Always Keep Your Heart

During my last day in Vegas, I had this idea about something while I was in the shower. It dealt with insecurity, but it was in thinking about the way that we connect (or don’t connect) with others.

I’ve been kicking around this idea about using video on the blog. If this turned into that kind of message I wanted to use the visual of gears, like two wheels of teeth, to support what I had to say. But I would need pretty big gears for someone to see it in video or in pictures on social media.

I bet Vegas would be the best place to find some. I had a little time that morning and wondered if I found them, would I be able to squeeze in a visit before the airport.

I found this amazing 5’ tall heart statue in an article from 2012. It was part of a ‘Hearts of Las Vegas’ exhibit and placed in front of a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by a partnership with GES, Global Experience Specialists, and the city of Las Vegas.

I called the research center, but they had never heard of it. The kind lady that answered the phone offered to check around and call me back. I emailed her the link that I’d found in case it helped.

Unfortunately, Annette didn’t know its whereabouts, but she was able to get the artists name, Dale Mathis, which I thanked her for and returned to my searching. He had an entire Kinetic art studio a few miles from my hotel. All of the pieces seemed related to time or containing ‘moving’ pieces. I loved it. My heart leapt. I said a prayer and I had hoped...

From what I could tell on the site, it looked like just the kind of place I’d like to check out. The website said we could visit ‘by appointment.’ I quickly dialed the number, but it was no longer working.

I later found another number to the studio, but by then I was just too close on time. I needed to head to the airport. So, I didn’t leave a message. It’s definitely on my list for next time, if I get to head that way again.

But anyway, back to the reason, I wanted the gears in the first place….

I can’t speak for everyone, but I can say that many of us (sometimes self-included) come against situations, experiences, and people. We try to keep things ‘cool’. This doesn’t always have to be about arguing either. Sure, it could be ‘peacekeeping’ when someone’s angry. But what about the really weird stuff that you think to yourself- perhaps a new idea? What’s that fear? Where are you stressing?  What’s something that you want but don’t know how to say or ask for? For a litany of reasons we often end up keeping to ourselves; ‘staying strong’ or ‘smooth,’ not wanting to ruffle feathers by our insertions.

The sculpture includes working gears.

Yet, we are made to protrude into the world and to receive from it. In the same way with gears, when those points and openings come together. Both sides receive something – they are being filled, while filling. There is a synergy in the connection that ‘stimulates’ and causes ‘movement’ as a result of those parts interacting.

Whether it’s what you put out or what you are willing to accept from the world around you; all too often in life we settle for skimming and wonder why we feel like something is missing. –Maybe we even feel like we’re spinning wheels. But by engaging yourself with the components of life; it’s the coming together that creates traction.

I couldn’t help but find the irony in that when I found the piece that I wanted to use for this image; it resides in the statue of a heart.

How incredibly DIVINE that is!

Let me explain.

For several years my life verse has been an NIV translation of Proverbs 4:23 ‘Above all else, always GUARD your heart for all you do flows from it.’  Tonight, I intentionally sought out other verses regarding the heart because ‘guarding it’ is often what gets us into trouble. –At least where it comes in to play for this kind of message.

But I was amazed at how I came back to so many perfect variations of the same line in other translations.

The ESV says ‘KEEP your heart will all vigilance, for from it flows the SPRINGS of life.’

I think that translation couldn’t be more perfect. KEEP your weirdness. KEEP your dreams and stay curious about things if for no other reason than being curious. No matter what anyone else thinks or says!

The NLT says it is your heart that ‘DETERMINES the course of your life.’ So instead of trying to stay strong and keep resolve, by following its nudges and those curiosities or vulnerabilities, it may lead you to different translations of your dreams.

Create boundaries and learn to KEEP them. Use your words and actions to KEEP your honor and integrity. You must ‘insert’ and ‘apply’ little pieces of yourself to make each of those things happen. Don’t lose your voice!

Now, I’m starting to get farther from my point but hang with me another minute.

The NAS says ‘WATCH your heart.’ You don’t have to follow every feeling, but we can watch it. Some of us need to completely detach from our mind to check-in here. It is only when we can silence the shouting ‘judgments and fears’ of the head that we can finally hear the whispers of the heart. After all, it’s the minds crazy idea that ‘being ourselves’ is always going to produce conflict.

H e l l o …. Who else were we created to be???

Whether it’s feelings, dreams, words, requests or decisions, our God made a great number of ways to communicate with and through us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We can study them quietly and even journal about it by watching. It will take you a little practice to sort those voices. They ARE different.

-And when you step out, you’ll get it wrong many times. Other times it may seem like the effort was for nothing. BUT, like all of your other muscles, that exercise will produce stronger results. Some call this intuition. And just between friends, it’s amazing how much FEAR wraps itself around this incredible signal of the heart. –Often a queue if there is fear, that may be the very place you need to make your next move.

Like my interest in finding gears for this example; sometimes where those promptings take you, turns out better than what you envisioned for yourself in the first place.

And with every practice, that ‘insecurity’ lessens. I promise.

In that same way by NOT ‘keeping the flow,’ things get hung; that spring becomes dammed and stagnant. We all know what happens to water that stops moving. It builds bacteria and contaminates everything in the body. It can KILL things. Likewise, hiding yourself creates this separate version of you beneath the surface. Sometimes it becomes toxic to everything in it or around it, and you don’t even notice because you’re immune. It’s still a part of you but buried and disconnected.

Also, procrastination steals opportunity. And that God that made your heart, also promised you dreams and a future. But it will require your faith, action, and HONESTY to obtain it. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

Whatever imprint you make on the world by putting yourself out there, I assure you that God has created ‘pieces’ that aren’t just receptive but they ‘FIT’ and ‘FILL’ the parts of your heart that he plans to use. He will replace and/or multiply anything that was lost or given. Keep at it!

True yes, sometimes the things that move don’t go the direction that you think they will or even want them to. People and things will fall away, and others will come in. You WON’T always do it right or without friction or pain.

But KEEP true to yourself, that’s where the ‘springs of life’ are. If you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, it may be YOUR movement (and contribution) that’s missing.

When you are truly working from the space of your heart, it is golden. You’re at your truest form, embodying the power of God, and some call this ‘alignment.’ You might find that it is also the place of redemption and the acceptance that you’ve always been looking for — that of your own.

There is a God who freely gives but no one else can believe it or put it into practice for you. Nor can anyone else attain what is only waiting for you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed. Your God is WITH YOU wherever you may go. - Joshua 1:9

Now to Him who is able to do FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND all that we ask or think according to the power that works WITHIN US, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-22

Standing On A Promise

I started riding my bicycle the year before last. I must admit that this is my favorite way to exercise. I feel like a kid again, racing through the neighborhoods; wind blowing through my hair. The early morning is my favorite time too. It's easier to slip away before the routine is in full swing. It's still cooler and darker outside, and because it's so early, no one is out yet. It is just so peaceful!

In the fall, two years ago. Funny angle.

I'll never forget that first morning though. I was given an old beach cruiser. It had a rusty fender and made a little squeak every time the wheel passed a certain spot or anytime that I hit a bump. Having a sound effect to my pedaling made the intensity of it pick up. I felt a little like the witch from the Wizard of Oz. Except, replace her pretty little hat for my spotlight. haha.

A scene from the Wizard of Oz.

Anyway...

It had been years since I had touched a bike- as in, I am not even sure I rode a one in high school. I can't forget standing up to pick up the pace, and my thighs started quivering as if my legs weren't familiar with supporting me. How quickly the bike seemed to pick up the unstable rhythm... So, I just as quickly sat back down. It was obvious that certain muscles hadn't been used in a long time. If I hadn't been in my own childhood, I might not believe that there was ever a time that you could not get me off of one.

Yet, I practiced standing and riding; cruising and speeding. Then one arm free at a time. As it turns out "hands-free" had been forgotten too. My mind wandered through the air, and I thought of a statement that I've heard by preachers, about how faith is a muscle, and it's up to us to work it. But more so, I thought about how similarly with the bike, when you're going uphill, and things get hard, you need to put a bit more muscle into it and stand up.

...or stand on the promise....

I let that linger a day.... a week.... almost a year...  then two. In fact, I think about it often when I ride. And since that time, I have gotten stronger and more stable too. Sometimes our spiritual life is just as 'shaky' and difficult to work out, isn't it?

I mean, you can practice prayer and even meditation on scripture. While you are growing in these areas, there can still be 'chatter' happening behind the scenes or around the new lines. You know the stories we tell ourselves. Before or after- whether or not we realize it, we're bookending both sides of the verses that are supposed to set us free.

That chatter can be anything; questions, doubts, self-righteousness, self-condemnation, fears, and judgments. There's so much noise happening inside our head, discernment can be a true mind bender when we need instruction, can't it?!

New exercises can always reveal a place of instability. Which voice is the one you're supposed to pay attention to? How often do you apply it? How can you say you ARE one thing when you feel completely opposite. The way we listen to and respond to each is also an exercise. The one you practice is the one you strengthen.

Take heart, I'd like to also give you a few examples. -But brace yourself. This might sting a little.

1. Worry - The minute you start to worry about 'how YOU will do this or say that'- put your eyes on God. Don't get so caught up in 'how you,' that you can't see 'how HE.' I don't mean you shouldn't consider your words, prayerfully plan, or take a step of action. YES, PLEASE DO! But fear, anxiety, and worry will grow rapidly if you let it. Then it can immobilize you. You have to practice using that muscle of what God says and practice looking at who He IS, more than who you think you are and what you are not.

He must become greater. I must become less. John 3:30

2. Weakness - Life happens. Any given circumstance can feel too big. When you want to crumble and feel overwhelmed. I dare you to worship. Scripture tells us that HE is our strength. I will let you do your own research here, but it's been said that our praise will usher the Holy Spirit's presence. If that is true, and if He brings strength, why wouldn't we want to fill ourselves with Him?

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 

3. Emotions - Emotions can get the best of us, can't they? Things break in our home, and we get frustrated. Someone wrongs us, and we get angry. Someone gets something you want and there's jealousy. What about the 'I don't wannas'? They might be the worst of all! Even unexpected and thrilling 'whims' can get us so excited that we lose our focus. Each situation like this that comes along may not be anything that you care about in 20 years or in the new creation. So why let your emotions get the best of you now?

Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

4. Insecurity - When you feel like you can’t do something or when someone criticizes you or when you’re reminded of your past, don't shrink back, CLING to your future. What about when you're given an opportunity to try something that you've never done or to reinvent yourself? Your initial thought might be, "I can't..." or "I've never..."

BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE will live by faith. I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. - Hebrews 10:38

That's a tough one, isn't it?!

5. Words - Can we just talk about what we talk about for a minute? We might tell God what we hope for, but we tell all of our friends what we're afraid of. Or we don't even try to see what God might be doing in the situation that seems too big for us. So, we just keep repeating the same old, worn out story. I mean really- the things that we don't want can get more attention in our conversations and in our captions, than the God that we say that we believe in. I could quote verses like Proverbs 18:21 that tell you that there is the power of life and death in our tongue. But something else has recently struck me in my study time.

In the beginning, when God created everything, we see that He spoke it into existence. If you go back to read those verses, a few lines later you will also see, "and it was so" or you will see a summary of what was created. I am still trying to absorb why we see that. But because it made it to scripture, I know that there's a significance there. He first calls it out. Then he restates it. So, I'm asking you to challenge your own words. If you know that there is a Godly solution. Maybe you even know what that solution is. Call it out and/or restate about your life or situation. Give your words to that solution only and act accordingly. Thus bringing glory to our Father.

-
-

You know, we could go on naming things like this. As I scan back down that list, each area that I have named is an issue of trust. And most of these issues start in our mind! You know Proverbs 23:7 says as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.

That's probably why 2 Corinthians 10:5 says that we are to take EVERY thought captive and make it obedient to Christ!

Hebrews 2:5 also tells us that we are only a little lower than angels; crowned with glory and honor and EVERYTHING has been put under our feet. (Like a pedal. haha)

And it doesn't say only the men or the women. It doesn't say only the left-handed people instead of the right-handed people (no matter what they might tell you.) **wink-wink** The verse says mankind.

and

Jesus died on a cross so that WHOEVER was willing to believe in Him, could be saved. John 3:16

AND (This might feel like a tangent but hang in there.) You don't have to die first to see the benefit of having Jesus in your life now.

Have you ever noticed in the Lord's prayer that it says 'On earth as it is in Heaven." And at the end of that same chapter in verse 33, it says 'Seek first HIS kingdom, and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."  That part appears in the section titled 'Do not worry, ' and it's about basic living needs.

And again, it doesn't say only for black or for white. East coasters or West coasters.

If YOU are willing to believe in Him. By making Him Lord of your life, that means you put his commands, and even his whispers, his righteousness, his power, before your ___________.

When YOU lift the Son of Man, you will find the boldness of our heavenly Father- not just in your life but also the peace and comfort and certainty that he promises, IN YOU. -On this earth. In the life you're living now.

[end tangent]
_
_

Much like getting on a bike again or for the first time, you have to push through the tremble.

My thighs were shaking when I pushed on those pedals and going uphill made it so much more obvious that I didn't have the strength that I thought I did or hoped to have. Practicing faith has so much felt the same way. These examples that I give to you are some of my most private lessons.

It will feel wobbly and even uncomfortable. You might feel like a fraud, or like your boasting (and sometimes you might even do that by accident). There will even be times that you might wonder if you've moved over to la-la land because this is not what you're used to practicing.

But as you PUSH through, that muscle of faith will grow. You will find strength and perseverance in Him. -And alas, freedom!

Friend, my testimony is this. YOU CAN trust what the Word says. - That in itself is a promise.

You can practice anything you like. Whether you choose to sit down or stand up and ride, is up to you.

Living As Our Creator | Genesis 1

Hello, this morning we are in Chapter 1 of Genesis. You might already be familiar with it, even if you don’t read your Bible regularly. It’s the chapter about creation. You know, when God created the Earth, man, and animals.

When we spend time in the Bible and with our heavenly Father, we can look for God to reveal new things about himself which are also invitations that we can accept to be more like him.

Ephesians 5:1-2 says that we should be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love, just as Christ loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God, as fragrant aroma.

As I was reading through Genesis 1, some unexpected things stood out to me. Mostly words that were repeated throughout the chapter. So, this post won’t be line by line but rather focused on the sum of those words that stood out.

Sometimes we don’t share enough scripture between friends, so let’s begin by reading the full chapter of Genesis 1. 

For whatever reason, it’s a bit of a tongue twister for me, so please extend a little grace

while you listen. ;) If you’d like to follow along, I’m using an NIV translation.

-

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

6 And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. 8 God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

9 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

20 And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

24 And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.

31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. 

Gleanings:

Sometimes, I like to use a word counter when I study. I did mention it recently in another post, but it’s not something that I usually rely on. When several stuck out to me, I was curious about any others that I may have missed.  So, I used it in this post. While I know you’ve probably heard several words repeated here, let’s take a look at some of them now. Those are the keys that I will be pointing to in this message.

The first is ‘Created.' It’s used five times. The word ‘Made’ appears another 5 times [KJV has it 8x]. In verse 27 he says that we are made in His image. Well, remember that verse I just shared in the beginning from Ephesians about being an imitator of Christ-  well, that got me wondering if we too are meant to ‘create.'

1 Timothy 2:2 says that we should lead Godly lives. There are countless other verses that show us that the things in our life are created to glorify Him. Wouldn’t that consist of doing and being the same as he?  Yet how many times have I heard someone say, I am not talented or creative? How many times have I said those things myself?

I recognize that for some of you listening, it would take a real act of faith to believe that you could create something that might glorify God but isn’t that gap where God does his best work? –When God asks you to believe that he can use your offerings- when you don’t see the way or the means or even direction.

Our God carefully and thoughtfully created each of us with plans and purpose. –And if it there is something that has been brewing in your heart, he might have designed you to do something with it. Please, friend, take the pressure off of yourself and just prayerfully explore it.

The next word I see is the word ‘Saw.' It appears 7 times. In this case, He looked at the things that he made after he made them. Do you and I study the things that we’ve made? Do we let them minister to us while we’re making them or once they are complete?  On the other hand, as humans, maybe we need to first see them in our mind to create them. –To envision them or use our imaginations.

But over and over again every time he ‘saw’ or looked at something, you know what he did? He said it was ‘Good.' That’s our next word. It appears 7x. He saw the light, and it was good. He saw the seas, and it was good. He continues through the passage.

Yet you and I when we create, we’re quick to note the things that we could do better or differently. We judge them usually in a negative fashion or compare them to someone else. He does none of this. I know—He’s God. Why would he?

For every single thing he makes, he says it is good. Then when he gets to man, he says -----‘whoops—do over’. 

Just kidding.

He says that we’re good too!

YOU are good!

Good.

Now, I don’t know if this disclaimer will be helpful or confusing but, when I say that we’re good, I am not talking about who we are as sinners.

We are all sinners. Christ died on a cross for every one of us, but he also died to give us a new life.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 is a great passage (and paraphrased here) it says to me, Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. BUT because I am the worst and because God shows me mercy- and uses something in my life even when I am still a Hot mess, others are able to believe and have hope in him as well and receive their own eternal life.

He died to use or weakness, to reveal his glory.

Yet how many times, do we tell God, who we are not, why we cannot, instead of living by the Life of a God who is and who is shown time and again using people who create and step out of their comfort zone and use things within their means.

Because you are made in his image, chosen, forgiven, accepted by God, you have power. His power.

John 16:15 says: All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

John 17:10 - All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.

You can’t be full of power available to God, made in his very image, chosen and purposed, and yet still be too broken to make a difference. YOU ARE GOOD!

And I know, this might be too- “self helpy” or too “hippy” because it’s about creating. Some of you are flinching because you think creative only means crafty. Hang in there.

Hear my heart. He does not say we’re perfect or flawless. He says that you (we) are good!

So, the sum of things that you make out of your life, they don’t have to keep you up at night to be perfect either. It’s like we tell our kids; if it was your best, and in the right heart for God, your ‘good enough’ still glorifies our heavenly Father. That might to you feel like a failure because it’s not blue ribbon worthy in your eyes, but it’s good enough for Him.

We’re talking about a God who let Moses part seas with a stick. I don’t think that his standards are too lofty. They might be too lofty for us to attain as it says in Psalms 139.  But that’s is a matter of what we can understand.  –Not who or what he expects us to be.

Moving right along.

Remember that crafty bit? Well, creation isn’t only using a paint brush and canvas. Creation is in your work and how you plan your meetings. It’s in your parenting and how you choose to discipline your kids. True yes, it can be in how you express yourself, your hobbies, your interests but it’s also in the methods that you choose to connect with people, even when—especially when- you have to overcome an obstacle to meet them.

But the next thing that I see is the word ‘Said’ – 11 times it appears. Creation is in your words. It’s how you encourage others. God spoke light, he spoke the sun and moon and stars. Some of the brightest things that you and I will ever create will be things that are made from our words. Even if it’s only what you say to yourself that no one hears-- or what you pray for.

Who do you speak to?

What and whom do you have authority over?

What do you give your power to when you do speak? Are your words about the problem, or the possible solutions? Are they about your worry or your hope? Are they about what you cannot or what God can? 

--or are your words even about what God might be able to do through and in you?

What about what he doesn’t say?

This is the first chapter, right? I get it’s the history of the beginning, but it’s also like the baseline. I mean, it sets the tone for the whole Bible. Not once in the first chapter when God is making the entire universe, do you see the words labor, sweat, work…

Give me some more words that aren’t listed – please. It peaks my interest. (Yes, I know that there is an entire dictionary that's missing from chapter 1.)

In fact, the word we see instead caught me by surprise because it appears 13 times. More than any of the other words we discussed. It’s the word ‘Let.' He said let there be light, let there be water, let there be grass.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with hard work or planning or trying to make things the best you can. Certainly, we should do our best to glorify God. –But I have been a perfectionist and it sometimes still seeps out. When it does, it robs me of the joy that surrounds me. –I mean does anyone remember Martha? Jesus was at her table, and she couldn’t put the vacuum down.

I am kidding again. Don’t look that up. There are no vacuums in the Bible.

You can read about her in Luke 10. But some of you are the same way. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, GOD is in your midst –and you can’t understand why you don’t see him. Why He doesn’t speak to you. Why you don’t feel his presence. It’s because you haven’t left your work. Even when you’re sitting in a pew.

You’re relying on the things that you can create perfectly, instead of trusting a perfect God to use what you created.

But HE LET- these things happen.

Just stop and Imagine with me all the things your life could be, the person you could be, the things that you could make and the ways that you could glorify God if only you would let it…

Maybe even let it go.

Or Let yourself go.

-

-

-

-

-

Now backing up for a minute. I am really trying to write/speak more about Scripture and challenge myself to go deeper than just ‘what about me”.

I recently shared a post on some tips to help you study your Bible. Then this week, I opened a box of books that were given to me by a friend last year. In it just so happened to be (in a Godly coincidental kind of way) a book on Genesis. It is called, “My Creator, My Friend” by Bruce Larson

On pg. 13, the author gives two more points that I’d like to add to that but to also challenge myself to use here and in the future as well.

The first is:

1. When you study your Bible, what does this chapter say about God? (And how does it say it?)

2. The second tip given was Instead of looking for hidden messages, what does the text say when you take it at its word? So, let me try to answer both of those things here.

So, what do I see about God, simply from the text?

·       First verse – God IS…. and has been from the beginning

·       Verse 2 says he is hovering above waters. Later in the Bible, you will see other verses, like Zephaniah 3:17 that says He is in our midst. The end of this chapter does not lead to the end of God, he is still here.

·       As for God, he is a creator. He is shown over and over making things from what was not there before.

·       He is a part of the Trinity. (v26)

·       He calls things to be. The he restates it. Go back and read each thing that he spoke into existence, then a few lines later you will see, “and it was so” or a summary of what was just created.

·       Next, he is a God of law and order. One or two things were created at a time. He didn’t make it all at once or even on the same day. He was putting things in their place., separating water from the sky. Even designating power to some of those things. The sun and moon were to govern the day and night. Men were made to rule over the fish in the sea…

·       In that same vein, He is a God of purpose – The trees and plants were created to produce seeds. The birds and fish were to multiply. Even the land was called to produce something. When we circle back to our purpose, man’s purpose. Look at verse 28 – God blessed man and woman and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.

Subdue doesn’t mean to force submission. It means to make things calm. 

So, with your purpose and circling back to the point of my message, imitating Christ as a creator; When you create, how can you bring law, order, yet calmness to your realm. -In your work place, in your home, at your church, in your neighborhood?

Colossians 3:15 says:  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Philippians 4:7 says that it’s the peace of God that transcends all understanding.

Matthew 5:9 says Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Friend to friend: I don’t know what this speaks to you, but I hope that it speaks the same light to you as it did to me. But I had to go through this on my own and learn it before I even saw it here. So, let me wrap this up with a few tips from what I’ve learned. If you’re not looking to have the power to use, or looking for a way to use God’s power in your life, there’s a void. Create an opening and let it in. If you don’t have a hobby, get one. Find things to learn about. I had a lot of things that I was interested in but when all this changed for me, it started by painting rocks that I found at the river with my kids. You don’t have to use rocks. It’s what I had available. Don’t buy anything if you’re not able, find some things in your house and google it. –or message me, maybe we’ll have an adult creative experience. Haha (I don’t know what that means).

1.     Curiosity seems to feed your creative energy. You can be curious about being a gardener, and it can feed your thoughts in another area of your life, unrelated to gardening.

2.     Whatever you attempt the first time, heck even if it’s a big deal like a presentation or a speaking event that you have never done. Don’t go in, making it perfect.  Go in, making a list of what you’ll learn from it so that you can do it even better next time.

3.     If you can tie it to scripture and meditate on it while you’re doing it, it will speak to you, but it will also help you memorize it.  –That’s part of why all those verse coloring pages and Bible journals are such a hit.

4.     More than that, though, having a hobby, all your own, will give you a sense of accomplishment and your own little private thing to enjoy. But it’s also a form of meditation. It’s relaxing. Because the thing requires such focus, it helps you stop giving attention to all the other chatter running behind the scenes that is stressing you out.

5.     Finally, don’t stop there. When you get too comfortable or bored, look for another hobby or take it up a notch. Do the same in your spiritual life.

So, with that, I challenge you to go into the day being willing to put your ideas to work. "Let us challenge ourselves." Be willing to try new things, reinvent, even if it's only ourselves. In the end, no matter the results, acknowledge the effort and what was produced. –How’s that for another look at holy living?

I would LOVE for you to read Genesis 1 on your own and share your findings with me as well. (Links, emails, comments – all of it! –Even if it’s a week or month later or if your points are extremely different than mine.) J

 4 Kids

 * * *

All of this started because I wanted to have a lesson with our neighborhood kids. Using this message and doing an art project. I had to cancel my event because of weather, but I know it will happen soon, so these are my notes.

1.     What are the things that you can see about God here?

a.     Well, he’s a creator. What else?

2.     What are some of the things he created?

3.     How did he create them?

a.     He spoke many of them.

b.     Some of the brightest things that you create will be the things that you speak into your life and others as well.

4.     Can you name something that you heard about us in this passage?

a.     We’re created in his image too. – v26

b.     What else –we’re good?

c.     See commentary on 1:25

5.     In fact, it looks like every time he made something –he stood back, checked it out and decided that it was good.

a.     Admire your work [take picture]

b.     Tell me things 3 things that are good about it. [Write them down]

c.     He doesn’t say look at your best friends work or write what you wish was different.

d.     He doesn’t tell you everything that’s wrong with it either.

6.     Did you learn anything from what you made today?

'Good' Judgment(s)

Yesterday, I took Sophie to a Volleyball Clinic over in Seaford. It’s something that she has been wanting to do for a while now. A friend told us about this class last week and in the days leading up to it, Sophie couldn’t stop talking about it. Yet as we walked into the building, several families walked in with older girls passing us by. Sophie began getting nervous.

As we grew closer to the gym you could hear the girls inside. Their voices were getting louder. Suddenly Sophie stopped and began to cry. She didn’t want to go in. I asked her what was wrong and she replied, “What if they are better than me?” “I’ve never done this before.” “They have all played and they are bigger.” “I will be terrible because I don’t know what to do.” Leaning close to her face, I started trying to console her and encourage her. After all, fear is normal right? Everyone feels that way from time to time. I kindly reminded her that some of the things that she just said were lies. She didn’t really know IF those girls were better or had played before. She didn’t really know if she would be bad. I know the words that came after were God inspired when I said, you’re making judgments about those ladies out there and against yourself. The Bible tells us that judging others is sin. (John 7:24) We EACH are made in his image….

Then I told her that I didn’t bring her all that way to let her talk herself out of it. She was going in! Praise God for the coaches that came right over to encourage her some more and peel her off of my skin.

I share these pictures because I am proud of my daughter. She overcame fear and played her little heart out. (With many girls who had never played before by the way.) She decided that she loves it and we’ll be signing her up soon!

But I also share this message because it’s not just 8-year-old girls that get weighed down by fear and let “the stories we tell ourselves” keep us from achieving something greater. It’s also awfully easy to gloss over thoughts that aren’t “bad thoughts” about others and forget that such deeds are often accompanied by comparison and self-doubt. Negative thoughts about self really are judgments too. You and I are holy, divinely created and full of the power needed for our tasks ahead. Every time you step out, you can learn something new—about yourself and our maker, who is with you!

Eph 4:29 says “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up...” Let me encourage you today to encourage others BUT TO ALSO encourage yourself in all you do. Giving it all you’ve got, as God intended, is what it means to give Him glory. My friend, YOU were made for more! <3

Our Suffering and Our Calling

In hindsight it is always so surprising how we process concepts, even in regards to faith. For example, when the church shares messages on how “having God in your life makes things better”, the smallness of our minds can't compute it so it translates to "Getting faith will make your problems disappear". Um, nope. -Not a chance!

I'd almost venture to say that as you develop your faith, your problems might even get harder because then you're called to respond in a Godly way. And then the ante is upped again.

We also seem to wait to discover “our calling” before we step out in faith or to start sharing... But again another opposite is that we must step out, in order to discover. 

This message (link below) is a good one. It’s about our suffering and our calling. One of the highlights is in how we all process our suffering through our own belief system.  If you believe in God, then take your suffering to the Word of God. And what it speaks to you personally is your ministry. BOOM!

If you’re in a suffering season or a trial (or perhaps the next one that you’re in) don’t rely on yourself to reason it. (I’ve just given you two examples where we get it backwards.) Take it first in prayer and ask for the good Lord to open your eyes. Then take your trial to the bible. Search for scripture (either online or in a concordance) about your type of storm. Read the commentary to understand why certain things were and were not used. (That’s often where the nuggets are.)Then journal out your questions and what you feel scripture is speaking to you!  -Your “ah-has” are your testimony, your witness and your steps to obedience.

There is no better connector to God than your obedience to what he wants you to do. There is no better “disconnector” in your relationship to God than your disobedience. (Even if it is only obedience delayed).

I’m praying with you and for you in your season!  God speak!

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/mini-bible-college/listen/the-storms-of-life-the-word-and-the-witness-511919.html