I had a thought the other day driving to one of my jobs. It was early in the morning and I saw a hot air balloon in the southern sky. My mind starts to gather the many thoughts and I start to have a picture that reminds me how I want to live my life. I want to live my life to make a difference, zooming out from each small thing, to see how I can... me personally... affect the lives of orphans, to care for the least of these, to practice James 1:27. Let us pull back and view things from the vantage point of God.
This picture of the hot air balloon reminds me how I want to live with the big picture in view. I picture myself up in that balloon looking down, everything would look smaller, you wouldn't focus in on one certain car or a person walking down the street. You would take in the beauty of what God has created, seeing the forest and not just the trees. Should the Lord allow me to be married, this is a picture also of how we should look at the big reasons of why and what's the purpose? Now I believe we should enjoy the small things, but the reason for everything is to glorify God. Look at how you can do that in whatever you do.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
(1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Let us take time to consider our reasons for doing what we do. Are they mainly for selfish reasons? Are we considering what is best for the others? Are we seeking to glorify God and show His love, forgiveness, and redemption?
Let us have a single passion to love God, to make much of Him, for He is most worthy to be praised. Let us set our gaze upon the one who gave it all, Jesus, the sacrifice that brought reconciliation, adoption, and forgiveness to all! (many more big words could be used, but this works)
Another excerpt from, Waiting on God.
"He stirs up your nest. He disappoints your hopes. He brings down your confidence. He makes you fear and tremble, as all your strength fails, and you feel utterly weary and helpless, and all the while He is spreading His strong wings for you to rest your weakness on, and offering His everlasting Creator-strength to work in you. And all He asks is that you should sink down in your weariness and wait on Him; and allow Him in His Jehovah-strength to carry as you ride upon the wings of His Omnipotence.
Dear child of God! I pray you, lift up your eyes, and behold your God! Listen to Him who saith that He fainteth not, neither is weary, who asketh nought but this one thing, that you should wait on Him."
This chapter is based on the promise of Isa 40:31, one of my favorite verses and one I have been looking to for 3 years. I literally wear it on my hand. This is how it goes,
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31 ESV)
also as of lately I feel He has given this promise to me,
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
Which is pretty awesome because I also like this one with the same chapter and verse.
Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
[9] Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV)
Let us rest in the Lord and wait upon Him only, for He is our Provider, our Redeemer, our Strength, our Healer, our Friend, our Father, and our God.
My Soul, wait thou only upon God!
R.B.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
great book, Scared
Tonight, I am wandering outside alone with my thoughts, walking toward the kraal, and thinking about Momma, who is at home trying to get some rest. Precious and Abu are asleep, dreaming of candy, I am sure. It is better for them to sleep when there is no dinner. I can't help but think of the burnt corn we ate two nights ago. My mouth waters for more. When the food is cooked, some always burns. We scrape the kettle to save the char for days when there is nothing else to eat- but now that is gone too. I try not to think of the ache in my stomach, but it's almost impossible. I think the reason Momma rests all the time now is because of the ache in her stomach. Whenever there is food, she gives it to Abu first, then Precious, then me.
I can see every star in the universe. The sky is a deep blue bowl filled with magical, milky fairy dust. My mother told me that fairies live in the stars. The brightest ones are the most powerful. I dream one of those fairies will find me and give me three wishes.
I first would wish to see my real daddy again, the way he used to be, and have him home with us. The second would be lots of food so nobody in our village would ever get hungry. And the third would be wings, so I could fly away...... No, not wings. I don't need to fly. The third wish would be that no one in our village would ever get sick again.......
........I am more tired than I have ever been. I fall back into a dark sleep with no dreams.
I wake to a great pain in my stomach. I try to stand, but I double over, my outstretched hands narrowly stopping me from falling on my face. My mouth starts to water, and I feel like I'm going to throw up. But still there's nothing in my stomach, so it is another gagging fit, I hate these fits.
Auntie comes rushing over and helps me back onto the bed. "There, child. Let me get you some water." She puts little drops on my lips. "You have slept for two whole days."
I try to sit up. Auntie sits behind me, lending me her big shoulder to lean against.
Life and hunger must be brother and sister..........................
to see a video of the real pastor Walter in this book visit http://vimeo.com/3285879
This is a fictional book which I don't normally read, but the author has a heart for orphans and this is based on real events and real life in Africa. It is by Tom Davis and is called Scared. Check out his others, Fields of the Fatherless, Red Letters, and his newest is Priceless. His website is http://www.hopechest.org/
B Blessed, R.B.
I can see every star in the universe. The sky is a deep blue bowl filled with magical, milky fairy dust. My mother told me that fairies live in the stars. The brightest ones are the most powerful. I dream one of those fairies will find me and give me three wishes.
I first would wish to see my real daddy again, the way he used to be, and have him home with us. The second would be lots of food so nobody in our village would ever get hungry. And the third would be wings, so I could fly away...... No, not wings. I don't need to fly. The third wish would be that no one in our village would ever get sick again.......
........I am more tired than I have ever been. I fall back into a dark sleep with no dreams.
I wake to a great pain in my stomach. I try to stand, but I double over, my outstretched hands narrowly stopping me from falling on my face. My mouth starts to water, and I feel like I'm going to throw up. But still there's nothing in my stomach, so it is another gagging fit, I hate these fits.
Auntie comes rushing over and helps me back onto the bed. "There, child. Let me get you some water." She puts little drops on my lips. "You have slept for two whole days."
I try to sit up. Auntie sits behind me, lending me her big shoulder to lean against.
Life and hunger must be brother and sister..........................
to see a video of the real pastor Walter in this book visit http://vimeo.com/3285879
This is a fictional book which I don't normally read, but the author has a heart for orphans and this is based on real events and real life in Africa. It is by Tom Davis and is called Scared. Check out his others, Fields of the Fatherless, Red Letters, and his newest is Priceless. His website is http://www.hopechest.org/
B Blessed, R.B.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
My soul waits
I am still reading this small book, Waiting on God by Andrew Murray. I may have stated before it is a small book but I am taking it slow and rereading the chapters to soak in the truths. I wanted to share another excerpt from it.
And if you ask, How is it, if He waits to be gracious, that even after I come and wait upon Him, He does not give the help I seek, but waits on longer and longer?
There is a double answer. The one is this: God is a wise husbandman, "who waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it," He cannot gather the fruit till it is ripe. He knows when we are spiritually ready to receive the blessing to our profit and His glory. Waiting in the sunshine of His love is what will ripen the soul for His blessing. Waiting under the cloud of trial, that breaks in showers of blessing, is as needful. Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious. God waited four thousand years, till the fullness of time, ere He sent His Son: our times are in His hands: He will avenge His elect speedily: He will make haste for our help, and not delay one hour too long.
The other answer points to what has been said before. The giver is more than the gift; God is more than the blessing; and our being kept waiting on Him is the only way for our learning to find our life and joy in Himself. Oh, if God's children only knew what a glorious God they have, and what a privilege it is to be linked in fellowship with Himself, then they would rejoice in Him; even when He keeps them waiting they would learn to understand better than ever.
" Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you." pg. 74
I hope this blesses whoever may read this. Part of that verse really jumped out at me, ( that He may be). Our God loves us so much that He waits for us, so He can be gracious to His children.
May the Lord bless you and challenge you in your pursuit of Him. May He draw Himself closer and closer to you.
R.B.
And if you ask, How is it, if He waits to be gracious, that even after I come and wait upon Him, He does not give the help I seek, but waits on longer and longer?
There is a double answer. The one is this: God is a wise husbandman, "who waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it," He cannot gather the fruit till it is ripe. He knows when we are spiritually ready to receive the blessing to our profit and His glory. Waiting in the sunshine of His love is what will ripen the soul for His blessing. Waiting under the cloud of trial, that breaks in showers of blessing, is as needful. Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious. God waited four thousand years, till the fullness of time, ere He sent His Son: our times are in His hands: He will avenge His elect speedily: He will make haste for our help, and not delay one hour too long.
The other answer points to what has been said before. The giver is more than the gift; God is more than the blessing; and our being kept waiting on Him is the only way for our learning to find our life and joy in Himself. Oh, if God's children only knew what a glorious God they have, and what a privilege it is to be linked in fellowship with Himself, then they would rejoice in Him; even when He keeps them waiting they would learn to understand better than ever.
" Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you." pg. 74
I hope this blesses whoever may read this. Part of that verse really jumped out at me, ( that He may be). Our God loves us so much that He waits for us, so He can be gracious to His children.
May the Lord bless you and challenge you in your pursuit of Him. May He draw Himself closer and closer to you.
R.B.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
God's Timing
God keeps teaching me about patience and waiting on Him. I am still reading this little book by Andrew Murray, called Waiting on God. I'm taking it slow and reading each chapter twice, trying to soak it in.
While reading the Word one morning this verse jumped out. I have read it before and it was good then also, but it had a special ring so to speak this time. The verse is in Deut. "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
It reminds me that I should not worry ( along with many other verses about worrying ) about what will come. I fear it shows lack of trust, but in my heart I feel it's more that I will miss what He has for me. I don't hear clearly from the Holy Spirit as some describe they do. I get little impressions that are hard to discern and easy to miss. Each time, I have to question, is this you Lord or just my conscience? I guess that makes us more dependent on Him??
I started reading and have since finished a book on Gladys Alyward, a 1900's missionary to China. It was a great book and inspiring story of her life and work for the Lord. It also showed me that just because you do what the Lord wants you to do, doesn't mean it will be without trial and testing. Her life was not easy to say the least. I would recommend this book to people interested in missionary work. The one I have is from YWAM publishing.
This particular part was so good, I had to put the book down, laugh, and just reflect on how God works and His timing. At that time in China little girls feet were bound, which means they were bent under in half and wrapped with cloth to make their feet "small". They thought women shouldn't have "big" feet. The mandarin came to Gladys, which is the high official of the local army, and told her he needed her help. The mandarin doesn't visit you unless you are going to be executed or something else very important. To make it short, He asked for Gladys to go with escorted soldiers while being paid to each village, and make sure every girl's feet were unbound.
She was the only one who could travel to do it, since her feet were not bound like Chinese women. Men couldn't do it because they shouldn't look at woman's feet. He said she was the only one who could do it! Then she tells him, she is a Christian and came to share her faith with others and would want to make others believe as she does. This is how he responded. " It is most important that foot binding stop immediately. As to your religion, it is not of any importance to me. Speak of what you will. If the women become Christians, they will want their daughters to have unbound feet like you, and that will be a good thing." Ha, like wow, God is so amazing. I won't spoil the story for you but if you read the book, keep this statement in mind.
So it inspires to keep waiting on the Lord and His timing, that I will be where He wants me to be if I keep seeking, asking, and waiting. It doesn't make it easier as each day I have to remind myself of this. I feel God is stirring my spirit and I don't feel comfortable where I am at now. I want to be living for His glory in light of eternity, to make an impact on lives, for the least of these. Thanks for reading, may God lead you.
R.B.
While reading the Word one morning this verse jumped out. I have read it before and it was good then also, but it had a special ring so to speak this time. The verse is in Deut. "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
It reminds me that I should not worry ( along with many other verses about worrying ) about what will come. I fear it shows lack of trust, but in my heart I feel it's more that I will miss what He has for me. I don't hear clearly from the Holy Spirit as some describe they do. I get little impressions that are hard to discern and easy to miss. Each time, I have to question, is this you Lord or just my conscience? I guess that makes us more dependent on Him??
I started reading and have since finished a book on Gladys Alyward, a 1900's missionary to China. It was a great book and inspiring story of her life and work for the Lord. It also showed me that just because you do what the Lord wants you to do, doesn't mean it will be without trial and testing. Her life was not easy to say the least. I would recommend this book to people interested in missionary work. The one I have is from YWAM publishing.
This particular part was so good, I had to put the book down, laugh, and just reflect on how God works and His timing. At that time in China little girls feet were bound, which means they were bent under in half and wrapped with cloth to make their feet "small". They thought women shouldn't have "big" feet. The mandarin came to Gladys, which is the high official of the local army, and told her he needed her help. The mandarin doesn't visit you unless you are going to be executed or something else very important. To make it short, He asked for Gladys to go with escorted soldiers while being paid to each village, and make sure every girl's feet were unbound.
She was the only one who could travel to do it, since her feet were not bound like Chinese women. Men couldn't do it because they shouldn't look at woman's feet. He said she was the only one who could do it! Then she tells him, she is a Christian and came to share her faith with others and would want to make others believe as she does. This is how he responded. " It is most important that foot binding stop immediately. As to your religion, it is not of any importance to me. Speak of what you will. If the women become Christians, they will want their daughters to have unbound feet like you, and that will be a good thing." Ha, like wow, God is so amazing. I won't spoil the story for you but if you read the book, keep this statement in mind.
So it inspires to keep waiting on the Lord and His timing, that I will be where He wants me to be if I keep seeking, asking, and waiting. It doesn't make it easier as each day I have to remind myself of this. I feel God is stirring my spirit and I don't feel comfortable where I am at now. I want to be living for His glory in light of eternity, to make an impact on lives, for the least of these. Thanks for reading, may God lead you.
R.B.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wait upon God
I am reading a little book called, Waiting on God by Andrew Murray. I am learning that even if it doesn't seem like God is leading me because I am not where I want to be, or feel I am being used, that He is leading me. (story of Joseph's life) If I am seeking His will, abiding in Him, waiting on Him for guidance, then I must trust that I am where He wants me. Even this past weekend when I took a short trip to MO, I can see His guidance with people I met, and the timing of everything.
This book is good and I wanted to share a paragraph on page 23.
"Let us resolve at once that it shall be the one characteristic of our life and worship, a continual, humble, truthful waiting upon God. We may rest assured that He who made us for Himself, that He might give Himself to us and in us, that He will never disappoint us. In waiting on Him we shall find rest and joy and strength, and the supply of every need."
I feel time is drawing closer that it will be a season of change for me. I am excited as to what the Lord will lead me into. I have prayed for specific requests and have written them down, so when they come to pass, it will be a testimony to share, and an encouragement to my faith.
May the Lord bless you in your walk as you wait upon Him.
R.B.
This book is good and I wanted to share a paragraph on page 23.
"Let us resolve at once that it shall be the one characteristic of our life and worship, a continual, humble, truthful waiting upon God. We may rest assured that He who made us for Himself, that He might give Himself to us and in us, that He will never disappoint us. In waiting on Him we shall find rest and joy and strength, and the supply of every need."
I feel time is drawing closer that it will be a season of change for me. I am excited as to what the Lord will lead me into. I have prayed for specific requests and have written them down, so when they come to pass, it will be a testimony to share, and an encouragement to my faith.
May the Lord bless you in your walk as you wait upon Him.
R.B.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The cross made a way
There are many things that I haven't written on here because it doesn't seem like people read it. I felt this was worth putting down either way.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, for the cross has made a way so we can enter in, where we were once not allowed, there was a separation, but now there is reconciliation.
The man Adam sinned in the garden, he followed his Own will. He caused separation, death, and cursing.
Jesus came to make a way back to God, Jesus went to a garden and prayed, not My will, but Your will be done. Jesus wanted His Father's will above his own. He brought reconciliation, life, and blessing to mankind, by following the will of the Father. Aren't you glad he did?
I want to follow His plan for my life, He knows the end, He knows what's best. I will follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, for the cross has made a way so we can enter in, where we were once not allowed, there was a separation, but now there is reconciliation.
The man Adam sinned in the garden, he followed his Own will. He caused separation, death, and cursing.
Jesus came to make a way back to God, Jesus went to a garden and prayed, not My will, but Your will be done. Jesus wanted His Father's will above his own. He brought reconciliation, life, and blessing to mankind, by following the will of the Father. Aren't you glad he did?
I want to follow His plan for my life, He knows the end, He knows what's best. I will follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
One True GOD
In this age of choices and the "salad bar of options" where everything is "whatever is good for you" and "anything goes" or "as long as you are sincere in what you believe", but no more absolutes for the sake that we might offend someone. The Bible, the Word of God stands unchanged, unwavering in it's absolute truth. There IS only ONE GOD, and only ONE WAY to be reconciled, or to be made right with God. That is by the way He MADE for US, through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. That through belief and trust in Him ALONE, by repentance, turning away from sin, and walking in His ways, with Worship and affection for Him alone! Don't be upset that Jesus is the ONLY way to God, be thankful that there IS a way!
John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
In India there are + or - 33 million gods, goddess's, or idols that are worshiped. Millions of man created objects that are bowed down to and given attention and affection to. This may seen strange to us and it may be easy to point our fingers at them, but how much different are we than them?? I will be speaking to believers specifically now, followers of Christ that want to walk in the ways of God.
Ex 34: 14-17 Yes this is the OT, but do you think He changed in this?
"(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), 15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice, 16 and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods. 17 “You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal."
John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
In India there are + or - 33 million gods, goddess's, or idols that are worshiped. Millions of man created objects that are bowed down to and given attention and affection to. This may seen strange to us and it may be easy to point our fingers at them, but how much different are we than them?? I will be speaking to believers specifically now, followers of Christ that want to walk in the ways of God.
Ex 34: 14-17 Yes this is the OT, but do you think He changed in this?
"(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), 15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice, 16 and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods. 17 “You shall not make for yourself any gods of cast metal."
As followers of Christ, we must be careful not to make idols out of objects or people. We can worship and make idols out of materialism, entertainment, our TV's, the gain of wealth, our careers, sports teams, or players, houses, cars, motorcycles, actors, musicians, fashion, even our children or spouses. Now before you think I am crazy or being legalistic or too serious about this, do a study on idolatry for yourself. There are many good resources on-line, I like the ESV Study Bible and here is there site. http://www.esvstudybible.org/search. Just type in idolatry in the search and enjoy! If you only believe what is in the NT applies now, just start reading all those verses. You can also put in, worship, or just, idols. www.biblegateway.com is another good resource.
Worship is what we give our time, affection, and money to. So I would challenge you, what occupies most of that for you?? Do you sit in front of the TV for hours daily? (this use to be a problem for me) Do you play video games for hours daily? (again, was a problem years ago) Do you spend hours on Face Book daily? Do you spend countless hours cleaning, tuning your vehicle, spending excess amounts of money on it? (was a problem) Do you spend most of your time reading novels that take you into a fantasy world? Do you care way too much about celebrities and what is going on in their lives? Do you care too much about a certain musician, would you spend large amounts of money just to meet them? Do you spend your time and money fixing up your house because it is not good enough, or needing to upgrade to keep up with the culture?
These are just some questions to get you thinking, if they are convicting then don't get mad at me, maybe that is the Holy Spirit trying to speak to you about it. I'm not saying I am perfect, I know I have my own weaknesses, but I am working on them and God has been showing me what needs to change.
God wants your affection and He is jealous for it. In the NIV, Ex 34:14 "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Ps 78:58 "For they provoked Him with their high places and aroused His jealousy with their graven images."
Our Hope needs to be in what can not be seen, Heb 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." , and to store up our treasures in heaven. The world NEEDS to see this from US. If we are following the same things they are, and putting our hope, affections, desires, time, into the same things they are, then why would they want God? They see us chasing the same things as they are, and looking for satisfaction in other things besides the ONE TRUE GOD.
I love this OT verse, Deut 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
I'm not trying to sound harsh or come off as judgmental because I have things I need to work on, but I want us to go deeper in God. To have our affections set on God and not on the things of this world, because they are empty and never satisfy. If you are a Christian, you should know this and not want to return from what you were saved out of. I want to speak the Truth in Love,
Your fellow follower of Jesus, challenging you to go deeper into the heart of our God,
Roger
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