Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

As we head into the weekend, I was thinking about the things I wanted to do. One of them is to seek a little silence with God. For me, that probably means my front porch swing. If weather permitted, that would be my prayer closet year round. But it's an open front porch and doesn't permit me to be there in every season. And for me, it probably means early morning. There is something enriching about the early morning silence, my Bible and my God.

Right now, I have some heavy issues that need laid at the throne. They're weighing on my heart and bring tears to my eyes even as I write about them. I'm going to pack them up and take them to the front porch swing and talk to Him. Then I'm going to try not to take them back in the house with me. I'll pray about them whenever I'm in the porch swing, but I can't carry them around with me all the time because it is too heavy a burden.

Try to find some time this weekend, even if it's only a few minutes, to spend some quiet time with God. Drink in His strength and let Him refresh you. No strings attached. Just silent communion with our Savior. Think about all that is contained in the phrase "know that I am God"!

All In One Breath

9 "because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."

I've got this verse circled in my Bible. It has interested me since I first noticed it. All in one breath Paul shares that there is new opportunity opening up for him and people who are trying to prevent him from the ministry God's given him. I know how many times I start to question whether I've heard God's leading correctly when I'm faced with roadblocks in my path. But Paul seems to take it in stride. He takes the good and he takes the bad. That inspires me. When I read about Paul's faithfulness in serving God, I'm always amazed at the opposition he dealt with. His words encourage me to pick myself up (from discouragement, opposition, health challenges, etc...) and get going again.

So, if you find yourself in a place of opportunity today, but you also feel overwhelmed by the opposition, you're not alone. Let Paul's words in verse 13 be your banner today: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (or women) of courage; be strong."

Remember, with God anything's possible!

"In Your Thinking Be Adults"

20 "...stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but
in your thinking be adults." 1 Corinthians 14:20

Don't you love it? Paul is reminding us not to be childish. Of course, in regards to evil, we should be innocent or childlike. I don't see anything wrong with sheltering our children from knowledge of evil for as long as we can. I think that's what Paul is saying here. Stay away from evil as much as possible. Evil affects each of our lives differently. So I'm not going to be specific here. Let God speak to us about how it might be creeping into our lives. And let's determine to prevent it from getting a foothold.

However, the other side of that is to think like adults. I'm giving that some thought today. I haven't been a young adult for quite some time, yet I'm sure there are some ways I still need to mature. I like how the Bible brings these thoughts to our attention. Otherwise, I think we'd just keep speeding through life, oblivious to a lot of bad habits that we're acquiring.

Lord, show me where I need to be "childish" and where I need to be more mature!

"There Is None Like You"

"Remember the former things, those of long ago:
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me." Isaiah 46:9

This verse reminds me of a song I love. What a fitting verse for Memorial Day Weekend. I researched the origin of Memorial Day because, to be honest, I was confused about what it really meant. It was for decorating the graves of those who gave their lives for our country. It has since come to mean many more things - decorating graves of other people, too....and other significant events.

As I give thanks for family and friends who sacrificed for me, I want to also spend time thanking God for sacrificing His Son to be my salvation. This is a great time to worship Him and remember all He's done for us and for all He's brought us through as a nation and our families, too.

Dear God, there is none like You! Thank You for always being there for me.

"I Will Sustain You"

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

That's an encouraging verse! I've been struggling a bit with my health and then I had internet issues - it's been a crazy week. It's so comforting to know that God has been with me every day as I face whatever comes my way.

For those who've known the Lord for awhile, we acknowledge that God bears our burdens. But I know that I have my "pet" burdens that I keep for myself and don't actually turn them over to God in my mind. It seems easier to release some to God - "Oh, God will take care of that" - but other troubles stay on my mind. My mom once told me that if I thought of a certain problem constantly, then I was worrying about it. I had always thought worry was more hand wringing emotions. But she got me to thinking. I worry when I mull a problem over and over in my mind. But I release it to God's control when I pray about it, then focus on positive thoughts and thanking God.

Dear Lord, thank you for daily bearing my burdens. Help me to release all my worries to You and spend my energy on praising You!

Colossians 4:16-18

16 "After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.'
18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you."

I deeply apologize for being absent from the blog for a couple days. I had some physical setback on my road to recovery. But thanks for the comments and for your prayers as I seek God for healing.

I find 3 profound thoughts in the wrap-up of Paul's letter to the Colossians.

1. Share the letter - or the teaching of the Word
2. Finish what God's given you to do
3. Remember Paul's chains (and the many sufferings for the Kingdom of God)

I love studying the Word of God, and I'm richly blessed by others sharing what God's shown them through the scriptures. The more I read the Bible, the more personal it becomes.

Point #2 is important! How many times do we get an idea from God, get excited, get involved, and then when the "honeymoon" is over, fizzle out...I think in the last ten years I've tried harder to pray about an idea before jumping in to see if it's my idea or God's. If it's God's, then I need to get started on it and finish the task He's asked me to do. Eddie's message yesterday was about hearing God's voice. I want to learn to hear what He wants me to do and remember that He'll give me the strength I need to complete it (Philippians 4:13). But how satan works on us in the process. He likes to rob us of our joy of serving and put obstacles in our way that make it difficult sometimes to serve. What's that expression? "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Finally, Paul reminded them of his chains. I don't think it was because he wanted any glory for what he was enduring. I just believe that a sustaining point for him in the middle of his persecution was to believe that "his chains were not in vain". Like we say, "everything happens for a reason." He kept reminding himself that even though he was imprisoned, God was still using his letters to spread the Good News. Paul inspires me. Sometimes I feel chained down by my circumstances and inadequacies. But God will prevail. He can still use me as long as I am willing.

I hope you've been blessed by the book of Colossians. We'll start something new tomorrow!

Colossians 4:12-15

12 "Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house."

I have to share that I love verse 12 and the thought of someone "wrestling in prayer" for me. Strong's concordance explains the original Greek word for wrestling: "Agonizomaito which means to contend with adversaries, fight". Wow! Epaphras in prayer for the Colossians was actually like a tug of war with satan over these people at Colosse. It's interesting to look up word origins and understand the whole picture that the writer, in this case Paul, was implying. Agonizomaito comes from Agon which is the stadium or arena where contests took place.

I can't say I love the idea of facing satan, but that's what I want to be. A prayer warrior. Now I have a better understanding of that term. When I go to God, the creator of the universe, it's like stepping into the arena to state my case against what satan would want to do. I have Jesus on my side. His blood enables me to even face God. No wonder satan works so hard to put obstacles in the way of my praying. Satan knows that when I go to battle with an issue that is God's will, there's no way he can win.

I want people wrestling in prayer over me. And I want people to know that I'm wrestling in prayer over them.

Thank you, God, that you always listen when I pray. And You care about everything I tell You! So here are some issues I'm wrestling with...

Colossians 4:7-11

7 "Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our cirucmstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him).
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. There are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me."

This letter to the Colossian church is believed to have been written approx. A.D. 57-62 while Paul was a prisoner in Rome. I can only imagine how Paul must have felt to know that the Colossian people were struggling with false teachers and that he was literally chained in prison and couldn't get to them. Instead, he had to send people in his place to teach and encourage. He also mentions that this would give them a chance to hear about his ministry from prison. It's interesting that Onesimus was one of those to travel to Colosse to inform. He had lived there as a slave to Philemon. Philemon had been converted to Christianity through Paul. Onesimus also became a believer of Jesus Christ. Philemon set Onesimus free from slavery and at this time he is one of Paul's delegates (he had been in Rome with Paul) back to his homeland.

Paul has nothing but good to say about these men who will visit Colosse. He uses words like [dear, faithful, servant in the Lord, encourage, fellow workers, and comfort to me] to describe his friends in ministry. I must say that these descriptive words inspire and convict me as I consider my place in women's ministry, youth ministry, and overall ministry at Crossroads. We've been given an opportunity to reach out to our community through our church. I want to join in the Crossroads vision:

• to help people seeking spiritual truth become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ

and in the mission:

• to impact our community, our culture, to reproduce churches and to build nations.

Time is short and we're much stronger when we stand together. I'm thankful for all of you!

Colossians 4:3-6

3 "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Paul wouldn't let anything stop him from sharing Christ. Not even beatings, chains, prison. I want to be faithful to share the...I can't even think of words to describe how much Jesus means to me. I'm going to let these verses speak for themselves and let them influence me to never lose the awe of my Savior when talking with others. I want my conversations to be flavorful and wise and I can only do this through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Let's pray for each other - for doors to open that we can share the love of our lives!

Colossians 4:2

2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

It's Friday, and I like to keep it simple on Friday. I've been trying to spend more time in prayer, and in an attitude of prayer. And I must brag on God. He has answered me this week about an issue I was seeking direction.

Paul didn't just say pray, he said to be devoted to prayer - devoted to spending time in the presence of God. That's why satan is so determined to prevent prayer in our lives is because it's a powerful tool for God to work in our lives.

I looked up the word origin for watchful and it is the same as when Jesus was praying in the garden before He was arrested and the disciples kept falling asleep. He asked them to be watchful and pray with Him. It's also the root for rising up which confirms the fact that I pray better when I get up earlier than trying to pray when I am tired at night. That's because I am a morning person. Maybe you're not. Either way, we should be alert/watchful in prayer and thankful.

Thought to carry into the weekend: be devoted to prayer!

Feel free to brag on God!

Colossians 3:18-4:1

18 "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favortism.
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven."

I think one of the main thoughts of this passage of scripture is to be real. If you say you have Christ in you, then let it overflow into all areas of your life - marriage, parenting, being an employee or the employer. Dedicate all areas of your life to the Lord (v 23) to bring glory to Him. When He becomes #1 in our lives, everything works out. That's not to say that there are no potholes in the road. I wasn't born yesterday and I've fought battles in all those areas of my life. But I believe that as I sought to glorify God, my marriage became more peaceful, my parenting became more peaceful, and my work became more peaceful. Called to peace, remember yesterday's scripture?

Thank you, God, that you are preparing an inheritance for your children. And that you show no favortism. Help me, Lord, to be sincere and glorify You in all I do.

Colossians 3:15-17

15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Called to peace...hmmm...then why is life so "unpeaceful" a lot of the time? As author/speaker/pastor Chuck Swindoll says, "happiness is a choice". I need to remember that my circumstances shouldn't dictate my attitude. Verse 15 also says we are called to peace. I wonder why we don't hear more about that calling?

Of course, being a musician, I love verse 16. I believe God does use music to minister deep within our souls. There's nothing as healing and refreshing as worshiping God, and often times music is the tool that moves us in that direction.

Verse 17 reminds us that no matter what we're doing or have to be doing, it can glorify God. I'm glad for this. Otherwise, there would be a lot of meaningless mundane drudgery, wouldn't there?

Finally, notice there are 3 admonitions to give thanks in these 3 verses.

1. verse 15: "And be thankful"
2. verse 16: "with gratitude in your hearts"
3. verse 17: "giving thanks to God"

Maybe that's the secret to peace, real peace - an attitude of gratitude - remembering what Christ has done for us.

Think I need to work on that some more :-)

Colossians 3:12-14

12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Yesterday's passage was pretty heavy with the "put to death" beginning. This next scripture is a wonderful reminder of the love God has for us. I know, Paul is telling us what character traits to embrace to become Christlike, but notice the beginning of verse 12: "God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved..." I need that today. I'm blessed to have a family that loves me and friends that love me...I sort of hate to even say this - but today I'm gratefully blessed by the reminder that God dearly loves me. Not just loves, but DEARLY loves! Do you ever have those times when you need to hear that? It's like a hug from God. Okay, I'm crying right now, but as I bask in the deep and forgiving love God has for me, my heart goes out to the people that don't know how much God loves them - the ones who don't believe God loves them - some are overwhelmed by their circumstances and can't seem to find God through the cloud of despair.

Verse 13 tells us to bear with each other, forgive each other. I often wonder how some people can carry around the heavy list of grudges they hold against people. It must be a very heavy burden to bear. God would have us to bury those issues - forgive whatever - whatever - WHATEVER! (Reminder: This is not saying that God would have us to become a victim of abuse - that's not forgiveness - you can remove yourself from abusive situations - verbal or physical - and still embrace forgiveness for that person)

I want to remember verse 14 today - over everything - put on love. I can do that if I remember God dearly loves me. Love is like a band-aid. It binds and unites. It makes everything feel better.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me, let your love flow through me today to everyone, but especially someone who needs to feel Your love!

Colossians 3:5-11

5 "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

This passage of scripture definitely addresses the sin issues in our lives that we wrestle with. As I read through this list of sins in verses 5 and 8, I certainly can find a relationship between those specific sins and sinful attitudes I struggle with.

Paul says "put to death...rid yourselves...take off your old self...put on your new self which comes from knowledge of Christ." That's really strong language, but possible through the blood of Jesus.

I love the last part of this passage: "Christ is all, and is in all". I want Him to be my all - and in all I do!

Would you join me in prayer? "Lord, continue to help me put to death the sins in my life that represent my old life. Thank You that you give us new life and please be my all in all!!!"

What is your favorite verse or passage of scripture?

It's Friday! I thought it would be fun to relax and hear from all you blog readers out there. All you have to do is click on the comments link and let your thoughts be known.

What is your favorite or one of your favorite passages of scripture? When I was a teenager I picked out Psalm 46 to be one of my favorites. It has sustained me many times when I was fearful of circumstances and the future. It starts out "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..." If you're not familiar with that chapter, take time to read through it. It has beautiful visuals and is a great escape from the pressures of the world and a reminder that God is in control!

Now it's your turn.