Romans 1:20** For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
My daughter and I took a nice walk on this beautiful, non humid day. She chased butterflies and adored each one for it's unique qualities. When we returned, as she was laying in the flowers (clover) she decided she would be a bee and sting me. So she chased me around our field as I tried to dodge the ever moving stinger (sometimes it was on her bottom, then it would be her belly, finally it was her outstretched arms coming after me). In my classroom this year we hatched butterflies from caterpillars. I read and realized that when a caterpillar is in the chrysalis, it completely liquefies prior to metamorphosing into the butterfly. I have been in awe of that revelation since. I think it has something to do with water and a rebirth. Don't get me wrong, I do not want to be antagonistic in citing "only those who are baptized will be allowed in heaven" (I personally have not found Scripture backing that belief). I also realize that baptism is very important (Matthew 28:19** Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit; Matthew 3:15-17**Jesus replied,"Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from Heaven said, "This is my Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased."). If Jesus was baptized and it made God well pleased - I want to emulate that behavior. Or if one will not profess Christ as their Savior publicly, there could be a salvation issue (2 Timothy 1:8,9a**So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me (Paul) His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God, Who has saved us and called us to a holy life...).
I guess in summation, I want to make sure that I don't conveniently move my 'stinger' around so that I can get someone or catch someone doing something I may not necessarily agree with. If it is not stated in the Bible as wrong according to God - I do not want to judge. Also, I am starting to realize the metamorphosis that happens as God transforms our lives (Romans 12:2**Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.) I am not able to see all that God is doing. Many times there is a chrysalis that hinders me from seeing all that God is doing and planning for that person. I need to patiently wait and pray for God's will for His precious butterfly. Then praise and thank God for the way He uniquely created each of us
I love nice walks on cool days! God is so good!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The first of many...
Well - I am a blogger. My hope for this blog is to encourage and perhaps enlighten through what the Lord is teaching and training me to be.
In our 8:30 church service, I have the privilege of co-teaching the 1-5 graders each Sunday morning. We were planning on studying Faith from Hebrews 11:1 (our memory verse for the month). I wanted to plant seeds that Faith must be present for salvation - it is a relationship, not a ritual or work.
Romans 4: 13-16 **It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by laws are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring- not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.**
I don't know about you guys, but I am singing "Father Abraham, had many sons. And many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just praise the Lord - Right arm..." Just a couple weeks ago I was talking to Harold and asking how we are all Abraham's descendants - we are not Jews. This passage answers my question in verse 17: As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in Whom he believed - the God Who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they are.
Through Abraham's faith and relationship with God, he become God's family. His steps of faith were so much greater: leaving his home (Genesis 12:4), believing God for offspring that would be like the dust of the earth (Genesis 13:16) or stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). He simply believed and obeyed. He did not even have the Scriptures to encourage or equip him to continue on his journey - he simply had faith.
How much more do I have? God - breathed Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), the Holy Spirit confirming my relationship with Christ and being a part of God's family (Romans 8:16-17); yet, Abraham's faith at times seem so much stronger. It comes down to a relationship. I can "know" these truths, but until I meditate and make the effort to get to know my heavenly Father through prayer, fasting and His Holy Word, my faith will not be that strong because faith is trusting something I do not see (back to Hebrews 11:1).
So I pray that you find your faith multiplying through prayer and the study of God's Word. May we each take the time to encourage one another with "Faith Sightings". Acknowledging God in our everyday lives. Not hoping in "luck" - but trusting in a Sovereign God with a plan and a purpose for those who love and have faith in Him (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11).
Hugs and blessings to you! :)
In our 8:30 church service, I have the privilege of co-teaching the 1-5 graders each Sunday morning. We were planning on studying Faith from Hebrews 11:1 (our memory verse for the month). I wanted to plant seeds that Faith must be present for salvation - it is a relationship, not a ritual or work.
Romans 4: 13-16 **It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by laws are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring- not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.**
I don't know about you guys, but I am singing "Father Abraham, had many sons. And many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just praise the Lord - Right arm..." Just a couple weeks ago I was talking to Harold and asking how we are all Abraham's descendants - we are not Jews. This passage answers my question in verse 17: As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in Whom he believed - the God Who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they are.
Through Abraham's faith and relationship with God, he become God's family. His steps of faith were so much greater: leaving his home (Genesis 12:4), believing God for offspring that would be like the dust of the earth (Genesis 13:16) or stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5). He simply believed and obeyed. He did not even have the Scriptures to encourage or equip him to continue on his journey - he simply had faith.
How much more do I have? God - breathed Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), the Holy Spirit confirming my relationship with Christ and being a part of God's family (Romans 8:16-17); yet, Abraham's faith at times seem so much stronger. It comes down to a relationship. I can "know" these truths, but until I meditate and make the effort to get to know my heavenly Father through prayer, fasting and His Holy Word, my faith will not be that strong because faith is trusting something I do not see (back to Hebrews 11:1).
So I pray that you find your faith multiplying through prayer and the study of God's Word. May we each take the time to encourage one another with "Faith Sightings". Acknowledging God in our everyday lives. Not hoping in "luck" - but trusting in a Sovereign God with a plan and a purpose for those who love and have faith in Him (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11).
Hugs and blessings to you! :)
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