It is SO hard to pick a favorite story! One of mine is when the Lord told Abraham that Sarah would have a child and Sarah laughed…lol. I like what happened next!
What about you?
For All the Homeschool Parents
As per the new law the government is issuing ~ CPSIA, Hands of a Child is offering a substantial discount on Kit Packs for lapbooking in order to try and limit their profit loss. Check out their post below:
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January 12, 2009
Dear Valued Customers,
Due to the new CPSIA law In the Hands of a Child, for the time being, is discounting our Kit Pack inventory in order to lessen our possible loss in the event that an exemption is not granted.
While we are still praying for this situation to work out for all small businesses we feel that it is in our best interest to lessen our possible loss. And what better way than to pass the savings on to you, our wonderful customers, who are praying with us through this difficult situation!!
Please help us clear our shelves and enjoy a 35% savings on all Kit Packs!! Savings will be automatic! Spread the word and help us empty the shelves!!
This sale will continue until our Kit Pack inventory has been exhausted, so purchases will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
Once they are gone, they are gone!
In the event the law is modified, In the Hands of a Child reserves the right to bring back Kit Packs in the future at full price without any discount, implied or expressed, during this sale.
Cannot be combined with any other offer, special, discount, coupon or sale.
Super Member discount DOES NOT apply to this sale. Tax and Shipping not included in calculating discount price. Not valid toward prior purchases. No rainchecks. |
