Inspired by...: God

Showing posts with label God. Show all posts

Thursday, February 22, 2018

This was originally posted in June of 2014. I'm reposting today in honor of my dad's birthday. He passed away February 4, 2015.

* * *

My dad has been going through boxes.

Pulling out memories that were tossed between four walls of cardboard. Some now forgotten, some still as fresh as when he laid them inside.

Some are my memories, too.

And I'm surprised to see them when he pulls them out.

I made a chess set once. It was a gift for someone who loved to play.

It was a large set, 16x16, I think. The board was made in four pieces. Ceramic.

It took me forever to clean all those chessmen. Once the glaze was applied, my instructor told me to fill each piece with bb's to weight them down. Then the pieces were fired.

If you've ever done ceramics you know that glazes are dull and almost unnoticeable – until the pieces are put in the kiln. When they emerge from the fire/intense heat they are bright, glossy, and the color shines! {Therein lies a lesson for another day!}

I was so excited about my chess set! It was the perfect gift, and I couldn't wait until Christmas morning.

But the next week when I arrived at the ceramic shop to pick up my set, I found this . . .

Turns out I had purchased copper bb's. Big mistake.

All the white chessmen sported this "marble" effect – my chess set was ruined! It had taken me weeks to make, and with Christmas looming, I didn't have time to make a new set of white chessmen. I had no choice but to wrap them up, marble faces and all.

I was so disappointed.

As you might have guessed, my friend was over-the-moon about the chess set – marble chessmen and all. They said it made the set unique. Special. One of a kind.

I was happy that my friend liked the set, but it took me awhile to get over the disappointment.

When my dad pulled these chess pieces out of his memory box I was surprised. I laughed a little and asked him why he'd kept those. His eyes moistened a bit as he said, "Because it was so good."

I hadn't realized it at the time, but my dad had been impressed by the set I'd made. It really was a beautiful chess set. I was the only one, it seems, that thought less of it because of the copper marbling on the white pieces.

My dad was proud of what his little girl had made. So years later when the set was damaged, he saved some of the pieces.

There are several lessons here, I think, but what God is speaking most profoundly to my heart is Romans 8:28.

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-

those whom He has called according to His plan.

We all make mistakes. And those mistakes have consequences. Sometimes life-changing consequences.

But whether it's a little mistake that takes some of the JOY out of a Christmas gift {for the giver} or a big mistake that changes what your Christmas celebrations are like for years to come, God's promise holds true.

He works ALL THINGS.

Some things?

No.

ALL THINGS for the good of those who love Him.

You may never see the good that God works from your mistake. Or you may receive a blessing, as I did when dad showed me the chess pieces he'd saved. That chess set had meant something to him. It has pleased him, made him proud.

And the gift I'd made wasn't even for him.

Blessings,

I had fun using Bonnie's textures on some of these images.

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Inspired by . . . a synchroblog

This is a synchroblog.

My dear friend, Linda, honored me with an invitation to participate along with a few other bloggers in simultaneously writing about what saved my life this summer.

My first thought, after being pleasantly surprised (and grateful) that she included me, was to ask, did my life need saving this summer? and if so, from what?

These are the questions I contemplated last weekend as Hurricane Harvey made landfall and headed across Texas toward my little cottage.

Unfortunately, many in Harvey's path needed life-saving assistance. In contrast, I hope none of the other writers of this synchroblog needed their lives, literally, saved this summer. I have no idea what anyone else is going to write about, but I suspect most will be discussing life in the figurative sense, rather than the literal.

Before I can talk about what saved me, I have to answer the questions at the beginning of this post.

If we look honestly at our lives we have to admit that we all need saving from something. For some of us, it's a situation, an unhealthy habit, or perhaps a burden.

All of us need saving from our sinful nature.

While there are a variety of answers to what saves us from situations, habits, and burdens, there is only One Who saves us from our sin.

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom 7:18-25)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (Joh 3:16)

So what did I need saving from this summer? Honestly?

Myself.

Some of you who read this blog with regularity may remember I mentioned a little visit to the ER back in March. As a result, I've been on more meds in the last five months than I've taken in my entire life. My body has not responded well. It has been a struggle for me. Mentally, physically and spiritually.

The aches and pains are easy to deal with compared to the brain fog and despondency; which is part medication-induced and part as a result of dealing with a chronic illness day-after-day-after-day.

I know many of you can relate to this.

So what, or better said, Who saved me?

God.

The awesome part is that He used all of you to do it!

Your comments, filled with prayers, wisdom, and encouragement reminded me that I'm not alone in my struggles. Your blog posts continually pointed me back to Him. All of it He used to keep my focus exactly where it needed to be.

On Him.

So I thank God, and I thank you for saving [my life] me from myself this summer.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. (Pro 27:17)

As you go, please click through to these lovely ladies, Linda, Beth, and Lisa to see what saved their lives this summer!

Blessings,

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Inspired by . . . what we believe

There are two studies which have been impacting me greatly over the last several months and weeks.

My Dreamer and I have been listening to Alistair Begg's sermons on the book of Daniel entitled And He Shall Reign. (the entire series can be downloaded here for free)

And, more recently, (as I mentioned previously) I have been doing the First5 study, Suffering & Sovereignty which is based in Job, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. (This study runs through October 21st so there is still time for you to join us if you wish)

Both studies focus on the sovereignty of God. Daniel gives us the "big picture" which is critical for us to see and understand especially given the current cultural and political climate. While in the book of Job the lens narrows and we get a picture of the reality of God's sovereignty in our personal lives.

We've been camped in the book of Job for the last 12 weeks and the one thing I've noticed about Job's friends is that they had an incomplete and often incorrect view of God. Some of what they said was true, much of it was not, and some of the truth was taken out of context.

This got me to thinking about what we believe about God and what misconceptions we might have.

The book of Job also, rather alarmingly, reminds us of the role of the enemy in our lives. We should remember that the enemy was intimately acquainted with God. The enemy knows what God's word says. I think it's safe to say that he delights when we get it wrong.

**I not referring here to those things about God that we don't yet understand. In some sense, until we meet Him face-to-face, we will always have an incomplete view of Who He IS. I'm talking about the things we believe about God that are wrong, i.e. contrary to His word.**

The best lies contain an element of truth. [click to tweet]

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? (Gal 5:7)

The Galatian's faith was being derailed by falsehoods regarding circumcision relating to justification. What falsehoods are hindering us from obeying God's Word?

How do we view God? Jesus? Does what we believe line up with scripture?

Beloved, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1Jn 4:1)

Is what we believe based solely on what we've been told? Do we look up verses for ourselves and read them in context, praying for God to give us wisdom?

Remember, it's easy to take scripture out of context and use it to justify an accepted, yet false belief.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (Jas 1:5)

The cliche, "God helps those who help themselves." is widely quoted and believed. It is also NOT in the bible. In fact, the principle it alleges is actually contrary to what the Bible teaches.

The truth is, we cannot help ourselves. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is true that God calls us to pursue holiness, but He also provides the grace we need to do so.

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Php 1:6)

Of this Jerry Bridges (The Discipline of Grace) says, "This thought is both encouraging and sobering. It is encouraging because it assures us that our spiritual growth is not left to our initiative, nor is it dependent upon our wisdom to know in which areas and in which direction we need to grow. Rather, it is God Himself who initiates and superintends our spiritual growth."

Believing that there is something we can do or have to do before Christ can save us nullifies the cross. [click to tweet]

The most effective way we can combat misconceptions about God is to read His Word for ourselves. [click to tweet] Go to the commentaries only after you have read and reasoned, and prayed and wrestled with understanding for yourself.

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13)

God does not hide from us. If we honestly seek Him, He will reveal to us the truth about Himself.

Shalom,

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Inspired by . . . mountains and valleys

I've been writing more about suffering and trials than JOY and blessing here lately. For a blog that is supposed to inspire that may seem a little out of context.

But we all go through seasons. Mountain tops and valleys. We learn and grow in our faith from both experiences. And, I believe, we can learn and grow from the experiences of others.

There is no doubt in my mind that God uses everything in our lives. Nothing is wasted. I believe He encourages and inspires others when we share honestly, according to His will.

A favorite verse of mine is 2 Corinthians 1:4;

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2Co 1:3-4)

The First5.org group (if you're not familiar with them, check them out) is studying Suffering and Sovereignty for the next five weeks. The books of Job, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. The timing couldn't be more perfect.

God's sovereignty is key to understanding and contending with our suffering and the suffering of others. [click to tweet]

The book of Job teaches this like no other book in the bible. In light of Job's almost inconceivable suffering, we, the reader, are given a glimpse behind the scenes into the reason behind his suffering. Something Job and his friends don't have and something we almost never have in our own suffering.

While the purpose of our suffering is not likely that of Job's, the fact is that there is a purpose. Just knowing this truth gives us hope in our affliction.

The passages in Job where God speaks are awe-inspiring and humbling. They remind us Who God IS and where our focus and attention should remain during times of trials as well as blessings.

I'm reminded of what a favorite author of mine, Lori Wick, once said in the context of one of her stories: we shouldn't compare our suffering to someone else's, "It could be worse..." etc. Rather we should view our suffering in light of eternal life. [click to tweet]

Yes, we may be suffering, we may even have to endure tragedy in this life, but it is truly a light and momentary affliction when compared to eternity and the LIFE we have in Christ.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2Co 4:17-18)

Blessings,

Monday, May 22, 2017

Inspired by . . . why we do the things we do

You've probably heard one or more variation of the following story:

A young woman is preparing a pot roast while her friend looks on. She cuts off both ends of the roast, prepares it and puts it in the pan. “Why do you cut off the ends?” her friend asks. “I don’t know,” she replies. “My mother always did it that way and I learned how to cook it from her.”

Her friend’s question made her curious about her pot roast preparation. During her next visit home, she asked her mother, “How do you cook a pot roast?” Her mother proceeded to explain and added, “You cut off both ends, prepare it and put it in the pot and then in the oven.” “Why do you cut off the ends?” the daughter asked. Baffled, the mother offered, “That’s how my mother did it and I learned it from her!

Her daughter’s inquiry made the mother think more about the pot roast preparation. When she next visited her mother in the nursing home, she asked, “Mom, how do you cook a pot roast?” The mother slowly answered, thinking between sentences. “Well, you prepare it with spices, cut off both ends and put it in the pot.” The mother asked, “But why do you cut off the ends?” The grandmother’s eyes sparkled as she remembered. “Well, the roasts were always bigger than the pot that we had back then. I had to cut off the ends to fit it into the pot!”

Do you ever think about why we do the things we do? What motivates and influences our actions and responses?

Certainly, there are many things that influence our actions and responses. Some things we've learned from our parents, as shown in the above story. Those with whom we spend our time, our culture, abuses, work experiences, all these things contribute to how we think and, ultimately, how we act.

Is it important to know and understand why we do the things we do? It is if we believe Proverbs 4:23.

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. (Pro 4:23)

So what is the major influence in your life? Jerry Bridges, in his book The Discipline of Grace says, "There is no neutral sphere of influence. We are being influenced by the forces of sinful society or we are being influenced by the Word of God." [click to tweet]

Most of us fall somewhere in between these two points of influence. Your attitude toward the word of God and how often you read and study the word will determine how close you are to one point or the other.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. (Psa 1:1-2)

Let's assume our major influences have been good. We were taught as children to do good. Perhaps we even follow the moral code of the Bible. But what is our motivation to do good? Is it simply a habitual response to our influencers or a desire for the good opinion of others?

When we fail, are we distressed because we have dishonored God or is our response one of pride because our self-esteem is lowered in the sights of others? [click to tweet]

So what is the motivation behind our actions? Are we committed to a set of moral values or are we committed to God? George MacDonald suggests the following,

"Instead of asking yourself whether you believe or not, ask yourself whether you have this day done one thing because He said, Do it, or once abstained because He said, Do not do it. It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe in Him, if you do not anything He tells you."

We won't seek to please God with our actions or be aggrieved when we fail Him if we don't relate to Him as our heavenly Father. [click to tweet]

The apostle Paul urges us toward a commitment to God and holiness.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Rom 12:1)

If this commitment to pursuing holiness seems overwhelming to you, remember, "A soldier unresolved to fight may be easily defeated."1 Remember, too, that God does not only ask us for this commitment, He provides us with the grace which enables us to do it.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb 13:20-21)

Taking a hard look at what motivates our actions gives us an honest perspective on where we are in our pursuit of holiness. Wherever you may find yourself, do not be discouraged. The pursuit of holiness is a life-long journey that is never fully realized this side of heaven.

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Php 1:6)

Blessings,

1. Commentary by Stephen Charnock

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 43:52

My IG feed is overflowing with autumn grandeur.

fiddlejill is gifted with the art of capturing the essence of a fallen leaf. back.road.ramblers teases me with bold pictures of my {former} New England home and jodyo52's prose and pictures radiate the soul of the season.

My view of the season is different. Autumn comes slowly and softly to southern Texas. Some might argue it never comes at all. But the birds and the butterflies tell a different story.

Nature isn't stagnant. She's constantly moving to the rhythm set out for her before time began.

The days shorten. The flowers fall to seed. Birds and butterflies move southward stopping here and there along the way to enchant and delight us.

The only crimson in my world may be found on the occasional blade of grass but the breezes tell a story as they dance around the grassy heads. And if I listen I can learn.

The breezes hint of things Divine. They profess a Creator Who knows the name of the farthest star and understands the deepest desire of my inner heart.

The crimson blade calls to mind His blood. Shed for me. And for you.

With that reminder, the shorter days seem a prelude to prayer. The cooling darkness a holy covering that surrounds us as we prepare our hearts for His coming.

The season of Advent, when all things begin anew.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 35:52

Friends, I'm up to my eyeballs this week, but I had just had to post. It's not always appropriate or necessary to share all of what we may be going through.

Suffice to say, my Dreamer and I are dealing with a lot right now - - just like many of you.

So here's a reminder that God is faithful.

This week . . .

God gave me a frog.

Honestly? I could not contain my JOY. A frog in my fountain! Delight! And then I remembered something from a conference long, long ago:

F ully

R ely

O n

G od

Southern Leopard Frog

Do you see? God knew I'd be excited about the frog. He knew seeing this little guy make a home in my fountain would bring me incredible JOY. And that would have been enough.

But God . . .

Now to Hiim who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)

Because of Who He is, He wanted to give me more than JOY. He wanted to remind me of Himself. That He is enough. That I can Fully Rely On {God} Him.

No matter what you're facing right now, you can too.

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Inspired by . . . come thirsty

How are you feeling today?

Is your spirit full? Are you walking forth in JOY, believing in His promises?

If that's you, then join me in a fist-bump and shout of Hallelujah! His promises are true and His grace makes the path easier to walk.

But maybe that's not you. Perhaps His grace seems a bit distant and your feet feel more like blocks of clay. Your spirit faints within you and it's hard to believe His promises in light of the world's current circumstances.