I posted early Friday morning that I was sniffing around and my bad day intensified as the day went on. It ended up being a crash day. A day that I allowed satan in my mind and believed his lies. My heart hurt as I ended a 12 year long job and without a new job in sight, I became more depressed as the day went on. I know the truth - I know that God is in control and has a perfect plan for me but I made the choice to focus on myself, how I felt and all the what if's. When it was time to work on homework, I turned on the tv instead. When it was time to leave for dinner with some Christ following women, I forced myself out the door knowing that it would do my heart so good to be encouraged by them but half-way there, I turned around and headed home. As I was driving, the tears flowed and I cried out to God. I released all my thoughts, doubts and fears to Him. As I did, I received a text message from a friend that said "Be still and know that I am the Alpha and Omega and I am in control." What sweet assuring words. When I got home, I was greeted with a loving hug and kind words from my hubby and I headed off to bed for some much needed rest. After a good 12 hours of sleep, I was re-energized and ready to face this life with faith that moves mountains.
Do you ever have "crash" days? If so, what brings you out of them?
I am so thankful to be loved by a God that knows my heart and loves me anyway!
Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
I'm sniffin around again this morning. This is officially my last day of owning and operating my in-home daycare. :( I'll miss my kiddos and the comfort of being my own boss and staying at home but I know that God has a new adventure for me right around the corner. As of right now, I don't know what that new adventure will consist of but I am trusting that He will continue to provide exactly what our family needs.
I have been studying the book of Ruth and it is a great reminder of God's faithfulness. Even though we don't know the future, He does, and His perfect plan unfolds as time moves forward.
I ask for your prayers as my family and I make this transition and that God will clearly direct my path to employment.
Thank you
Have a great day and a great weekend!
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
I have been studying the book of Ruth and it is a great reminder of God's faithfulness. Even though we don't know the future, He does, and His perfect plan unfolds as time moves forward.
I ask for your prayers as my family and I make this transition and that God will clearly direct my path to employment.
Thank you
Have a great day and a great weekend!
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Good good stuff! :)
Repent, Rescue, Repeat
26 Aug 2009
Wendy Pope
"Again the Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight." Judges 10:6a (NLT)
When life gets hard, have you noticed how easy it is to sin? I have found during some of the toughest circumstances I face, I am easily lured into sin. The lure seldom comes from new temptations. It usually comes from areas of sin I "thought" I had left behind, repented of and turned away from. Our enemy is cleaver and cunning. He knows our areas of weakness and comes back to those places when we are at our lowest, in hopes to seduce us back into a pattern of sin. It is an age-old ploy. He doesn't stop using the tactic because he continues to have success.The enemy's success can be proven by looking back at the repeated sin of idolatry and disobedience of God's chosen people, the Israel ites. The ebb and flow of the Israelites' sin started soon after their exodus from Egypt. They had barely cleared the banks of the Red Sea when they began to worship a man-made golden calf. Even though the Lord showed grace and forgave their sin, they continued to be lured in this same sin until it became a pattern. When they faced their toughest times: hunger, thirst, and threat of death, they quickly turned against the Lord, looking for other places of safety and hope.As we read through the Old Testament we find the Israelites became more and more blatant about their sin. They no longer tried to hide it. They worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but still held true to their devotion and worship of the pagan gods. Joshua called their sin evil. Evil is an ugly word, which means morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked. God's Word tells us that the Israelites' evil lead to their misery and their misery grieved the Lord (Judges 10:16). Our sin grieves the Lord and ca uses us misery as well.Misery comes from the Hebrew word "`amal." It means to toil, trouble, labor, mischief. I found the meaning of toil to be very interesting: hard and continuous work, exhausting labor or effort. Habitual sin, like that of the Israelites' idol worshiping is exhausting to keep up with. It takes continuous effort to stay involved in sin because one sin leads to another that leads to another. It is toilsome and drains the life out of us. The Israelites sinned until they felt helpless and trapped, at the point of exhaustion. Then they would repent of their sin and beg the Lord to forgive them, promising their wholehearted devotion. In His continual grace God forgave them, but they would eventually fall back into their sin cycle.As I read about the cycle of repent, rescue, repeat among the Israelites I have come to the conclusion that they never truly repented at all. True repentance of sin as repentance means in the Bible is to turn back. Basically, tu rn 180 degrees and don't look back. This is not what happened with the Israelites. They enjoyed their sin, but when the going got tough they cried out to the Lord. They simply offered the Lord "lip service" because they wanted to be rescued from their tough circumstances. They never depended on God long enough to allow Him to change their hearts.
Are you tired and miserable? God intended our life to be lived to the fullest, where He alone can make our joy complete. The only way to live this life is to put our safety and hope in the Lord by turning our hearts completely toward Him, leaving our sin behind and letting Him turn our hearts from the lure of sin. I want to be a 180 degree "repenter." I don't want to be a rescue-crying sinner who calls on God to bail me out when life is too exhausting and I am completely miserable. I want to escape the cycle of repent, rescue, and repeat. I am going to ask God to help me change my heart in the issues that I struggle with repeatedly. Will you join with me in this prayer?
Dear Lord, I ask You to forgive me when I fall into the cycle of rescue, repent, and repeat. Forgive me for treating Your forgiveness so causally. I give You permission to have Your way with my heart, changing it to be completely restored toward You and no longer falling prey to the lure of habitual sin. My desire is to live in complete obedience to You, the One and Only true God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Repent, Rescue, Repeat
26 Aug 2009
Wendy Pope
"Again the Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight." Judges 10:6a (NLT)
When life gets hard, have you noticed how easy it is to sin? I have found during some of the toughest circumstances I face, I am easily lured into sin. The lure seldom comes from new temptations. It usually comes from areas of sin I "thought" I had left behind, repented of and turned away from. Our enemy is cleaver and cunning. He knows our areas of weakness and comes back to those places when we are at our lowest, in hopes to seduce us back into a pattern of sin. It is an age-old ploy. He doesn't stop using the tactic because he continues to have success.The enemy's success can be proven by looking back at the repeated sin of idolatry and disobedience of God's chosen people, the Israel ites. The ebb and flow of the Israelites' sin started soon after their exodus from Egypt. They had barely cleared the banks of the Red Sea when they began to worship a man-made golden calf. Even though the Lord showed grace and forgave their sin, they continued to be lured in this same sin until it became a pattern. When they faced their toughest times: hunger, thirst, and threat of death, they quickly turned against the Lord, looking for other places of safety and hope.As we read through the Old Testament we find the Israelites became more and more blatant about their sin. They no longer tried to hide it. They worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but still held true to their devotion and worship of the pagan gods. Joshua called their sin evil. Evil is an ugly word, which means morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked. God's Word tells us that the Israelites' evil lead to their misery and their misery grieved the Lord (Judges 10:16). Our sin grieves the Lord and ca uses us misery as well.Misery comes from the Hebrew word "`amal." It means to toil, trouble, labor, mischief. I found the meaning of toil to be very interesting: hard and continuous work, exhausting labor or effort. Habitual sin, like that of the Israelites' idol worshiping is exhausting to keep up with. It takes continuous effort to stay involved in sin because one sin leads to another that leads to another. It is toilsome and drains the life out of us. The Israelites sinned until they felt helpless and trapped, at the point of exhaustion. Then they would repent of their sin and beg the Lord to forgive them, promising their wholehearted devotion. In His continual grace God forgave them, but they would eventually fall back into their sin cycle.As I read about the cycle of repent, rescue, repeat among the Israelites I have come to the conclusion that they never truly repented at all. True repentance of sin as repentance means in the Bible is to turn back. Basically, tu rn 180 degrees and don't look back. This is not what happened with the Israelites. They enjoyed their sin, but when the going got tough they cried out to the Lord. They simply offered the Lord "lip service" because they wanted to be rescued from their tough circumstances. They never depended on God long enough to allow Him to change their hearts.
Are you tired and miserable? God intended our life to be lived to the fullest, where He alone can make our joy complete. The only way to live this life is to put our safety and hope in the Lord by turning our hearts completely toward Him, leaving our sin behind and letting Him turn our hearts from the lure of sin. I want to be a 180 degree "repenter." I don't want to be a rescue-crying sinner who calls on God to bail me out when life is too exhausting and I am completely miserable. I want to escape the cycle of repent, rescue, and repeat. I am going to ask God to help me change my heart in the issues that I struggle with repeatedly. Will you join with me in this prayer?
Dear Lord, I ask You to forgive me when I fall into the cycle of rescue, repent, and repeat. Forgive me for treating Your forgiveness so causally. I give You permission to have Your way with my heart, changing it to be completely restored toward You and no longer falling prey to the lure of habitual sin. My desire is to live in complete obedience to You, the One and Only true God. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
At a Distance
24 Aug 2009
Karen Ehman
"But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome." Matthew 26:58 (NIV).
I sat in the sanctuary all alone, hot tears trickling down my young face. As a high school senior, I often attended our church's open door, self-serve communion time that was held a few days each year. The church was left unlocked providing a place to be alone with God: to pray or read your Bible. Then, at the altar were the elements. When ready, believers spent time meditating before partaking of the bread and the cup. Although I had done this many times, that night would forever be seared in my mind.I'd been a follower of Christ for just over a year, having first dedicated my life to H im at a youth retreat. The next 12 months, though an exciting time of growth, were also one of sorrow. I lost friends. I no longer fit in with the "in" crowd. I had no desire to attend certain parties I knew God wouldn't approve of or engage in conversations I wouldn't want Him to hear.So I clung to my crisp, new Bible and rushed home each afternoon, eager to read more while making notations in the margins. My youth group, as well as my mentor, a stay-at-home mom of two, became my lifelines. I desperately wanted to know how to live this new Christian life and live it in a way that made Jesus proud.But as I sat there that night, I felt as if I had failed God. There was a new group of kids at school who, when the more popular kids shut me out, had taken me in. But things were beginning to get sticky. I was challenged at many points in my faith; was asked questions by those who felt God didn't exist and were very eloquent in arguing their case. So normally chatty me, oft en became silent. There were times I knew I should say something, but I remained painfully wordless instead. My silence spoke volumes, and in a way, denied Christ.It was then that, alone in my church, crying and searching my soul, I read today's key verse. The words stung. "But Peter followed him at a distance…" That was me! I followed my sweet Jesus, but often at a distance; not wanting to get too close; to be lumped in with the Bible-thumping fanatics; to be labeled a "Jesus Freak." That night was a wake-up call. I didn't want to lurk in the shadows any longer. I wanted to be so closely associated with Jesus that I cared not what any soul on earth thought. I left with a renewed commitment to this goal.God, in His mercy, allowed me to come across many more verses about Peter in the next few weeks as I flung myself on my bed and flung open my Bible each afternoon after school. I witnessed his three-time denial. Then, I saw his sorrow; his repentance; h is eventual boldness for Christ. I garnered encouragement from knowing that his once hesitant, in-the-shadows disciple became a bold, world-changing servant of God. And, just weeks later, our youth group took a personality test that matches you with a biblical character and my result came back as—you guessed it—Peter! I knew then that if he could learn to follow boldly, then I could too.
Oh may God help us all to turn our fear of association into boldness for His kingdom! The world is waiting and watching.
Will we pursue Him closely or follow at a distance?
Dear Lord, may I not shirk from associating myself closely with You for all the world to see. I want to reflect You; not reject You. Please grant me the courage to do so. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
24 Aug 2009
Karen Ehman
"But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome." Matthew 26:58 (NIV).
I sat in the sanctuary all alone, hot tears trickling down my young face. As a high school senior, I often attended our church's open door, self-serve communion time that was held a few days each year. The church was left unlocked providing a place to be alone with God: to pray or read your Bible. Then, at the altar were the elements. When ready, believers spent time meditating before partaking of the bread and the cup. Although I had done this many times, that night would forever be seared in my mind.I'd been a follower of Christ for just over a year, having first dedicated my life to H im at a youth retreat. The next 12 months, though an exciting time of growth, were also one of sorrow. I lost friends. I no longer fit in with the "in" crowd. I had no desire to attend certain parties I knew God wouldn't approve of or engage in conversations I wouldn't want Him to hear.So I clung to my crisp, new Bible and rushed home each afternoon, eager to read more while making notations in the margins. My youth group, as well as my mentor, a stay-at-home mom of two, became my lifelines. I desperately wanted to know how to live this new Christian life and live it in a way that made Jesus proud.But as I sat there that night, I felt as if I had failed God. There was a new group of kids at school who, when the more popular kids shut me out, had taken me in. But things were beginning to get sticky. I was challenged at many points in my faith; was asked questions by those who felt God didn't exist and were very eloquent in arguing their case. So normally chatty me, oft en became silent. There were times I knew I should say something, but I remained painfully wordless instead. My silence spoke volumes, and in a way, denied Christ.It was then that, alone in my church, crying and searching my soul, I read today's key verse. The words stung. "But Peter followed him at a distance…" That was me! I followed my sweet Jesus, but often at a distance; not wanting to get too close; to be lumped in with the Bible-thumping fanatics; to be labeled a "Jesus Freak." That night was a wake-up call. I didn't want to lurk in the shadows any longer. I wanted to be so closely associated with Jesus that I cared not what any soul on earth thought. I left with a renewed commitment to this goal.God, in His mercy, allowed me to come across many more verses about Peter in the next few weeks as I flung myself on my bed and flung open my Bible each afternoon after school. I witnessed his three-time denial. Then, I saw his sorrow; his repentance; h is eventual boldness for Christ. I garnered encouragement from knowing that his once hesitant, in-the-shadows disciple became a bold, world-changing servant of God. And, just weeks later, our youth group took a personality test that matches you with a biblical character and my result came back as—you guessed it—Peter! I knew then that if he could learn to follow boldly, then I could too.
Oh may God help us all to turn our fear of association into boldness for His kingdom! The world is waiting and watching.
Will we pursue Him closely or follow at a distance?
Dear Lord, may I not shirk from associating myself closely with You for all the world to see. I want to reflect You; not reject You. Please grant me the courage to do so. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I sit, once again, in amazement of the faithfulness of our God. As my concern about getting a new job grew more, God knew exactly what I needed to be reminded of - His faithfulness. My current class is "Introduction to the Bible" and as we discussed Exodus thru Judges last night, we discussed and reflected on God's faithfulness and grace. As my mind was filled with humble adoration of our Heavenly Father, I drove home remembering the many times that God has been faithful and shown grace to me in my life. The tears flowed as my thankfulness overwhelmed me. I repented of relying on my own understanding and accepted that nothing is impossible with God.
My professor shared this story of when he was pastoring a church:
A young woman came to him after finding out that she was pregnant from a one night stand mistake. This woman was a member of the church and the church congregation had paid her way to attend a Christian college. He took her to tell her mother and they decided together that the next Sunday, she would admit her mistake to the congregation because of their financial involvement with her college. The pastor was fired up and ready with quick responses for what may be said to this young woman as she approached the front of the church. She explained the situation through tears, asked for forgiveness and offered to repay every cent that had been given to her for college. The room fell silent for just one moment until a man stood and told her that she must not worry about money, he would pay for all her medical expenses to have the child. The next man stood and told her that if she would meet him at the car dealership in the morning, he would get her reliable transportation for the doctor visits. The next stood and offered to purchase clothes for the baby and on and on it went. He stood speechless of the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit's presence shown by the grace that was given.
Grace.
What God shows to us - we must show to others.
Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
My professor shared this story of when he was pastoring a church:
A young woman came to him after finding out that she was pregnant from a one night stand mistake. This woman was a member of the church and the church congregation had paid her way to attend a Christian college. He took her to tell her mother and they decided together that the next Sunday, she would admit her mistake to the congregation because of their financial involvement with her college. The pastor was fired up and ready with quick responses for what may be said to this young woman as she approached the front of the church. She explained the situation through tears, asked for forgiveness and offered to repay every cent that had been given to her for college. The room fell silent for just one moment until a man stood and told her that she must not worry about money, he would pay for all her medical expenses to have the child. The next man stood and told her that if she would meet him at the car dealership in the morning, he would get her reliable transportation for the doctor visits. The next stood and offered to purchase clothes for the baby and on and on it went. He stood speechless of the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit's presence shown by the grace that was given.
Grace.
What God shows to us - we must show to others.
Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Monday, August 24, 2009
I'm sad today. It is the first day of school and I'm missing my kiddos already. This was the first summer in the 12 years I've done daycare that we've been able to really enjoy our summer together. In years past, I've watched so many children over the summer that there hasn't been much time for my own kids but with only 3 daycare kids this summer, we have had a blast together. Since I'm currently searching for a new job, this is more than likely my last summer with my kiddos. :( It was so good while it lasted!
Yesterday we took Nathan to the skate park in Pontiac. He had a blast! He has been practicing all summer and really has amazed us with all his new skills.
Saturday night we had some fun together in the yard - our own little olympics. Here is Liz and I having a race. I was running for all I had and Liz took a nice little jog to beat me.
Yes, I was in a crazy mood - crazy enough to let Nathan jump over me with his bicycle.
As Mike and the kids were jumping their bikes over this ramp, they made it look so easy. So, I decided to stop being a stick in the mud and do it too. Mike tried to warn me against it since they all claim I am the most uncoordinated person in the world, but I knew I could do it. I started about
a block away to make sure I had enough speed and came flying over the ramp but unfortunately as my front tire hit the ground, I went flying off the bike. When I finally came to a stop, I couldn't breathe and hurt everywhere. Believe me, I am still paying for this mistake today as my entire body hurts. I've learned my lesson and have decided that I better not try to be fun any more!
Yesterday we took Nathan to the skate park in Pontiac. He had a blast! He has been practicing all summer and really has amazed us with all his new skills.
Saturday night we had some fun together in the yard - our own little olympics. Here is Liz and I having a race. I was running for all I had and Liz took a nice little jog to beat me.
Yes, I was in a crazy mood - crazy enough to let Nathan jump over me with his bicycle.As Mike and the kids were jumping their bikes over this ramp, they made it look so easy. So, I decided to stop being a stick in the mud and do it too. Mike tried to warn me against it since they all claim I am the most uncoordinated person in the world, but I knew I could do it. I started abouta block away to make sure I had enough speed and came flying over the ramp but unfortunately as my front tire hit the ground, I went flying off the bike. When I finally came to a stop, I couldn't breathe and hurt everywhere. Believe me, I am still paying for this mistake today as my entire body hurts. I've learned my lesson and have decided that I better not try to be fun any more!
Hope you had a great weekend and enjoy your day today!
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Friday, August 21, 2009
Commentary on Matthew 21:23-25 In Jesus' world, as in ours, people looked for the outward sign of authority -- education, title, position, connections. But Jesus' authority came from who He was, not from any outward and superficial trappings. As followers of Christ, God has given us authority -- we can confidently speak and act on His behalf because He has authorized us. Are you exercising your authority?
I often find myself looking at myself - seeing who I am and what I'm capable of. When I do this, I end up disappointed and depressed. It isn't until I see myself through the eyes of God that I can truly see who I am. As I look back over my life, I am amazed at the things God has accomplished - things that I could have never done on my own. My heart aches as I think of the situations that I tried to fix/accomplish on my own and the mess I made of it all. But it is the times that I surrendered myself and truly rested in God's power and authority that I was blessed by and strengthened my faith.
Our authority doesn't come from ourselves/our pride, but from Whose we are. As Christians, we are children of God. The next time you are looking at yourself and feel discouraged and depressed, remember the authority and power you have received from God and rely on Him to speak the words and make the decisions that you seek.
Have a great day and a great weekend
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
I often find myself looking at myself - seeing who I am and what I'm capable of. When I do this, I end up disappointed and depressed. It isn't until I see myself through the eyes of God that I can truly see who I am. As I look back over my life, I am amazed at the things God has accomplished - things that I could have never done on my own. My heart aches as I think of the situations that I tried to fix/accomplish on my own and the mess I made of it all. But it is the times that I surrendered myself and truly rested in God's power and authority that I was blessed by and strengthened my faith.
Our authority doesn't come from ourselves/our pride, but from Whose we are. As Christians, we are children of God. The next time you are looking at yourself and feel discouraged and depressed, remember the authority and power you have received from God and rely on Him to speak the words and make the decisions that you seek.
Have a great day and a great weekend
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
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