Skills and Abilities February 23, 2010

In Exodus 35, the men and women of Israel came together to work on the Tabernacle of the Lord.  Here are some excerpts:

“From what you have, take an offering for the Lord….Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord…All who are skilled among you are to come….everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord….Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun…..Then Moses said to the Israelites….and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts….And he has given…the ability to teach others.  He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers…weavers…all of them master craftsmen and designers.”

God commanded the people of Israel to build the tabernacle, decorate it, furnish it and then he supplied them with all the skill and ability that was needed.

He does the same for the new Israel.  He supplies us with everything we need to complete the tasks that he has set for us to do.

Praise God.

A Quiet Place February 10, 2010

Sunrise Feb 10, 2010

After numerous snow days with kids traipsing in and out of the house, dogs’ wet noses on the windows, and mud mixed with slush garnishing every doorway, I can appreciate a quiet place.

In Mark 6:31, Jesus saw many people coming and going. He noticed the disciples tending to these people and not taking time to eat. He said to his dear friends, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

When we look inside the heart of Jesus, we find love and compassion every time.

He cared about those who were sick and dying. He cared about those tending to their needs.

If you find yourself in the role of caretaker, you can be assured that Jesus notices the meals you skip and the late nights you spend caring for others. Quiet places are blessings from him. His words may be for you to come by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.

What an awesome God we serve.

Completion February 4, 2010

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

I was struck today by this part  “….that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Who will carry on this work to completion?  He will.  God will complete it.  God is faithful.  He will complete what I can not. I’m pretty good at starting things….start the laundry, start the dishes, start a friendship, start an exercise program, start a quilt, start a diet…completing things is not my forte.

God is faithful.  He will complete his work in me.

Praise God!

Break-Neck Speed March 31, 2009

Sunday was a break-neck speed day. We went from worship service to one good activity after another. I was worn out. Stress was close on my heels.

I want to live my life, at whatever speed I must, filled with the peace of God that passes understanding. I know it is possible. The abundant life is mine. Stress is a part of my life because I allow it to be. Christ offers his peace.

Why then do I have to remind myself to live in his peace? I want days filled with down time. I suppose many of my days are. I don’t do real well without it. However, there are days where that is not practical or in everyone’s best interest.

Those are the times when I am reminded that I live, not by own strength, but through his strength. He is my strength. For I died, and my life is now hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3

My life is hidden with Christ. I am hiding with him. There are definitely days when I want to hide!

Guard Your Heart March 30, 2009

What do you do to guard your heart? What steps have you taken to guard the hearts of your children?

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

The world in which we live seems to constantly attack our hearts and those of our children. How do you guard a heart?

I would assume these things will help:

• be careful who you spend time with – know the friends of your children
• watch what you allow to come into your mind – keep tabs on Internet and TV
• keep your eyes fixed on Jesus – encourage your children to be active in the kingdom of God
• pray constantly – pray for your children

What else does the Bible say about guading your heart? I did a search online.

Consider Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,”

Did you catch that? The peace of God will guard your heart. The peace of God.

How does the peace of God guard your heart? What role does godly peace play in guarding one’s heart?

Maybe God’s peace guards our heart from:

• fear
• discontent
• envy
• jealousy
• foolishness
• greed

What do you think? How does the peace of God guard your heart? How do we guard our hearts, above all else?