God said no
Many years ago I was reading an article by a prominent minister. The article was on the will of God and he had some good things to say. At the end, he made the statement — “God has never told me no.”
What?
Huh?
Never?
Really?
That was the last article I have read by that minister. Oh, I know there is the concept of -take the meat and spit out the bones – which is a good rule but with the limited time I have for reading and so many things I want to read, this author doesn’t make the list anymore.
God never said no?
I don’t know this man personally. I do know that however good he is or how close he may be to God, He is not Jesus and God told Jesus no.
Yes, you read that right.
In the garden, it is recorded that Jesus prayed 3 times. Matthew 26 – …My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” (no it is not possible) 2nd time “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (no it cannot- you must drink it) 3rd time “…went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.” (italics are my words)
We know the outcome of those prayers. Jesus went to the cross and died for our sins. His love for mankind -what a price to pay. If there were any other way to God, … but clearly there wasn’t.
I believe that Jesus knew all along that this was the plan. He was/is God. Yet He used His time on earth to show us – to be an example we can look at.
There are many things we can grasp from His time in prayer that night. One key is “Not my will but Yours”. The recognition that God is in control and He sees the whole picture, not just the part we see. He knows what is best for us.
I pray. I ask in faith believing that God hears my prayers. I stand on His word and His many promises. I trust God!
I also recognize that I don’t know the whole situation. God does.
I can’t see down the road. God can.
So I pray with an attitude of yet not my will or my plan but according to Your will and Your plan. For I know that God’s ways won’t always make sense to me. After all He is God and who am I to think I can understand all the thoughts and ways of God. He wouldn’t be a very big God if that were the case.
My God is greater than that. He is the creator and sustainer of life. He is all -knowing, all-powerful, and yet He loves me. He is not some far off god. He desires to have an intimate relationship with me and with you too!!
As I look back on some of those times God said no, I can see why. I am grateful that God did not give me some of the things that I so desperately thought, at the time, was His plan.
So with my prayers today, I will continue to pray in faith, believing and expecting God to work in the situations. I will continue to lay out my requests before Him. It will be with an attitude of ‘Your will be done Lord’ because I know that God’s plans for me are good. Each day is an adventure!
His plans for you are good too!!
til next time
it’s more than a wish
It’s more than a wish. It’s more than a daydream.
I don’t want to waste my life. I don’t want to live just going through the motions. I don’t want to be bound in chains of sin. I don’t want to be a casual christian. I want to live a life that demonstrates my dependence on God. I want to live a life of purpose.
Back in the ’80s I heard a song that changed my life. “Casual Christian” by DeGarmo and Key. Thus began a journey that continues today. It is what helped me to have freedom to break the stereotype associated with pw’s.
I don’t want to be a casual christian. I want to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. I want to grow more and more like my Jesus. I don’t want to be complacent for I know that will lead to a critical spirit and/or bitterness.
I don’t want to have to search the scriptures to find hope and help in trouble. I want to have it hidden in my heart so that it is there to draw on when trouble comes.
How did this change come?
My prayers changed. I went from “Now I lay me down to sleep’……………….”God bless”…….. to…. “Father make me who You want me to be.” From “give me”……………… to “Father may Your will be done”………….
Here are just a few other life changing prayers.
“Lord give me patience.”
The only way I know to have patience developed in my life, is to go through something that requires patience. I am always growing in this area. This is an area that is badly neglected in the christian realm. So many people are in a hurry and lack patience. Harsh words/actions are expressed all because of impatience.
“Lord reduce me to love.”
When I began to pray this, I noticed that the way I responded to people started to change. God desires to have His love flowing through us. What is love? Read 1 Corinthians 13.
“Father, show me what I need to change and help me to die to self”
Really? Yes, really! This may sound all spiritual but don’t pray it if you don’t mean it. God will indeed show you truth about yourself. Yet, He will be right there ready to help you change.
Maybe you don’t think there is anything that needs to change? Oh, what a surprise you will be in for.
Paul talks about dying daily to self. This is not casual stuff. It is not easy. Yet the freedom that comes from not living for the comfort of your flesh but living with purpose is amazing.
“Break my heart with what breaks yours. Stir up within me Your compassion.”
This prayer causes me to look beyond myself. I found that there were/are plenty of times to be inconvenienced. I also realized that selfishness can run deep. Ah, but as my heart began to break, a beauty showed up that is indescribable. Inconvenience turns into opportunities to let God shine through.
Compassion seems to be a lost trait in many people. I don’t know if it is because life is busy or people don’t want to be bothered or something else entirely. Compassion seems to have been replaced with irritation. Be careful of this trap.
I don’t want to be a casual christian.
Yes, it is more than a wish.
til next time
friends
The last year has been an eye-opening experience. Just when you think you know people……….. they will surprise you. This can be a wonderful thing! Unfortunately sometimes it can be painful.
Treat people like you want to be treated…………………ah the Golden Rule. (Luke 6:31) Notice it doesn’t say treat people the way they treat you.
Some people, no matter how nice you treat them, will still not treat you nice in return. This is just how it is.
The Golden Rule does not guarantee that others will treat you the same way. What it does do is build character and reveal the type of person you are. God sees this and He will bless it.
If everyone would follow the Golden Rule, this world would be a much different place. Instead the mantra seems to be “looking out for number 1″ - people are impatient and think the world revolves around them. No way would they want to be treated the way they treat others. Yet we do not answer for their actions but for our own.
Sometimes people will push our buttons. Sometimes they will even do this on purpose. I have a friend you who will make this statement “It is so hard not to be ugly.” She recognizes that what she is thinking and/or about to say is not kind. Yet it is hard to not treat people how they are treating you.
I make the choice every day to focus on those who are encouraging and have our back. It has been a very difficult time for me personally. I am grateful for those who have made the path a bit easier. I am thankful for the Dory’s in my life who come along side me and remind me to “keep swimming, just keep swimming….”
Hard times make you aware of the difference between one-sided vs. two-way friendships.
For all of you who have poured into our lives this past year, have hung in there and have kept us in your prayers– thank you! We are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people to call our friends!!!!!!
As the old song says “keep smiling, keep shining knowing you can always count on me, for sure — that’s what friends are for. For good times, for bad times – I’ll be on your side forever more. That’s what friends are for….. “
til next time
january 30, 2010
A little late in posting this weeks sermon notes blog. Some weeks are just like that ….
(If you want to check out last weeks, click here)
Grab your Bible, as I won’t be posting all of the scriptures. I feel that it is important to look the scriptures up in your own Bible – to stay familiar with the love letter that God has given to us. (If you don’t have a Bible let me know.)
Read 2 Chronicles 5:13-14
When we gather together, Christ is present in our midst. I have never seen a cloud though. I believe there are levels/degrees in which the presence of God can be sensed. I believe God touches the hearts of His people every time we gather to seek His face. Whether it is visibly seen or not – God is at work.
The Spirit of Christ dwells in our hearts. We gather in the spirit of unity. God’s presence is here in a powerful way. Scripture tells us that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there.
Disunity hinders the presence of God.
Don’t let a bad morning keep you from coming. But when you enter the sanctuary place your eyes on Jesus. In the presence of the Lord is fullness of joy. Don’t leave the way you came in. We are changed in God’s presence.
As we move forward with the desire to grow in God, God is with us. Every time we come together, God is here wanting to move in our midst.
Challenge: You contribute your part — by joining together and by worshiping God.
“Worshipping God is not a spectator sport.”
Super bowl – yes that is a spectator sport for most.
“We do not gather together to watch people worship. ”
The power of God is manifest in our midst to the proportion of those who are entering in.
When we gather together for worship - participate.
You, from your heart, in spirit and in truth worship Him. Acts tells us ‘they were as one.’
Acts 1:4 & Acts 2:1 in one accord
God impacts our lives. The power of God fills our hearts, fills this place, and then the power of God goes with us into the community.
Acts 4:23-31
There is power when the people of God gather for prayer.
We are called to be one in worship, one in prayer, and one in spreading the gospel. We are called to share the message – proclamation of the love of God.
Come Celebrate – Go Proclaim!
til next time
you have stress?
It seems that everyone I talk to is under stress. For some it is one or two really huge things. For others it is a bunch of little things that have piled up on top of each other causing an overwhelming sense of despair. Whatever it is — stress seems to dominate many conversations.
Much stress is a result of poor decisions. Sometimes we make bad decisions and sometimes those around us make bad decisions that causes us stress.
Relationships are a huge source of stress. Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is great advice for reducing stress. We cannot control another person, but we do have control over what we say and do.
Family dynamics can be a huge source of stress. Whether it is spouse, children, grandchildren, in-laws, siblings, etc — their actions can have an impact on the whole family. This one, in one way or another, seems to be the most common. Maybe it is because we can choose to step away from friends who stir up strife, but family will always be family.
I consider it one of the highest compliments I can receive when someone implies that they don’t think I have any stress. Now it may take me awhile to process it but the end result is that it is a compliment.
For the record, ministers are not immune from stress. Truth is, they have the ‘usual’ stress that comes with living and then there is the stress involved in ministry.
There is a spiritual battle going on. Ministers lead by example and are right there on the front lines. If the enemy can take out the minister and/or family, he has won a great victory. Much damage is done to the cause of Christ when a minister falls.
So what can you do about stress? Take ownership of your own actions. Whatever is happening to you – you are still responsible for how you handle it.
The Serenity Prayer is a wonderful tool. Use it! Be sure to read the rest of the prayer.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.–Reinhold Niebuhr
Truth is stress will always be a part of life. How you handle it will determine if you live stressed out or you live with purpose. Don’t forget – God has a plan and He is in control.
He will work all things out for the good to those who love Him. This is a promise we can depend on. God isn’t stressed about whatever is going on and He wants us to lean on Him and trust Him.
Is it easy? Not always. But it can be done. This is why I consider it a huge compliment when people imply I have no stress.
til next time
garage sale
Garage sales?
If you have ever had one, then you know that they are a lot of work. Usually more work than they are worth. A long time ago I determined that garage sales were a complete waste of time and that I would give away my ‘treasures’ instead of try to sell them. This has worked very well for me.
That is until this past week-end.
We had our first garage sale in years. It will (almost certainly) be our last.
See that lovely orange hard-shell pop-up? That was the reason for the garage sale. The sale of that camper was an answer to two completely different prayers.
Our prayer was that we would sell it and not take a huge loss.
Along comes this guy who, for the last 10 years, has been looking for just such a camper. He went away happy and Curt did a happy dance.
Maybe now we will find the camper that we are looking for. In the meantime, winter is coming and we have extra parking space.
We also managed to unload our dorm fridge, small freezer, futon, a couple of chairs, foot stool and misc ‘stuff’. Hmmm, maybe it is time to go shopping.
til next time
agenda – did he go to far?
It seems that no matter what situation I may find myself in, there are those who have an agenda. Now a lot of times this isn’t a problem.
For example, I go to work and my boss’ agenda is that I work. (I did tell him today that I would rather operate in the comic relief department but since that wasn’t an option then I would continue doing my job.) As a christian I should not only do my job but do it with excellence!
It bothers me when people have hidden agendas. It bothers me when I come away from something feeling like I have been manipulated or at least that was the idea.
God does not have a hidden agenda. His plan is that ALL would come to accept the free gift of salvation that His Son paid the price for. His agenda is that we (christians) would be His vessel that He could use to reach out to those who are misguided, hurting, lost, angry and/or just messed up.
So I am listening to the Christian radio station the other day and I hear this interview with a minister that gave the opening prayer at the Iowa House of Representatives. The outcome of his prayer is that future ministers will now have to submit their prayer ahead of time for approval. Censorship? or did he go to far? Click here to check out “Censor public prayer“
Sometimes we, in our zeal for Christ, can go to far. Did he? I don’t know. The agenda was to open the meeting in prayer. This is our government, they certainly don’t need to allow that to continue. What was this pastor’s agenda? I don’t know. Can we pray a sincere prayer without bein”g offensive? Do we even care if we are offensive? Should we care?
When I am talking with someone who is clearly living in sin and knows it, I don’t focus on that sin. I focus on who my Jesus is and what He means to me. You see if they can grasp even a tiny portion of what that is, then maybe, just maybe they will want to know more about who this Jesus is that makes my life so full and complete.
til next time
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when your body doesn’t listen
There are just some things in life I don’t need to experience personally to know it is not a good thing. An anxiety attack is one of those things.
Irrational fear that grips a person, heart rate speeds up or is sporadic, dizziness, light headed, violent shaking and an all over clammy feeling – no I didn’t have to experience that to know that I would not like it.
A few years back, however, I was “privileged” to see what it was like first hand. My experience had to do with breathing - a change in air quality. It was horrible!!
For awhile a change in air pressure was sure to kick off another attack. All the stern talking that I gave myself didn’t seem to matter. My body would just not listen. If my body thought that it was in jeopardy of breathing or trapped, it took over.
I did learn ways to combat this. Immediate prayer being the first thing. Getting outside was also helpful. Forcing my focus onto something else also worked. Eventually just taking a deep breath was all it took.
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve had a full blown episode. In fact, I thought I was all over that now. A season in my life that was over. Oh what a relief!
This Thanksgiving we were at my sister-in-laws. There were 15 of us. Right before lunch I went to the restroom. Upon locking the door I realized that something wasn’t quite right. I found myself unable to unlock the door.
Now this really shouldn’t have been a big deal. There were 14 other people right outside the door. The body is an amazing thing. If it senses danger it goes on full alert. It really didn’t matter that there was no ‘danger’.
I began pounding on the door. Curt heard me and I knew that he would rescue me. I heard them at the door and figured all was well.
Meanwhile, I went in there for a reason. All the adrenaline was not helping. I finished the task at hand, washed my hands, took a few deep breaths to calm the few remaining anxiety nerves and reached for the door handle. It was still locked!!
At this point all rational reasoning went out the window. I am sure that it was only moments – that is what Curt tells me. However, it seemed like an eternity.
I had a few choice comments for Curt. I couldn’t believe that he had not made sure that the door was unlocked after the first cry for help. In his defense, he saw the door open a bit and did not realize that it locked again when it was closed.
Upon my freedom I promptly went outside. Wide open spaces were a welcome relief. It was all I could do to go back inside.
So what it is that causes the body to respond in such a way? It makes no sense at all to me. I spent much of the meal trying to get my body to calm back down. I can’t really explain what it felt like, but it took all my focus to sit there.
As I reflect back on that day I am filled with questions. Questions that have no answers.
I only know that this experience is one I hope to never repeat.
Just a glimpse into what my fishbowl was like on Thanksgiving. There is always next year.
til next time
About
Welcome to my fish bowl!
Things that matter to me are: God, family, friends, helping people, taking time to really live in the moment, and trying to slow down in a fast paced world.
To find out more click here.
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