My SOAP devotional for May 20th
S - Psalm 13
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
O - In this Psalm David the author is not afraid to pour out his anguish at the Lord's feet. He asks "how long" 4 times in the first 2 verses. We see the depth of his distress and yet as he prays we see him regain his hope in the Lord. David finds strength in prayer and a focus on the "big picture." David was impatient and yet he trusted that God would carry out His plans for David's life, in spite of his perceptions in the here and now...the struggles that David faced with his enemies.
A - This is so my life right now. The enemy would have me believe that I have enemies here on earth. At times it seems that I have been defeated and that the Lord is not acting on my behalf like I would like Him to. I find myself falling into that trap of wondering where God is at work in my life???? And yet at the same time, I know I can pray and bring my burdens to God's feet. I am hopeful and confident that He hears me when I cry out to Him. In my despair He reminds me that He is holding me up. And I have peace to focus on the promise that He has a plan and purpose for my life.
P - This is my prayer Lord Jesus. That I would simply trust in you. That I would sing praise, even in the midst of feeling overwhelmed and overburdened, because you are so good to me. I see your blessings and I give you praise. In the words of "Johnny Appleseed": The Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the apple seed. The Lord is good to me! Amen.
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plans. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fearless Faith
This is my SOAP devotional for 5/3
S - Acts 7:59-60 (New living translation)
59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
O - Stephen, in the midst of pain and dying, prays for his persecutors. We see the same compassion at Jesus' crucifixion as well. Stephen was bold not only in standing up for his faith but also in speaking up as well. This was basically the launching pad for the persecution and scattering of these new believers, as well as the expansion of the church. This was a tragic event with amazing consequences for the greater good. Stephen is an amazing example of acting in God's service regardless of the fear and obstacles you may face.
A - Oh that we all would be so bold. Not that we should face the same persecution, but that we would be that loyal and committed to what God calls us to do. For me, this is so personal in what we are doing RIGHT now in adopting "A". We are being obedient to what we believe God is asking of us, regardless of the fears we may be facing. Inviting a teenager with many life experiences to join our family is a huge step for all of us...it is in some ways scary but also EXCITING and an incredible honor and blessing that she is willing to trust us. I look forward to see how God is going to take the tragic events in "A's" life from her past and turn them into something amazing. What a blessing that we get to be a part of it!
P - In a word, Lord, I have fears! I KNOW that your word promises that fear does not come from you. I believe that you are bigger than any fear I might face. Help me to continue to put my faith ahead of the doubts and fears that I may see in my head. Keep the enemy far away from me, that I will embrace the confident faith that I already know is your spiritual gift to me. Oh Lord, how you love us and I thank you for the provision you have already shown in "A's" life and I thank you in advance for the work you will do to show your "purpose and plan" for her (Jer. 29:11) Amen.
S - Acts 7:59-60 (New living translation)
59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
O - Stephen, in the midst of pain and dying, prays for his persecutors. We see the same compassion at Jesus' crucifixion as well. Stephen was bold not only in standing up for his faith but also in speaking up as well. This was basically the launching pad for the persecution and scattering of these new believers, as well as the expansion of the church. This was a tragic event with amazing consequences for the greater good. Stephen is an amazing example of acting in God's service regardless of the fear and obstacles you may face.
A - Oh that we all would be so bold. Not that we should face the same persecution, but that we would be that loyal and committed to what God calls us to do. For me, this is so personal in what we are doing RIGHT now in adopting "A". We are being obedient to what we believe God is asking of us, regardless of the fears we may be facing. Inviting a teenager with many life experiences to join our family is a huge step for all of us...it is in some ways scary but also EXCITING and an incredible honor and blessing that she is willing to trust us. I look forward to see how God is going to take the tragic events in "A's" life from her past and turn them into something amazing. What a blessing that we get to be a part of it!
P - In a word, Lord, I have fears! I KNOW that your word promises that fear does not come from you. I believe that you are bigger than any fear I might face. Help me to continue to put my faith ahead of the doubts and fears that I may see in my head. Keep the enemy far away from me, that I will embrace the confident faith that I already know is your spiritual gift to me. Oh Lord, how you love us and I thank you for the provision you have already shown in "A's" life and I thank you in advance for the work you will do to show your "purpose and plan" for her (Jer. 29:11) Amen.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mission Impossible Faith
My SOAP devotional for Jan. 26th
S - Genesis 24:10-14, 26-27
"Then the servant took ten of his master's (Abraham's)camels and left, taking with him all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. Then he prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."
"Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, 'Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."
O - The servant that goes out to find a wife for Isaac is a strong believer. The servant was in some respects not living in Abraham's household by his own will, because he is a servant, but yet he embraces fully his God. He has so much faith in fact that he believes that God will prompt the RIGHT girl that will say exactly the RIGHT thing, and also happen to be one of Abraham's relatives. This is what he sees as success. He is giving God a tall order and we see the miracle, by my definition, that God delivers exactly what he asks for. In addition, the servant gives God the credit and praise for his provision. Later in this passage, Rebekah is happy to go with this stranger because she too is perhaps inspired by the faith of this servant and sees how God is at work in her life as well.
A - This passage reminds me of the Tom Cruise Mission:Impossible movies when the bad guy says "go to this certain street corner and ask the man on the bench for a stick of gum" and then it happens to be exactly the RIGHT guy who wisks him away to meet this secret person. I always thought it wouldn't be a very good movie if it ended up being the wrong guy and he actually hands him a stick of gum. Tom Cruise would be left standing there blowing bubbles. Actually, that would probably be the Ben Stiller version.
I think this is an interesting passage because we have to be careful not to be selfish in our requests of God. When we ask for too many specifics we are perhaps trying to put God in a box...please do this, but only if this happens. On the other hand, I think that it is important that I make specific requests of God and ask Him to give me a clear sign when He is working in my life, just as Abraham's servant did. It is important to know who's voice you're listening to...even the enemy knows my desires and offers good things. All too often however I am afraid to make requests that are not in line with God's plan so I don't make them, or I make requests that are attached to a selfish agenda, and I am disappointed when I don't get the answer I want or the answer doesn't come at the right time. I must do both...ask and believe, with an attitude of acceptance in His provision. We can only find true peace in God's plan when we believe in the power that we are asking for and trust Him to work in our best interest, down to the small details like providing gum from some guy on a park bench. Sometimes our requests might seem like "mission impossible" but that is only because our sight is limited. God sees all things and I can find satisfaction in knowing that the plan He has laid out for my life is the BEST plan, regardless of whether it's what I've requested or not. I think the key is trust. Do I trust God enough to be bold in my request and then hand it over to Him to work it out?
P - I do believe Lord that I have a strong faith. I believe your promises and that you have my best interest at heart. At times though, God, I have in my heart requests that seem too detailed and too "impossible". I should not be afraid to ask you, nor should I doubt that you would grant these requests if they are in line with your word and your will for my life. I pray Lord that I am always seeking your voice and that you would give me clear signs that you are speaking and moving in my life so that I can give you the credit and all the glory. At the same time, may I always accept with grace when your answer is no. Amen.
S - Genesis 24:10-14, 26-27
"Then the servant took ten of his master's (Abraham's)camels and left, taking with him all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. Then he prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."
"Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, 'Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."
O - The servant that goes out to find a wife for Isaac is a strong believer. The servant was in some respects not living in Abraham's household by his own will, because he is a servant, but yet he embraces fully his God. He has so much faith in fact that he believes that God will prompt the RIGHT girl that will say exactly the RIGHT thing, and also happen to be one of Abraham's relatives. This is what he sees as success. He is giving God a tall order and we see the miracle, by my definition, that God delivers exactly what he asks for. In addition, the servant gives God the credit and praise for his provision. Later in this passage, Rebekah is happy to go with this stranger because she too is perhaps inspired by the faith of this servant and sees how God is at work in her life as well.
A - This passage reminds me of the Tom Cruise Mission:Impossible movies when the bad guy says "go to this certain street corner and ask the man on the bench for a stick of gum" and then it happens to be exactly the RIGHT guy who wisks him away to meet this secret person. I always thought it wouldn't be a very good movie if it ended up being the wrong guy and he actually hands him a stick of gum. Tom Cruise would be left standing there blowing bubbles. Actually, that would probably be the Ben Stiller version.
I think this is an interesting passage because we have to be careful not to be selfish in our requests of God. When we ask for too many specifics we are perhaps trying to put God in a box...please do this, but only if this happens. On the other hand, I think that it is important that I make specific requests of God and ask Him to give me a clear sign when He is working in my life, just as Abraham's servant did. It is important to know who's voice you're listening to...even the enemy knows my desires and offers good things. All too often however I am afraid to make requests that are not in line with God's plan so I don't make them, or I make requests that are attached to a selfish agenda, and I am disappointed when I don't get the answer I want or the answer doesn't come at the right time. I must do both...ask and believe, with an attitude of acceptance in His provision. We can only find true peace in God's plan when we believe in the power that we are asking for and trust Him to work in our best interest, down to the small details like providing gum from some guy on a park bench. Sometimes our requests might seem like "mission impossible" but that is only because our sight is limited. God sees all things and I can find satisfaction in knowing that the plan He has laid out for my life is the BEST plan, regardless of whether it's what I've requested or not. I think the key is trust. Do I trust God enough to be bold in my request and then hand it over to Him to work it out?
P - I do believe Lord that I have a strong faith. I believe your promises and that you have my best interest at heart. At times though, God, I have in my heart requests that seem too detailed and too "impossible". I should not be afraid to ask you, nor should I doubt that you would grant these requests if they are in line with your word and your will for my life. I pray Lord that I am always seeking your voice and that you would give me clear signs that you are speaking and moving in my life so that I can give you the credit and all the glory. At the same time, may I always accept with grace when your answer is no. Amen.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Time to grow!
School has started and our two boys have some AWESOME teachers. Tom and I also have some great kids in our classes. I will still be teaching music only 2 1/2 days a week which gives me the time to work my CM business, volunteer at the kids' schools and serve at Faithbridge, our church home. In addition to his service on the TBA Board of Directors, Tom has an opportunity to be a clinician for the junior high bands at St. George's Prep School in Vancouver, BC for a week later in Sept. This is a GREAT opportunity for him!
Our 13 year old had a check up right before school started and has grown 4 inches and gained 35 pounds since this time last year! He is only 1 inch shorter than me now and his voice has dropped. He is even in need of a shave as he has a "mustache". It is hard to believe that he will be in high school in just one year...technically only about 160 days!! EEEK! How did this happen??? I don't think we even noticed all the changes that were happening the last 6 months until just a few weeks ago when I looked at him and all of a sudden he just looked like a different person!
Our younger son turned 9 in June and has been the same...his pants are too short continuously and he has been maturing in the area of "trying new things". He is our "picky" one and within the last couple months he has tried several new foods without complaining and even gone on the "Tornado" at Splashtown, which is HUGE for him! We are so proud!
Our oldest just received the honor of being named "Vice President" of the band and is first chair trumpet in the Symphonic Band. We are looking forward to watching him grow in his new leadership roles. Both boys are taking tennis lessons and we are playing more as a family, and they also enjoy video games and the History channel in their free time.
We also are still waiting to hear about the children that will come to be a part of our family through adoption...just waiting...not sure how long we will have to wait, but we are positive that God sees their faces and will bring them to us in the right time. It's possible that they are in the foster care system and just aren't available for adoption yet. We'll see. There is growth happening with us in our hearts as we pray for patience. God is good and faithful and is helping us to open our hearts and pray for ALL the children in the system...they need someone to lift them up, to find "forever families" that will come for them someday.
We went on a family vacation this summer to visit Tom's aunt and her family, and to see the New England states. What a great road trip it was! We enjoyed spending time with family so much and we also got to go whale watching off Cape Cod, walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, eat Lobster in Maine and check out family history. We added 13 new states to our goal of going to all 50 (we're up to 28 now!) and actually clocked 4734 miles on our minivan! WHEW! This trip was growth for us too because we hadn't ever done long driving days like that before...we weren't sure if it would be too much. We drove over 800 miles in one day, 4 times, but not all in a row...the most we had ever done before was going from Amarillo to Houston and that is over 500, so this was a big leap for us. Tom and I DID IT and we are glad we were able to have more time for the actual vacation instead of spending more days driving.
So all this has me thinking about something...our pastor, Ken Werlein, has spoken several times before about one of his seminary professors teaching the concept of "no, slow, grow, go" when looking for answers to prayer. I have at times, since the first time I heard him share that, looked back at when I had been praying about something and realized now in hindsight I could see what God had answered...no, slow, grow or go. I have found that I OFTEN have been told GROW when I have had to face patience and waiting on a decision...much like we are doing now. The growth that has taken place in my life during these times is indescribable. Had I not waited, or had I taken matters into my own hands, things would probably be messed up.
And what a joy it really is to be in the care of the Lord and to know that He has a bigger, better, and ROCK-OUT plan to love us and help us be the best people we can be...a plan that we couldn't imagine on our own. We read about it in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I also believe that where we are right now is a "slow" period...we do not want to rush the adoption process. We have friends that have had issues with their adoption, and not that it was a mistake, but perhaps they moved too quickly and didn't give it enough time. We want to be absolutely sure we are moving as God directs as HE really sees the big picture and knows what is best for us. We could look at the frustration that we feel sometimes with the lack of communication in this adoption process and be annoyed with the waiting, but we are limited in how far ahead we can see and how much we can control and so we are glad to be patient for the child or children that are supposed to be a part of our family...we do not want the wrong child for us and want it to happen in God's time. What a RELIEF it is to know that God is working in our favor and we don't have to worry about how it will work out!
One other thing of note: recently we had a dear college friend die of a heart attack at 45. We just found out about a former student of Tom's that has breast cancer at 25. And we have 2 church acquaintances that are facing major health issues in their 30s and early 40s. These concerns combined have reminded me yet again that life is precious and we are here but for a short time. What I KNOW and what I BELIEVE is that we are here to do something great, something of worth to impact the lives of others each and every day, in response to the GIFT that Jesus gave us through salvation. Nothing else matters more than loving our families and friends with a real love, a love that can only come from knowing the One True God. We love because He first loved us...and so each day I ask, "What can I do TODAY to add meaning to the life of someone else?" I hope each of you that take the time to read this are inspired to do the same for your loved ones and even those that are hard to love...the positive investment you make in your closest relationships DOES MATTER.
I am working on a "Faithbook" called "10 Fingerprints of God"...it's really about 10 ways I have seen God at work in my life in my first 40 years. I am excited to see the end result because I know the process itself will show me God's grace and goodness. Thank you to each of YOU that read this blog for the impact you have made in my life! Make it great!
Our 13 year old had a check up right before school started and has grown 4 inches and gained 35 pounds since this time last year! He is only 1 inch shorter than me now and his voice has dropped. He is even in need of a shave as he has a "mustache". It is hard to believe that he will be in high school in just one year...technically only about 160 days!! EEEK! How did this happen??? I don't think we even noticed all the changes that were happening the last 6 months until just a few weeks ago when I looked at him and all of a sudden he just looked like a different person!
Our younger son turned 9 in June and has been the same...his pants are too short continuously and he has been maturing in the area of "trying new things". He is our "picky" one and within the last couple months he has tried several new foods without complaining and even gone on the "Tornado" at Splashtown, which is HUGE for him! We are so proud!
Our oldest just received the honor of being named "Vice President" of the band and is first chair trumpet in the Symphonic Band. We are looking forward to watching him grow in his new leadership roles. Both boys are taking tennis lessons and we are playing more as a family, and they also enjoy video games and the History channel in their free time.
We also are still waiting to hear about the children that will come to be a part of our family through adoption...just waiting...not sure how long we will have to wait, but we are positive that God sees their faces and will bring them to us in the right time. It's possible that they are in the foster care system and just aren't available for adoption yet. We'll see. There is growth happening with us in our hearts as we pray for patience. God is good and faithful and is helping us to open our hearts and pray for ALL the children in the system...they need someone to lift them up, to find "forever families" that will come for them someday.
We went on a family vacation this summer to visit Tom's aunt and her family, and to see the New England states. What a great road trip it was! We enjoyed spending time with family so much and we also got to go whale watching off Cape Cod, walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, eat Lobster in Maine and check out family history. We added 13 new states to our goal of going to all 50 (we're up to 28 now!) and actually clocked 4734 miles on our minivan! WHEW! This trip was growth for us too because we hadn't ever done long driving days like that before...we weren't sure if it would be too much. We drove over 800 miles in one day, 4 times, but not all in a row...the most we had ever done before was going from Amarillo to Houston and that is over 500, so this was a big leap for us. Tom and I DID IT and we are glad we were able to have more time for the actual vacation instead of spending more days driving.
So all this has me thinking about something...our pastor, Ken Werlein, has spoken several times before about one of his seminary professors teaching the concept of "no, slow, grow, go" when looking for answers to prayer. I have at times, since the first time I heard him share that, looked back at when I had been praying about something and realized now in hindsight I could see what God had answered...no, slow, grow or go. I have found that I OFTEN have been told GROW when I have had to face patience and waiting on a decision...much like we are doing now. The growth that has taken place in my life during these times is indescribable. Had I not waited, or had I taken matters into my own hands, things would probably be messed up.
And what a joy it really is to be in the care of the Lord and to know that He has a bigger, better, and ROCK-OUT plan to love us and help us be the best people we can be...a plan that we couldn't imagine on our own. We read about it in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I also believe that where we are right now is a "slow" period...we do not want to rush the adoption process. We have friends that have had issues with their adoption, and not that it was a mistake, but perhaps they moved too quickly and didn't give it enough time. We want to be absolutely sure we are moving as God directs as HE really sees the big picture and knows what is best for us. We could look at the frustration that we feel sometimes with the lack of communication in this adoption process and be annoyed with the waiting, but we are limited in how far ahead we can see and how much we can control and so we are glad to be patient for the child or children that are supposed to be a part of our family...we do not want the wrong child for us and want it to happen in God's time. What a RELIEF it is to know that God is working in our favor and we don't have to worry about how it will work out!
One other thing of note: recently we had a dear college friend die of a heart attack at 45. We just found out about a former student of Tom's that has breast cancer at 25. And we have 2 church acquaintances that are facing major health issues in their 30s and early 40s. These concerns combined have reminded me yet again that life is precious and we are here but for a short time. What I KNOW and what I BELIEVE is that we are here to do something great, something of worth to impact the lives of others each and every day, in response to the GIFT that Jesus gave us through salvation. Nothing else matters more than loving our families and friends with a real love, a love that can only come from knowing the One True God. We love because He first loved us...and so each day I ask, "What can I do TODAY to add meaning to the life of someone else?" I hope each of you that take the time to read this are inspired to do the same for your loved ones and even those that are hard to love...the positive investment you make in your closest relationships DOES MATTER.
I am working on a "Faithbook" called "10 Fingerprints of God"...it's really about 10 ways I have seen God at work in my life in my first 40 years. I am excited to see the end result because I know the process itself will show me God's grace and goodness. Thank you to each of YOU that read this blog for the impact you have made in my life! Make it great!
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