A friend, years ago, shared her copy of a book titled, "Celebrate the Temporary." I don't recall it's focus, but today I'm re-enjoying the title.
I've titled my blog Worthy Words, not because I have a closet full of wisdom, myself; but because I love to learn and love to share the encouragement and lessons I gain from "other people's" words. And because I want "us" to be ever conscious of whether a writer's or speaker's words line up with God's Word.
I'm reading Anne Graham Lotz's book, "The Vision of His Glory." What a courageous woman to take on the book of Revelations! This morning I'm reading her thoughts on the church of Smyrna. She takes on a passage that has puzzled me: "You will suffer persecution for ten days?" Boy, would I like to change the word persecution to trial and then hold God to a promise I've rewritten to suit my needs. Anne admits that she isn't sure of the exact meaning, but suggests that the principle of Rev. 2:10b is "that suffering is temporary. It only lasts ten days; there is an end or limit to it. . . . It will end! If not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, next week. If not next week, next month. If not next month, next year. If it lasts your entire lifetime, it is still temporary compared to eternity.
"If we could mark out our lives on a time line that included all eternity, the line itself would be miles long, with our lives lived on earth just a dot on the line. And the suffering we experience during our lives on earth would be such a small mark it would be undetectable." (The Vision of His Glory/W Publishing Group 1996-page 83)
Tough times are the time to Celebrate the Temporary. However huge the emotional drain, however severe the pain or financial struggle; however difficult the relationship, the suffering is temporary. It "feels" like eternity -- but only because we cannot fathom how long eternity is.
Friend, I pray that you feel God's hug today. I pray that He puts a Scripture in your path, or recalls one to your mind that brings you comfort, hope, and a reason to keep on going. I pray that even though your trial feels like it will never end that somehow God will help you grasp that it is, indeed, temporary.
You Are In My Prayers Today,
Lonnie
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
When Life Hurts
Thirty-five relatives and villagers grabbed Hezekiah by the hair. They punched him until he became unconscious. Hezekiah, has since endured more beatings because of his conversion to Christianity.
"As I have matured in my walk with Christ," Hezekiah says, "I have more faith to endure these hardships. The trials I have gone through have served to strengthen my faith, and I see God's faithfulness in delivering me. I thank God I have been able to bring thirty people to the saving knowledge of Jesus." (Extreme Devotion from the coauthors of Jesus Freaks/Wpublishing Group 2001)
I think God is trying to teach me similar lessons. Through trials, God has built, within me, perseverance and even hope. It will probably take several blog posts to share stages of these lessons.
I confess. I came to Christ because every book I read led me to believe that He would take all my problems away. I stubbornly held on to that belief for decades! I wanted to believe what I wanted to believe. Consequently, when life handed me pain and challenges, I doubted God. I concluded that He had "favorites" and "I" wasn't one of them. At first, I questioned what I was/or wasn't doing to qualify me for such a position. Then as I made my own list of what I thought God wanted from His favorites, I determined that I'd never make it.
This week, I've spent time in Hebrews 11. These men and women believed in God's goodness even when their eyes told them something completely different. I believe God is teaching me that my eyes can't be trusted. He can! He is always faithful. He can be nothing less. With that, I close with a quote from the devotion mentioned above.
"God's loyalty to his children in not based on reciprocity. If it were, we would all have been abandoned long ago."
How do you see the struggles in your life? How does it affect your faith?
Still Growing,
Lonnie
"As I have matured in my walk with Christ," Hezekiah says, "I have more faith to endure these hardships. The trials I have gone through have served to strengthen my faith, and I see God's faithfulness in delivering me. I thank God I have been able to bring thirty people to the saving knowledge of Jesus." (Extreme Devotion from the coauthors of Jesus Freaks/Wpublishing Group 2001)
I think God is trying to teach me similar lessons. Through trials, God has built, within me, perseverance and even hope. It will probably take several blog posts to share stages of these lessons.
I confess. I came to Christ because every book I read led me to believe that He would take all my problems away. I stubbornly held on to that belief for decades! I wanted to believe what I wanted to believe. Consequently, when life handed me pain and challenges, I doubted God. I concluded that He had "favorites" and "I" wasn't one of them. At first, I questioned what I was/or wasn't doing to qualify me for such a position. Then as I made my own list of what I thought God wanted from His favorites, I determined that I'd never make it.
This week, I've spent time in Hebrews 11. These men and women believed in God's goodness even when their eyes told them something completely different. I believe God is teaching me that my eyes can't be trusted. He can! He is always faithful. He can be nothing less. With that, I close with a quote from the devotion mentioned above.
"God's loyalty to his children in not based on reciprocity. If it were, we would all have been abandoned long ago."
How do you see the struggles in your life? How does it affect your faith?
Still Growing,
Lonnie
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Oops!
Have you ever gotten ready to tongue-lash someone when you tripped over their shoes -- then discovered they were "yours?" Oops!
We always want to blame someone else, especially when it hurts.
We always want to blame someone else, especially when it hurts.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Caught Again!
Me,impulsive? And in need of an attitude adjustment?
Oops! Caught Again!
How could I turn down, "Buy one book and get the second one half off?" Both books were about gratitude and I needed a booster shot, or at least a fresh conviction. But I reached home and knew I'd been impulsive. I requested both books from the library and returned my purchases.
My requests arrived this week. Just reading them has made me grateful -- grateful that I didn't buy them.
How did I miss one author calling her husband a disgusting name -- in the very first chapter? Bad words and attitudes stick to me like sand-burrs to socks. I returned the book and began to read the second one. At a glance, several pages were sprinkled with the word blessing. "Neat," I thought, "a Christian perspective."
HEAR ME. I DON'T BELIEVE CHRISTIANS HAVE CORNERED THE MARKET ON GOOD AND WISE. That, in fact, is one reason for this blog post.
The second book on gratitude did, indeed, use the word blessing frequently -- along with chanting and Eastern meditation. The compilation consists of people sharing how an attitude of gratitude has given them energy to get through severe illnesses, addictions, and some really tough stuff. I may continue to read, but selectively. I can skip chapters that don't line up with God's Word. But I have 2 concerns:
1. What about people who don't skip and get sucked into false teaching? Just because someone says something incredibly wise, we can't assume everything he says is as wise. If someone tells us to be at peace with all men, good. God's Word says that as much as possible be at peace with all men. If the same author (friend, pastor, TV personality) tells you there are many gods and many ways to heaven, be aware: Our Creator God says differently. **
2. My second concern -- Christians. How are we doing? Yes, I thank God before most meals. And I thank Him for a warm house and a reliable car. But can I really say I have an "attitude" of thanksgiving? If someone planted a bug in my home, workplace, (get ready for an Ouch!) or my favorite places of prayer, what would they hear? Would gratitude be tackling complaints, or the other way around?
I stand convicted! Mom used to say, "If the shoe fits, wear it." How's your shoe fitting?
If you read this blog regularly, or occasionally, please use the comment field every now and then to ask me, "Lonnie, how's your attitude of gratitude?"
Ever Growing,
Lonnie
** "And it shall be, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21
** "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
Oops! Caught Again!
How could I turn down, "Buy one book and get the second one half off?" Both books were about gratitude and I needed a booster shot, or at least a fresh conviction. But I reached home and knew I'd been impulsive. I requested both books from the library and returned my purchases.
My requests arrived this week. Just reading them has made me grateful -- grateful that I didn't buy them.
How did I miss one author calling her husband a disgusting name -- in the very first chapter? Bad words and attitudes stick to me like sand-burrs to socks. I returned the book and began to read the second one. At a glance, several pages were sprinkled with the word blessing. "Neat," I thought, "a Christian perspective."
HEAR ME. I DON'T BELIEVE CHRISTIANS HAVE CORNERED THE MARKET ON GOOD AND WISE. That, in fact, is one reason for this blog post.
The second book on gratitude did, indeed, use the word blessing frequently -- along with chanting and Eastern meditation. The compilation consists of people sharing how an attitude of gratitude has given them energy to get through severe illnesses, addictions, and some really tough stuff. I may continue to read, but selectively. I can skip chapters that don't line up with God's Word. But I have 2 concerns:
1. What about people who don't skip and get sucked into false teaching? Just because someone says something incredibly wise, we can't assume everything he says is as wise. If someone tells us to be at peace with all men, good. God's Word says that as much as possible be at peace with all men. If the same author (friend, pastor, TV personality) tells you there are many gods and many ways to heaven, be aware: Our Creator God says differently. **
2. My second concern -- Christians. How are we doing? Yes, I thank God before most meals. And I thank Him for a warm house and a reliable car. But can I really say I have an "attitude" of thanksgiving? If someone planted a bug in my home, workplace, (get ready for an Ouch!) or my favorite places of prayer, what would they hear? Would gratitude be tackling complaints, or the other way around?
I stand convicted! Mom used to say, "If the shoe fits, wear it." How's your shoe fitting?
If you read this blog regularly, or occasionally, please use the comment field every now and then to ask me, "Lonnie, how's your attitude of gratitude?"
Ever Growing,
Lonnie
** "And it shall be, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21
** "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Caught!
"Is it true that faith is invisible without works (James 2:17)?"
Yes, and what a great way to put it. The question in my Bible study book gave me words that would stick in my head and help me apply the principle of faith proved by works/good deeds.
Caught!
The right answer to that question is, "No, that is not true." James 2 tells us that the absence of works doesn't make faith invisible. James says, " . . .faith, if it has no works, is DEAD!" It's of no value; no effect. If we are saved by faith, (see Ephesians 2:8-9) but our faith is dead, we have cause for concern. I suspect the author knew exactly what he was asking. And, no doubt, he expected to catch a few readers off guard--like me. Though he came through the back door, the author delivered his message with a punch; one that will hang around my heart for a long time.
As a writer, I love words! I enjoy the ways authors arrange them on a page. I love learning and sharing what I learn in my own words. But, the example above shows the need for discernment and great care.
When you listen to a sermon, read a book, or read my blog, follow the example of the Bereans: " . . . for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things (that Paul taught) were so (Acts 17: 10-11)."
What do you do when something sounds off-center? Do you brush it off as unimportant? Do you ask a pastor or friend? Do you get out your Bible? If you get out your Bible, share the steps you use to finding answers.
Still Growing--Hope you are, too.
Lonnie
Yes, and what a great way to put it. The question in my Bible study book gave me words that would stick in my head and help me apply the principle of faith proved by works/good deeds.
Caught!
The right answer to that question is, "No, that is not true." James 2 tells us that the absence of works doesn't make faith invisible. James says, " . . .faith, if it has no works, is DEAD!" It's of no value; no effect. If we are saved by faith, (see Ephesians 2:8-9) but our faith is dead, we have cause for concern. I suspect the author knew exactly what he was asking. And, no doubt, he expected to catch a few readers off guard--like me. Though he came through the back door, the author delivered his message with a punch; one that will hang around my heart for a long time.
As a writer, I love words! I enjoy the ways authors arrange them on a page. I love learning and sharing what I learn in my own words. But, the example above shows the need for discernment and great care.
When you listen to a sermon, read a book, or read my blog, follow the example of the Bereans: " . . . for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things (that Paul taught) were so (Acts 17: 10-11)."
What do you do when something sounds off-center? Do you brush it off as unimportant? Do you ask a pastor or friend? Do you get out your Bible? If you get out your Bible, share the steps you use to finding answers.
Still Growing--Hope you are, too.
Lonnie
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pursing Excellence
A reminder that I'm working on consistency, these days, rather than perfection. So, this will likely be short, which I hope to strive for in future posts.
As I drove to Caribou, this morning,for my dollar coffee, I listened to a Christian radio station. I wanted to hear the message on marriage, but knew I'd be working on my blog. Prayer was more important. I turned the radio off. My prayer went something like this:
God, I don't want my blog to be an exercise, something on my "to do" list. Let the words I write be meaningful to my readers--albeit, God, I've not even let my blog be known to more than Ray. So help me to take that step.
My biggest concern, whether here or for publication, is that I handle Your Word accurately. Help me, and all Your wordsmiths (preachers, missionaries, homeschoolers, worship leaders, writers, teachers, etc.) determine the truth of what we read or what we write by comparing it to Your Word. And God, here's a real quandry. If pride preceeds a fall, at what point does pursuing excellence become pride? Amen.
Maybe "you" can be part of God's answer. For me, as a writer, I must meet an editor's standards in order for an article to be accepted for publication. I "must" pursue excellence or lose my opportunity to minister. A worship leader wants to draw people into God's presence; he/she doesn't want them distracted by mediocrity, nor by too much flare. So, what do you think? Any suggestions? Scriptures?
Ever Growing,
Lonnie
As I drove to Caribou, this morning,for my dollar coffee, I listened to a Christian radio station. I wanted to hear the message on marriage, but knew I'd be working on my blog. Prayer was more important. I turned the radio off. My prayer went something like this:
God, I don't want my blog to be an exercise, something on my "to do" list. Let the words I write be meaningful to my readers--albeit, God, I've not even let my blog be known to more than Ray. So help me to take that step.
My biggest concern, whether here or for publication, is that I handle Your Word accurately. Help me, and all Your wordsmiths (preachers, missionaries, homeschoolers, worship leaders, writers, teachers, etc.) determine the truth of what we read or what we write by comparing it to Your Word. And God, here's a real quandry. If pride preceeds a fall, at what point does pursuing excellence become pride? Amen.
Maybe "you" can be part of God's answer. For me, as a writer, I must meet an editor's standards in order for an article to be accepted for publication. I "must" pursue excellence or lose my opportunity to minister. A worship leader wants to draw people into God's presence; he/she doesn't want them distracted by mediocrity, nor by too much flare. So, what do you think? Any suggestions? Scriptures?
Ever Growing,
Lonnie
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Good News Bad News
Our dining room includes a cabinet where we "used" to keep cereal. Now it houses my Bible(s), dictionaries, and commentaries. Though I struggle most mornings to get up before anyone else to have a quiet time, I love Bible study! However . . . Good news, bad news.
Good News: God likes that I enjoy Bible Study
Bad News: He'd like me to do what His Word says.
I understand why. You do too. But sometimes a simple analogy (and a touch of humor) works as a great memory prompt. Here are a couple that struck me, this week, as I read James.
* I've read 4 diet books and haven't lost a pound!
* (Teen) "Why do I have to take a written test AND a driver's test?
* Beauticians, doctors, nurses, and blood drawing lab technicians are all required to take written tests AND hands-on tests. Aren't you glad?
"So my people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don't obey them. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice." Ezekiel 33:31-32
"But be doers of the word and not hearers only . . ." James 1:22
What is harder for you? To "do" what God's Word says to do? (ex: love your enemy) Or to not do what God's Word says not to do? (ex: do not steal, lie, covet etc)
As a friend reminded me this morning, we cannot be doers of God's Word in our own strength, or by our own will power. "Help" is one prayer God always answers.
Enjoy the Lord today. He enjoys YOU.
Lonnie
Good News: God likes that I enjoy Bible Study
Bad News: He'd like me to do what His Word says.
I understand why. You do too. But sometimes a simple analogy (and a touch of humor) works as a great memory prompt. Here are a couple that struck me, this week, as I read James.
* I've read 4 diet books and haven't lost a pound!
* (Teen) "Why do I have to take a written test AND a driver's test?
* Beauticians, doctors, nurses, and blood drawing lab technicians are all required to take written tests AND hands-on tests. Aren't you glad?
"So my people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don't obey them. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice." Ezekiel 33:31-32
"But be doers of the word and not hearers only . . ." James 1:22
What is harder for you? To "do" what God's Word says to do? (ex: love your enemy) Or to not do what God's Word says not to do? (ex: do not steal, lie, covet etc)
As a friend reminded me this morning, we cannot be doers of God's Word in our own strength, or by our own will power. "Help" is one prayer God always answers.
Enjoy the Lord today. He enjoys YOU.
Lonnie
Monday, January 3, 2011
Lost Hope
When I and my husband were bulldozed by some physical and financial challenges, I lost hope. I didn't know how we'd get through the next month, let alone the rest of our lives.
I searched for books about people who had survived worse situations. Could anyone have suffered more than those who endured the Holocaust? The books I read helped me to see that my problems were minor in comparison; yet, I didn't find testimonies of how faith had carried anyone through. I did come to the conclusion that no matter how difficult circumstances were, they were temporary. Mind you, I did not equate short-lived with temporary. Poverty, or worse, could last for years! I reminded myself that, how ever long our trials lasted, they would be short compared to eternity. And I'd spend eternity in heaven.
This last week found me sick with no energy, yet with time to read. I read my first novel in a decade. I enjoyed it way too much: no sticky tabs to mark facts and anecdotes and no notes to write.
Funny, this library book that, I had figured I would do little more than scan, took place during World War II and the Holocaust. It was the book I'd looked for so long ago.
Jacob and his wife, faithful Jews, moved to America to escape persecution. It didn't work. Jews were hated in the U.S. too. Their son, Avraham, did not immigrate with them. The radio and newspapers told of the horrible genocide going on, so when communication ended between Jacob and Avrahm, Jacob worried. Were his son and family still alive?
Then Jacob's wife was hit and killed by a car. Jacob lost hope. He no longer believed in Hashem. What God would allow such tragedy and suffering?
Later, Jacob shared the story of Esther with two young neighbors whose mother had died in the same accident as his wife. His faith began to return. He told the children that though God wasn't mentioned in the book of Esther, He was obviously at work. From then on Jacob comforted himself and others with this truth: "We may not see God, but He is working for our good." Jacob, who had felt his prayers were being ignored, realized that they were incredibly answered but different than he'd expected.
Though Jacob received no letters, his son had been writing them and leaving them with trusted people. Avraham reasoned that when the war was over, at least Jacob would know what had happened. In one letter Avraham wrote, "I have asked the rabbi why our people are experiencing this great suffering. Was it from some great sin we have committed? What have we done to bring this upon ourselves? He believes that it is not because of sin that we are persecuted but because of the Torah. The Hamans of this world want to wipe out all memory of our people and of our covenant with Hashem, as well as all memory of His Law so that evil can flourish unfetterered." (While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin p. 144)
What do you think? Does Scripture support the rabbi's beliefs? Have you, looking in life's rearview mirror, discovered that God, though invisible, has indeed been involved and answering prayers? If so, please share.
I searched for books about people who had survived worse situations. Could anyone have suffered more than those who endured the Holocaust? The books I read helped me to see that my problems were minor in comparison; yet, I didn't find testimonies of how faith had carried anyone through. I did come to the conclusion that no matter how difficult circumstances were, they were temporary. Mind you, I did not equate short-lived with temporary. Poverty, or worse, could last for years! I reminded myself that, how ever long our trials lasted, they would be short compared to eternity. And I'd spend eternity in heaven.
This last week found me sick with no energy, yet with time to read. I read my first novel in a decade. I enjoyed it way too much: no sticky tabs to mark facts and anecdotes and no notes to write.
Funny, this library book that, I had figured I would do little more than scan, took place during World War II and the Holocaust. It was the book I'd looked for so long ago.
Jacob and his wife, faithful Jews, moved to America to escape persecution. It didn't work. Jews were hated in the U.S. too. Their son, Avraham, did not immigrate with them. The radio and newspapers told of the horrible genocide going on, so when communication ended between Jacob and Avrahm, Jacob worried. Were his son and family still alive?
Then Jacob's wife was hit and killed by a car. Jacob lost hope. He no longer believed in Hashem. What God would allow such tragedy and suffering?
Later, Jacob shared the story of Esther with two young neighbors whose mother had died in the same accident as his wife. His faith began to return. He told the children that though God wasn't mentioned in the book of Esther, He was obviously at work. From then on Jacob comforted himself and others with this truth: "We may not see God, but He is working for our good." Jacob, who had felt his prayers were being ignored, realized that they were incredibly answered but different than he'd expected.
Though Jacob received no letters, his son had been writing them and leaving them with trusted people. Avraham reasoned that when the war was over, at least Jacob would know what had happened. In one letter Avraham wrote, "I have asked the rabbi why our people are experiencing this great suffering. Was it from some great sin we have committed? What have we done to bring this upon ourselves? He believes that it is not because of sin that we are persecuted but because of the Torah. The Hamans
What do you think? Does Scripture support the rabbi's beliefs? Have you, looking in life's rearview mirror, discovered that God, though invisible, has indeed been involved and answering prayers? If so, please share.
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