lav⋅ish (Dictionary.com)
–adjective
1. expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion: lavish spending.
2. using or giving in great amounts; prodigal (often fol. by of): lavish of his time; lavish of affection.
–verb (used with object)
3. to expend or give in great amounts or without limit: to lavish gifts on a person.
Exodus 20:6 (Bible.com)
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
This verse is amongst the Ten Commandments right after God said that the sins of the father would be passed down to the third and fourth generation.
I find this very interesting because I have always wanted to make choices to break the sin cycle of my ancestors, and I have done that not wanting the sins of my "father" for myself or for our children.
Making right choices and following what God has for me I can now see that I do not have to carry the burden of verse 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.
I can trust God and to expend or give without limits his unfailing love!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The Book of ...
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
(NLT ~ Bible.com)
You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause!
(The Message ~ Bible.com)
I'm not one to recommend movies. The book of Eli was a violent film based on post-apocalyptic times. I'm not saying that the movie is biblically based however...there was a great message.
The message of memorizing the Bible, the message of following where God leads and the message of 2 Timothy 4:7.
I want to finish this race that I am in strong, I want to follow where God leads, I want to value and memorize the word of God and when it's my time I want to hear God's applause!
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
(NLT ~ Bible.com)
You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause!
(The Message ~ Bible.com)
I'm not one to recommend movies. The book of Eli was a violent film based on post-apocalyptic times. I'm not saying that the movie is biblically based however...there was a great message.
The message of memorizing the Bible, the message of following where God leads and the message of 2 Timothy 4:7.
I want to finish this race that I am in strong, I want to follow where God leads, I want to value and memorize the word of God and when it's my time I want to hear God's applause!
Monday, January 25, 2010
What is your Egypt?
Exodus 6:6-7 (NLT ~ Bible.com)
Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord . I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt.
God is the God of freedom and promise! We are His and He will claim us as His own!
Have you been oppressed, and in slavery? This can be depression, a job, family, friends, an addiction, your own personal "demons"...
God can and will redeem you and set you free! He alone can bring you out of Egypt!
Don't wait any longer to tell Pharaoh that it's time to go!
Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the L
God is the God of freedom and promise! We are His and He will claim us as His own!
Have you been oppressed, and in slavery? This can be depression, a job, family, friends, an addiction, your own personal "demons"...
God can and will redeem you and set you free! He alone can bring you out of Egypt!
Don't wait any longer to tell Pharaoh that it's time to go!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Devo's from Vanessa
Luke 21:28 (NASB ~ Bible.com) But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
From my daughter's (13 yr old) perspective and how she applied this verse:
"Application from devos; Luke 21:28 I looked up the word redemption (or redeem). It says:buy back; set free; free from sin; make up for. When Jesus comes and the world is ending around me, I will know that I've been set free from sin. Set free from everything this world holds against me. I will be forever free from pain and sorrow. I will be brand new."
I love that the Bible is applicable to everyone! If you read it...you can apply it to your life!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Un-change-a-ble
There are things, situations and people I would love to change, but can't nor is it my place = these are my "unchangeable(s)"!
People can be irritating! Situations and circumstances can be daunting and overwhelming.
These are things we will face daily that may NEVER change, so in the mean time what are you going to do?
I have found that I still don't have to like the situation or even necessarily the person, but how I handle it is key! I ask myself the following questions:
What is the root issue of the person that is driving me crazy or what is at the heart of the situation that I have no control over? What is my role to play in the situation or in someones life? What does God want from me in this?
Romans 12:17-19 (The Message ~ Bible.com)
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
People can be irritating! Situations and circumstances can be daunting and overwhelming.
These are things we will face daily that may NEVER change, so in the mean time what are you going to do?
I have found that I still don't have to like the situation or even necessarily the person, but how I handle it is key! I ask myself the following questions:
What is the root issue of the person that is driving me crazy or what is at the heart of the situation that I have no control over? What is my role to play in the situation or in someones life? What does God want from me in this?
Romans 12:17-19 (The Message ~ Bible.com)
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I Got This!
My daughter will pat her chest and say "I got this!" She is a teenager now and I still want to help her with things that she is trying to learn and do on her own. After saying "I got this", we smile and I let her know that if she needs help that I am here for her.
How many times have you patted your chest at God and proclaimed "I got this!"? He knows what is best for us and has our well being in mind, yet as a loving parent he will stand by and wait for us to ask for help and relinquish our control.
We don't got this! If we did there would be no need for Christ, the cross or salvation! God has had this all figured out before he created us or the heavens and the earth!
God is always there for you!
Psalm 9:10 (NLT ~ Bible.com)
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord , do not abandon those who search for you.
How many times have you patted your chest at God and proclaimed "I got this!"? He knows what is best for us and has our well being in mind, yet as a loving parent he will stand by and wait for us to ask for help and relinquish our control.
We don't got this! If we did there would be no need for Christ, the cross or salvation! God has had this all figured out before he created us or the heavens and the earth!
God is always there for you!
Psalm 9:10 (NLT ~ Bible.com)
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O L
Sunday, January 17, 2010
All In ? OR !
Are you "All In?" or are you "All In!'
My pastor has used this illustration and I think about it often.
All in...your playing monopoly, poker, etc. When you have a good hand (playing for money, M&M's or just fun) you will push it to the limits and say I'm all in. With your money, reputation your stake on the game, etc.
Are you all in for the sake of Christ? Will you stake everything on the line for Christ who set you free? People always think of the callings to Africa or something so far from what God may call them to do ~ that way they are safe.
I don't feel called to Africa (at this point), however what am I called to today, tomorrow, etc.
I am called to be a follower of Christ, a good wife, a good mom, a servant in my church, disciple, etc. I am ALL in! I will go or I will stay!
Luke 21:1-4 (The Message - Bible.com)
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, "The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all!"
My pastor has used this illustration and I think about it often.
All in...your playing monopoly, poker, etc. When you have a good hand (playing for money, M&M's or just fun) you will push it to the limits and say I'm all in. With your money, reputation your stake on the game, etc.
Are you all in for the sake of Christ? Will you stake everything on the line for Christ who set you free? People always think of the callings to Africa or something so far from what God may call them to do ~ that way they are safe.
I don't feel called to Africa (at this point), however what am I called to today, tomorrow, etc.
I am called to be a follower of Christ, a good wife, a good mom, a servant in my church, disciple, etc. I am ALL in! I will go or I will stay!
Luke 21:1-4 (The Message - Bible.com)
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, "The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all!"
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Baggage
Baggage, Luggage ~ whatever you want to call it...we all carry some as part of our lives. Sometimes its essential like your personal backpack you take with you on vacation, other times its the four pairs of shoes that are way too heavy and you end up not wearing, but still carried them around.
I have carried baggage of my own for years and wonder how or why God loved me. I am from a single parent home and why did I deserve to marry such an awesome guy that had two loving parents that are soon to celebrate 44 years of marriage. Why would God never leave me or forsake me when my own dad abandoned our family. How could I receive this blessing?
I have over the years decided the qualities that I want to have and the ones I don't, I have grabbed my backpack of essentials and left the four pairs of shoes I don't need, but only by the grace of God and having people around that believe in me!
We all have a story to tell so...
"Don't let your personal baggage keep you from enjoying this intimacy that both your spirit and God's long for." Francis Chan - Forgotten God
Romans 8:31-39 (The Message - Bible.com)
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
I have carried baggage of my own for years and wonder how or why God loved me. I am from a single parent home and why did I deserve to marry such an awesome guy that had two loving parents that are soon to celebrate 44 years of marriage. Why would God never leave me or forsake me when my own dad abandoned our family. How could I receive this blessing?
I have over the years decided the qualities that I want to have and the ones I don't, I have grabbed my backpack of essentials and left the four pairs of shoes I don't need, but only by the grace of God and having people around that believe in me!
We all have a story to tell so...
"Don't let your personal baggage keep you from enjoying this intimacy that both your spirit and God's long for." Francis Chan - Forgotten God
Romans 8:31-39 (The Message - Bible.com)
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Resolution!
RESOLUTION: a formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, a legislature, a club, or other group. (Dictionary.com)
Did you make one for 2010? Fourteen days into the new year and someone asked me if I had made any...NO I DIDN'T!
In 2009 I resolved that I would make changes, so I did! In May we joined a gym, in September I started my weight loss process. I didn't wait until the new year to resolve what had to be done sooner!
So, if you made a resolution = good for you! If you continue with your resolve = you will achieve it! If you have already failed = get up and get back to your resolution! Do not wait another minute, day, month, or year!
James 4:17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil. (The Message ~ Bible.com)
If it's food, the next time you eat = do something different. If you are not wanting to smoke = don't! If you want to do devotions = pick up your Bible!
And, finally in the words of Yoda (Star Wars) "Do or do not, there is not try".
Did you make one for 2010? Fourteen days into the new year and someone asked me if I had made any...NO I DIDN'T!
In 2009 I resolved that I would make changes, so I did! In May we joined a gym, in September I started my weight loss process. I didn't wait until the new year to resolve what had to be done sooner!
So, if you made a resolution = good for you! If you continue with your resolve = you will achieve it! If you have already failed = get up and get back to your resolution! Do not wait another minute, day, month, or year!
James 4:17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil. (The Message ~ Bible.com)
If it's food, the next time you eat = do something different. If you are not wanting to smoke = don't! If you want to do devotions = pick up your Bible!
And, finally in the words of Yoda (Star Wars) "Do or do not, there is not try".
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Heart, Soul, & Strength
Whew...who loves to workout? Okay, I think I can count on one hand those of you who love to work out...you know who you are!
In May last year we joined a local gym and began the process of getting healthy ("all of your strength") and then realized that without changing our eating habits working out is futile. In September we started to change our eating habits ("all of our soul"). We have done devotions here and there and "tried" to make it a daily habit. It can only be a daily habit if you do it daily! Rocket Science I know! Get into the word daily ("all of your heart").
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NLT ~ Bible.com)
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
There are lots of Bible reading programs out there pick one! We use the one posted on our church website and then use the SOAP for journaling! Scripture (find one out of the reading that stands out to you or that God touches you with while reading) Observation (what do you observe about these verses), Application (how can you apply it to your daily life) and finally Prayer (ask God how to apply the things you have read to your daily life and thank him for all he has done in your life ~ I'm sure there is plenty!)
It's funny how people think that God's commands are dictating and that there are too many rules to follow, but the interesting part is that if we do what he asks...our life is better! Not always easier, but at least we are not doing life alone!
In May last year we joined a local gym and began the process of getting healthy ("all of your strength") and then realized that without changing our eating habits working out is futile. In September we started to change our eating habits ("all of our soul"). We have done devotions here and there and "tried" to make it a daily habit. It can only be a daily habit if you do it daily! Rocket Science I know! Get into the word daily ("all of your heart").
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NLT ~ Bible.com)
And you must love the L
There are lots of Bible reading programs out there pick one! We use the one posted on our church website and then use the SOAP for journaling! Scripture (find one out of the reading that stands out to you or that God touches you with while reading) Observation (what do you observe about these verses), Application (how can you apply it to your daily life) and finally Prayer (ask God how to apply the things you have read to your daily life and thank him for all he has done in your life ~ I'm sure there is plenty!)
It's funny how people think that God's commands are dictating and that there are too many rules to follow, but the interesting part is that if we do what he asks...our life is better! Not always easier, but at least we are not doing life alone!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
On The Road to NOWHERE...
Do you ever feel that today is just like yesterday which is just like the day before? EEK...life really can be like the movie "Groundhogs day".
Now that our kids are in school all day everyday sometimes I wonder what do I really exist for?
Daily being in the word is a GREAT place to start your day!
When you feel that you have nothing to offer and cross paths with very few people let me remind you of a parable:
Passage Luke 10:30-35 (NLT from Bible.com)
Now that our kids are in school all day everyday sometimes I wonder what do I really exist for?
Daily being in the word is a GREAT place to start your day!
When you feel that you have nothing to offer and cross paths with very few people let me remind you of a parable:
Passage Luke 10:30-35 (NLT from Bible.com)
Parable of the Good Samaritan
30 Jesus replied with a story:
31
33
The Samaritan was on the road to wherever and whatever he had planned for the day, yet he allowed God to use him to help someone.
Our days are numbered like the hairs on our head, don't waste a day. What are you doing today? Where are you going? Whose path will you cross? Be Jesus to them!
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