Read it, study it, memorize it. And there's more - there needs to be more. Meditate on it.
When we meditate on God's Word, we get the truths of the Scriptures into our minds and hearts where it can affect our lives. The truths in Scripture will strengthen our faith as we think on them - ponder them - turn them over and over in our minds. Meditate.
Some meditation requires the emptying of the mind which opens one up to be filled with anything. Christian meditation is filling the mind, saturating it with truths from God's Word. Meditating on God's Word will transform our lives as the truths permeate our very being.
The psalmist said: "I meditate on Your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your Word." (Psalm 119:15-16) "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
If you want your Christian life to be transformed, read God's Word, study it, memorize it and meditate on it.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Hope or Give Up?
I'm ready to "throw in the towel!" Have you ever been there or are you there right now?
There are several situations where I have told the Lord, "I have almost no hope that these situations will every change or work out, but I know with You there is always hope."
Scripture memorization has been very important to me for a number of years. (I have encouraged [pushed] my Sunday School class to participate and many have done really well!) I chose my first memory verse for 2013 several weeks ago and wrote it in my new spiral as soon as I received it from Living Proof Siesta Scripture Memorization (Beth Moore) so I would be ready when the new year began.
I woke up really early on December 27, 2012 and decided to begin work on my first verse - not 2013 yet, I know - but I do tend to be a little over zealous at times. This is the verse: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NIV)
I know I said "I" chose the verse, but it is obvious to me that it was not really my choice. God knew what I was going to need in January, 2013. He knew I was about ready to "throw in the towel."
Am I going to "Give Up" on several situations or am I going to "Hope?" By the power of the Holy Spirit, I can not only hope, but I can "overflow with hope." Don't give up! We can overflow with hope when we trust and allow the Holy Spirit's power to work in and through us.
There are several situations where I have told the Lord, "I have almost no hope that these situations will every change or work out, but I know with You there is always hope."
Scripture memorization has been very important to me for a number of years. (I have encouraged [pushed] my Sunday School class to participate and many have done really well!) I chose my first memory verse for 2013 several weeks ago and wrote it in my new spiral as soon as I received it from Living Proof Siesta Scripture Memorization (Beth Moore) so I would be ready when the new year began.
I woke up really early on December 27, 2012 and decided to begin work on my first verse - not 2013 yet, I know - but I do tend to be a little over zealous at times. This is the verse: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NIV)
I know I said "I" chose the verse, but it is obvious to me that it was not really my choice. God knew what I was going to need in January, 2013. He knew I was about ready to "throw in the towel."
Am I going to "Give Up" on several situations or am I going to "Hope?" By the power of the Holy Spirit, I can not only hope, but I can "overflow with hope." Don't give up! We can overflow with hope when we trust and allow the Holy Spirit's power to work in and through us.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
"If My People . . . . . ." 2 Chronicles 7:14
In these early days of a new year, I have been reflecting on the state of our country. Are you concerned? When tragic things happen like the shooting of innocent children and their teachers, we wonder how much worse can it get?
We often blame many of our problems on politicians and leaders of our country and I will just say, they are only a part of the problem. Our main problem: We Christians aren't living like Christians. The familiar verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 talks about God's people - not politicians or leaders.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
If we want our country to turn around, Christians must start acting like Christians, living like Christians, spending time in prayer and in His Word. We need to know God's Word so we know who He is and know His expectations. We need to put Him first in our lives - make Him the central focus - live to please Him.
Christians, we have had another wake-up call. It is time to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, turn from our wicked ways. God promises if we do, He will heal our land and God always keeps His promises!
We often blame many of our problems on politicians and leaders of our country and I will just say, they are only a part of the problem. Our main problem: We Christians aren't living like Christians. The familiar verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14 talks about God's people - not politicians or leaders.
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
If we want our country to turn around, Christians must start acting like Christians, living like Christians, spending time in prayer and in His Word. We need to know God's Word so we know who He is and know His expectations. We need to put Him first in our lives - make Him the central focus - live to please Him.
Christians, we have had another wake-up call. It is time to humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, turn from our wicked ways. God promises if we do, He will heal our land and God always keeps His promises!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Christmas - A Time to Remember
Do you ever just want to go back home - let your mother cook for you and pamper you? Sometimes we would like to take a little break from all our responsibilities and just go home for a little while. But, alas, some of us will have to do that in our imaginations because our parents are no longer living. Ah, but I do have lots of sweet memories growing up in a Christian home where my mother seemed to always be in the kitchen.
We had a nice, humble home but that never stopped my parents from entertaining every pastor and family, every visiting preacher, etc. The church was the center of our lives and I loved it. (Still do!)
Christmas is a time to remember - remember family times, church Christmas programs and celebrations, Sunday School, friends from the past and most of all our Savior's birth.
Take time this Christmas to reminiscence. Remember all the Christmases past, remember Christ's birth and what it has meant in your life. Remember times of nearness to Him - times when He strengthened you, ministered to you and blessed you.
Remember family times. Go home if your parents are still living and enjoy some sweet family time (fun time). Get together with whatever family you have and celebrate Jesus.
Remember to thank Jesus for all His blessings and for what He did for us over 2,000 years ago.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He Is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
We had a nice, humble home but that never stopped my parents from entertaining every pastor and family, every visiting preacher, etc. The church was the center of our lives and I loved it. (Still do!)
Christmas is a time to remember - remember family times, church Christmas programs and celebrations, Sunday School, friends from the past and most of all our Savior's birth.
Take time this Christmas to reminiscence. Remember all the Christmases past, remember Christ's birth and what it has meant in your life. Remember times of nearness to Him - times when He strengthened you, ministered to you and blessed you.
Remember family times. Go home if your parents are still living and enjoy some sweet family time (fun time). Get together with whatever family you have and celebrate Jesus.
Remember to thank Jesus for all His blessings and for what He did for us over 2,000 years ago.
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He Is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Obedience - Not Always the Easy Thing
This verse is a comfort to me. "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go'." Isaiah 48:17
Sometimes, even after many, many years in a church, a place of service, a job, etc. God says to us that we have stayed long enough at this "mountain." Move on. God told the Israelite people -- "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Ammorites." (Deuteronomy 1:6-7)
I don't know about you, but I like my comfort zone and sometimes just want to stay right where I am. I love my church family. I love my places of service - teaching Sunday School, leading Women's Ministry, etc. But, I want to be an obedient servant so, when God says, "move on, break camp and advance" then that is what I must do.
I wrote the following words in my Prayer Journal some time ago and they have proven to be so true. "Do the right thing, (obey) - not always the easy thing."
God is always good. He minded me how He told Abraham at the age of 75 to leave everything that was familiar and go to the land He would show him. (Genesis 12:1) God promised to do wonderful things through him. Now I'm no Abraham!! And I haven't reached 75 yet, but I am in my later years and I do want to be God's obedient servant as Abraham was.
God is always good. He reminded me of the verse in Isaiah 43:18 (KJV) "Behold I am doing a new thing." He also reminded me of Proverbs 20:24. "A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Believe me, I do not understand what God is doing, but I do trust Him and I am looking forward to the "new thing" He does in my life .
My Prayer: May God direct our steps (and I know He will) and may we follow.
Sometimes, even after many, many years in a church, a place of service, a job, etc. God says to us that we have stayed long enough at this "mountain." Move on. God told the Israelite people -- "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Ammorites." (Deuteronomy 1:6-7)
I don't know about you, but I like my comfort zone and sometimes just want to stay right where I am. I love my church family. I love my places of service - teaching Sunday School, leading Women's Ministry, etc. But, I want to be an obedient servant so, when God says, "move on, break camp and advance" then that is what I must do.
I wrote the following words in my Prayer Journal some time ago and they have proven to be so true. "Do the right thing, (obey) - not always the easy thing."
God is always good. He minded me how He told Abraham at the age of 75 to leave everything that was familiar and go to the land He would show him. (Genesis 12:1) God promised to do wonderful things through him. Now I'm no Abraham!! And I haven't reached 75 yet, but I am in my later years and I do want to be God's obedient servant as Abraham was.
God is always good. He reminded me of the verse in Isaiah 43:18 (KJV) "Behold I am doing a new thing." He also reminded me of Proverbs 20:24. "A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Believe me, I do not understand what God is doing, but I do trust Him and I am looking forward to the "new thing" He does in my life .
My Prayer: May God direct our steps (and I know He will) and may we follow.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Kaylee and Colton's Wedding Part 4
WEDDING AFTERNOON:
Just inside the church, guests were asked to underline or highlight a scripture passage and leave a message in the margins.
This table was also just inside the church entrance.
On each side of the entrance to the sanctuary, this is what was displayed. Those letters are made with thousands of little pearls. They were beautiful!!
This was taken about 20-30 minutes before the ceremony began.
The above pictures were all taken in the Bride's Room.
The inside of the church.
Close ups of the aisle runner painted by Paula.
Close up of the pomanders at the end of each pew. (Handmade by Paula.)
More details from inside the sanctuary.
The altar.
After the ceremony - waiting for a few family pictures. (I thought this was so cute!)
We went to a beautiful reception following the ceremony but I left my camera in the car. No one seemed to want to go down 33 floors and retrieve it for me! I will just have to wait for the wedding pictures.
These pictures were taken at the entrance of the church. It looked absolutely beautiful. The basket held decorated fans. (Paula did all of this! I keep bragging on Paula and lest I leave Kelly out, she couldn't have done it without his support and provision. Thank you, Kelly!!)
Just inside the church, guests were asked to underline or highlight a scripture passage and leave a message in the margins.
This table was also just inside the church entrance.
On each side of the entrance to the sanctuary, this is what was displayed. Those letters are made with thousands of little pearls. They were beautiful!!
This was taken about 20-30 minutes before the ceremony began.
The above pictures were all taken in the Bride's Room.
Close ups of the aisle runner painted by Paula.
Close up of the pomanders at the end of each pew. (Handmade by Paula.)
More details from inside the sanctuary.
After the ceremony - waiting for a few family pictures. (I thought this was so cute!)
We went to a beautiful reception following the ceremony but I left my camera in the car. No one seemed to want to go down 33 floors and retrieve it for me! I will just have to wait for the wedding pictures.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Kaylee and Colton's Wedding Part 3
The Rehearsal Dinner was held at the Chickasaw Country Club and was hosted by Colton's parents, Tom and Missy Ragan. Wow! How nice and how beautiful and how delicious was the food! Wish I had taken pictures of the decorations!!
I think I detect a tear or two in Eddie's eyes.
Pretty, sweet Kaylee!!
The highlight of the Rehearsal Dinner was the kindest, sweetest, most encouraging words the guests had to say about Kaylee and Colton. I was so blessed! When your grandchild and her future husband are described as godly Christians, spiritual leaders and how excited they all are to see what God will do with these two young people, how could you not be blessed. My cup overflows. God is good!
The next morning there was a Bridesmaid's Breakfast at Paula and Kelly's home. It was such a special time to visit with Paula, Kaylee and her bridesmaids. Kelly and Kam left to go to a breakfast for all the guys in the wedding party. I took a couple of pictures with the girls in their monogramed white shirts (another special touch by Paula).
The hightlight of the breakfast was when one of the bridesmaids ask that we pray over Kaylee. What a special time!!
Another special touch was the bags out-of-town guest received when they checked in at the motel.
Included in the bags - a bottle of water for each guest which had cute labels with Kaylee and Colton's names on them, a bag of something salty and something sweet, directions to the church and reception. Of course Paula made them all. They are much cuter than the picture captured.
[The wedding will be next.]
The conversation around the table with family was special too.
We had fun visiting with family, friends and guests.
Jim (the minister who married them), Colton, Kaylee and Angela (Jim's wife)
Such a sweet picture!
I think I detect a tear or two in Eddie's eyes.
Pretty, sweet Kaylee!!
The highlight of the Rehearsal Dinner was the kindest, sweetest, most encouraging words the guests had to say about Kaylee and Colton. I was so blessed! When your grandchild and her future husband are described as godly Christians, spiritual leaders and how excited they all are to see what God will do with these two young people, how could you not be blessed. My cup overflows. God is good!
The next morning there was a Bridesmaid's Breakfast at Paula and Kelly's home. It was such a special time to visit with Paula, Kaylee and her bridesmaids. Kelly and Kam left to go to a breakfast for all the guys in the wedding party. I took a couple of pictures with the girls in their monogramed white shirts (another special touch by Paula).
The hightlight of the breakfast was when one of the bridesmaids ask that we pray over Kaylee. What a special time!!
Another special touch was the bags out-of-town guest received when they checked in at the motel.
Included in the bags - a bottle of water for each guest which had cute labels with Kaylee and Colton's names on them, a bag of something salty and something sweet, directions to the church and reception. Of course Paula made them all. They are much cuter than the picture captured.
[The wedding will be next.]
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