Monday, June 25, 2012
Moving on...
I've moved my spiritual journal blot to http://barefootbooksnana.wordpress.com for those who are interested.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Being a Resident Alien
As our youngest son and his family set off on their jouney to become Resident Aliens in Nicaragua, I find myself pondering on the words of Peter:
Accordingly, I am also a resident alien, living in this natural world with a spiritual world-view that is often incompatible with the expectations of others. It makes me different in some ways, but in many other ways, I am just the same. I am broken, when I pay attention I am battling against a willful nature that wants what it wants when it wants it, when I am NOT paying attention, I am giving in to that willful nature which keeps working on repairing and fortifying a wall between others (including God) and me. Like the people of Jericho.
I want to be like Rahab: seeking, obedient, wanting more than what the world says is tasty and desireable. I want to make a difference in someone's life, I want to bloom where God is planting me today, even though my heart is fixed on our grandchildren and I want to be a significant, positive, effect in all their lives, though they are spread from Oregon to Texas to Managua, Nicaragua.
Being a resident alien also means that I am not where my family is...I am apart, distant, away. My influence on their lives is limited. Do I yearn to be somewhere else? Or do I yearn to look to my Father and follow his will for my life? The choice is obviously mine. It's not always easy to choose for God, just as it was not easy for Jesus.
Jesus, be my model, be my guide, teach me how to be an effective resident alien and serve your kingdom as our Father directs.
"11Beloved, remember you don’t belong in this world. You are resident aliens, living in exile, so resist those desires of the flesh that battle against the soul. 12Live honorably among the outsiders so that, even when some may be inclined to call you criminals, when they see your good works, they might give glory to God when He returns in judgment."
1 Peter 2: 11-12 Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13787-13789). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Accordingly, I am also a resident alien, living in this natural world with a spiritual world-view that is often incompatible with the expectations of others. It makes me different in some ways, but in many other ways, I am just the same. I am broken, when I pay attention I am battling against a willful nature that wants what it wants when it wants it, when I am NOT paying attention, I am giving in to that willful nature which keeps working on repairing and fortifying a wall between others (including God) and me. Like the people of Jericho.
I want to be like Rahab: seeking, obedient, wanting more than what the world says is tasty and desireable. I want to make a difference in someone's life, I want to bloom where God is planting me today, even though my heart is fixed on our grandchildren and I want to be a significant, positive, effect in all their lives, though they are spread from Oregon to Texas to Managua, Nicaragua.
Being a resident alien also means that I am not where my family is...I am apart, distant, away. My influence on their lives is limited. Do I yearn to be somewhere else? Or do I yearn to look to my Father and follow his will for my life? The choice is obviously mine. It's not always easy to choose for God, just as it was not easy for Jesus.
Jesus, be my model, be my guide, teach me how to be an effective resident alien and serve your kingdom as our Father directs.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Praying for our grands
I've been asked to lift our next youngest grandchild up, that he will indeed hear God's voice confirming the family's call to Nicaragua. Feeling led to I Peter I read the following in the 2nd chapter:
"4Come to Him—the living stone— rejected by people, but accepted by God as chosen and precious. 5Like living stones, let yourselves be assembled into a spiritual house, a holy order of priests who offer up spiritual sacrifices that will be acceptable to God through Jesus, the Liberating King. 6For it says in the words of the prophet Isaiah, See here—I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone, chosen and precious; Whoever depends upon Him will never be disgraced.* (Isaiah 28:16)" (emphasis and italics mine)
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13771-13777). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
I have recorded a brief prayer for each of our 11 grandchildren in my public prayer journal, taking time to quietly listen for how God might want me to pray. What I desire most for each of them is that they will seek God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength...that God will be first in their lives...that the struggles they come against as they muddle through their teen-years will be character building and prepare them for their work on God's behalf.
"4Come to Him—the living stone— rejected by people, but accepted by God as chosen and precious. 5Like living stones, let yourselves be assembled into a spiritual house, a holy order of priests who offer up spiritual sacrifices that will be acceptable to God through Jesus, the Liberating King. 6For it says in the words of the prophet Isaiah, See here—I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone, chosen and precious; Whoever depends upon Him will never be disgraced.* (Isaiah 28:16)" (emphasis and italics mine)
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13771-13777). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
I have recorded a brief prayer for each of our 11 grandchildren in my public prayer journal, taking time to quietly listen for how God might want me to pray. What I desire most for each of them is that they will seek God with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength...that God will be first in their lives...that the struggles they come against as they muddle through their teen-years will be character building and prepare them for their work on God's behalf.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Weakness and suffering
Strange that I would randomly choose a book and chapter from the New Testament and find myself again reading about suffering and weakness. It seems that this is the message God is trying to get through my thick skull...that my weakness is not a bad thing; my mourning over the loss of the company, companionship, and blessing of our youngest son's family as they move to a foreign country to serve our God as missionaries is normal and natural.
From Romans 5:1-5 "1Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Liberating King. 2Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory. 3And that’s not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, 4which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. 5And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love."
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 9621-9626). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Paul goes on to talk about Jesus, the Liberator, dying at the right time for me, weak and powerless and far from God as I am. That though I persist in wasting my life in my sin, "God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Liberating King died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Location 9629). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
I have just finished Beth Guckenberger's book Reckless Faith, which was mined from her jounal kept during the teen years, early years of her marriage and as a missionary to orphans in Mexico. It is both comforting and challenging. I find myself wondering about her mother (she reveals in the book that her Dad died of cancer a few years after her wedding); how is she doing with her daugher, son-in-law, and nine grandchildren living so many miles and worlds away from the familiar Midwest? Does she struggle with fear, especially now as the cartels gain more power in Mexico and dispose of any who might oppose them. Does she, like Meme in Beth's book, (p.199) want to advise her daughter's family to give up mission work for a season?
Jesus keep me faithful in my weakness and my mourning. Bless the tears that flow so freely. I am so grateful that they are not tears of anger, or bitterness, but are tears of mourning and therefore I can leave them at the alter as a thank offering for your goodness and your plan for our lives.
From Romans 5:1-5 "1Since we have been acquitted and made right through faith, we are able to experience true and lasting peace with God through our Lord Jesus, the Liberating King. 2Jesus leads us into a place of radical grace where we are able to celebrate the hope of experiencing God’s glory. 3And that’s not all. We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance, 4which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. 5And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love."
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 9621-9626). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Paul goes on to talk about Jesus, the Liberator, dying at the right time for me, weak and powerless and far from God as I am. That though I persist in wasting my life in my sin, "God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display—the Liberating King died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Location 9629). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
I have just finished Beth Guckenberger's book Reckless Faith, which was mined from her jounal kept during the teen years, early years of her marriage and as a missionary to orphans in Mexico. It is both comforting and challenging. I find myself wondering about her mother (she reveals in the book that her Dad died of cancer a few years after her wedding); how is she doing with her daugher, son-in-law, and nine grandchildren living so many miles and worlds away from the familiar Midwest? Does she struggle with fear, especially now as the cartels gain more power in Mexico and dispose of any who might oppose them. Does she, like Meme in Beth's book, (p.199) want to advise her daughter's family to give up mission work for a season?
Jesus keep me faithful in my weakness and my mourning. Bless the tears that flow so freely. I am so grateful that they are not tears of anger, or bitterness, but are tears of mourning and therefore I can leave them at the alter as a thank offering for your goodness and your plan for our lives.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Choosing God's Path
I've been meditating quite a bit on some words of Paul's in II Corinthians, specifically Chapter 12:9-10. Paul starts the passage reflecting on the "thorn in the flesh" that he notes he has asked God to remove three times, a request that is consistently denied. Verse 9 starts with God's response to his final prayer request (to be rid of the annoyance) “My grace is enough to cover and sustain you. My power is made perfect in weakness.”
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 11255-11256). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. .
There are so many things I am struggling with right now.
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 11257-11259). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
More traditional translations conclude with the familiar "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Father in heaven, holy is your name. Let you kingdom come and your will be done in my life just as it is in heaven. Grant me just enough to sustain me physically...teach me to be content so that I am not always wandering around looking for something and wind up eating because I don't know what I want. Deliver me from evil, make me more sensitive every day to your Holy Spirit that you may guide my thoughts and actions, thus making me more aware of when I am being tempted. Forgive me Lord when I sin against you, and remind me that it is I who chooses whether your forgiveness will be complete or if it will have strings, because you forgive as I forgive others who sinned against me, deliberately or unknowningly.
Amen
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 11255-11256). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. .
There are so many things I am struggling with right now.
- Our youngest son and his family leave in less than 10 days for their new lives as missionaries in Nicaragua
- Finishing up my Master's program (and my last statistics class)
- Faithfully growing where I am planted, when the truth is I want to be somewhere other than where we are right now (3+ hours from our children and grandchildren).
- Accepting that I need to get serious about finding a church home; it is not enough to serve as a volunteer at the local hospital on Sunday's. I need to be making a difference and I need to be in a place where I am being spiritually fed and challenged
- The frustratingly chaotic state of our home and yard. There is so much to do, but nothing will get done without faithfulness and consistency!!!
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 11257-11259). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
More traditional translations conclude with the familiar "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Father in heaven, holy is your name. Let you kingdom come and your will be done in my life just as it is in heaven. Grant me just enough to sustain me physically...teach me to be content so that I am not always wandering around looking for something and wind up eating because I don't know what I want. Deliver me from evil, make me more sensitive every day to your Holy Spirit that you may guide my thoughts and actions, thus making me more aware of when I am being tempted. Forgive me Lord when I sin against you, and remind me that it is I who chooses whether your forgiveness will be complete or if it will have strings, because you forgive as I forgive others who sinned against me, deliberately or unknowningly.
Amen
Monday, June 4, 2012
Where is my focus?
II Peter 1: 3-4 "3 His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue. 4 Through these things, we have received God’s great and valuable promises, so we might escape the corruption of worldly desires and share in the divine nature."
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13931-13933). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
It seems that there is much to glean from this simple passage, but it requires quiet reflection to hear the voice of the one who would have me lay aside the corruption that has become so familiar that I am unaware of the control it has over my life.
God has given me everything I need; the example of Jesus who struggled every day with temptations as he was as human as I am. The lesson of Peter who stepped out of the boat and started to walk out to Jesus. If he had kept his eyes on the author and perfector of our faith, Peter would have been as dry and comfortable as Jesus remained when they clambered back into the boat. The lesson of Paul to sang in his chains; the lesson of Jesus as he hung on the cross; the lesson of Mary who failed to recognize the risen Jesus until he called her attention to himself...I have everything I need to reflect God back to all He brings into my path, if I will only keep my mind, my heart, my spirit focused on God.
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13931-13933). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
It seems that there is much to glean from this simple passage, but it requires quiet reflection to hear the voice of the one who would have me lay aside the corruption that has become so familiar that I am unaware of the control it has over my life.
God has given me everything I need; the example of Jesus who struggled every day with temptations as he was as human as I am. The lesson of Peter who stepped out of the boat and started to walk out to Jesus. If he had kept his eyes on the author and perfector of our faith, Peter would have been as dry and comfortable as Jesus remained when they clambered back into the boat. The lesson of Paul to sang in his chains; the lesson of Jesus as he hung on the cross; the lesson of Mary who failed to recognize the risen Jesus until he called her attention to himself...I have everything I need to reflect God back to all He brings into my path, if I will only keep my mind, my heart, my spirit focused on God.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Attitude of Prayer
I must confess, my "water" alarm clock failed me today and when the real alarm went off, I took far too much advantage of the snooze button. Faithfulness does not happen overnight!
I am continuing in I Peter, reading Chapter 5; what I am reflecting upon most today is how challenging a true attitude of prayer can be to maintain while I am developing my prayer muscles and choosing to begin my day in prayer.
Yesterday, my prayer time was dry and mechanical. I had the list, I prayed through the list, and spent considerable time choosing to be silent before the Lord, but there certainly were no positive consequences of my having chosen to pray. Perhaps I have unacknowledged expectations rather than dearly held hopes; or God is allowing a variety of experiences to allow me to be strengthened where I am weakest. Regardless, when I take time to focus on God, I am blessed. How that blessing is delivered or experienced is not important.
So, considering the above, here is what I am taking from I Peter 5 today: "8Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. 9Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you."
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13899-13900). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
I am continuing in I Peter, reading Chapter 5; what I am reflecting upon most today is how challenging a true attitude of prayer can be to maintain while I am developing my prayer muscles and choosing to begin my day in prayer.
Yesterday, my prayer time was dry and mechanical. I had the list, I prayed through the list, and spent considerable time choosing to be silent before the Lord, but there certainly were no positive consequences of my having chosen to pray. Perhaps I have unacknowledged expectations rather than dearly held hopes; or God is allowing a variety of experiences to allow me to be strengthened where I am weakest. Regardless, when I take time to focus on God, I am blessed. How that blessing is delivered or experienced is not important.
So, considering the above, here is what I am taking from I Peter 5 today: "8Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. 9Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you."
Nelson, Thomas (2008-10-28). The Voice: New Testament (with book and chapter navigation) (Kindle Locations 13899-13900). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
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