"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good..." Genesis 50:20a
Last night I had a dream. Now, let me start by saying most of my dreams make no sense at all. This one however did, well sort of.
I was at a house that apparently was mine. This man came along and said he owned the land and he was going to put in an underground garage. Yeah, that doesn't make much sense, but bare with me. In order to do this he needed to move my house. I protested, but he moved it. I was very upset that my house was moved. The workers came and started to tear apart a shed. They used some sort of machine to clear out the inside. When I realized what they were doing I became extremely upset.
It turns out that there were three small kittens in the shed and I was afraid that they were killed. I went into the shed and found one kitten, alive but injured. I gave the kitten to someone to take inside.I stayed in the shed for awhile, distraught that the other two kittens couldn't be found. Then a bag started to move. In the bag were the other two kittens and they were fine. I scooped them up and took them inside, rejoicing all the way.
Now, it still was a strange dream, but as soon as I woke up I heard God speak to me. He spoke the words of Genesis 50:20 to me. Over and over again I heard Him say that He meant it for good. Such a peaceful reminder that He is in control. No matter what plans satan has for me, no matter what havoc he tries to reek in my life, God will use it for good.
I believe the parts of this dream having meaning for me too, but the most important part is remembering that God is in control. I belong to Him and He has a perfect plan. Remember that as you go through confusing, even destrucive times in your life. He takes everything that satan means for evil and He works it for good.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Reproof Can Make Me Smart
"The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence." Proverbs 15:31-32
Who likes having faults or shortcomings pointed out? Um, nobody. The verses do not say we have to like it, which is good because that would be nearly impossible. The verses say that we need to listen. That's it, listen.
Does this mean that we have to listen to people say bad things about us? Put us down? Nag us? No. It says we need to listen to life-giving reproof. If the reproof we are getting will help us live, spiritually, emotionally, and practically, then we need to listen. If we listen we will get to hang out with the wise. I would much rather hang with the wise then with those who are self-absorbed, foolish, arrogant, etc. Not only do we get to spend time with the wise we will also gain intelligence. Which is good because it is hard to hang out with the wise and not have intelligence.
The second verse also mentions instruction. I think the statement "whoever ignores instruction despises himself" (or herself) is pretty powerful. Despises! I sometimes don't like the stuff I do, my hang-ups can frustrate me at times, but despise myself! I certainly don't despise myself, but if I don't listen to instruction, life-giving instruction, then I do.
Of course, this verse also makes me think of my responsibility for what I say. In our lives we sometimes have to give reproof and instruction. It isn't always easy to do that, and it is extremely important that when we do it is life-giving. If it isn't then we need to either just keep quiet, or we need to ask God to give us the words to make it life-giving. I am sure that the wise give life-giving reproof and life-giving instruction, and the fool just talks.
We need to listen to when we are getting life-giving reproof and instruction. It will make us wise friends and gain intelligence. It's hard to do, but I think wisdom and intelligence are worth it.
Who likes having faults or shortcomings pointed out? Um, nobody. The verses do not say we have to like it, which is good because that would be nearly impossible. The verses say that we need to listen. That's it, listen.
Does this mean that we have to listen to people say bad things about us? Put us down? Nag us? No. It says we need to listen to life-giving reproof. If the reproof we are getting will help us live, spiritually, emotionally, and practically, then we need to listen. If we listen we will get to hang out with the wise. I would much rather hang with the wise then with those who are self-absorbed, foolish, arrogant, etc. Not only do we get to spend time with the wise we will also gain intelligence. Which is good because it is hard to hang out with the wise and not have intelligence.
The second verse also mentions instruction. I think the statement "whoever ignores instruction despises himself" (or herself) is pretty powerful. Despises! I sometimes don't like the stuff I do, my hang-ups can frustrate me at times, but despise myself! I certainly don't despise myself, but if I don't listen to instruction, life-giving instruction, then I do.
Of course, this verse also makes me think of my responsibility for what I say. In our lives we sometimes have to give reproof and instruction. It isn't always easy to do that, and it is extremely important that when we do it is life-giving. If it isn't then we need to either just keep quiet, or we need to ask God to give us the words to make it life-giving. I am sure that the wise give life-giving reproof and life-giving instruction, and the fool just talks.
We need to listen to when we are getting life-giving reproof and instruction. It will make us wise friends and gain intelligence. It's hard to do, but I think wisdom and intelligence are worth it.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Problem-Talking Addiction
"Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life." Psalm 54:4.
"What if breaking the addiction of talking about problems - breaks new ground to talk about our provider?" Ann Voskamp
First off I have this thing about quoting people. Not that people can't say things that are right or line up with the Word of God. They can, but they also can say things that just make us feel good or sound so "biblical" yet isn't even close. Anyway, I don't usually like to focus on quotes, but this one got me thinking.
I realized that this is so true for me. We are told that if we can just talk about it healing comes. Well, I know that in my experience that isn't always, okay rarely true. Yes, I am a "bottler" so I don't tend to talk about things that need to be talked about. There are things that I need to talk about. There are things that we all need to talk about. Talking about things isn't bad. It isn't the talking about things that is the problem.
The problem is I turn something good, like talking about problems, hurts, needs, into an addiction. I become addicted to talking about them. They become my idol, my sense of identity. I never reach the healing because I can't let go of what I talk about. I get stuck there. I get addicted.
I was thinking about an example. I have a weight problem. I can talk about my weight problem until the cows come home but my weight will not go down,actually it'll probably go up. The only way the weight is going to come off is to work out and eat right. My acknowledging my weight issue is good. Even talking about it is good, but if I get stuck talking about it then it won't change.
But I don't have to stay there. I can stop letting the addiction of talking about my problems keep me from healing. I can instead focus on talking about the One who does bring the healing. He brings all the provision I could possibly need. So, just like the Psalmist, I need to focus my talking on Him and all that He does to provide for me.
Next time I find myself talking about my problems I need to stop and decide "I'm I addicted to talking about this?" If the answer is "yes" then I need to stop and start talking about the One who provides all I need.
"What if breaking the addiction of talking about problems - breaks new ground to talk about our provider?" Ann Voskamp
First off I have this thing about quoting people. Not that people can't say things that are right or line up with the Word of God. They can, but they also can say things that just make us feel good or sound so "biblical" yet isn't even close. Anyway, I don't usually like to focus on quotes, but this one got me thinking.
I realized that this is so true for me. We are told that if we can just talk about it healing comes. Well, I know that in my experience that isn't always, okay rarely true. Yes, I am a "bottler" so I don't tend to talk about things that need to be talked about. There are things that I need to talk about. There are things that we all need to talk about. Talking about things isn't bad. It isn't the talking about things that is the problem.
The problem is I turn something good, like talking about problems, hurts, needs, into an addiction. I become addicted to talking about them. They become my idol, my sense of identity. I never reach the healing because I can't let go of what I talk about. I get stuck there. I get addicted.
I was thinking about an example. I have a weight problem. I can talk about my weight problem until the cows come home but my weight will not go down,actually it'll probably go up. The only way the weight is going to come off is to work out and eat right. My acknowledging my weight issue is good. Even talking about it is good, but if I get stuck talking about it then it won't change.
But I don't have to stay there. I can stop letting the addiction of talking about my problems keep me from healing. I can instead focus on talking about the One who does bring the healing. He brings all the provision I could possibly need. So, just like the Psalmist, I need to focus my talking on Him and all that He does to provide for me.
Next time I find myself talking about my problems I need to stop and decide "I'm I addicted to talking about this?" If the answer is "yes" then I need to stop and start talking about the One who provides all I need.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
I Never Knew You
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And the will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" Matthew 7:21-23
This verse, well actually "I never knew you" keeps going through my mind. It has been something that I have been dwelling on for a few days, maybe a week, now. I know God has been speaking this to me because He wanted me to dig deeper. He didn't just want me to dig deeper, He wanted me to write about it too.
The thought that I couldn't shake was that of course He knows. He knows everyone that has lived, is living, and will live. He is omniscient so He knows. I had to figure out what "knew" really meant. I felt like I needed to know what "knew" meant in the original Greek, and I was excited when I realized that what I thought it meant was right on. The word in Greek is "ginosko" and it means to have a knowledge of someone through direct personal involvement or experience. It is used to describe an intimate relationship, even a martial intimate relationship between a husband and wife.
Jesus is saying that He has never had an intimate relationship with people who claim to do all these in His name. They were after His name, the glory they could claim from doing things in His name. They didn't want Him. They just used Him.
They used His name to lead people astray. They wanted followers and who better to steal followers from but God. All they have to do is be a little like Him. They speak in His name. They focus their message on love and claim it is His. They preach worship, which is what they seek. They make sure they are in the spotlight, working the crowds, gathering followers, and never even wanting a relationship with the One they claim to be doing it all through.
The Bible is full of warning of false prophets, of people who make it sound good, look good, and lead people to their spiritual death. We can continue to put our heads in the sand and pretend we don't know that these men and women are part of today's church and culture. But they are there. They have books. They have TV programs. They have blogs. They have devoted followers. They have people wrapped around their fingers. And if anyone dares to speak against what they preach, they claim intolerance. If anyone dares to question the beliefs that they are professing, they claim that jealousy is the motive. If anyone dares to show them the Word, they twist it. They smile and say things that make the masses fall at their feet and follow them. We can be blind or we can pray that God reveals the Truth through the Light of His Word to us.
Maybe this feels too heavy for a devotional, but it is our eternal lives that are at stake. I can't be silent on what I know God has placed on heart to share. I can't be silent on the Truth of the Word. I can't be silent when God says there will be people, many people, that He tells, "I never knew you; depart from me."
This verse, well actually "I never knew you" keeps going through my mind. It has been something that I have been dwelling on for a few days, maybe a week, now. I know God has been speaking this to me because He wanted me to dig deeper. He didn't just want me to dig deeper, He wanted me to write about it too.
The thought that I couldn't shake was that of course He knows. He knows everyone that has lived, is living, and will live. He is omniscient so He knows. I had to figure out what "knew" really meant. I felt like I needed to know what "knew" meant in the original Greek, and I was excited when I realized that what I thought it meant was right on. The word in Greek is "ginosko" and it means to have a knowledge of someone through direct personal involvement or experience. It is used to describe an intimate relationship, even a martial intimate relationship between a husband and wife.
Jesus is saying that He has never had an intimate relationship with people who claim to do all these in His name. They were after His name, the glory they could claim from doing things in His name. They didn't want Him. They just used Him.
They used His name to lead people astray. They wanted followers and who better to steal followers from but God. All they have to do is be a little like Him. They speak in His name. They focus their message on love and claim it is His. They preach worship, which is what they seek. They make sure they are in the spotlight, working the crowds, gathering followers, and never even wanting a relationship with the One they claim to be doing it all through.
The Bible is full of warning of false prophets, of people who make it sound good, look good, and lead people to their spiritual death. We can continue to put our heads in the sand and pretend we don't know that these men and women are part of today's church and culture. But they are there. They have books. They have TV programs. They have blogs. They have devoted followers. They have people wrapped around their fingers. And if anyone dares to speak against what they preach, they claim intolerance. If anyone dares to question the beliefs that they are professing, they claim that jealousy is the motive. If anyone dares to show them the Word, they twist it. They smile and say things that make the masses fall at their feet and follow them. We can be blind or we can pray that God reveals the Truth through the Light of His Word to us.
Maybe this feels too heavy for a devotional, but it is our eternal lives that are at stake. I can't be silent on what I know God has placed on heart to share. I can't be silent on the Truth of the Word. I can't be silent when God says there will be people, many people, that He tells, "I never knew you; depart from me."
Monday, March 4, 2013
Burden Sharing
"Bear one another's burdens,and so fulfill the law of Christ" Galatians 6:2
I know what you are thinking. You're thinking this is going to be about how we need to be there for others and share their burdens. Well, it's not.
Instead, when I read this verse today, I felt God speaking to me that I need to share my burdens with others. I tend to bottle things up and keep things to myself. I believe the lies that others don't want to know my issues and even if they did they have their own issues and don't want to bear mine. I think my problems aren't "important" enough. They aren't big enough to even bother other people with. Of course, there are also those issues that I don't want anyone to even know about. And there are the ones that I think no one can possibly understand what I feel, what I'm going through.
The truth is these are lies. Satan doesn't want us to share our needs, vulnerabilities with others. He wants us to live alone, in fear, shut off from others. He wants us alone, broken. He certainly doesn't want us to share our burdens because then we give someone else the opportunity to fulfill the law of Christ.
So we have to make a choice, I have to make a choice. Do I share my burdens with others or do I keep them to myself?
I know what you are thinking. You're thinking this is going to be about how we need to be there for others and share their burdens. Well, it's not.
Instead, when I read this verse today, I felt God speaking to me that I need to share my burdens with others. I tend to bottle things up and keep things to myself. I believe the lies that others don't want to know my issues and even if they did they have their own issues and don't want to bear mine. I think my problems aren't "important" enough. They aren't big enough to even bother other people with. Of course, there are also those issues that I don't want anyone to even know about. And there are the ones that I think no one can possibly understand what I feel, what I'm going through.
The truth is these are lies. Satan doesn't want us to share our needs, vulnerabilities with others. He wants us to live alone, in fear, shut off from others. He wants us alone, broken. He certainly doesn't want us to share our burdens because then we give someone else the opportunity to fulfill the law of Christ.
So we have to make a choice, I have to make a choice. Do I share my burdens with others or do I keep them to myself?
Sunday, March 3, 2013
He Works It!
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
There's this song that plays on the radio that has been going through my mind a lot. (I am so bad with names of groups and songs.) The part that keeps repeating itself is, "You make all things work together for my good" which goes right along with this verse. I am not a musical person so when song lyrics keep going through my mind I know God is speaking to me.
The part of that line that really sticks out is the "You". Of course, the "you" is God. I think, for me at least, that is so important. When I hear people quote this verse they tend to focus on the "those who" and the "work together for good" parts. Not that's bad or anything, but for me I find I focus more on the "God" part.
I know me, I know that I tend to think more about me than I should. I could look at this verse and focus on the fact that almost all of it is about me. Yet, for me the key is God. He makes all things work together for good. It just doesn't happen. It certainly doesn't happen because I love God. The working together for good comes from Him. He does it.
He is the only one who can see how it all works together. He is the only one who sees the good in the hurtful, hard, and scary things. Not that they are good, but He sees how they will work good into me. He sees how they will work together for good in my future. He sees it because He is the One who makes it intertwine into good.
It makes me think about "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 I just see and know things in part. Even when I look back and see how things come together I still won't see all that God sees. I might see the good and experience the good, but not all of it.
So for me, it is really important to know He works things for good, all things. Once again, He does it.
There's this song that plays on the radio that has been going through my mind a lot. (I am so bad with names of groups and songs.) The part that keeps repeating itself is, "You make all things work together for my good" which goes right along with this verse. I am not a musical person so when song lyrics keep going through my mind I know God is speaking to me.
The part of that line that really sticks out is the "You". Of course, the "you" is God. I think, for me at least, that is so important. When I hear people quote this verse they tend to focus on the "those who" and the "work together for good" parts. Not that's bad or anything, but for me I find I focus more on the "God" part.
I know me, I know that I tend to think more about me than I should. I could look at this verse and focus on the fact that almost all of it is about me. Yet, for me the key is God. He makes all things work together for good. It just doesn't happen. It certainly doesn't happen because I love God. The working together for good comes from Him. He does it.
He is the only one who can see how it all works together. He is the only one who sees the good in the hurtful, hard, and scary things. Not that they are good, but He sees how they will work good into me. He sees how they will work together for good in my future. He sees it because He is the One who makes it intertwine into good.
It makes me think about "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 I just see and know things in part. Even when I look back and see how things come together I still won't see all that God sees. I might see the good and experience the good, but not all of it.
So for me, it is really important to know He works things for good, all things. Once again, He does it.
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