We are all familiar with if-then statements. We say them all the time. Some of those statements are very useful, others are superstitious and others are truth.
If-then statements can really be useful in parenting. These can make it clear to a child what is expected and what the outcome will be if they are not obedient. All questions are answered if things are made clear to children. For instance, "If you do not clean your room, then you cannot go to your friend's house." or "If you choose to be disrespectful in your tone, then you will be cleaning the bathroom tile with a toothbrush.". This makes it clear the choice is the child's to be obedient. Of course, these statements can be used to give rewards as well. These types of if-then statements are useful.
If-then statements can be superstitious. There are many that you have heard. The one that seems to actually come true so often is, "If I wash my car, then it will rain.". Two weeks ago Ronn and I washed the car and it was raining before nightfall. I remember last summer my neighbor came out of his house and yelled at me because I was washing the car. He yelled, "Hey, I don't want it to rain! Stop washing your car!". It rained the next day. :) Of course, this doesn't always happen. It is a fun if-then statement. We certainly don't want to embrace this statement and never wash our car!
The truth is this that our God is not an if-then God. We cannot manipulate Him into doing what we want by saying, "If I promise to do this for you God, then will you get me out of this situation?". That is not the way God operates. He works in His way and in His time. He does not work for us, we work for Him. Our desires will not be fulfilled by God because we bargain with Him. Who are we to bargain with God? We need to take time and remember who God is.
"For I the LORD do not change;..." Malachi 3:6a
"...I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please." Isaiah 46:10b
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9
The if-then statements we need to live by are: "If I yield my will to God's then He will bring about spiritual maturity in me." "If I face trials then God will give me the grace to handle them." "If I face trouble then I will be comforted in Christ." There are many, many more which reveal to us the promises of God.
So wash your car and live your life for the glory of God even though you may get wet.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Badminton, Guitar and God-songs
Sunday afternoon three of my grandkids came home with me after church. I spent some time talking with my granddaughter, Addy, about what she did in her Sunday School class. Our Worship Pastor came to her class and gave a short introduction of himself which led into a discussion of gifts from God. He asked a question about instruments. Addy raised her hand and said, "I go to my room and play guitar on the badminton racket while I sing God-songs." I laughed but she was very serious about it and to our Worship Pastor's credit he mentioned it at the end when he was mentioning the gifts that had been shared. To play the badminton guitar and sing God-songs is what she considers her gift right now.
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:1-2
My dear sweet Addy is doing just that every time she picks up the racket and sings. When was the last time you just belted it out before the Lord? When was the last time you lifted your voice in praise to Him? You see, God has given us a gift, the gift of worship. It is God we are to worship at all times and in every way. I don't know about you but I need to remember this and worship Him more.
So the next time I pick up a badminton racket and swing it at the birdie, I am going to think of praising God. Thank you Addy for giving me another reminder to worship.
"Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:3-5
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" Psalm 100:1-2
My dear sweet Addy is doing just that every time she picks up the racket and sings. When was the last time you just belted it out before the Lord? When was the last time you lifted your voice in praise to Him? You see, God has given us a gift, the gift of worship. It is God we are to worship at all times and in every way. I don't know about you but I need to remember this and worship Him more.
So the next time I pick up a badminton racket and swing it at the birdie, I am going to think of praising God. Thank you Addy for giving me another reminder to worship.
"Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:3-5
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
"Can we face time, Grandma?"
It was lunchtime when I received a text from Tristan, my 9 year old grandson. He asked, "Can we face time I need to ask u something?" I answered that it was a good time so my phone began to ring and there he was looking at me on the screen.
(This so much makes me think of Star Trek when I was younger when Captain Kirk would buzz Mr. Spock. They were on the screen like T.V. I never thought it would really happen but I digress)
"Hi Tristan, what's up?" I asked as I ate my banana which was probably rude since he could see me. :)
"I have a baseball game today, can you come?" he asked.
"Of course, I would love to come," I answered. Then we said our goodbyes. That was all he wanted. He wanted to give me a personal invite to his game. How sweet of him.
Later at about 4:00 pm, I received another text from him. This time it was a picture of him in his uniform with the words, "like it?" underneath it. "Yes sir, Nice," I answered. He thanked me and then said goodbye.
This boy was excited about his game, very excited. He wanted my support. He wanted me to be there. I stood in the rain and watched him play. What a joy to be able to do that! I know that this time is going to pass quickly when he won't really be interested in Grandma coming to the game. I will be replaced by a girlfriend or other guy friends. So I will enjoy this now while it lasts.
This whole face time thing is a marvel to me but really face time has been around a long time. When God breathed His Word out for men to write for Him, He was face timing with anyone who reads it. It is His Story. It is His breath on our faces as we read. Our Father wants His children to face time with Him on a regular basis. We need to face time with Him in order to know Him and His ways. We will never grow too old or too smart or too "anything". This side of the Kingdom, we will always need to face time with Him.
When was the last time you opened the Book? When was the last time you sought His face? When was the last time your excitement couldn't be contained and you had to face time?
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
(This so much makes me think of Star Trek when I was younger when Captain Kirk would buzz Mr. Spock. They were on the screen like T.V. I never thought it would really happen but I digress)
"Hi Tristan, what's up?" I asked as I ate my banana which was probably rude since he could see me. :)
"I have a baseball game today, can you come?" he asked.
"Of course, I would love to come," I answered. Then we said our goodbyes. That was all he wanted. He wanted to give me a personal invite to his game. How sweet of him.
Later at about 4:00 pm, I received another text from him. This time it was a picture of him in his uniform with the words, "like it?" underneath it. "Yes sir, Nice," I answered. He thanked me and then said goodbye.
This boy was excited about his game, very excited. He wanted my support. He wanted me to be there. I stood in the rain and watched him play. What a joy to be able to do that! I know that this time is going to pass quickly when he won't really be interested in Grandma coming to the game. I will be replaced by a girlfriend or other guy friends. So I will enjoy this now while it lasts.
This whole face time thing is a marvel to me but really face time has been around a long time. When God breathed His Word out for men to write for Him, He was face timing with anyone who reads it. It is His Story. It is His breath on our faces as we read. Our Father wants His children to face time with Him on a regular basis. We need to face time with Him in order to know Him and His ways. We will never grow too old or too smart or too "anything". This side of the Kingdom, we will always need to face time with Him.
When was the last time you opened the Book? When was the last time you sought His face? When was the last time your excitement couldn't be contained and you had to face time?
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
An Uncelebrated Birthday
Today is my son's birthday. He is 36 years old. I did not get him a cake. I was not able to watch him blow out the candles. There was no singing of the traditional song. His voice is not heard by me. He is not here. He is in another part of the world. He is living a life without family. It is the way he wants it.
As I was thinking of him today, I prayed for him. He would probably not like that but it is all I can do for him. I pray he is protected from harm. My desire is that he has people around him who will love him. I pray he has all that he needs to live comfortably. But more than all of that, I have prayed, am praying and will continue to pray that he turn to Jesus.
Every person in this world needs Jesus. We are not even really alive until we are following him. We are really dead in our sins, our own ways of doing things. God revealed Himself to me by His grace and I still marvel at that. The reminder here is that it isn't just about my son but is about all those who are lost in this world without God. Each one of them has a birthday which is just another year of going through the motions without a purpose. Jesus gives a purpose. Jesus is the purpose. He gives us the ability to truly live.
If my son were here today, I would tell him that I love him. That is very true. My love for him will never change even though he is not here. But my love is nothing in comparison with God's love.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Wow!! A love that is willing to die for us. I would like to think that I would die for my son but would I? Really, would I die for anyone? I haven't been in that situation but I know my heart is deceitful and wants its own way. God has already proven His love in the death of His Son. There is no greater love. This greater love is the one I desire for my son. Maybe just maybe God will be pleased to reveal Himself to my son today on his birthday. If He does then my son will have a new birth to celebrate on the same day.
My prayer is that we will be concerned for the lost souls and bring them before the throne of grace. There are many sons and daughters who need to know Jesus.
"...And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47b
As I was thinking of him today, I prayed for him. He would probably not like that but it is all I can do for him. I pray he is protected from harm. My desire is that he has people around him who will love him. I pray he has all that he needs to live comfortably. But more than all of that, I have prayed, am praying and will continue to pray that he turn to Jesus.
Every person in this world needs Jesus. We are not even really alive until we are following him. We are really dead in our sins, our own ways of doing things. God revealed Himself to me by His grace and I still marvel at that. The reminder here is that it isn't just about my son but is about all those who are lost in this world without God. Each one of them has a birthday which is just another year of going through the motions without a purpose. Jesus gives a purpose. Jesus is the purpose. He gives us the ability to truly live.
If my son were here today, I would tell him that I love him. That is very true. My love for him will never change even though he is not here. But my love is nothing in comparison with God's love.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Wow!! A love that is willing to die for us. I would like to think that I would die for my son but would I? Really, would I die for anyone? I haven't been in that situation but I know my heart is deceitful and wants its own way. God has already proven His love in the death of His Son. There is no greater love. This greater love is the one I desire for my son. Maybe just maybe God will be pleased to reveal Himself to my son today on his birthday. If He does then my son will have a new birth to celebrate on the same day.
My prayer is that we will be concerned for the lost souls and bring them before the throne of grace. There are many sons and daughters who need to know Jesus.
"...And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:47b
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
PSALM OF PRAISE
Stand back!
Don’t crowd me!
I have a song
to sing to my Lord and I need room!
Listen all you people for my God is great!
I lift my hands and sing to His name,
The Holy One, Almighty God,
The Creator, The Christ,
The Risen One, My Savior!
I clap my hands and sing to His name,
The Good Shepherd, The Lamb of God,
The Prince of Peace, The King of Kings,
The Resurrection, My Savior!
I wave my hands and sing to His name,
The Everlasting God, The Life,
The Light of the World, The Master
The Messiah, My Savior!
I fold my hands and sing to His name,
The Bread of Life, Living Water,
The Rose of Sharon, The True Vine,
The Only Begotten Son, My Savior!
I lay my hands on the floor as I kneel and sing to His
name,
The Author and Finisher of our Faith,
The Way, The Truth and The Life,
The Great I AM, My Savior!
Listen all you people for my God is great!
I sing to His name here on this earth,
But one day I will sing face to face to My Savior!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Nostalgia on a Saturday Morning
This morning Ronn and I decided to get out our LPs and turn on the turntable. Yes you read that right. We got out old albums that were tucked away in a bottom shelf for a day like today, I guess. We used to have way too many LPs but did get rid of some. We kept our favorites from days gone by. As I write this I am hearing Cat Stevens sing, "A Wild World". As I listen I have to agree it is a wild world and it was one when I was 18 years old first hearing that song. The world is on a wild road that is not straight but crooked which is leading many over the cliff to eternal death. As you can see even in the nostalgia of the morning, I am thinking God or at least trying to.
We sat and listened to Simon and Garfunkel sing "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters". I remember that was my graduating class song in 1970. We all loved the song and sang it all day long in our heads as we went from class to class. There is a promise in that song by the singer to be the bridge that helps the listener get through the troubles of this world. There is one bridge and He is LORD! He is the one who can ease a troubled mind. We are promised trouble in this world but Jesus has overcome the world!! (John 16:33) We have hope in that. We are to come along side of those who are suffering and in need as Followers of Christ but we cannot BRIDGE the trouble only CHRIST can.
It seems so interesting to me how now as I listen to these songs of long ago, my mind goes to God. I think it has to do with maturity. I am listening at 60 and not 18 but it is more than age. God in His mercy and grace has seen fit to mature me in Him. I am flat of my face grateful for that! I know I have so much farther to go and need His mercy and grace daily. My desire is to continue to grow in Him and not get comfortable. Comfortable is so easy to fall into but I need to be stretched moment to moment in Him.
So I guess I will look forward to another nostalgic morning in the future to see how much more I think of Him during a secular song. It is an interesting concept to explore more in the future. For today, I will join my husband in this nostalgia remembering our youth together, the early years, the birth of children and how we got to where we are now. What a journey!! This journey is the race marked out for me by my heavenly Father!! (Hebrews 12:1-4)
We sat and listened to Simon and Garfunkel sing "A Bridge Over Troubled Waters". I remember that was my graduating class song in 1970. We all loved the song and sang it all day long in our heads as we went from class to class. There is a promise in that song by the singer to be the bridge that helps the listener get through the troubles of this world. There is one bridge and He is LORD! He is the one who can ease a troubled mind. We are promised trouble in this world but Jesus has overcome the world!! (John 16:33) We have hope in that. We are to come along side of those who are suffering and in need as Followers of Christ but we cannot BRIDGE the trouble only CHRIST can.
It seems so interesting to me how now as I listen to these songs of long ago, my mind goes to God. I think it has to do with maturity. I am listening at 60 and not 18 but it is more than age. God in His mercy and grace has seen fit to mature me in Him. I am flat of my face grateful for that! I know I have so much farther to go and need His mercy and grace daily. My desire is to continue to grow in Him and not get comfortable. Comfortable is so easy to fall into but I need to be stretched moment to moment in Him.
So I guess I will look forward to another nostalgic morning in the future to see how much more I think of Him during a secular song. It is an interesting concept to explore more in the future. For today, I will join my husband in this nostalgia remembering our youth together, the early years, the birth of children and how we got to where we are now. What a journey!! This journey is the race marked out for me by my heavenly Father!! (Hebrews 12:1-4)
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Life is Short
Today as I watched my grandson play fall baseball, I thought, "Life is short." I remember the day he was born. I witness the first showing of his hair before he ever took a breath. It seems like only yesterday but I know many days have passed since then. But as I watched him play ball, that was not all I remembered.
I remembered his mother standing on first base (just like he was) making the catches and getting the outs. I remembered her at the plate hitting the ball with a great big "umph" sound escaping her lips as the ball soared. There I was standing to see her just like I stood every time Tristan was at bat today. But that was not all.
My mind saw my youngest brother out there on the field. He loved the game and played hard. I was 12 years older than he and enjoyed watching him as if he were mine. Sometimes I treated him like he was with my mothering over the years. Yes a baseball game can bring back memories.
If the field were life then I have rounded third and am headed toward home. I so desire to run this last length of life well. The first three bases didn't seem like they took me very long. Life is short. So I know this last length of time will go by quickly. What will make this run to home the most memorable for those still running the bases? The answer is this...the more I look like Jesus the more they will remember. The more I strive to follow hard after HIM, the more they will be pointed to HIS grace and mercy.
Every rounding of the bases is about God and His Glory being made known. I am running now toward home where I will be safe for eternity with my Lord and Savior. I need to make this run count for His Glory. This run could go on for a long time yet and I cannot grow weary. So in order to run I will remember that every moment is precious because "Life is short"... "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16
I also need to remember that I do not run alone, the Holy Spirit is within me and the brothers and sisters in Christ are also running beside me and God has planned my race..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Life may be short but I still have a lot of running to do in it!! May God be glorified as I run.
I remembered his mother standing on first base (just like he was) making the catches and getting the outs. I remembered her at the plate hitting the ball with a great big "umph" sound escaping her lips as the ball soared. There I was standing to see her just like I stood every time Tristan was at bat today. But that was not all.
My mind saw my youngest brother out there on the field. He loved the game and played hard. I was 12 years older than he and enjoyed watching him as if he were mine. Sometimes I treated him like he was with my mothering over the years. Yes a baseball game can bring back memories.
If the field were life then I have rounded third and am headed toward home. I so desire to run this last length of life well. The first three bases didn't seem like they took me very long. Life is short. So I know this last length of time will go by quickly. What will make this run to home the most memorable for those still running the bases? The answer is this...the more I look like Jesus the more they will remember. The more I strive to follow hard after HIM, the more they will be pointed to HIS grace and mercy.
Every rounding of the bases is about God and His Glory being made known. I am running now toward home where I will be safe for eternity with my Lord and Savior. I need to make this run count for His Glory. This run could go on for a long time yet and I cannot grow weary. So in order to run I will remember that every moment is precious because "Life is short"... "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:16
I also need to remember that I do not run alone, the Holy Spirit is within me and the brothers and sisters in Christ are also running beside me and God has planned my race..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2
Life may be short but I still have a lot of running to do in it!! May God be glorified as I run.
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