© 2005, Lisa Biggs Crum
God’s artwork on the sky displays a beautiful array of colors in the gentle flowing clouds. What beauty he gives us and why? Not for our sake but for his holy name.
Ezekiel 36:22-23 (NIV)
"Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.
It is so easy to get prideful even in our appearance of humility. I have a dream to be a writer. I want to share my thoughts so that others will deepen their intimacy with God. I believe God has given me this dream yet I so often say to myself: "I can’t be a writer. I’m not that good." Then I am reminded that God is the giver of life and dreams not for our sake but to show himself to the world through us.
As I was sitting on the front porch admiring the beauty of creation, I heard geese flying over. There were three flocks of them. One flock had just three geese. None of the geese were flying alone. One flock had about a dozen geese. All the flocks were flying in the V-formation. According to scienceforfamilies.allinfo-about.com “The movement of air by the wings of each bird makes the job of flying a bit easier for the bird in back of it. The leader must do the most work. On long flights there may be several leaders who take turns.”
Now let’s think about that for a moment. Our human “instinct” is to take control and keep control. Yet we can see that God has given even Canadian Geese the instinct or intelligence to fly in flocks and share the leader responsibility. Could it be that our desire to be in charge of ourselves and others is not God-instilled instinct but pure and simply human arrogance and pride? Perhaps this is why our culture is full of stressed out individuals. God did not design us to function as individuals in any task.
1 Corinthians 12:26-28 (NIV)
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
The article on geese did not state that all the birds alternate as leader - only those that are leaders. How do birds know who is a leader and who isn’t? I don’t have the answer to that question but I am discovering in my life that God will make it known what he has designed me to do if I will go back the instinct he has put in me rather than the false self I have attempted to create. The lead goose has the hardest job. Why would any bird want to attempt that position unless it was designed to be a leader? Just as it is with human abilities, when we strive to be something we are not designed to be, it will not only be very frustrating for us, it will also hinder the entire flock.
My guess is that the birds don’t think much about aspiring to be leader. They just know who is. Each one of them has a job to do. Each bird is making the flight a little easier for the one behind him. The end of the line is the resting spot for the one who has been leading. There’s a new twist on the first will be last.
According to Matthew Henry’s commentary, Matthew 19:30 which states that “many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first” is referring to the Jews and the Gentiles. Paul refers to this exchange of position in Romans 11:25-30. Although the Jewish nation is God’s chosen people, they have been put in a position so that they may receive mercy just as the Gentiles have.
When will our Christian culture live into God’s design? When will we stop trying to live as individual Christ followers and join together as the body of Christ? When will we recognize that it is the Holy Spirit that has appointed each one to function in their God-designed role? All are equally important not for the individuals ability but for the common good. According to www.riceromp.com, geese can fly thousands of miles non-stop in the V-formation - 70% farther than they could do alone. When we as individual Christ followers fall into formation and are hidden in Christ, “then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Agapao and Phileo - My Perspective
John 21:15-17 NLT
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love25 me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love5368 you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love25 me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love5368 you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love5368 me?" Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love5368 you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.”
I’m intrigued by this section of scripture. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved him? Are there portions of the conversation missing? What was on Peter’s mind when he answered? Was he irritated that Jesus asked three times or asked the third time in a different way?
I’m not a Bible scholar but I’ll tell you what my perspective is as I was reading this a few days ago. There are at least three Greek words that are translated to the English word “love.” The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loved him, the word “agapao” is used which indicates to love a person dearly or be well pleased with an object. Peter’s response is written with the Greek equivalent of the word “phileo” which was like saying “I like you and fully approve of what you are doing.” The third time, “phileo” is used in Jesus’ question and again Peter responded with the same. That much I have heard before but I saw something a little different this time around.
I noticed Jesus’ instructions after Peter’s responses. The first time Jesus says “feed my lambs”. The second time he says “take care of my sheep.” The third time and the only time that phileo is used in Christ’s questioning. Jesus responds with “Then feed my sheep.” Was Jesus giving three different answers or just repeating one in different words?
This led me to look at the “love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13, to see what Greek word was used for love there. Every time the English word “love” is stated in 1 Corinthians 13, the Greek word is “agapao.” Now, I could go with my church teaching and tell you that agape or agapao love is “perfect love” and phileo is the love between friends but I think there’s more to it. As I read the definitions in Strong’s New Testament Greek Lexicon (available via http://www.crosswalk.com/), “agapao” gives me the sense of great passion toward the person or object of love. “Phileo” is more of an outward affection of approval but not necessarily a passion.
Now look at Jesus’ instructions to Peter. Using the more passionate form of love, Jesus said to feed his lambs. Lambs are the babies. Jesus’ “great commission” in Matthew 28, instructs us to make disciples. This has often been confused with simply getting people to “accept Christ” as necessary for a relationship with God. A disciple, though, is much more than just one who agrees with a concept. A disciple is one who is passionate about what they are continually learning and the one responsible for those teachings. Is it possible that Jesus was saying to Peter, you must love me with passion if you want to help others love me? There must be more to our love than just approval and agreement of who Jesus is if we expect to be effective in making followers of Christ.
The second instruction from Jesus was to take care of his sheep. Again, Jesus uses the passionate form of love. Is it possible that Jesus was saying here that we are not to go out and perform acts of service just to do good, but to serve passionately. Take care of others out of the passion we have for Christ. Not out of the desire to show our approval of his ways.
Then there is the third question, response and instruction. “Phileo” is the word used in the Greek for Jesus’ question. Peter responds again with “phileo” and then we have Jesus’ instruction to feed his sheep. Notice that Jesus went from feeding lambs, to caring for sheep and now feeding sheep. Why did Jesus not use the more passionate form of love in this question? Is it possible that mature believers are now expected to grow and be fed not by our passion of who Jesus is but by our need for each other to function (outwardly) as the body of Christ. We need to feed each other with our different perspectives so that we can work together. All our perspectives must come from Christ but depending on where we are in the body, our perspective may look a little different. When we share our perspective without insisting that our perspective is the only view, we gain a bigger perspective, not just a different perspective. A box may look flat from one perspective. Another perspective added to our perspective may enlighten us to realize the box is very deep. Enough perspectives? As a part of the body, we are not making the decisions. Our actions should not be based only on our perspective. The head instructs the various parts of the body with the information they need to function as the head desires.
Once we are growing disciples, we become equally responsible for our continued growth. The “feeding” each other is out of a sense of agreement that we are united in our purpose. At this point we do not need to be passionate about our individual perspective because our perspective has become much more specific and detailed. The feeding at this level is supporting growth of fellow believers. Perhaps Jesus changes to the less passionate word to indicate that we are to learn from other believers as much as we are to share what we have gained from our perspective. We will still be passionate about our love for Jesus but we also begin to recognize our responsibility as joint heirs to the kingdom.
Is my passion focused appropriately? Do others want to follow Jesus because of the passionate love I have for him? Do I passionately care for rather than condemn other believers? Am I open to accepting other believers’ perspectives as equal to mine for the benefit of the body and glory of God?
Love God passionately. Care for others passionately. Love each other so that together we will be the image of God showing others the passionate and perfect love of Christ.
That's my perspective. What's yours?
Matthew 22:36-40 (agapao is the word here)
"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love25 me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love5368 you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love25 me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love5368 you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.
Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love5368 me?" Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love5368 you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.”
*Strong’s New Testament Greek Lexicon
Agapao Strong’s Number 25
Phileo - Strong’s Number 5368
I’m intrigued by this section of scripture. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved him? Are there portions of the conversation missing? What was on Peter’s mind when he answered? Was he irritated that Jesus asked three times or asked the third time in a different way?
I’m not a Bible scholar but I’ll tell you what my perspective is as I was reading this a few days ago. There are at least three Greek words that are translated to the English word “love.” The first two times Jesus asks Peter if he loved him, the word “agapao” is used which indicates to love a person dearly or be well pleased with an object. Peter’s response is written with the Greek equivalent of the word “phileo” which was like saying “I like you and fully approve of what you are doing.” The third time, “phileo” is used in Jesus’ question and again Peter responded with the same. That much I have heard before but I saw something a little different this time around.
I noticed Jesus’ instructions after Peter’s responses. The first time Jesus says “feed my lambs”. The second time he says “take care of my sheep.” The third time and the only time that phileo is used in Christ’s questioning. Jesus responds with “Then feed my sheep.” Was Jesus giving three different answers or just repeating one in different words?
This led me to look at the “love chapter”, 1 Corinthians 13, to see what Greek word was used for love there. Every time the English word “love” is stated in 1 Corinthians 13, the Greek word is “agapao.” Now, I could go with my church teaching and tell you that agape or agapao love is “perfect love” and phileo is the love between friends but I think there’s more to it. As I read the definitions in Strong’s New Testament Greek Lexicon (available via http://www.crosswalk.com/), “agapao” gives me the sense of great passion toward the person or object of love. “Phileo” is more of an outward affection of approval but not necessarily a passion.
Now look at Jesus’ instructions to Peter. Using the more passionate form of love, Jesus said to feed his lambs. Lambs are the babies. Jesus’ “great commission” in Matthew 28, instructs us to make disciples. This has often been confused with simply getting people to “accept Christ” as necessary for a relationship with God. A disciple, though, is much more than just one who agrees with a concept. A disciple is one who is passionate about what they are continually learning and the one responsible for those teachings. Is it possible that Jesus was saying to Peter, you must love me with passion if you want to help others love me? There must be more to our love than just approval and agreement of who Jesus is if we expect to be effective in making followers of Christ.
The second instruction from Jesus was to take care of his sheep. Again, Jesus uses the passionate form of love. Is it possible that Jesus was saying here that we are not to go out and perform acts of service just to do good, but to serve passionately. Take care of others out of the passion we have for Christ. Not out of the desire to show our approval of his ways.
Then there is the third question, response and instruction. “Phileo” is the word used in the Greek for Jesus’ question. Peter responds again with “phileo” and then we have Jesus’ instruction to feed his sheep. Notice that Jesus went from feeding lambs, to caring for sheep and now feeding sheep. Why did Jesus not use the more passionate form of love in this question? Is it possible that mature believers are now expected to grow and be fed not by our passion of who Jesus is but by our need for each other to function (outwardly) as the body of Christ. We need to feed each other with our different perspectives so that we can work together. All our perspectives must come from Christ but depending on where we are in the body, our perspective may look a little different. When we share our perspective without insisting that our perspective is the only view, we gain a bigger perspective, not just a different perspective. A box may look flat from one perspective. Another perspective added to our perspective may enlighten us to realize the box is very deep. Enough perspectives? As a part of the body, we are not making the decisions. Our actions should not be based only on our perspective. The head instructs the various parts of the body with the information they need to function as the head desires.
Once we are growing disciples, we become equally responsible for our continued growth. The “feeding” each other is out of a sense of agreement that we are united in our purpose. At this point we do not need to be passionate about our individual perspective because our perspective has become much more specific and detailed. The feeding at this level is supporting growth of fellow believers. Perhaps Jesus changes to the less passionate word to indicate that we are to learn from other believers as much as we are to share what we have gained from our perspective. We will still be passionate about our love for Jesus but we also begin to recognize our responsibility as joint heirs to the kingdom.
Is my passion focused appropriately? Do others want to follow Jesus because of the passionate love I have for him? Do I passionately care for rather than condemn other believers? Am I open to accepting other believers’ perspectives as equal to mine for the benefit of the body and glory of God?
Love God passionately. Care for others passionately. Love each other so that together we will be the image of God showing others the passionate and perfect love of Christ.
That's my perspective. What's yours?
Matthew 22:36-40 (agapao is the word here)
"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
On My Mind Today 1/18/2005
The WeatherBug says it’s five degrees outside. Brrrrr. Hot coffee at my side. Nearly impossible to keep this two-story house warm on the first floor without having a sauna on the second floor. Note: consider a second furnace unit. What’s a woman to do but sit with her coffee, God and her laptop.
Ok, God. What do you have for me today? Blogging? Working on the Prayer Experience I’m going to be leading in less than three weeks! Ahhh, Oh, what is that scripture about not worrying about what I will say because you will speak for me?
Exodus 4:11-12
"Who makes mouths?" the LORD asked him. "Who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say."
That’s not the one I was thinking of but it fits better. The other scripture is in Matthew and refers to being arrested. I don’t think I’m getting myself into a controversial situation. I am an out of the box thinker. Reverent would not be an adjective to describe me. But I think I’ll be ok with the “religious leaders” of Crossroads.
I’m working on two articles – yeah right, articles. Sounds impressive, like I’m a writer. Ha, still dreaming. It’s fun to dream as long as God is the Dream Giver.
So what is my dream? To help others get to know God as I know him from my perspective. He is so life-changing. So life-giving. He gives life meaning. If others could get inside my head and experience what I have experienced of God, with God, it would change perspective of life for some. Success? Redefined. Pleasure? Eternal. Personal purpose? Meaning of life? Sense of direction? Insight, insight, insight.
Too many “Christians” just trying to be good. Hello! If being “good” is the answer to life, then Jesus’ crucifixion was just a gory story about a really good man. Sorry to inform some of you. We are not to be like Christ. We are to be the body of Christ. Bit of difference there. Has to do with who is in control. Jesus is the head of the body.
Ok, enough rambling today. I think I’ll blog this. Might help some of you to know me better. Scary thought. Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is {considered} prudent.” Hmm, maybe I should just keep my thoughts to myself.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this blog full of random thoughts and fragmented sentences.
Have a cozy day. Forget trying to be good. Just join with the head and let Him determine what you do. He doesn’t have to "try". Amazing things happen when he just speaks!
Ok, God. What do you have for me today? Blogging? Working on the Prayer Experience I’m going to be leading in less than three weeks! Ahhh, Oh, what is that scripture about not worrying about what I will say because you will speak for me?
Exodus 4:11-12
"Who makes mouths?" the LORD asked him. "Who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say."
That’s not the one I was thinking of but it fits better. The other scripture is in Matthew and refers to being arrested. I don’t think I’m getting myself into a controversial situation. I am an out of the box thinker. Reverent would not be an adjective to describe me. But I think I’ll be ok with the “religious leaders” of Crossroads.
I’m working on two articles – yeah right, articles. Sounds impressive, like I’m a writer. Ha, still dreaming. It’s fun to dream as long as God is the Dream Giver.
So what is my dream? To help others get to know God as I know him from my perspective. He is so life-changing. So life-giving. He gives life meaning. If others could get inside my head and experience what I have experienced of God, with God, it would change perspective of life for some. Success? Redefined. Pleasure? Eternal. Personal purpose? Meaning of life? Sense of direction? Insight, insight, insight.
Too many “Christians” just trying to be good. Hello! If being “good” is the answer to life, then Jesus’ crucifixion was just a gory story about a really good man. Sorry to inform some of you. We are not to be like Christ. We are to be the body of Christ. Bit of difference there. Has to do with who is in control. Jesus is the head of the body.
Ok, enough rambling today. I think I’ll blog this. Might help some of you to know me better. Scary thought. Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is {considered} prudent.” Hmm, maybe I should just keep my thoughts to myself.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this blog full of random thoughts and fragmented sentences.
Have a cozy day. Forget trying to be good. Just join with the head and let Him determine what you do. He doesn’t have to "try". Amazing things happen when he just speaks!
Friday, January 14, 2005
Seeing Clearly
I have a friend, a funny dame
She used to laugh and had no shame
Her motto: Don’t Worry, Be Happy; did show
At work, at home, for anyone to know
She went on and on and on in life
Married her prince, she’s a very good wife
Later in time they added to the family
A boy, a girl and all looked quite dandy
Age took its toll she thought in time
I’ve got to get out and quit this mime
So this is mid-life growing grumpy and old
This can’t be good, the way she did scold
Pray, pray, pray some more
This must be a battle of spiritual war
She’s bitter, she’s angry, she trusts no one you see
Her husband walking around on thin ice with each plea
A series of events led to this circumstance
A ministry and a mentor God delivered not by chance
Share your life, talk it out with one and with all
He got the ball rolling with one simple call
This will do it, this is what works
An outlet for God’s love and a place for her quirks
She read lots of books, she was having a ball
But at home it was not well, not well at all
She had not noticed the slow change in her life
She was too busy and tired to see the strife
Meals were seldom for her or the family
Cereal seemed fine and was always quite handy
Sleeping was tough but that’s expected to happen
When you’re the mother of a boy who’s just past seven
Thoughts of death, well that’s common for all
Women have said so she claimed to recall
Intimacy with hubby was not lack of desire
She just couldn’t muster the energy to aspire
She tried counselors and doctors, both were quite sure
Her life was typical, she needed no cure
Time will pass have no despair
Time will take care of all needed repair
Time did pass and things got much worse
Now not just family but church folks were cursed
God in his sovereignty had already planned
For the mentor to speak without taking a stand
Let’s look at your anger and see what it shows
Is it other people that are causing your woes?
That brought to light the attitudes bestowed
Deep down inside was a much heavier load
Obsessed with ideas is not at all becoming
To one who is typically calm and enjoys humming
One more thought the mentor shared
A woman your age may be hormone impaired
Find a good doctor, one who will listen
Take care of yourself if you want your life to glisten
God guided the search and delivered the number
It took just a few calls before she did slumber
The office convenient, roomy and warm
The staff asked the questions as was the norm
The nurse took notes to hand to the doc
When she came in, they had a very good talk
It’s most likely not hormones but there is something there
Let’s try something simple to ease your despair
Zoloft was given to help anxiety heal
We’ll give it five weeks and see how you feel
I’m not depressed or anxious she thought
I minister to women, I’m not the one distraught
But she gave it a try, she was willing to see
If it could possibly make a change in her history
Within one week life seemed brighter
She played with her kids, she cuddled with daughter
Her husband’s response was one of relief
No more thin ice beneath his feet, no more grief
The kids noticed too how now they could shout
Mom was laughing and dancing and playing about
Holding mom’s hand and noticing a smile
The daughter proclaimed she hadn’t smiled in a while
Love, joy, peace they were back in her life
Patience, kindness, goodness were cutting through the strife
With even greater appearance were the last three you know
Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
God is omnipotent and he designed us you know
For prayer, other people and the plants that we sow
Medicine is not the fruit of the Spirit that’s true
But as one song writer said, it may give just the view
It may clear the obstruction and give energy as needed
To reach up to God’s hand when life’s felt unweeded
Now watch out for that log as you look at this speck
There’s no need to name “my friend” you detect
One in four women will suffer severely
An episode of depression much more than just teary
Thank God if you’re one of three that’s lived freely
For He might just use you to help the one see clearly
She used to laugh and had no shame
Her motto: Don’t Worry, Be Happy; did show
At work, at home, for anyone to know
She went on and on and on in life
Married her prince, she’s a very good wife
Later in time they added to the family
A boy, a girl and all looked quite dandy
Age took its toll she thought in time
I’ve got to get out and quit this mime
So this is mid-life growing grumpy and old
This can’t be good, the way she did scold
Pray, pray, pray some more
This must be a battle of spiritual war
She’s bitter, she’s angry, she trusts no one you see
Her husband walking around on thin ice with each plea
A series of events led to this circumstance
A ministry and a mentor God delivered not by chance
Share your life, talk it out with one and with all
He got the ball rolling with one simple call
This will do it, this is what works
An outlet for God’s love and a place for her quirks
She read lots of books, she was having a ball
But at home it was not well, not well at all
She had not noticed the slow change in her life
She was too busy and tired to see the strife
Meals were seldom for her or the family
Cereal seemed fine and was always quite handy
Sleeping was tough but that’s expected to happen
When you’re the mother of a boy who’s just past seven
Thoughts of death, well that’s common for all
Women have said so she claimed to recall
Intimacy with hubby was not lack of desire
She just couldn’t muster the energy to aspire
She tried counselors and doctors, both were quite sure
Her life was typical, she needed no cure
Time will pass have no despair
Time will take care of all needed repair
Time did pass and things got much worse
Now not just family but church folks were cursed
God in his sovereignty had already planned
For the mentor to speak without taking a stand
Let’s look at your anger and see what it shows
Is it other people that are causing your woes?
That brought to light the attitudes bestowed
Deep down inside was a much heavier load
Obsessed with ideas is not at all becoming
To one who is typically calm and enjoys humming
One more thought the mentor shared
A woman your age may be hormone impaired
Find a good doctor, one who will listen
Take care of yourself if you want your life to glisten
God guided the search and delivered the number
It took just a few calls before she did slumber
The office convenient, roomy and warm
The staff asked the questions as was the norm
The nurse took notes to hand to the doc
When she came in, they had a very good talk
It’s most likely not hormones but there is something there
Let’s try something simple to ease your despair
Zoloft was given to help anxiety heal
We’ll give it five weeks and see how you feel
I’m not depressed or anxious she thought
I minister to women, I’m not the one distraught
But she gave it a try, she was willing to see
If it could possibly make a change in her history
Within one week life seemed brighter
She played with her kids, she cuddled with daughter
Her husband’s response was one of relief
No more thin ice beneath his feet, no more grief
The kids noticed too how now they could shout
Mom was laughing and dancing and playing about
Holding mom’s hand and noticing a smile
The daughter proclaimed she hadn’t smiled in a while
Love, joy, peace they were back in her life
Patience, kindness, goodness were cutting through the strife
With even greater appearance were the last three you know
Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
God is omnipotent and he designed us you know
For prayer, other people and the plants that we sow
Medicine is not the fruit of the Spirit that’s true
But as one song writer said, it may give just the view
It may clear the obstruction and give energy as needed
To reach up to God’s hand when life’s felt unweeded
Now watch out for that log as you look at this speck
There’s no need to name “my friend” you detect
One in four women will suffer severely
An episode of depression much more than just teary
Thank God if you’re one of three that’s lived freely
For He might just use you to help the one see clearly
Are You Hungry?
I need to be doing bookkeeping but I just gotta write!
It’s hard to say that I have just one favorite book or chapter in the Bible. But today, it’s the sixth chapter of John. It’s 70 verses long and I have a lot of them underlined with different pens indicating that God has spoken to me from this chapter at various times in my life. Some of them I remember specifically.
Today’s focus was on verse 11. This is when Jesus fed 5,000 men with just five small loaves of bread and two fish.
John 6:11 (The Message)
11Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.
Later in the chapter, Jesus says that he is the true bread, bread of life, the living bread that came down from heaven. The first chapter of John tells us that Jesus is the Word. Jesus offers us as much as we want. Are you hungry? How much do you want? Take it. There’s plenty to go around for everyone. His Word is the bread of life.
A lot more thoughts in my head but bookkeeping is waiting.
It’s hard to say that I have just one favorite book or chapter in the Bible. But today, it’s the sixth chapter of John. It’s 70 verses long and I have a lot of them underlined with different pens indicating that God has spoken to me from this chapter at various times in my life. Some of them I remember specifically.
Today’s focus was on verse 11. This is when Jesus fed 5,000 men with just five small loaves of bread and two fish.
John 6:11 (The Message)
11Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.
Later in the chapter, Jesus says that he is the true bread, bread of life, the living bread that came down from heaven. The first chapter of John tells us that Jesus is the Word. Jesus offers us as much as we want. Are you hungry? How much do you want? Take it. There’s plenty to go around for everyone. His Word is the bread of life.
A lot more thoughts in my head but bookkeeping is waiting.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Duty or Desire
It seems many Christians look at quiet time as one of the "rules" of being a good Christian. That is so far from the truth. When I ask someone how their quiet time is, there is often a look of guilt if they aren't having a regular quiet time. I have recently (within the past couple years) come to a point in my relationship with God that I no longer have the "guilt" look when I'm not having a quiet time. I have a weary, missing you look. Like when hubby has been on a business trip all week and I'm both exhausted from doing life alone and so looking forward to being with him again.
My times with God are my favorite time of day. I used to feel "good" if I got in a quiet time at least 5 days a week. Who would have time on the weekend? ha Now, it's one of those things I don't want to miss - even on the weekend. I usually have my first cup of coffee with God each morning before anyone else is awake. I like the morning quiet. I often light a candle and sit in silence (except for the sound of the coffee pot) then I just talk with God about who He is. I recently purchased two very good books that have helped me with this. They are Praying the Attributes of God by Rosemary Jensen and Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler.
When the coffee is done, I do some reading and reflecting as I chat with God. I am not currently in a structured Bible study. Recently, I've been using the Bible study guide in a magazine "SpiritLed Woman". Along with the books mentioned above that are designed to be read as daily devotionals, I'm also reading Too Busy Not To Pray by Bill Hybals. (I'm a book junkie right now. I wrote down all the books I'm somewhat "actively" reading - lol - I can't believe I used to hate to read)
My special place is our "dining room table" - it seldom gets used for dining. lol On the wall across from the seat I use is the picture "Jesus Laughing". I love that picture. Sometimes when I'm all stressed out about something, I might get into some emotional praying. Then I look up and see Jesus laughing and I start laughing. He's in control and it's not a burden for him.
Relationship with God is so much more energizing than following rules and expectations. I am a friend of God. He calls ME friend. WOW! That is so cool.
Well, like a friend said regarding her quiet times, "my style may not suit everyone." I hope it wouldn't. Because our relationships with God, just like with other people, are each unique. It has a lot to do with our personality not a proper methodology.
Desire the relationship. Enjoy the Journey!
My times with God are my favorite time of day. I used to feel "good" if I got in a quiet time at least 5 days a week. Who would have time on the weekend? ha Now, it's one of those things I don't want to miss - even on the weekend. I usually have my first cup of coffee with God each morning before anyone else is awake. I like the morning quiet. I often light a candle and sit in silence (except for the sound of the coffee pot) then I just talk with God about who He is. I recently purchased two very good books that have helped me with this. They are Praying the Attributes of God by Rosemary Jensen and Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler.
When the coffee is done, I do some reading and reflecting as I chat with God. I am not currently in a structured Bible study. Recently, I've been using the Bible study guide in a magazine "SpiritLed Woman". Along with the books mentioned above that are designed to be read as daily devotionals, I'm also reading Too Busy Not To Pray by Bill Hybals. (I'm a book junkie right now. I wrote down all the books I'm somewhat "actively" reading - lol - I can't believe I used to hate to read)
My special place is our "dining room table" - it seldom gets used for dining. lol On the wall across from the seat I use is the picture "Jesus Laughing". I love that picture. Sometimes when I'm all stressed out about something, I might get into some emotional praying. Then I look up and see Jesus laughing and I start laughing. He's in control and it's not a burden for him.
Relationship with God is so much more energizing than following rules and expectations. I am a friend of God. He calls ME friend. WOW! That is so cool.
Well, like a friend said regarding her quiet times, "my style may not suit everyone." I hope it wouldn't. Because our relationships with God, just like with other people, are each unique. It has a lot to do with our personality not a proper methodology.
Desire the relationship. Enjoy the Journey!
Elohim
Inspired by the writings of Ann Spangler in Praying the Names of God
Genesis 28
10Jacob left Beersheba and went to Haran. 11He came to a certain place and camped for the night since the sun had set. He took one of the stones there, set it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground and it reached all the way to the sky; angels of God were going up and going down on it.
13Then GOD was right before him, saying, "I am GOD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. I'm giving the ground on which you are sleeping to you and to your descendants. ….15Yes. I'll stay with you, I'll protect you wherever you go, and I'll bring you back to this very ground. I'll stick with you until I've done everything I promised you."
16Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "GOD is in this place--truly. And I didn't even know it!" 17He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven."
This was shortly after Jacob had deceived his father and stolen the family rights intended for his older brother.
As I read this passage I thought about Jacob seeing God in his dream. My first thought was: I don’t think I’ve had a dream like that. Then God began to speak to me. Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20 that he would always be with us. That was shortly before his physical body disappeared from this earth.
Can you imagine the tone of Jacobs’s voice in verses 16 and 17? Elohim, God of gods, Mighty Creator was there in that place with Jacob. Jacob was terrified and in awe.
Jesus was fully God and fully man. How’s that? Well, since this is my blog I will share my perspective which is most likely incomplete. When I think about what makes up “man” – how are we made in the image of God – I think about the concept of body, mind and spirit. Those three combined make up a person. The Bible talks about glorified bodies that we will have later and it talks about our minds being transformed to know everything. The only reference to change in spirit seems to be when we accept Christ into our lives. Oops, church phrase. What does “accept Christ into our lives” mean? Ahh, perhaps this is where even the church folk misunderstand. Ok, going out on a limb here… Jesus was fully God because his spirit was the Spirit of God. He set aside the freedom of that Spirit and allowed himself to be limited to the human flesh and mind but the Spirit was God.
Now, can I as an individual be fully God. No. The Bible is full of references to God’s people, the body of Christ and many other references of unity. Jesus prayed in John 17 that all believers would be one just as He and the Father are one. Jesus was the only human flesh worthy to contain the Spirit. When he offered his perfect flesh and blood to God, it was the best of mankind. The ultimate sacrifice. God restored Jesus to a new life – eventually a glorified life. When he ascended into heaven, this was a man, like you and me – once again literally in the presence of God. Man had not been in the presence of God in this way since Adam and Eve messed up. Now that mankind had been restored in relationship with God, the Spirit of God could now live in the bodies of those who acknowledge their need for who Jesus is and what he did. We simply become “a part of his body.” We do not become Jesus, who was fully God. We become a part of Jesus and therefore are given the rights that were given to him through his death and resurrection.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent God’s Spirit which had been fully in him to be in those who choose to unite with him in his body. None of us alone can be the fullness of God. Only the Son of God can be that. Jesus had no other spirit. We do. We must allow our spirit to be crucified and live our lives fully devoted to the head of the body.
Now it would be nice if this crucifixion were quick and painless. Unfortunately, it’s not. Jesus was in the accelerated track. It only took 33 or so years. Today, it takes us around 70 years on average. And just as it was for Jesus, once you surrender and submit your body and mind to God, real stuff starts to happen. Jesus’ desert experience prepared him for the final stretch. He fasted and prayed for 40 days. Matthew 4:2 says He was hungry.
I think about the spiritually hungry times in my life. That’s when the real decisions of the heart are determined. Searching for the truth. Holding my stillborn son. Moving away from a special friend. It’s those desert experiences that keep me running to God in the good times.
Back to Jacob. He was in awe. Am I in awe that the Spirit of God is with me always? "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven."
Genesis 28
10Jacob left Beersheba and went to Haran. 11He came to a certain place and camped for the night since the sun had set. He took one of the stones there, set it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground and it reached all the way to the sky; angels of God were going up and going down on it.
13Then GOD was right before him, saying, "I am GOD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. I'm giving the ground on which you are sleeping to you and to your descendants. ….15Yes. I'll stay with you, I'll protect you wherever you go, and I'll bring you back to this very ground. I'll stick with you until I've done everything I promised you."
16Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, "GOD is in this place--truly. And I didn't even know it!" 17He was terrified. He whispered in awe, "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven."
This was shortly after Jacob had deceived his father and stolen the family rights intended for his older brother.
As I read this passage I thought about Jacob seeing God in his dream. My first thought was: I don’t think I’ve had a dream like that. Then God began to speak to me. Jesus promised in Matthew 28:20 that he would always be with us. That was shortly before his physical body disappeared from this earth.
Can you imagine the tone of Jacobs’s voice in verses 16 and 17? Elohim, God of gods, Mighty Creator was there in that place with Jacob. Jacob was terrified and in awe.
Jesus was fully God and fully man. How’s that? Well, since this is my blog I will share my perspective which is most likely incomplete. When I think about what makes up “man” – how are we made in the image of God – I think about the concept of body, mind and spirit. Those three combined make up a person. The Bible talks about glorified bodies that we will have later and it talks about our minds being transformed to know everything. The only reference to change in spirit seems to be when we accept Christ into our lives. Oops, church phrase. What does “accept Christ into our lives” mean? Ahh, perhaps this is where even the church folk misunderstand. Ok, going out on a limb here… Jesus was fully God because his spirit was the Spirit of God. He set aside the freedom of that Spirit and allowed himself to be limited to the human flesh and mind but the Spirit was God.
Now, can I as an individual be fully God. No. The Bible is full of references to God’s people, the body of Christ and many other references of unity. Jesus prayed in John 17 that all believers would be one just as He and the Father are one. Jesus was the only human flesh worthy to contain the Spirit. When he offered his perfect flesh and blood to God, it was the best of mankind. The ultimate sacrifice. God restored Jesus to a new life – eventually a glorified life. When he ascended into heaven, this was a man, like you and me – once again literally in the presence of God. Man had not been in the presence of God in this way since Adam and Eve messed up. Now that mankind had been restored in relationship with God, the Spirit of God could now live in the bodies of those who acknowledge their need for who Jesus is and what he did. We simply become “a part of his body.” We do not become Jesus, who was fully God. We become a part of Jesus and therefore are given the rights that were given to him through his death and resurrection.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he sent God’s Spirit which had been fully in him to be in those who choose to unite with him in his body. None of us alone can be the fullness of God. Only the Son of God can be that. Jesus had no other spirit. We do. We must allow our spirit to be crucified and live our lives fully devoted to the head of the body.
Now it would be nice if this crucifixion were quick and painless. Unfortunately, it’s not. Jesus was in the accelerated track. It only took 33 or so years. Today, it takes us around 70 years on average. And just as it was for Jesus, once you surrender and submit your body and mind to God, real stuff starts to happen. Jesus’ desert experience prepared him for the final stretch. He fasted and prayed for 40 days. Matthew 4:2 says He was hungry.
I think about the spiritually hungry times in my life. That’s when the real decisions of the heart are determined. Searching for the truth. Holding my stillborn son. Moving away from a special friend. It’s those desert experiences that keep me running to God in the good times.
Back to Jacob. He was in awe. Am I in awe that the Spirit of God is with me always? "Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God's House. This is the Gate of Heaven."
Saturday, January 08, 2005
What is love anyway?
(Originally posted at CrossroadsWomenLink@yahoogroups.com on Tue Nov 16, 2004 )
Me: Sometimes I'm not sure I love anyone. What is love anyway?
God: I am love. Do you have me?
Several years ago, I memorized the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians as part of discipleship class. I've pondered that chapter quite often over the years. Thinking that is my measuring stick of whether or not I love others. Today, God revealed a different perspective to me. As I thought through the list of "love is...", I definitely do not measure up. Then the Holy Spirit highlighted the opening verses of that chapter (that's his job, ya know - to remind us and teach us).
Most translations say something like "If you... but have not love...". Ok, this may not be new to anyone but me so just be happy for me. "Love" is a noun, not a verb. My spiritual journey is a process of transformation. Like a Lego toy that transforms from one creation to another, we have to make sure we have all the parts if we want it to look like the image on the box. God is love. My ability to reflect the image of God is not determined by how I act, but by what I have.
Look at the last verse of I Corinthians 13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." You can find a definition of "faith" in Hebrews 11. Hope is wishing for something, expecting it to happen. These two words are an indication of where our focus is. Both indicate that our focus is on something beyond our control. Love is also beyond our control. Our focus (faith and hope)is to be on Love. Not on the act of loving, but on having love in us, transforming us into the image of true love. As that happens we will become more loving. But the transformation comes from focusing on the noun, not the verb.
Got love?
Me: Sometimes I'm not sure I love anyone. What is love anyway?
God: I am love. Do you have me?
Several years ago, I memorized the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians as part of discipleship class. I've pondered that chapter quite often over the years. Thinking that is my measuring stick of whether or not I love others. Today, God revealed a different perspective to me. As I thought through the list of "love is...", I definitely do not measure up. Then the Holy Spirit highlighted the opening verses of that chapter (that's his job, ya know - to remind us and teach us).
Most translations say something like "If you... but have not love...". Ok, this may not be new to anyone but me so just be happy for me. "Love" is a noun, not a verb. My spiritual journey is a process of transformation. Like a Lego toy that transforms from one creation to another, we have to make sure we have all the parts if we want it to look like the image on the box. God is love. My ability to reflect the image of God is not determined by how I act, but by what I have.
Look at the last verse of I Corinthians 13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." You can find a definition of "faith" in Hebrews 11. Hope is wishing for something, expecting it to happen. These two words are an indication of where our focus is. Both indicate that our focus is on something beyond our control. Love is also beyond our control. Our focus (faith and hope)is to be on Love. Not on the act of loving, but on having love in us, transforming us into the image of true love. As that happens we will become more loving. But the transformation comes from focusing on the noun, not the verb.
Got love?
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Infinite Thinking
There once was a young girl who was designed to think
She thought and she thought in her finite way
There is no God in this day
She grew cold and cynical and challenged her friends
Who claimed that a Christ lived within them
She questioned and argued
Your Jesus is a man
You follow him just like any cult member can
She sat through church services with bitterness in her heart
If God is real
What is the deal?
Her life was great fun
With laughter and work
The bar buddies bring memories
The church folk would think quirk
Her friends in the world are always the same
The church folk – they change
From rejoicing to shame
Then one day she noticed
In church as she sat
No bitterness, no warmth, no feeling, no regret
All emotion was gone
Her heart didn’t care
Is this what was learned
From training in church
The heart grows hard from continual search?
With little desire
But still thinking
She went
To the altar
To meet with one of those
Christian gents
She told him she didn’t know
If she wanted this life
Believing without seeing
Just didn’t make sense
This gent and his wife
They seemed different to her
They listened, not judging or condemning and when
She saw them at home or at church where they taught
They seemed much the same no matter the spot
They seemed intelligent
Why would they believe?
Her curious mind still
Thinking within time
Debating was fun
And rarely did she lose
She'd challenge this couple
Then see what they choose
But this gent stopped her cold
She was speechless in fact
“The Bible is not on trial”
He said matter of fact
So will you believe
Or continue denial
With nothing else to say
She agreed to pray
Not expecting a thing
To happen that day
“God if you are real
Take away my doubt”
That’s all it took
It was gone, she could shout
Her finite thinking
Was expanded beyond
The five senses we know
But there’s more than fish in the pond
Her life had been changed
Even while she still questioned
Why would God do this
Any suggestion?
He created us to be
In relationship with him
Man messed that up
When he thought he could win
All the knowledge of God
In his own little whim
God in his sorrow
Expected as much
So he sent his own son
Who was equal to such
Christ laid down his equality
And became one of us
To suffer and die
And end Satan’s lie
He rose from the dead
To show us the power
Of not just a man
But God, our strength and our tower
This man, fully God, restored the intent
For without him in God’s presence
No man could ascend
It was mankind restored
But each one must choose
Will you accept who you are
And not try to walk in His shoes?
He loved me long before
My finite mind can imagine
Now he’s given me faith
To think and to soar
My thoughts are not limited
As they were before
My God is infinite
Now my mind thinks much more
I wish I could tell you what all I have seen
Not with my eyes
That’s not what I mean
There is another sense
That man often dreams
It’s as real as the five
But much more keen
It’s not on the outside
It comes from within
This body we see
Is finite you know
But the body that’s coming
Will never slow
There is within us
The image of God
Created to last on eternity’s sod
As a writer, it’s fun
To think infinitely
And not limit my thoughts
To the size of a pea
Thank you for reading this story I tell
You see, it is true
It’s how God brought me
To life, free from Hell
She thought and she thought in her finite way
There is no God in this day
She grew cold and cynical and challenged her friends
Who claimed that a Christ lived within them
She questioned and argued
Your Jesus is a man
You follow him just like any cult member can
She sat through church services with bitterness in her heart
If God is real
What is the deal?
Her life was great fun
With laughter and work
The bar buddies bring memories
The church folk would think quirk
Her friends in the world are always the same
The church folk – they change
From rejoicing to shame
Then one day she noticed
In church as she sat
No bitterness, no warmth, no feeling, no regret
All emotion was gone
Her heart didn’t care
Is this what was learned
From training in church
The heart grows hard from continual search?
With little desire
But still thinking
She went
To the altar
To meet with one of those
Christian gents
She told him she didn’t know
If she wanted this life
Believing without seeing
Just didn’t make sense
This gent and his wife
They seemed different to her
They listened, not judging or condemning and when
She saw them at home or at church where they taught
They seemed much the same no matter the spot
They seemed intelligent
Why would they believe?
Her curious mind still
Thinking within time
Debating was fun
And rarely did she lose
She'd challenge this couple
Then see what they choose
But this gent stopped her cold
She was speechless in fact
“The Bible is not on trial”
He said matter of fact
So will you believe
Or continue denial
With nothing else to say
She agreed to pray
Not expecting a thing
To happen that day
“God if you are real
Take away my doubt”
That’s all it took
It was gone, she could shout
Her finite thinking
Was expanded beyond
The five senses we know
But there’s more than fish in the pond
Her life had been changed
Even while she still questioned
Why would God do this
Any suggestion?
He created us to be
In relationship with him
Man messed that up
When he thought he could win
All the knowledge of God
In his own little whim
God in his sorrow
Expected as much
So he sent his own son
Who was equal to such
Christ laid down his equality
And became one of us
To suffer and die
And end Satan’s lie
He rose from the dead
To show us the power
Of not just a man
But God, our strength and our tower
This man, fully God, restored the intent
For without him in God’s presence
No man could ascend
It was mankind restored
But each one must choose
Will you accept who you are
And not try to walk in His shoes?
He loved me long before
My finite mind can imagine
Now he’s given me faith
To think and to soar
My thoughts are not limited
As they were before
My God is infinite
Now my mind thinks much more
I wish I could tell you what all I have seen
Not with my eyes
That’s not what I mean
There is another sense
That man often dreams
It’s as real as the five
But much more keen
It’s not on the outside
It comes from within
This body we see
Is finite you know
But the body that’s coming
Will never slow
There is within us
The image of God
Created to last on eternity’s sod
As a writer, it’s fun
To think infinitely
And not limit my thoughts
To the size of a pea
Thank you for reading this story I tell
You see, it is true
It’s how God brought me
To life, free from Hell
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Distorted Reflection
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
While having my morning coffee with God, I noticed my distorted reflection in the coffee cup. I thought: I’m weird looking. Then I was reminded that God made me just the way he wanted me to be. I’m a little distorted right now. My image is not clear but
he’s still forming me.
Like playdough. Most every child I know loves playdough but they don’t want it to stay in the shape of the container. They want to shape it into something. They are not disappointed when they pull it out of the can and it is in a distorted lump because they already have in mind the image they want it to be.
I’m looking forward to the final product when I can see clearly the full image God has in mind.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
While having my morning coffee with God, I noticed my distorted reflection in the coffee cup. I thought: I’m weird looking. Then I was reminded that God made me just the way he wanted me to be. I’m a little distorted right now. My image is not clear but
he’s still forming me.
Like playdough. Most every child I know loves playdough but they don’t want it to stay in the shape of the container. They want to shape it into something. They are not disappointed when they pull it out of the can and it is in a distorted lump because they already have in mind the image they want it to be.
I’m looking forward to the final product when I can see clearly the full image God has in mind.
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