This devotion goes along with a discussion we had in small group last night...so I thought I'd post it. It was written by Erwin Lutzer
And when they came to the place that is call the Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!' The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." Luke 23:33-38
When man had done his worst Jesus prayed - not for justice, but for mercy; He pleaded that His enemies would be exempt from the just consequences of their evil deeds. And He prayed not after His wounds had healed, but while they were yet open. Words of forgiveness came from His lips when the nails were being driven into His body, when the pain was the fiercest, when the jolts of anguish were the sharpest; He prayed as the cross was lowered into the hole with a thud. It was then - when His nerves were yet the most tender, when the pain was the most unfathomable - that He who was the victim of history's greatest crime prayed for the criminals.
He could forgive becase He was about His Father's business. In Gethsemane He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39 NIV).
The cup was not a satanic attack, though Satan no doubt tried to add his own ingredients into the potion. No, the cup was given to Christ by His Father. It was the task of "purchasing men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9) This meant that the Son would be cruelly crucified and would become sin itself for the sake of all humanity. He would drink the cup of suffering to the dregs. This cup would purchase the forgiveness for which He now prayed.
Can we say, "Father, forgive them" when we are being crucified? Can we pray for the forgiveness of those who are trying to destroy us? Do we have enough faith to leave justice in the hands of our heavenly Father? "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'it is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord (Romans 12:19). On the Cross we see the restraint of a Man who had the power to destroy but chose instead to forgive. In Christ's words is the hope of our own deliverane. So let us come near to listen more intently to what is being said. Perhaps we shall hear our own name in the petition.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that no injustice has gone unnoticed by You. Help me to forgive when I am wronged and to trust in You alone for justice. Amen.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Word From Joshua: Problems
Nearly every night Joshua reads a devotion. I love hearing his "little" voice read these, and it always amazes me how these "simple" devotions speak to me.
So, I thought I'd share with you this word from Josh...
So, I thought I'd share with you this word from Josh...
Friday, October 16, 2009
Excited. Amazed. Thankful. Proud.
It was so much fun watching the 7th grade Lady Cubs play basketball tonight. It was the first "tough" game that they've had. I found myself getting "strangely" emotional as I was watching them. There was something about seeing them playing as a "team", all working together toward the same goal, that just touched me.
But I was touched even more when they sat down at a table after the game to eat pizza. They had just came off of a great win, and they had much that they could have talked about in regards to the game, but they sat down by us, and they DIDN'T start talking about the game. Instead, what they talked about was the BIBLE STUDY that took place at school today. Amazing.
With as much enthusiasm and passion that you would expect a team to talk about a great game with, they were using to talk about the Bible Study. As each girl seem to excitedly take turns shouting out what took place at the study.
Maren, our 12 year old, said that there were more people present at the Bible study today, than were in the crowd at their BB game tonight. (and there were quite a few in the crowd at the game).
So, as I type this I'm thankful for our school. Thankful for the adults and kids who help with this study. Thankful that so many are attending. And amazed by God and His goodness.
But I was touched even more when they sat down at a table after the game to eat pizza. They had just came off of a great win, and they had much that they could have talked about in regards to the game, but they sat down by us, and they DIDN'T start talking about the game. Instead, what they talked about was the BIBLE STUDY that took place at school today. Amazing.
With as much enthusiasm and passion that you would expect a team to talk about a great game with, they were using to talk about the Bible Study. As each girl seem to excitedly take turns shouting out what took place at the study.
Maren, our 12 year old, said that there were more people present at the Bible study today, than were in the crowd at their BB game tonight. (and there were quite a few in the crowd at the game).
So, as I type this I'm thankful for our school. Thankful for the adults and kids who help with this study. Thankful that so many are attending. And amazed by God and His goodness.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Might as well face it...God Loves you a lot.
This morning, I woke up from a dream where I was having a very "caring" conversation with someone, and in it I remember saying to her "Isaiah 40". I didn't recite the chapter, I'm not intelligent enough for that. :-) I just simply said to her "Isaiah 40".
So, I got up early, 4am Illinois time. I took the dog out, and as I stood outside the sky was dark and clear. That is my very favorite thing about taking out the dog in the early morning hours. I love looking at the sky, for the Heavens declare His glory.
So I came back in and quickly grabbed my Bible, I wanted to soak up all of what Isaiah 40 talked about.
"So, who is like me? Who holds a candle to me? says the Holy One. Look at the night skies. Who do you think made all of this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name, so magnificent! So powerful! And never overlooks a single one?
Why would you ever complain or whine saying 'God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me'? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40:25-31
God has not "overlooked" you...or me. He has not "lost track" of you....or me.
One thing that I'm continually amazed at as I read through the Bible, is God's love for us. In this same chapter it speaks of how God tends to us like a shepherd tends to his flock. That He picks us up in His arms, and carries us close to His heart. Or one translation says that He is hugging us as He carries us. (Isaiah 40:11)
You're not overlooked. He's thinking about you right now. About me right now. His Word says that His thoughts of you out number the grains of sand.
So, how do I respond to that? I turn to Him again. I trust Him again. I thank Him for His loving kindness again. I surrender again. I am renewed again.
So, I got up early, 4am Illinois time. I took the dog out, and as I stood outside the sky was dark and clear. That is my very favorite thing about taking out the dog in the early morning hours. I love looking at the sky, for the Heavens declare His glory.
So I came back in and quickly grabbed my Bible, I wanted to soak up all of what Isaiah 40 talked about.
"So, who is like me? Who holds a candle to me? says the Holy One. Look at the night skies. Who do you think made all of this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name, so magnificent! So powerful! And never overlooks a single one?
Why would you ever complain or whine saying 'God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me'? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40:25-31
God has not "overlooked" you...or me. He has not "lost track" of you....or me.
One thing that I'm continually amazed at as I read through the Bible, is God's love for us. In this same chapter it speaks of how God tends to us like a shepherd tends to his flock. That He picks us up in His arms, and carries us close to His heart. Or one translation says that He is hugging us as He carries us. (Isaiah 40:11)
You're not overlooked. He's thinking about you right now. About me right now. His Word says that His thoughts of you out number the grains of sand.
So, how do I respond to that? I turn to Him again. I trust Him again. I thank Him for His loving kindness again. I surrender again. I am renewed again.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Did I Tell You that Barbara Mandrell Called?
Might As Well Face it, I love Barbara Mandrell.
Okay, I am not “got” very often. Nor, typically, am I one who reacts to anything with extreme excitement. For instance, if you threw me a surprise party, my reaction would not be to squeal and jump up and down. I just don’t react that way. I don’t. Ever. I’m much too cool for that. Ha. But all that “coolness” went out the door the other day when I answered my cell phone.
Let me set the stage. It was Saturday, August 29th, the day after my birthday. Our family was fighting over what to eat for breakfast. We were seriously in a fairly heated argument over that, I’m ashamed to say. So when my phone rang, I walked over, looked at it, didn’t recognize the number, and thought, “I don’t know who this is, and I’m not in a ‘happy’ place right now, so I’m not gonna pick it up.”
About that time, I heard this still small voice say, “pick it up.” And I’m so glad I did, as I heard the voice on the other end say, “Melissa?”
“yes” I answered
“This is Barbara Mandrell…”
My first words to her, “OH MY GOSH!!”
I quickly ran outside so she wouldn’t hear my family yelling in the background :-)
She sang me happy birthday. I screamed in her ear.
She was speaking to me, and I was so stinkin’ excited, my mind was reeling, and all I could think of was a random mix of this:
“I cannot wait to tell my friends that Barbara Mandrell called”
“they are never going to believe this”
“Holy cow, this is Barbara Mandrell on the phone”
I was thinking all those thoughts and a thousand others, when that same still small voice said, “control your thoughts, Barbara Mandrell is speaking to you, listen to what she is saying.”
Thank you Jesus for that reminder.
So I listened to her sweet voice as she began telling me why she was calling me. And we actually entered into a conversation. My mind was still so shocked, and wound up that I know that some of my words were less than intelligent. Seriously. I remember everything she said, but I don’t remember some things that I said, or didn’t say.
For instance, I recall toward the end of the conversation she said, “I hope I get to meet you in person some time”.
I have no idea what I said to that. I don’t know if I said anything. Here’s what I could have said:
“well it’s about time you got on board, I’ve been wanting to meet you for 30 years.”
Or
“well, we’re free next weekend”
Or
“I can hop in the car and be down there in approximately 4 hours.”
Ha.
So, one might say that I was “undignified” in my conversation with Ms. Mandrell. And that would be true. I did not react in a cool professional manner that I would have liked to have reacted in. I did not speak with eloquence. I’m not sure of what I spoke at all. But my “undignification” was justified because it wasn’t just the fact that Barbara Mandrell called that had me so “got”. It was more the fact of where God has brought me, and trying to soak that up “in the moment”. Seriously.
Because, you see, when I was in junior high, my parents were going through a divorce. I was in a tough place, and I needed a role model, and God gave me Barbara Mandrell. I know, you may not initially view a “Country Music Star” as a great role model. But I can tell you that she was just what I needed:
At that time (middle school) I had a real complex about being short…she was my height.
I loved music and had already begun to play the piano, write songs, and sing…she was a musician/singer too.
And most importantly in nearly every interview that I saw her do on television or read about in a magazine, she would give glory to God, and talk about the priority that she placed on her family.
It’s funny, because literally on my birthday, the day before Barbara called, I had taken some time to ponder my life. And as I began that journey, I actually started it out in a little of a pity party, as I said to God, “God, what about my dreams? What about the things that I believe that you have spoken to me? As I said that to Him I thought back to what my dream was when I was a kid…which was to be a country music singer. And then just as quickly as I remembered that I, seriously, chuckled out loud as I said to God, “You know God as I look back and think about that, I’m not sure whether I really wanted to be a country music singer, or whether I just really wanted to get to know Barbara Mandrell."
So, the next day when Barbara called me, it was as if God was saying, “here ya go Missy, here’s Barbara Mandrell.” To me, Barbara’s call was a birthday gift straight from God. There’s no way possible to tell you all the details here on a blog post of all the events the led up to why this phone call meant so much. Let me just say in summary that in 1991 I renewed my commitment to the Lord, and I laid down my dreams in exchange for His. When Ms. Barbara called, I felt the truth of this scripture:
“delight yourself in the Lord, and He will GIVE you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 34:7
How about you? What place do you find yourself in? Have you let go of the dreams YOU have for your life in exchange for the dreams Your Creator has for your life. I don’t know about you but I want to surrender again…I want to let go again. For I love the way HE loves me, and I love serving Him in the manner that he has called me. Surrendering to the One who can do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine.
“O Taste and See that the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8
Okay, I am not “got” very often. Nor, typically, am I one who reacts to anything with extreme excitement. For instance, if you threw me a surprise party, my reaction would not be to squeal and jump up and down. I just don’t react that way. I don’t. Ever. I’m much too cool for that. Ha. But all that “coolness” went out the door the other day when I answered my cell phone.
Let me set the stage. It was Saturday, August 29th, the day after my birthday. Our family was fighting over what to eat for breakfast. We were seriously in a fairly heated argument over that, I’m ashamed to say. So when my phone rang, I walked over, looked at it, didn’t recognize the number, and thought, “I don’t know who this is, and I’m not in a ‘happy’ place right now, so I’m not gonna pick it up.”
About that time, I heard this still small voice say, “pick it up.” And I’m so glad I did, as I heard the voice on the other end say, “Melissa?”
“yes” I answered
“This is Barbara Mandrell…”
My first words to her, “OH MY GOSH!!”
I quickly ran outside so she wouldn’t hear my family yelling in the background :-)
She sang me happy birthday. I screamed in her ear.
She was speaking to me, and I was so stinkin’ excited, my mind was reeling, and all I could think of was a random mix of this:
“I cannot wait to tell my friends that Barbara Mandrell called”
“they are never going to believe this”
“Holy cow, this is Barbara Mandrell on the phone”
I was thinking all those thoughts and a thousand others, when that same still small voice said, “control your thoughts, Barbara Mandrell is speaking to you, listen to what she is saying.”
Thank you Jesus for that reminder.
So I listened to her sweet voice as she began telling me why she was calling me. And we actually entered into a conversation. My mind was still so shocked, and wound up that I know that some of my words were less than intelligent. Seriously. I remember everything she said, but I don’t remember some things that I said, or didn’t say.
For instance, I recall toward the end of the conversation she said, “I hope I get to meet you in person some time”.
I have no idea what I said to that. I don’t know if I said anything. Here’s what I could have said:
“well it’s about time you got on board, I’ve been wanting to meet you for 30 years.”
Or
“well, we’re free next weekend”
Or
“I can hop in the car and be down there in approximately 4 hours.”
Ha.
So, one might say that I was “undignified” in my conversation with Ms. Mandrell. And that would be true. I did not react in a cool professional manner that I would have liked to have reacted in. I did not speak with eloquence. I’m not sure of what I spoke at all. But my “undignification” was justified because it wasn’t just the fact that Barbara Mandrell called that had me so “got”. It was more the fact of where God has brought me, and trying to soak that up “in the moment”. Seriously.
Because, you see, when I was in junior high, my parents were going through a divorce. I was in a tough place, and I needed a role model, and God gave me Barbara Mandrell. I know, you may not initially view a “Country Music Star” as a great role model. But I can tell you that she was just what I needed:
At that time (middle school) I had a real complex about being short…she was my height.
I loved music and had already begun to play the piano, write songs, and sing…she was a musician/singer too.
And most importantly in nearly every interview that I saw her do on television or read about in a magazine, she would give glory to God, and talk about the priority that she placed on her family.
It’s funny, because literally on my birthday, the day before Barbara called, I had taken some time to ponder my life. And as I began that journey, I actually started it out in a little of a pity party, as I said to God, “God, what about my dreams? What about the things that I believe that you have spoken to me? As I said that to Him I thought back to what my dream was when I was a kid…which was to be a country music singer. And then just as quickly as I remembered that I, seriously, chuckled out loud as I said to God, “You know God as I look back and think about that, I’m not sure whether I really wanted to be a country music singer, or whether I just really wanted to get to know Barbara Mandrell."
So, the next day when Barbara called me, it was as if God was saying, “here ya go Missy, here’s Barbara Mandrell.” To me, Barbara’s call was a birthday gift straight from God. There’s no way possible to tell you all the details here on a blog post of all the events the led up to why this phone call meant so much. Let me just say in summary that in 1991 I renewed my commitment to the Lord, and I laid down my dreams in exchange for His. When Ms. Barbara called, I felt the truth of this scripture:
“delight yourself in the Lord, and He will GIVE you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 34:7
How about you? What place do you find yourself in? Have you let go of the dreams YOU have for your life in exchange for the dreams Your Creator has for your life. I don’t know about you but I want to surrender again…I want to let go again. For I love the way HE loves me, and I love serving Him in the manner that he has called me. Surrendering to the One who can do exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine.
“O Taste and See that the Lord is good…” Psalm 34:8
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Way Of Holiness
A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from Proverbs 31 Ministries asking if I would be available to lead worship at a women's conference in West Virginia next March. I obviously feel that God has called me to lead worship, and for the past few years I have felt called to serve alongside Proverbs 31 Ministries, and so my answer was an easy "yes, I'm available and interested".
The name of the church is "The Way of Holiness Church". When I saw that I thought "that's an interesting name." You know, it's not your typical name like "First Methodist Church" or "First Christian Church". "The way of holiness"...I like that.
Today I was reading in Isaiah 35 and found the scripture passage that (I'm guessing) inspired their name.
God is talking about what it will be like for His people who are redeemed.
He says:
Blind eyes will be opened.
Lame men and women will leap like deer.
The voiceless break into song
springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert,
hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain,
even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.
AND a highway will be there, it will be called the WAY OF HOLINESS.
the unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk IN THAT WAY....
only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (portions of Isaiah 35:1-10)
"The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that way". That doesn't mean that if you're not perfect you can't walk on it. It simply means that we recognize our imperfections, our sinfulness, and we call on the One who can save us. The One who died for our sins. The One who can restore us to a right relationship with God. We come to Jesus, broken. Weak. Crippled. Messed up. But in that we recognize our need for Him. We surrender to Him. And he takes us and sets us on this "highway of holiness". A highway that He's designed for His people. Complete with His road signs. His Word. His guidance. Through every curve. Hill. Valley. He travels, in the driver's seat, and leads us on this highway. This beautiful Way of Holiness, 'til we make it to the place of Holiness.
The name of the church is "The Way of Holiness Church". When I saw that I thought "that's an interesting name." You know, it's not your typical name like "First Methodist Church" or "First Christian Church". "The way of holiness"...I like that.
Today I was reading in Isaiah 35 and found the scripture passage that (I'm guessing) inspired their name.
God is talking about what it will be like for His people who are redeemed.
He says:
Blind eyes will be opened.
Lame men and women will leap like deer.
The voiceless break into song
springs of water will burst out in the wilderness, streams flow in the desert,
hot sands will become a cool oasis, thirsty ground a splashing fountain,
even lowly jackals will have water to drink, and barren grasslands flourish richly.
AND a highway will be there, it will be called the WAY OF HOLINESS.
the unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk IN THAT WAY....
only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (portions of Isaiah 35:1-10)
"The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that way". That doesn't mean that if you're not perfect you can't walk on it. It simply means that we recognize our imperfections, our sinfulness, and we call on the One who can save us. The One who died for our sins. The One who can restore us to a right relationship with God. We come to Jesus, broken. Weak. Crippled. Messed up. But in that we recognize our need for Him. We surrender to Him. And he takes us and sets us on this "highway of holiness". A highway that He's designed for His people. Complete with His road signs. His Word. His guidance. Through every curve. Hill. Valley. He travels, in the driver's seat, and leads us on this highway. This beautiful Way of Holiness, 'til we make it to the place of Holiness.
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