I penned these words in my journal on October 10, 2006. "We enjoyed our thanksgiving yesterday. The children spent time with their cousins. They went to the park and kicked the ball around and had so much fun. It was a joy to see and things were so peaceful. Aunty Erica and mum, I'm sure, felt a great sense of comfort. I loved seeing Aunty Erica sober and happy. God is so good. Teach us Your ways, O please teach us Your ways O Lord.
Mathew 28 : The angels first words were "Do not be afraid". The first words of Jesus was "Do not be afraid".
We have a big problem of fear. We are constantly afraid of a myriad of things and circumstances and God recognizes that we have this instinctive weakness. That is why, the first words uttered by the angel and The Lord is "Do not be afraid". Jesus also says, "Go tell". I find that the more we "tell" the more we will cast out fear and fill ourselves with the goodness of the Lord. Our telling propels fear out of our lives.
"O Jesus, grant that I may tell of your saving ability, love, goodness, kindness, peace, joy, forgiveness, meekness, patience, long suffering, blessing, endurance, strength, comfort, steadfastness, integrity, purity, unselfishness, sacrificial love, honesty, faithfulness, healing power, glory, wisdom, unity, grace, teaching ability, covering, protection, miracles, satisfaction, provisions, example, creative ability, beauty, rich inheritance, productivity, righteousness, perfection, intercessory prayer, righteous anger against evil, ability to take up residence within us and impart your character through us by your transforming power."
Lord, I need your grace to be conformed and changed into your image and likeness and pray the same for all those whom I have declared as my brethren. Move us all with compassion to love and serve one another, O Holy Lord. Amen!"
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Youth exchanged for the gift of wisdom
I am back again after a long sojourn working at my business. Right now I am going through notes that I have jotted down which I really should have put down here. This is what I wrote on Sep. 20/2006.
"Today I read the little note written by the sister of Chuck Swindoll about wisdom. Youth exchanged for the gift of wisdom. For many years, I have prayed for this gift more than any other gift and I see so clearly this exchange being carried out. My hair is very grey. I have cried many, many times and made costly mistakes which contributed to the wisdom I so earnestly desired. The experience in my past years has mellowed me and changed me. I gave up impatience for a well of patience but at the cost of countless incidents requiring the overcoming of very trying times of waiting un-endingly. I exchanged my unbelief, for an all consuming love and faith in the Lord, through difficult times, when I found that He always came through for me. The wait was long, almost excruciating, but I saw His good at the end of that particular season. I learned and I learned. I often tried to manipulate the outcome only to find myself hurting more unbearably. Gradually it became easier to discern, easier to see His ways and to conform. When I have 'preached' or 'lectured' or pointed a finger, I have found that I was held accountable. Many times, I have found myself in the very same situation, as the person I was trying to teach, and I have learned first hand, that I had to be prepared to go through similar circumstances, and then because of first hand involvement, I could offer advice with greater compassion and love. I have learned not to speak lightly to the Lord and make promises because doing so is at a cost and it will hurt, very often tremendously. Victory is a prize that you receive when you go through to the other side. Hindrances and obstacles are bound to beset you on every side. Overcoming them is part of the process of being victorious. Being Christ-like means being as He was. Jesus not only set an example, He gave us a pattern, a design for our lives and His Way is the only Way. O how I wish I could put into words, all that I have learnt over the years, that will be plain to understand. I do know however, that no one can learn my lessons the way I learned them. Each one will have their own revelation in a unique and special way for that is the nature of our God and the way He created us. Unique and different. I pray, I pray with all my heart, that we learn quickly and with true humility, all that He desires for us to learn.
"O Lord, please bless those who read these words and come to their aid quickly. Open their minds that they may learn and in doing so acquire the greatest gift of wisdom, for to acquire wisdom, is to have a better knowledge of You and Your ways. Thank you Lord!!"
"Today I read the little note written by the sister of Chuck Swindoll about wisdom. Youth exchanged for the gift of wisdom. For many years, I have prayed for this gift more than any other gift and I see so clearly this exchange being carried out. My hair is very grey. I have cried many, many times and made costly mistakes which contributed to the wisdom I so earnestly desired. The experience in my past years has mellowed me and changed me. I gave up impatience for a well of patience but at the cost of countless incidents requiring the overcoming of very trying times of waiting un-endingly. I exchanged my unbelief, for an all consuming love and faith in the Lord, through difficult times, when I found that He always came through for me. The wait was long, almost excruciating, but I saw His good at the end of that particular season. I learned and I learned. I often tried to manipulate the outcome only to find myself hurting more unbearably. Gradually it became easier to discern, easier to see His ways and to conform. When I have 'preached' or 'lectured' or pointed a finger, I have found that I was held accountable. Many times, I have found myself in the very same situation, as the person I was trying to teach, and I have learned first hand, that I had to be prepared to go through similar circumstances, and then because of first hand involvement, I could offer advice with greater compassion and love. I have learned not to speak lightly to the Lord and make promises because doing so is at a cost and it will hurt, very often tremendously. Victory is a prize that you receive when you go through to the other side. Hindrances and obstacles are bound to beset you on every side. Overcoming them is part of the process of being victorious. Being Christ-like means being as He was. Jesus not only set an example, He gave us a pattern, a design for our lives and His Way is the only Way. O how I wish I could put into words, all that I have learnt over the years, that will be plain to understand. I do know however, that no one can learn my lessons the way I learned them. Each one will have their own revelation in a unique and special way for that is the nature of our God and the way He created us. Unique and different. I pray, I pray with all my heart, that we learn quickly and with true humility, all that He desires for us to learn.
"O Lord, please bless those who read these words and come to their aid quickly. Open their minds that they may learn and in doing so acquire the greatest gift of wisdom, for to acquire wisdom, is to have a better knowledge of You and Your ways. Thank you Lord!!"
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
2 Peter, 3 : 9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Today my contemplation on these words have brought me to understand the patience and the love of God. Now that I have children of my own who try my patience sometimes to a point of vexation, I understand the depth of God's patience. His children choose to do so much unimaginable evil, and yet He waits patiently for them to make correct choices, to understand His nature, to see the goal He really wants them to achieve which is to be like Him. He is the ultimate parent. He stands by with great consuming love, allowing his children to suffer the knocks and consequences of their poor choices for the greater good of wisdom, understanding and maturity.
As a parent, I do much the same at a human level. How I long to be like Him! But I am reminded however, that I am a work in progress. There are moments when I bubble up with great joy, when my child has had a revelation, a moment of wisdom or when he has realized the error of his ways and is truly sorry for his transgression, and I know he will carry the lesson in his mind for the rest of his life. Can you imagine the Father's joy when we even have a small inkling of His ways and especially if we begin to conform to them and apply them to our lives.
In the context of my own children, I long to see them grow up to be committed Christians. Totally at peace, and to have exceeding joy, abundant life and a level of maturity beyond their years. I long to give them the best, to establish them so that they may be blessed in adulthood and it is so easy now to see just how much our Father wants the same for us.
If I work hard for the kids, often putting their needs before my own, I know also that my Father God, who created me, is also hard at work for me.
So, I can rest in this precious knowledge. I can trust in His direction and allow Him to lead me. I can open myself up to Him in confidence knowing that He will not betray my trust. I can pour out my love to Him and know that I am loved deeply in return.
"Father God, I pray and I command, by the authority I have as your child, a special blessing on those who read this and look to You for hope, that the eyes of their mind be opened to a deeper understanding of who You really are. In Jesus name. Amen"
Today my contemplation on these words have brought me to understand the patience and the love of God. Now that I have children of my own who try my patience sometimes to a point of vexation, I understand the depth of God's patience. His children choose to do so much unimaginable evil, and yet He waits patiently for them to make correct choices, to understand His nature, to see the goal He really wants them to achieve which is to be like Him. He is the ultimate parent. He stands by with great consuming love, allowing his children to suffer the knocks and consequences of their poor choices for the greater good of wisdom, understanding and maturity.
As a parent, I do much the same at a human level. How I long to be like Him! But I am reminded however, that I am a work in progress. There are moments when I bubble up with great joy, when my child has had a revelation, a moment of wisdom or when he has realized the error of his ways and is truly sorry for his transgression, and I know he will carry the lesson in his mind for the rest of his life. Can you imagine the Father's joy when we even have a small inkling of His ways and especially if we begin to conform to them and apply them to our lives.
In the context of my own children, I long to see them grow up to be committed Christians. Totally at peace, and to have exceeding joy, abundant life and a level of maturity beyond their years. I long to give them the best, to establish them so that they may be blessed in adulthood and it is so easy now to see just how much our Father wants the same for us.
If I work hard for the kids, often putting their needs before my own, I know also that my Father God, who created me, is also hard at work for me.
So, I can rest in this precious knowledge. I can trust in His direction and allow Him to lead me. I can open myself up to Him in confidence knowing that He will not betray my trust. I can pour out my love to Him and know that I am loved deeply in return.
"Father God, I pray and I command, by the authority I have as your child, a special blessing on those who read this and look to You for hope, that the eyes of their mind be opened to a deeper understanding of who You really are. In Jesus name. Amen"
Monday, June 19, 2006
2 Peter 2:26
"For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. "
How miserable is the Christian, who knowing God's goodness, deliberately continues in wickedness. I know, I have been there and I am sure there are many who have had a sojourn in this 'wilderness'. Sometimes we make bad choices, refusing to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. We may have rebelled because of our circumstances, due to the fact that we have not seen a speedy answer to our prayers. Our pride will not let us acknowledge our wrong doing, but we are extremely uncomfortable in our wilderness of sin. We lose our joy, our peace and our communication with the Lord and we are extremely miserable. Our emptiness is even greater than before we were born again.
Can anyone relate? Do not turn away from the holy commandment and if you have, acknowledge quickly and return to our loving Father. Please don't choose the wilderness of sin and misery for you will find yourself worse off than before you were born again. I know, I have been there.
"Holy Father, I love you. Teach us your ways, even through ALL our circumstances. Make us pliable and teachable and ready to acknowledge our errors. Sharpen our attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit, that our actions, our words and our thoughts may wholly be like you. Lord, I command a special blessing on all who share in this prayer. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen"
How miserable is the Christian, who knowing God's goodness, deliberately continues in wickedness. I know, I have been there and I am sure there are many who have had a sojourn in this 'wilderness'. Sometimes we make bad choices, refusing to listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. We may have rebelled because of our circumstances, due to the fact that we have not seen a speedy answer to our prayers. Our pride will not let us acknowledge our wrong doing, but we are extremely uncomfortable in our wilderness of sin. We lose our joy, our peace and our communication with the Lord and we are extremely miserable. Our emptiness is even greater than before we were born again.
Can anyone relate? Do not turn away from the holy commandment and if you have, acknowledge quickly and return to our loving Father. Please don't choose the wilderness of sin and misery for you will find yourself worse off than before you were born again. I know, I have been there.
"Holy Father, I love you. Teach us your ways, even through ALL our circumstances. Make us pliable and teachable and ready to acknowledge our errors. Sharpen our attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit, that our actions, our words and our thoughts may wholly be like you. Lord, I command a special blessing on all who share in this prayer. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen"
Friday, June 16, 2006
2 Peter Chapter 1 : 4-8
I know, it has been awhile since my fingers flew over my keyboard keys. I was busy trying to figure out the taxes. I never imagined that it would have been so hard. We came to Canada 9 years ago, from a tax free environment and this aspect of Canada has been my hardest part. For the past three years or so, I was determined to try and understand the system, and although I think I have made mistakes, I seem to be grasping it. It is even more hard, when you try to be honest. Honesty as with every other virtue does not come easily. I measure my actions by The Word, and I come up short every time. But as I yield, I find that His change is being worked into me.
Today I contemplate on 2 Peter 1:4-8.
"4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Once again, I am reminded that our goal is to be like Him. We have rich promises of a sure salvation. We have escaped corruption, and we partake in His divine nature, some of the characteristics of which are mentioned here. We should give all diligence to faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. As we yield, we will find that these characteristics are being formed in us.
May our God of glory Bless you and transform you into His precious likeness. Karen
Today I contemplate on 2 Peter 1:4-8.
"4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Once again, I am reminded that our goal is to be like Him. We have rich promises of a sure salvation. We have escaped corruption, and we partake in His divine nature, some of the characteristics of which are mentioned here. We should give all diligence to faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. As we yield, we will find that these characteristics are being formed in us.
May our God of glory Bless you and transform you into His precious likeness. Karen
Thursday, April 20, 2006
I PETER CHAPTER 5:10
My previous post reflected a new revelation - "suffering is essential to the Christian experience". I guess I did know this experientially for many years, but it has now hammered home. Today, I read this verse and my heart warmed as I understood God's confirmation of the truth that I gleaned yesterday.
1 Peter Chapter 5:10, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.".
This verse clearly reflects the role of suffering in our lives. Making us perfect it says, establishing us, strengthening us and settling us. I would have given anything to be established and strong and settled. But did you know that there was a cost involved? The price we pay is in suffering.
Now it does make sense. For example, do you know an alchoholic? If you never knew an alchoholic, how would you empathise with him or her or with those around him or her. You may have an inkling, but you will never know the fullest extent of the pain he or she is inflicting on him or herself, but also how much more his/her actions, inflict pain on his or her family (who are innocent victims). If the alchoholism produces violence, physical, emotional abuse and shame, the cost is born by the family of the alchoholic. The impact of the drinking may not even dawn upon the alchoholic as he/she wanders through life in a stupor. Your compassion will only be stirred, if you have directly been affected by an alchoholic and it is easier for you to reach out to other hurting victims of this abuse.
How about someone enduring a terminal illness. You would never understand the effect on all involved if you were not affected. When your loved one is sick and helpless, we are so stirred. I remember when my sister was dying of cancer, I cried many days, prayed unendingly and even said to her "I would trade places with you in a heartbeat". I could hardly bear to think of her suffering. I was so stirred with compassion for her and her family. I felt helpless that I was a long way away, and could not be there to help my sisters, niece and my mother, who were caring for her. When she went home to be with the Lord, I was ready to help in the fight against this disease. I had never given it a second thought before this time. It took my sister's pain and suffering and my own, to change my life and make me advance in my Christian walk.
As I look back at the many, many incidents in my life, I can now see a pattern emerge. One day, several years ago, when I was so absorbed in the love for my Jesus, I said to Him, "I will do anything for You. Nothing will I withhold, not my family, my husband, my children, and definitely no material thing". I was puzzled when I almost immediately went through a very trying, hateful situation. In fact, it was like a huge slap in the face. At the time, I was'nt even sure whether my family or myself could ever recover. My own child was affected. We still live with the pain of that incident, but I have rebounded even more in my love for the Lord. He gave me my children, and He has the responsibility to see them through. I am trusting Him. Slowly however, I learnt to weigh my words, and not utter them lightly to the Lord. I not only was more discerning, but when I prayed in this fashion, I was more prepared for what could follow. I found that my faith grew deeper, and I had the strength to overcome. I learnt to stretch my faith, no matter how horrific the circumstances. It meant giving the Lord complete control and trusting that He will bring to completion, to perfection the work that He has started, while I continue to trust Him even while my loved one or my child was suffering or in sin.
Do you love the Lord? Be prepared for many "Job" experiences. He is the refining fire - the burning off of the impurities is painful, but the end result will be "pure gold" as you shine in His presence for all eternity.
1 Peter Chapter 5:10, "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.".
This verse clearly reflects the role of suffering in our lives. Making us perfect it says, establishing us, strengthening us and settling us. I would have given anything to be established and strong and settled. But did you know that there was a cost involved? The price we pay is in suffering.
Now it does make sense. For example, do you know an alchoholic? If you never knew an alchoholic, how would you empathise with him or her or with those around him or her. You may have an inkling, but you will never know the fullest extent of the pain he or she is inflicting on him or herself, but also how much more his/her actions, inflict pain on his or her family (who are innocent victims). If the alchoholism produces violence, physical, emotional abuse and shame, the cost is born by the family of the alchoholic. The impact of the drinking may not even dawn upon the alchoholic as he/she wanders through life in a stupor. Your compassion will only be stirred, if you have directly been affected by an alchoholic and it is easier for you to reach out to other hurting victims of this abuse.
How about someone enduring a terminal illness. You would never understand the effect on all involved if you were not affected. When your loved one is sick and helpless, we are so stirred. I remember when my sister was dying of cancer, I cried many days, prayed unendingly and even said to her "I would trade places with you in a heartbeat". I could hardly bear to think of her suffering. I was so stirred with compassion for her and her family. I felt helpless that I was a long way away, and could not be there to help my sisters, niece and my mother, who were caring for her. When she went home to be with the Lord, I was ready to help in the fight against this disease. I had never given it a second thought before this time. It took my sister's pain and suffering and my own, to change my life and make me advance in my Christian walk.
As I look back at the many, many incidents in my life, I can now see a pattern emerge. One day, several years ago, when I was so absorbed in the love for my Jesus, I said to Him, "I will do anything for You. Nothing will I withhold, not my family, my husband, my children, and definitely no material thing". I was puzzled when I almost immediately went through a very trying, hateful situation. In fact, it was like a huge slap in the face. At the time, I was'nt even sure whether my family or myself could ever recover. My own child was affected. We still live with the pain of that incident, but I have rebounded even more in my love for the Lord. He gave me my children, and He has the responsibility to see them through. I am trusting Him. Slowly however, I learnt to weigh my words, and not utter them lightly to the Lord. I not only was more discerning, but when I prayed in this fashion, I was more prepared for what could follow. I found that my faith grew deeper, and I had the strength to overcome. I learnt to stretch my faith, no matter how horrific the circumstances. It meant giving the Lord complete control and trusting that He will bring to completion, to perfection the work that He has started, while I continue to trust Him even while my loved one or my child was suffering or in sin.
Do you love the Lord? Be prepared for many "Job" experiences. He is the refining fire - the burning off of the impurities is painful, but the end result will be "pure gold" as you shine in His presence for all eternity.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
1 Peter, Chapter 4, verse 1
Today, it dawned on me, the implication of this verse. My love for the Lord is no secret, but I marvel at the learning process and how every now and then, you can have a new revelation. Well, today I had another one of those "revelation" moments that brought the tears freely flowing. (This happens all the time in the presence of my Saviour. I used to be embarassed before, especially in church when I was worshipping. Surreptiously, I would wipe my tears away, but not any more - I am not going to be ashamed of those hot tears that course down my face - they are just an expression of my undying gratitude to my Saviour, for ALL He has done for me).
1 Peter, Chapter 4:1 " Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; "
Ah! now I get it. Being born again, does not take away suffering. In fact, it may even heighten it. It is in the process of putting sinful desires to death, that we suffer, but when we come out in victory on the other side, sin does not have power over that area of our lives anymore. In the process, we partake in "Christ's sufferings" and become more like Him. Suffering builds character.
I reflect today on my own abilities. I know I have patience, but I also know I have been through some heart breaking, hurting experiences which has brought about this end result.
Then there is forgiveness. I know I have a great ability to forgive. I don't think I am totally there yet, but I have come a long way. I actually thought I had a problem at first, I totally forgot painful events and when I was reminded, I just could not remember. It felt strange, but now, I just feel thankful, and believe that I have partnered with Christ, and He has helped me in this area. Being forgiving is not a totally done issue, and there are times when, I have to work on forgiving, but I think I find it easier to forgive as time goes on.
Hospitality, now that is something that needs a lot of work on my part. I know I am withdrawn. I am not good at making friends. I have actually isolated myself because I am afraid of opening up my life to others. I don't want others to see my pain, even though a lot of it is the result of the actions of others. I am afraid that they will judge me on the basis of what they hear. My excuses for being inhospitable is my "busy-ness". I have five kids. I have to work. There are too many demands on my life that I have to fulfill. I don't want to gossip. I am afraid to get involved, because I don't want to be hurt anymore. Today, I understand, that to overcome would cause me suffering. As I tear down these walls of excuses, I will be making myself more vulnerable, but it will produce in me more character.
Embrace suffering, and inspite of it be joyful, because it will produce Godly character. To "cease from sin, is to suffer in the flesh". Now how many of us would love to cease from sin. I hope you too get this revelation and count your "suffering as joy".
God Bless and have a super day!!
1 Peter, Chapter 4:1 " Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; "
Ah! now I get it. Being born again, does not take away suffering. In fact, it may even heighten it. It is in the process of putting sinful desires to death, that we suffer, but when we come out in victory on the other side, sin does not have power over that area of our lives anymore. In the process, we partake in "Christ's sufferings" and become more like Him. Suffering builds character.
I reflect today on my own abilities. I know I have patience, but I also know I have been through some heart breaking, hurting experiences which has brought about this end result.
Then there is forgiveness. I know I have a great ability to forgive. I don't think I am totally there yet, but I have come a long way. I actually thought I had a problem at first, I totally forgot painful events and when I was reminded, I just could not remember. It felt strange, but now, I just feel thankful, and believe that I have partnered with Christ, and He has helped me in this area. Being forgiving is not a totally done issue, and there are times when, I have to work on forgiving, but I think I find it easier to forgive as time goes on.
Hospitality, now that is something that needs a lot of work on my part. I know I am withdrawn. I am not good at making friends. I have actually isolated myself because I am afraid of opening up my life to others. I don't want others to see my pain, even though a lot of it is the result of the actions of others. I am afraid that they will judge me on the basis of what they hear. My excuses for being inhospitable is my "busy-ness". I have five kids. I have to work. There are too many demands on my life that I have to fulfill. I don't want to gossip. I am afraid to get involved, because I don't want to be hurt anymore. Today, I understand, that to overcome would cause me suffering. As I tear down these walls of excuses, I will be making myself more vulnerable, but it will produce in me more character.
Embrace suffering, and inspite of it be joyful, because it will produce Godly character. To "cease from sin, is to suffer in the flesh". Now how many of us would love to cease from sin. I hope you too get this revelation and count your "suffering as joy".
God Bless and have a super day!!
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