Milestones and challenges

Several weeks ago, I was informed that my writing is neither engaging nor interesting. In fairness to the person who shared this, I did ask their opinion as they are what I hope to be, a professional writer. Over the weeks since, I have gone through moments of "giving up" and moments of "thank you for being honest so I can make efforts to improve."

It is my sincere goal to make what you are reading here interesting. I try to write about wat interests me most, which is Jesus Christ and things I learn from studying God's Word. My aim was not just another "surfacy" devotional, but real "meat." I love to learn new and deep things about our Lord and when I do, I can't wait to share it. Perhaps I am just a boring person, because what I write about is what I find interesting, and I am not sure how to make it more interesting, but I do promise to try.

Anyway, after much internal debate, I checked my stats (they tracks views to my blog) this morning and was humbled to see that my blog has hit a new milestone. It has been visited more than 1000 times (not including the people who read it by email)! This week alone it has been visited by people from The US, Australia, the UK, South Korea, Nigeria, Russia, and the Ukraine!

How very exciting! That means over 1,000 times people from all over the world have come to read what I have to share! That means that I have an opportunity to share with the world the things that excite me about God's Word!

Praise You Father for this AWEsome priviledge! Thank You for allowing me to share You with others! Lord I pray that as I move forward You will show me what YOU would have me share. May I speak (write) words that bring You praise and honor and glory.

Father, please bless each and every person who has visited this site, as well as each and every person who will visit. May each one find peace and comfort here and increasing knowledge of You, the One and Only Way to eternal Life! AMEN

A Hearing Heart

“Give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart…” (1 Kings 3:9)

Each time we are called by the Lord for a duty, it is wise to consider these words of Solomon.

When Solomon became king of Israel after the death of his father, David, the Lord asked how He might bless him. Rather than request great wealth or any other self-indulgence, Solomon remained keenly aware of the weight of the responsibility at hand. He was cognizant of and concerned about his lack of required experience. He acknowledged God’s hand in his position and humbly gave a fitting estimation of his ability. He willingly acknowledged his deficiency and correctly judged his need.

Often we read commentary stating the Lord was pleased with Solomon’s choice because it was selfless, which indeed it was. However, consider also the humility of Solomon’s request. He resisted the prideful temptation to suppose that he had received his position and associated duty based upon some intrinsic personal ability. Instead, his request was born of candid self-assessment.

And so Solomon requested what he needed most in order to fulfill his mission, an understanding heart. The Hebrew word rendered “understanding” in the King James Version, may also be translated “hearing.” In order to carry out his God ordained responsibility, Solomon needed his heart to be equipped to hear God. Accordingly, the Lord granted him wisdom.

From this passage we learn that wisdom comes from a “hearing” heart intent upon listening to the counsel of God when we are called to His service. In modern vernacular we acknowledge, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

When Solomon lost sight of this important lesson, he made decisions from his own imprudence. As long as he remained humble and listened for the Lord’s leading, he was blessed with wisdom beyond that of any other man ever. Upon considering the wisdom to be his own, rather than being a gift of the Lord, he began to make decisions which led to the downfall of the unified kingdom of Israel. He chose wives who enticed him to worship false gods and he oppressed the people.

After his death, Rehoboam rejected Godly counsel and vowed to oppress the people even more harshly than Solomon had.  The people revolted and the nation was split into the Northern and Southern kingdoms. Clearly he had not been raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and sought neither Him nor His wisdom.

Perhaps, Solomon realized his need for the Lord in leading the nation, yet assumed himself adequately equipped to parent. Perhaps he felt, as do many today, parenting is not nearly as important as our “God-given” missions. Perhaps, like Solomon, we should be mindful that the children we are called to raise today are the leaders of tomorrow. And, like Solomon, we must first acknowledge our great need for wisdom and ask from the Lord, “who gives liberally and upbraideth not.” Like Solomon, we must continue in humble service to the Lord, relying fully on the wisdom that comes from above, and “lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Lord, guide me today as I endeavor to serve You. Fill me with Your light and cause my heart to hear You. May I raise Your children to search for and hear You. Lord, I cry out to You like Solomon acknowledging “I am but a lad [in wisdom and experience]; I know not how to go out (begin) or come in (finish)…Give your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart…” so I may do Your work in my home. Amen.

Martha or Mary?

In the New Testament, we are told the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha.  As recorded, the Lord came to visit and, while Martha hustled and bustled and rushed and fretted to provide her very important guest and His entourage a meal fit for The King, Mary sat at His feet and listened.

Scripture likely understates Martha’s response in asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her. I must confess that, if I were Martha, I would have first grumbled around, perhaps even pouted. I would have certainly shot a few grumpy glances her way.

But Jesus responded in love, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Luke 10:41-42)

A great many commentaries and even a women’s bible study or two have been written about being a Martha. In them we are told to take a break from the worries of this life, the busy-ness that holds us hostage, to remember the important thing is JESUS. We need to sit at His feet. We need to hear His voice above the din which threatens to overtake us. We need to focus our attention entirely on learning His commands. And, we NEED to take the time to abide in His sweet fellowship.

I get all that. Believe me. I get that.  Therein doth my heart beat.

But what if my problem isn’t being Martha, it is being Mary? I sit with dishes stacked, laundry piled, and children seeking my attention. Carpets need vacuumed. Floors need washed. Sheets need changed.  The list goes on. But, my heart is at His feet. It seems a constant struggle for me to get up from the floor at His feet to go and do the stuff of life. Man (and woman) was created and placed in the garden to tend it; we were created for work. (See Genesis 2:15)

Last night, I finished a bible study with a wonderful group of women. We met for 6 weeks and dug into His Word, studying the Psalms of Ascent. Ah, it was marvelous! He is SO good and His Word so rich! Yet, scarcely 12 hours later I am champing at the bit to begin another. The only question is which one? There are so many great ones! I am profoundly excited to begin our next quest. I cannot wait to begin anew, to dig my fingers into the deep rich soil and draw out the magnificent gems of insight which undoubtedly wait to be discovered, to draw close to Him and listen intently as He whispers His Truth, to dwell in splendid fellowship with my King, my Savior, my Lord, and my Friend. Ahhh, selah.

But alas, duty calls…

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

With the passing of the month of October (It's FINALLY over!), it is time now to look ahead to the blessed month of November and the priceless possession it holds. THANKSGIVING!

Often when I am feeling a bit down, I will ask the Lord to speak to me in ways I can hear Him clearly. Occasionally, I will ask Him to bless me through my mailbox. Inevitably, I will receive a note from someone or some other such reminder that I have worth and value to someone. Truly a blessing.

I have been eagerly awaiting my mailbox blessing, but I didn't recognize it immediately this time. I found in the box a package sent to (of all people) my mother who has been deceased for more than 6 years.  Aggravated that this company did not have the good sense to purchase updated mailing lists, I opened it to get the information to call and politely inform them of their error and "please take her off your list." 

Upon opening said package, I realized it was a spiritual magazine, and knowing my mother had some rather eclectic spiritual experiences during her walk on earth, I was expecting something "New Agey" and considered simply tossing it. Prompted by the Spirit, I opened it nonetheless. 

The subject of each article was being thankful for blessings. Once again, my mind asked the question, "Why do so many non-believers celebrate Thanks-Giving?" Acknowledging that our blessings come from outside of ourselves to the degree we feel we must GIVE THANKS to someone else should provoke one to question, "To WHOM am I giving thanks?" Should it not?

"Praise GOD from Whom all blessings flow..." 

I did read the entire magazine, and it was delightful.

So often we are caught up in daily pursuits; rushing to get this or that thing done. Then, at least for wives and mothers, doing the same thing all over again. Laundry by the mounds, dishes by the sinkful. It is so easy to get lost in the tedium. How refreshing to remember to step back and be thankful...

• The dirty dishes mean we at today (many times). Thank You Lord for our daily bread.
• The laundry means we all had clothes to wear. Thank You Lord for providing raiment.
• That it is bountiful means we have a wonderful little family (or is 4 babies and 2 adults "little"). Thank You Lord for each life you have breathed into our family.
• The clothes for two adults means that our marriage is still holding on. Thank You Lord for my husband who loves his family so.
• The work clothes in the laundry means my husband still has a job. Thank You Lord for employment in this harsh economy.
• The dirt on the kids clothes means they have been outside playing hard. Thank You Lord for our beautiful property and gorgeous weather. Thank You that our children are healthy and happy and love to play together.
• The piles of election propaganda ready for the burn pile tells me I need to vote. Thank You Lord that I live in country where I am free to vote. Thank You Lord that You alone are sovereign and in control of the outcome. Thank You that I can rest in the knowledge that, anxious as I may feel, I need not worry, because Your Word assures me of the final outcome.
• Thank You Lord for Your Word. Thank You I live in a country where I am free to have and to read Your Word.
• Thank You Lord for great Bible Studies.
• Thank You Lord for wonderful women of God with whom to do Bible Studies.
• And... (the list goes on)
• Thank You Lord for blessing my mailbox (again).
• Thank You Lord for magazines sent to recipients long since deceased.

Halloween Update

I would just like to take a moment to let you know how the Lord has been answering prayer.  As you recall, if you read my previous posts regarding Christians celebrating Halloween, I have been praying for several years for the Lord to give me peace regarding this practice.  I also requested your prayers as I grumble through yet another October.

Well, the Lord has done great things - again.

While, I still do not believe it is right for Christians to celebrate satan's holiday, and will never personally participate, I have been convicted by scriptures such as it is not right to judge another man's servant, and if it is not sin to them then it is not sin in God's eyes, and so forth.

The bottom line is this: though it grieves me to my soul knowing what that day is really all about and that generally speaking it appears most Christians don't care that their behavior is causing our God to be mocked, it is between them and God. They will stand accountable before Him and Him alone. Not them and Him and me. How dare I?

If God has a problem with Christians celebrating in this way, He is big enough to let them know. The Holy Spirit is certainly capable of convicting of sin, He does not need my help.

If asked, I will continue to share my feelings on the matter. However, I am more aware now that when speaking with others about it, I get more and more passionate and vehement about my position. Therefore, as Emily Post suggests, it is more polite to decline to speak of things about which we are passionate. We tend to get carried away and inadvertantly hurt others in the process.

So, unless asked, I will refrain from speaking and thereby keep this peace the Lord has granted. I know this will only be possible with His help. Therefore, my new prayer will be that no one will ask. ;)

"It's Not Really Halloween" (Part 3)

There are many such comments that fall within the scope of this excuse.

It's not really Halloween....

• it's a Halloween "Alternative"
• because we don't allow scary costumes
• and we don't call it Halloween

 Many years ago, I was boarding at the house of a friend who had 3 children under 8. We were discussing whether or not her children were celebrating Halloween by going to what their church had titled a "Halloween Alternative." They were not to wear scary costumes and they had renamed it, therefore in their thinking, it wasn't really Halloween.

I ecouraged her to test that theory. One by one she called the children into the room and away from preparing their costumes. From the oldest to the youngest, when she asked, "What are you getting ready for, where are you going?" They responded, "Halloween!" There was no hesitation, and no, they did not think they were going to an "Alternative."

Make no mistake, the customs of the ancient pagans are still alive and hiding in the "alternative" celebrations.

In the ancient practice, witches would attend huge bonfires in celebration of Samhain (Halloween). On the way to the bonfires, they would stop at houses along the way to demand foods and treats to offer their god. They would knock on the door and demand a treat or threaten a "trick." They would do some damage to the property of the person refusing to offer food. Hence, "Trick or treat." In order to not get in trouble for the trick, they wore disguises, hence costumes.

By offering candy on Halloween, we are mimicking the practice of offering food to be sacrificed to pagan gods.

When there was an argument among the early church leaders regarding whether or not Christians should be required to be circumcised, the response was sent to the churches that circumcision would not be required, but that they should "abstain from anything that has been polluted by being offered to idols..."

The word sanctified means set apart. I challenge you to find any bag of candy during the month of October that does not bear markings of being set apart for Halloween. We have made an idol of Halloween, the only holiday of the year dedicated (set apart) for satan.

If we are unable to tell children they cannot celebrate Halloween because we don't want to ruin their fun, then their enjoyment has become more important to us than remaining a people sanctified and set apart for God Almighty.

The costumes, the candy, and yes, even the pumpkin carving and bobbing for apples all have pagan roots. The Israelites were instructed to not adopt the pagan practices of the people in the lands in which the Lord sent them. And yet they did. And when they did, there were always consequences. They compromised. So have we.

Calling these practices by some other name and thinking that we are fooling anyone, makes us look like fools.  And make no mistake, the pagans are watching and laughing. We are causing the Lord God to be mocked. That grieves me to my soul!

Father forgve them for thy know not what they do. Unfortunately, in the 12 year since I have been saved, I have been sharing this information. Consequently, I cannot say, Father forgive them for they know NOT what they do, for now they know exactly what they do and they DON'T CARE! Satan's holiday is more important to them than the fact that GOD IS BEING MOCKED BECAUSE OF THEIR ACTIONS!

Lord, HELP ME! I pray again and again and again for another year PLEASE Lord, if YOU are OK with Christians celebrating Halloween PLEASE change my heart! If YOU are OK with this Lord, PLEASE make it wildly successful so that I can see that YOU are blessing it. If Lord, YOU are NOT OK with this, please break it apart, make it a collossal failure so that ALL may see that You are displeased. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours! Father, Jesus Himself was jealous for the sanctity of Your house! How DARE we allow the hallowed grounds of Your Dwelling place to become polluted by celebration to satan! Forgive us Father, forgive us!

If you are reading this, I ask you to please pray for me. As you can see, I am grieved, as I am EVERY SINGLE year. It does not get better. For the next month or more it will get worse and worse.  I will be spending the night of Halloween on my face before the Lord at my church. Please feel free to join me.

Let's Just Give Them a Safe Place (Part 2)

When I became a Christian and began this ongoing debate regarding Christians celebrating Halloween, I asked why Christians think it is acceptable. The excuse I heard most often and continue to hear 12 years later goes something like this… “Kids are going to do it anyway, so we just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

I find this line of reasoning nothing short of remarkable.

This post will be brief, because I have only one response. Let’s replace the “it” of Halloween with any other behavior in which young people would like to engage if left to their own devices.

“Kids are going to do drugs anyway, so let’s just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

“Kids are going to drink alcohol anyway, so let’s just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

“Kids are going to engage in sexual activity, so let’s just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

Ludicrous! Wouldn’t you agree?

“Kids are going to celebrate satan’s highest holiday anyway, so let’s just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

“Kids are going to adopt pagan practices and cause God and His Bride to be mocked, so let’s just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

“Kids are going to celebrate the day of the year on which spells are cast and demons called upon, so let’s just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word.”

"Kids are going to celebrate the day on which the spirits of the dead are being contacted, so let's just give them a safe place to do it and use it as an opportunity to preach the Word."

This makes no more sense to me than the previous statements. If it is WRONG, don’t do it. If it is wrong tell kids not to do it! Don’t just give them a “safe” place to do it!

If you want to preach the Word on that day, go to the people who are trapped in Wicca. Pray for the people who are Pagans on that night. Use that night to pray against what they are doing. Use it to pray against their practices and bind the demons they are releasing.

Next…. “It’s not really Halloween, because we don’t allow scary costumes.” (Seriously?)