"The Dance Of His Talk" - 12/07/15 - Romans 11-14

"If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong."(14:23)

If asked do I believe, I will reply from the depths of my heart,  "Yes, I believe in The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit, and His Word".   

 

Yet, do I 100% of the time "walk His talk"?

Unfortunately, "No". 

I do try. 

I am so thankful for His grace, mercy, and forgivness for the many times in which I slip.  

For those times when I am focusing on self, rather than Him. 

For those times when I get in the way of Him. 

Each and every day I pray for Him to use me. 

And each and every day He does. 

 

Even when I slip - He uses all for His glory. 

 

It isn't that I want to be lifted up for all to see, I find during His changing of me from the inside out  I am wanting more and more that my life is to be for His glory - not mine.  I find I do not want any moments of "slipping" because of how "in" love with Him I have become.

Each and every day I pray He will convict me when I am not "walking His talk". 

When I feel the need to seek revenge, stand up in defensiveness when wronged, to feel sorry for myself and attend the "mepityparty".  During the times I am acting on the feelings of doing it my way, regardless of who or whose feet I trample upon. 

Even when they are God's feet.

I can picture myself during the times I am  walking "my" talk.   

 

I see much slipping, falling, stumbling, sliding around.  It is totally uncontrolled - no matter how tightly I hang onto "self".  No matter how hard "self" tries. There is never a graceful rhythm about my steps.  There is only destruction.  Much like a new snowfall with the marks of an animal fight - their steps and blood have destroyed its' purity, its' beauty.



It is only when  I "walk His talk" the new snowfall of life holds the pattern of His graceful dance.

It is only then the untouched snow surrounding our steps reflect His light - sparkling as diamonds in the sun. 

His Son.

"Found" - 12/06/15 - Romans 8-10

^"So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life.  God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with Him! (8:12-17)



Everywhere you looked, there was only water.  No land was visible as far as the eye could see.  I thought I was alone in the small, handmade, wooden craft.  The power to push it through the waters came from the oars held within my hands or the motor mounted on the back.  The ways of the waters determined which power source was used. 

This adventure I set out upon, began from the moment of my birth.  It took me a number of years to recognize He was with me..... 

He has always been with me during the dark nights.  When the waves towered above the craft, as I huddled in the corner, shivering from the cold.  The days when my soul lay parched, dried up,  yearning for the fresh, cool water - anything other than the bitter, brackish drops that fell between my lips from the spray of the sea.  The days when all I desired was shelter from the penetrating,  all consuming rays of the sun, as it beat down upon my weary body.  Yearning for someone else to steer the craft, knowing I was only going about in circles, slowly winding my way downward to the bottom of the sea.   Sitting, with my fist upraised, clenched in anger, as yet another storm came.  Not content to lay back and let the rains trickle over my face, drinking in the pure sweet water, not only with my mouth, but the pores of my entire being. 

And finally.

At my lowest point when I had given up control, laid down in the bottom of the boat, just waiting for death.  My face turned upward.  Salty tears coursed slowly down the sides of my face, into my hair, mixing in the with waters of the sea.  My eyes were searching into the vast, ink dark sky, looking beyond the farthest star.....

I found Him. 

I found Him beyond the farthest point.  I found Him in the roughest seas.  I found Him there in the boat with me.  Knowing somehow, He had always been there.  There and everywhere, in the sea of life. 

I found Him when I died to self. 

And now.  He is the one who controls the rudder of our craft.  At times I become selfish.  And He in His grace steps aside.  He allows me to take our craft - where it again goes in circles.  Yet, He is always there to take over the relinquished control I willingly give Him. 

No longer is this an adventure of vultures circling around, waiting for death.  It is rebirth.  It is an adventure filled with trust and faith and hope.  Today, when the waters are as they used to be and would bring about fear, I am now able to do all He commands.  Even if it means, getting out to walk upon the waters.  No longer do I sit huddled in fear during the storms.  I sit beside Him, facing forward, delighting as the waves take us on a heart thrilling ride.  No longer does the darkness of night bring me fear, His never ending presence is my night light - my security - my thankfulness.  No longer does the sun beat down upon me, His Son shields me in His protective light.  No longer do I sit with an upraised clinched fist, I now raise open hands in praise, in an embrace, in a welcome.

No longer are my days drifting on and on - for now I see the land - the land of Home. 

And each day? 

Each day  "It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa."

"Kneaded Hearts" - 12/05/15 Romans 4-7

"Fortunate those whose crimes are carted off, whose sins are wiped clean from the slate.         Fortunate the person against whom the Lord does not keep score."(4:7-8)

 

 

As a Christian, we strive to be Christlike to all.  We strive to love as He loves.  We strive. 

 

And with our ABBA's help, only then are we able to. 

 

There are times when we will inflict pain upon each other,  knowingly or unknowingly, and we must choose to forgive.  To Love.  To pray.  Or we can choose to not forgive and harbor anger, bitterness, thoughts of revenge against one another.  Elements that will eat into our heart and come in between our relationship with Christ.  And one another. 

 

Thankfully, ABBA has and is helping me in this area.  The moments of anger, defensiveness, taking things personal, have become less than the moments of feeling sorrowful and lifting others up in prayer.  Not only for their hearts to change, but mine as well. 

 

I pray for the Holy Spirit to knead into our hearts - Him. 

 

While listening once to a sermon on the gifts of Grace and Mercy, I recognized there is one whom I don't extend the gift of forgiveness to.  One whom I beat up continually, look for flaws, berate for the sins of the past, see as continually falling short in their walk.  One whom I see through my eyes  more often than seeing them through His eyes.  One whom I look and see ugliness rather than being of His Beauty. Believing lies instead of His Truths.

 

That person is me.  myself.  and I.

 

In hearing how others speak of themselves, I know I am not alone in the way of my thinking.  Why is that?  Why is it we are able to extend all the gifts of Love, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy to others, yet not as readily to ourselves? 

 

"We" who are made in His Image.  "We" whom He loved so much He gave His only Begotten Son.  "We" whom He desires to be with as our Bestest Friend.  Our Lord.  

 

David said it so right: 

"Fortunate those whose crimes are carted off, whose sins are wiped clean from the slate.        

Fortunate the person against whom The Lord does not keep score".

 

When "in" ABBA - He doesn't keep score.  Our sins are wiped clean from the slate.

 

So.  Whyever am I not letting Him be God and putting myself in His place regarding "me".

 

What. a. fool. 

 

Each moment given to us is the time to start living life as a "fortunate" one of His. 

Standing in Faith and living - knowing His Words are also meant for "me". For "you". 

 Living "in" this state of freedom will draw others to Him. 

"Others" who will see and desire also.

A life living "in" the freedom of Him.

 

 

"Yours - Pass It On" - 12/04/15 - Acts 20:1-3; Romans 1-3

"Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us,
         

God did it for us.

 

Out of sheer generosity He put us in right standing with Himself.

 

A pure gift.

 

He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where He always wanted us to be.

 

And He did it by means of Jesus Christ.

 

       

God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin.

 

Having faith in Him sets us in the clear.

 

God decided on this course of action in full view of the public - to set the world in the clear with Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins He had so patiently endured.

This is not only clear, but it's now - this is current history!

 

God sets things right.

 

He also makes it possible for us to live in His rightness."(Romans 3:23-26)

 

 

"I Am Honored" - 12/03/15 - 2 Corinthians 10-13

"The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way - never have and never will.

The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.

       

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.

Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. (10:3-6)

 

During this past year, I have witnessed a spiritual "bloom" in our Adam.  I have seen, time after time, answers to the many prayers over him from me during these past 30 plus years.  ABBA has given me the blessing of seeing him become a spiritual leader in his new role as part of Ashley and her children, Charlie and Ella. 

He is a man who loves our ABBA deeply.  And it shows. 

 

I see the protective nature he has about him towards his new family.  I see the building as one in ABBA on this journey with Ashley. I see his awareness of the ugliness of the world trying to reach out and grab these two little ones his heart has fallen in love with. 

 

I know Adam is training these children up with Christ as His Role Model. 

I see him dressed in the Armor of God, embarking on the seasons of life. 

I delight in looking back and seeing how ABBA has prepared him. 

For being a Warrior for Him.

 

ABBA has helped, (again) through these verses, in another moment when separation makes it hard to be a mom.  Knowing ABBA has sent Nichalas and Amber where they are and how He is using them, helps me to not focus on our being apart and unable to share life day to day. 

 

This upcoming weekend, a million, trillion miles away (or so it seems), our Nichalas will be coaching at a wrestling tournament.  I know in this tournament there will be those who will wrestle unfairly, doing anything for a win.  I know Coach Holtschlag will be one to point his kids in the direction that really matters in how to respond to the unfairness of the world. 

 

He is a man who loves our ABBA deeply.  And it shows.  

 

I know teaching these underprivileged kids how to wrestle is at the bottom of Nichalas' list.  He is using it as a tool to show them Jesus.

 

I know Nichalas is training these kids up with Christ as His Role Model. 

I see him dressed in the Armor of God, embarking on the seasons of life. 

I delight in looking back and seeing how ABBA has prepared him. 

For being a Warrior for Him.

 

 I marvel thinking about all the steps to the places He has taken our sons on. 

Steps preparing, growing, using them. 

 What both of our sons want first and foremost, for not only the children, but all who cross their paths, is to introduce them to ABBA.  To equip others in dealing with the attacks towards them from the world.  To show and build others up, on and in, the foundation of Jesus Christ.  To show and give them Hope.

 

I know how they pray for each of these children, their families, Ashley, Amber and themselves.  They each watch and follow The Holy Spirit where ABBA needs them to be. 

 

Both of our sons are utilizing the tools ABBA has given them.  Tools which "are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity".

I know these children are learning lessons to take them through their lives. 

I know our sons will always hold a place in their hearts. 

 

I also know, it is only because of our ABBA.   

"He Is All Seasons" - 12/02/15 - 2 Corinthians 5-9

Arms are shaking vigorously, bells ringing out their sounds as people all over are ringing in the Christmas season by bringing us an awareness of those with less. 

It seems commercials have more air time than the programs, trying to convince us we "need" this or that.

Isn't it sad that the world is able to get us to focus on self or the emptiness "stuff" provides. 

It crosses my mind each day - all those who are living life outside of Him. 

In all seasons - each and every moment - remember to pass on the only Gift that is heart changing.  Heart filling.  Life giving.  Ever lasting. 

"We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ Himself now:
Become friends with God; He's already a friend with you.
              
How? you say.

In Christ. God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."(5:20-21)


Live Him out loudly - louder than all the bells together. 

"God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."

He is the reason for all seasons.

"You Are Heard" - 12/01/13 - 2 Corinthians 1-4

12/01/13 - 2 Corinthians 1-4

"You Are Heard" -

"And He did it, rescued us from certain doom.

And He'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.       

You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation -

 

I don't want you in the dark about that either.
I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us,

a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part."(1:10-11)

Thinking back, the times I usually think my prayers aren't being heard, is when ABBA answers them His way instead of my way.  The times I feel my life has no meaning, I have no meaning, thinking life is so unfair - those are the times I am focused on "self" and not focusing on Him.  I am not praying.

Hmmmmm.

I so love our ABBA.  He could have made it so we weren't needed.  Done everything on His own. 
But - He created us with the need to be needed and utilizes that need all the time. 

He is the only one who can fill the Need Void within us.  Nothing or no one else is able to. 

So, the next time you are feeling you aren't someone special.  You aren't someone He needs.  Think about what Paul wrote - "You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation".

Wow. 

How amazing is that. 

 

The Creator of all, uses us - each and every one of us - as part of the rescue operation for those who are lost.  Not for our glory, but His.

 

"You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation".  

"You" - who are "fearfully and wonderfully made".  Keep on praying on.

 

 

"Forwarding Address - 'Heaven'" - 11/30/15 - 1 Corinthians 15-16

"For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 

The last enemy that will be abolished is death".  (15:25-26)

 

 

 

Our Adam has been welcomed into such a family of God.  I am overwhelmed when seeing how our ABBA has answered all of my prayers for him.  Last night as we stood in the visitation line for Ashley's grandfather, Jerry Shank,  I watched the pictures on the screen and thought about all this man of God has passed down throughout his life. I looked at the faces of his "fruits" and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for allowing us to be a part of this family.   I thought about how our ABBA knew before the creation of the world our paths would be meshing together.  How He knew we would partake, to grow and be nourished from these "fruits".  

 

I have never been surrounded by such a family who loves so freely.  so openly.  without any hesitation or guarding of their hearts.  I stood in line and recognized again, our ABBA has given me a another small taste of what Heaven will be like. 

 

Today, while reading the 15th chapter, I was aware once more of His timing.  The verses written by Paul so long ago pertained to death and resurrection in Christ.  Our hope.  Today we will go in a few short hours for the funeral of this beloved man.  I rejoice knowing the cemetery is not his "final resting place".  It is not on Jerry's traveling agenda.  He has held the ticket of Christ in his hand for many a year and is now journeying towards Home - Heaven.   

It is often I pray your eyes are wide open and you have life based on and in Christ.  Praying the standards you live by are from His Word. 

 

I pray you aren't merely skimming through this brief life.  But as you go, you are giving it all you have.  For Him.

 

I pray on this short walk toward Home, nothing nor anyone, is causing you to lose focus on our Savior. 

 

And most of all, I pray as you live this life where He has placed you, you are loving Him and others without stopping.

 

"Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping."(16:13,14)

 

Reminder - Heaven isn't a destination - it is a future address.  It is Home - living with Him and His.  For eternity. 

 

"In my Father's house are many rooms....I am going there a prepare a place for you....I will come back and take you to be with me that you may be where I am." (John 14:2-3)

 

 

 

 

"All Through His Eyes" - 11/29/15 - 1 Corinthians 12-14

"But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.(13:13)

A few years ago there was a little boy God had laid upon our hearts, and we surprised him for the Thanksgiving meal at his school.  While there we witnessed some larger boys picking on a smaller, younger child, until Curt broke it up.  It was hard feeling sorrow for the bullies, rather than the unkind thoughts which boiled from within, when coming upon them.   I have a sore spot in my heart when it comes to bullies.  I was bullied throughout my growing up years and it is hard to feel compassion towards them. To look at them through the eyes of Christ.

I am thankful God has given me the ability to love, and to love deeply.  The problem I encounter though is sometimes I become self-righteous in my loving.  I begin to measure other people against my measuring standards on how they are living, how they are loving or not.  I begin to pick and choose whom I will love.  He is so helping me with this.  To use Christ' measuring stick - not my own.  For when I utilize mine - I shut out people.  I tend to focus more on what they do, say, act - rather than the fact of the matter is -  they are His child too. 

And more often than not - a lost child - no matter their age.  

I find the deepest struggle I have is being around bullies when little children are the targets.  There are some who enjoy being  mean towards the little ones until they cry or even physically shake from fear.  Some persons will stand on the sidelines and laugh at the reactions brought on from the bullies.  And some just stand and pray.  And with His help is finally taking action. 

That would be me.  I have come to a place where I know I am to speak up, stand up for these little ones.  Just haven't figured out the knack of always speaking words He wants me to use, which are healing,  rather than using my own, which cause defensiveness and division each and every time.  I know anger and self-righteousness on my part needs to be gone from my heart.  Only love for those who are bullies needs to be present. 

This is where I struggle.  "Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly in all situations."  Towards all people.  He is bigger than any bully.  He is in control.  And I have asked, am asking, for Him to use me wherever, whenever, whatever way possible for His glory. 

He is also showing me I am just as much as sinner as the bullies.  The times when I don't love as Christ does, I am nothing.  I get in the way.  The times I do allow Him to shine - it may be the only time they will see Jesus.

His measuring stick is the only one that works in all situations - all situations:

"Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies." (5-8)

"One-ness" - 11/28/15 - 1 Corinthians 9-11

"Because there is one loaf, our many-ness becomes one-ness - Christ doesn't become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in Him.
We don't reduce Christ to what we are; He raises us to what He is."(10:17)

There is such honor in being one to serve communion to my family.  To stand at the end of the aisle and pass the bread and juice to outstretched hands.  To pray over those my eyes take in until my heart feels as though it will burst.  To see my family sitting, with heads bowed.  To see little ones watching, wondering, requesting.  To see smiles.  To see tears.  To see peace. 


To see His radiance shining through the faces as they are in communion with Him.

There is such blessing in knowing, without doubt, when the trays are emptied and put back into their places, the unity of my family remains.

There is such treasure tucked away into my heart.  Mind pictures of those I see Him shining through their eyes.  Their smiles.  Their tears.  Their hugs. 

How He fills my heart with those I am unified with.  Those I share communion with.  Those who He has raised up to where He is.  Transformed them into the beauty I see. 

There is peace knowing because of the brokenness of Christ, we may live life unbroken together. 
His blood covers and unifies us. 

My family in Him. 

"Us" - 11/27/15 - I Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3

11/27/15 - I Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3

"HIS 'Us'"

"God's amazing grace be with you! God's robust peace!

Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you're in our prayers."

(1 Thessalonians 1:1-2)

 

How differently this day is compared to the 27th of November 33 years ago.

 

We are spending this day working on the remodeling of our downstairs bath. 

 

Curt and I met on June 9th during the week he was back in Quincy packing up and moving to Texas.  After that week, we were together the few weekends he would drive back and a week when I went down to see him.  There were many who speculated I was pregnant to be getting married in only five months.  I wasn't.  There was just something within us that knew we were to be together.

 

Neither of us walked with The Lord.  After three and a half years, it was in becoming pregnant with Adam when I finally woke up and realized I needed to have an intimate relationship with our ABBA.  That was the real beginning of "us".

 

Today, there isn't any amount of makeup able to cover up my wrinkles, while Curt doesn't care if his show or not.  My wedding dress hangs in our bedroom on display and I sigh realizing one leg would pretty much fill the space my waist used to.  I wonder why it is gray hairs enhance my husband, yet they don't do the same for me.  So not fair. 

 

I think about how we are now a family of eight, whom are together "just because of two people".   Throughout the years our world of "us" has expanded as The Lord crossed our paths with others.  So many memories made in the last 33 years.  Praying for many more years ahead to fill up as well. 

 

Last night as I was praying and thinking about the past, good and hard memories marched through my head, reminders of all the water which has passed under our bridge of life. 

 

We have been and are evidence in how our ABBA uses everything for His Glory. I stand amazed at how He has/is, using us as part of His Kingdom Come, no matter how often "us" messes up. 

 

There have been times of hanging on to each other tightly and times of wanting to let go.  On this day after Thanksgiving, I am so blessed we have endured and made it.  Knowing it is only because of The Glue of ABBA.

 

If I could, would I go back and repeat this day from 33 years ago?

 

In a heartbeat - YES.

Happy Anniversary to "us".

 

"Every time I think of "my Curt", I thank God for him. Day and night he is in my prayers."

 

 

 

 

"Being Watched" - 11/26/15 - 1 Corinthians 5-8

"Isn't there great danger if someone still struggling over this issue, someone who looks up to you as knowledgeable and mature, sees you go into that banquet? The danger is that he will become terribly confused - maybe even to the point of getting mixed up himself in what his conscience tells him is wrong.

Christ gave up His life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him - because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference? But it does make a difference if you hurt your friend terribly, risking his eternal ruin!

When you hurt your friend, you hurt Christ. A free meal here and there isn't worth it at the cost of even one of these "weak ones." (8:10-12)

I read and wonder what it is I am selfish in giving up in order to help another in their walk.  Is it time?  money?  stuff?  food?  What is it I am loving more than loving His people.

As a believer, many are watching to see you in action.  When in Christ, there is something "different" about us, and it does/should draw attention.  It is being in Christ that makes us stand out from the world.

Do I ever hold on to the things of the world to satisfy my "self", even if it means hindering another ones walk?  I know of one who didn't feel the need to give up drinking in front of an alcoholic, believing it was up to the person to not submit to drink.  It wasn't part of their job to help them overcome. We are all on a different level in our walks, different strengths and weaknesses.  Different because we need each other. 

As I have grown in Christ, I see it is our job to come along side of each other and help the growth.  When helping each other, we are really helping the whole family.  We are living a life that is pleasing to Him.

So I ask you, what is it you are holding onto, satisfying "self", which is hindering the walk of a brother or sister.  Is it really worth it? 

 

 

"I Wonder If" - 11/25/15 - Acts 18:19-19:41

"Curiosity about Paul developed into reverence for the Master Jesus."(Acts 19:18)

I wonder if my life, my choices make people curious.  When I am looked at, is there something different about me?  Do I stand out in the world because I am different? 

Or do I blend in?

And then if I am looked at - do they see Christ and not me? 

It states that, "curiosity about Paul
DEVELOPED into REVERENCE for the MASTER JESUS". 

DEVELOPED -  REVERENCE - MASTER JESUS. 

Am I a vessel for His light which He is using to draw others to Him - to see Him?  Are my words, actions, thoughts, a reflection of Him for all to see. 

I keep going back in my head to the verse, "the harvest is plentiful, the workers are few".  How am I working?  Do I set my own hours, working only when I feel like it?  Am I on vacation? Am I retired?  Have I been promoted from where I started out? 

Am I at the point when others look at me - they don't see me?

They see Master Jesus.

"Church of HIM" - 11/24/15 - 1 Corinthians 1-4

11/24/14 - 1 Corinthians 1-4

"Church of HIM"

^"The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hell bent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It’s written,

I’ll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I’ll expose so-called experts as crackpots.

So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn’t God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation." (1 Corinthians 1:18-21)

 

 

Some time ago in our Sunday School class, some were discussing the new mega atheist churches springing up around the world. I went home and googled it, being more than a little confused as to why persons who profess to not believe in God, are assembling in a God like atmosphere. This is from one of the articles I read, "During the service, attendees stomped their feet, clapped their hands and cheered as Jones and Evans led the group through rousing renditions of "Lean on Me," ''Here Comes the Sun" and other hits that took the place of gospel songs. Congregants dissolved into laughter at a get-to-know-you game that involved clapping and slapping the hands of the person next to them and applauded as members of the audience spoke about community service projects they had started in LA.
At the end, volunteers passed cardboard boxes for donations as attendees mingled over coffee and pastries and children played on the floor."  (http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/10/atheist-mega-churches/3489967/).

Incredibly sad that they don't have a clue they are worshiping a god - the god of self.  I did find it more than ironic, for all the complaining I have heard of "the church just wanting your money", they collect a donation.

 

 In my prayers, I'm not praying these "churches" will fail. I already know through Scripture, they will tear themselves down without any help from God. "Self" wants all adoration, praise, glory, honor, for "self", and there are too many "selfs" involved. "Self" is unable to provide The Fruits of The Spirit. "Too many cooks in the kitchen" keeps coming to mind.

What I am praying for in these "churches" is an awareness. An awareness for the person sitting there, to recognize he/she is there because "something" is missing. An awareness that they have come to a place which is about worship, praise, community, family, and continue to search until they find the "church" which is our ABBA's church.

Some may see these churches as a loss, I am seeing them as future gain for Him. All things are for His Glory - we are promised this. All of us are made in His image. All of us have within us a God void only He can fill - not the gods of the world, satan, or self. I pray for the "children who played on the floor", that they will be deaf and blind to the lies they are being brought up in and search for "our" Savior. "Our" Savior who we are commanded to go and make Disciples for. So He may become "their" Savior.

When I hear about these churches, I wonder how His churches are really doing. How are we doing at "going as we live, making Disciples". How even though we attend a church that recognizes ABBA, are we really that much different than those attending the mega atheist church?

Who are we worshiping, self or ABBA.....

 

"No Games" - 11/23/15 - Acts 17; Acts 18:1-18

"Starting from scratch, He made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find Him.

He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; He's near.
       

We live and move in Him, can't get away from Him! One of your poets said it well: 'We're the God-created.' (17:26-28)

 

 

 

They were everywhere on the living room floor.  Lincoln Logs.  On the dining room table were the box of colors and coloring books from years ago.  On the coffee table was the game "knockout". 

Earlier we sat and ate our supper of applesauce, chicken nuggets,  hash browns, bread and Miracle Whip sandwiches (for only two of us) and juice.  Tonight I put away into my memory chest the scene of my Curt sitting on the floor playing with us. 

 

It was our first time to be watching Charlie and Ella. 

Two little ones who come in the package with their mommy, Ashley.  These three have not only captured the heart of our Adam, but also our hearts as well. 

 

As I was getting things ready in preparation for tonight, my mind was overflowing with the memories coming out from within the game cabinet.  I couldn't help but smile, remembering little hands and fingers learning to grasp the colors.  Rosebud lips turned up into a smile as they turned carrying a favorite game in their arms.  The boxes were almost bigger than they were at the time.  Their dancing eyes turning up to look at me, excitement throughout their bodies as they sat upon their knees leaning over the table.   I continually find it hard to believe they are now grown men. 

 

We have always played inside/outside games as a family.  Even today, it is the norm when together, to spend hours sitting at the table playing a board game or cards.  Sometimes we will drag out the little kid games, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, etc. and have a tournament. A couple of Christmas' ago we played a game we made up years earlier, "fart ball".  Most of the lights are off and we are playing "tag/hide n seek" with a little nerf football.  I will always remember the look on Amber's face as we were running through the house away from whomever was "it", throwing this little brown "fart ball" at each other.  Another game we played was where one would hide in the darkened house while the others counted together to 100 in the bathroom.  As the one hidden was discovered, the discoverer would squeeze in beside them, until everyone had found the one who was hiding. 

 

And each time we played these games in the dark, until they were older, the boys never ventured far from Curt or my side.  They loved playing, but were just a little unsure, scared, to be alone searching in the dark. 

 

These memories bring to mind yet another thing I love about our ABBA.

 

As much as I enjoy playing games, I know without doubt, there aren't any games being played when it comes to life "in" Him.  There aren't any times I have to wander in the dark away from Him.  

 

"He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; He's near.
        We live and move in Him, can't get away from Him!"