Dearest Friends,
I am sorry for my absence this last week from writing. Nolan, my little guy, had a sinus infection and would only sleep if mommy held him, and then we moved him into his new big-boy bed, and he has been trying to adjust to that change. Though it took a few nights, he really seems to like his new arrangements and is actually sleeping better than before! All praise and glory to God!!
Otherwise I am quite busy trying to edit the study I am currently working through with my Bible study here in Mesa, and working to get everything in-line for the next study, so that I can rest during the month of December and just celebrate Christmas. For some reason it always seems everything comes up at once, and that it is how it is going for me right now. Perhaps that is God's way of keeping me clinging to Him, because it will truly be by His grace that I get any of this done in the midst of all the activities filling my calendar.
In headline news, I actually get to spend Christmas in God's country this year, as we are traveling to Wyoming for the holiday. I am quite excited and am believing God for snow - lots of fluffy, white, perfect snow that will force me to stay inside with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, reading a book. I can't wait to see Nolan as he experiences the wonder snow for the first time, and listen to Regann whine to go outside and then complain because she's cold. I can't wait to hear my husband, Chris, grump and mope around because of the wintry wonder of snow, and then offer to shovel the walk. Oh what an occasion!! As you can see, I am quite looking forward to freezing my fingers off, as it really isn't Christmas without a little frostbite!!
Anyway, I'll talk to you soon, as we continue through Psalm 119 together. In the mean-time, pray that I will get rested up so that my brain can properly process words again. (You wouldn't believe it, but it has taken me about 25 minutes to write this e-mail.)
OK then, see ya later! Much love - Andrea
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Our Suffering
Psalm 119:49-56
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Yesterday we talked of the persecution so many of our brothers and sisters experience across the globe. We are pretty lucky in this country, as any persecution we experience pales in comparison. However, when we are the ones who suffer, suddenly it becomes very personal and very painful, regardless of the scale.
No matter where we live, no matter what our stage in life, age in life, income level, status in society, etc. we will suffer. And when we do, God alone can give us the hope we need. His promises are the only salve that can soothe and strengthen us.
You and I need to diligently search His Word for His sweet promises, for His promises preserve our life. We need to learn them, believe them, and make them a part of every day. We need to remember His name in the night, as we lay on our beds longing for peace and rest. Because, ultimately, what will get us through is our focus – not on the here-and-now, on temporary things, but on eternity. Whatever we suffer, it will not last forever, praise His holy name!
So, let’s go to God, tell Him our heartaches, struggles, and pains. He will hold us, strengthen us, and remind us of His great promises. Look to Him, dear friend, for He is our hope in times of need.
Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.
Yesterday we talked of the persecution so many of our brothers and sisters experience across the globe. We are pretty lucky in this country, as any persecution we experience pales in comparison. However, when we are the ones who suffer, suddenly it becomes very personal and very painful, regardless of the scale.
No matter where we live, no matter what our stage in life, age in life, income level, status in society, etc. we will suffer. And when we do, God alone can give us the hope we need. His promises are the only salve that can soothe and strengthen us.
You and I need to diligently search His Word for His sweet promises, for His promises preserve our life. We need to learn them, believe them, and make them a part of every day. We need to remember His name in the night, as we lay on our beds longing for peace and rest. Because, ultimately, what will get us through is our focus – not on the here-and-now, on temporary things, but on eternity. Whatever we suffer, it will not last forever, praise His holy name!
So, let’s go to God, tell Him our heartaches, struggles, and pains. He will hold us, strengthen us, and remind us of His great promises. Look to Him, dear friend, for He is our hope in times of need.
Friday, November 10, 2006
A Little Pressure
Psalm 119:41-48
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
This last weekend at our church we had a service for the persecuted church. There were many things that touched me about the service, and I am always so thankful to be reminded of the wonderful freedoms we have here in America.
Yet there was one thing that really got me, and is sticking with me. I can’t stop thinking about it, and that’s definitely a good thing. It is remarkable how the people in these countries cling to the Word of God! Some of them do not (or at least should not) even have access to a Bible, yet it is so dear and precious. They have outsiders bring Bibles to them, or recite entire books from memory (try doing that one!). They themselves have much of the Word memorized. They love it, consume it, drink it in. They are passionate about the Word. They are passionate about Jesus. And they are willing to die for both.
One thing said that has really made me think and reflect on my own life and habits, is that these people always make time to read and reflect upon God’s Word. No matter how tired they are, they still make the time to take it in. They spend hours, sometimes all night long, just worshipping God in secret, in the dark so as not to be caught. And when they are caught, they fearlessly proclaim Christ to their captors, sometimes to their own demise, sometimes to the demise of their family. They boldly speak of the One for whom they gladly suffer! One boy even said (after losing his ENTIRE family in a church fire) that it’s not hard being a Christian, because we have Jesus.
WOW!
Sometimes I wonder if a little persecution wouldn’t be good for the American church. Not that I desire it, as I truly enjoy the freedom to worship, serve, and speak freely of my Jesus. But it seems that it might do us some good – push us to our knees, pull us into the Word, and make us choose which side we’re really on.
A Church under pressure is one that will explode with the love of Christ!
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
This last weekend at our church we had a service for the persecuted church. There were many things that touched me about the service, and I am always so thankful to be reminded of the wonderful freedoms we have here in America.
Yet there was one thing that really got me, and is sticking with me. I can’t stop thinking about it, and that’s definitely a good thing. It is remarkable how the people in these countries cling to the Word of God! Some of them do not (or at least should not) even have access to a Bible, yet it is so dear and precious. They have outsiders bring Bibles to them, or recite entire books from memory (try doing that one!). They themselves have much of the Word memorized. They love it, consume it, drink it in. They are passionate about the Word. They are passionate about Jesus. And they are willing to die for both.
One thing said that has really made me think and reflect on my own life and habits, is that these people always make time to read and reflect upon God’s Word. No matter how tired they are, they still make the time to take it in. They spend hours, sometimes all night long, just worshipping God in secret, in the dark so as not to be caught. And when they are caught, they fearlessly proclaim Christ to their captors, sometimes to their own demise, sometimes to the demise of their family. They boldly speak of the One for whom they gladly suffer! One boy even said (after losing his ENTIRE family in a church fire) that it’s not hard being a Christian, because we have Jesus.
WOW!
Sometimes I wonder if a little persecution wouldn’t be good for the American church. Not that I desire it, as I truly enjoy the freedom to worship, serve, and speak freely of my Jesus. But it seems that it might do us some good – push us to our knees, pull us into the Word, and make us choose which side we’re really on.
A Church under pressure is one that will explode with the love of Christ!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Contentment
Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
This time of the year always seems to breed discontentment in me. With the generosity of the season, I want to give, give, give, and our bank account just won’t allow it. That is when I begin to look around and notice all the people who have more than me and who can (seemingly) just go out and spoil all the people within their circle of influence.
Oh, how I wish that could be me! Gift-giving is definitely my love language, and I really don’t get to express it much, being a stay-at-home mom and all. So, rather than looking out, at all that I want and do not have, I need to look up. Up to the One who has everything. Yes, the One who is and has all that I need.
Verses 36-37, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word,” has become a passage very familiar and very dear to me. I cry these words from the very depths of my heart every time I begin to complain about our small house, or our not-so-new cars, or my “outdated” wardrobe, or our depleted bank account. Such stupid things, really – “worthless.”
When I read and meditate on this passage, and allow God to turn me toward His truth and His Word, I find that the discontentment fades, and I begin to see that there are at least twice as many people out there (probably many of you reading this) who are worse off than Chris and me! How lucky we are to even own a house! How lucky we are to have 2 working cars! How lucky we are to have the health of every single person under this roof! How lucky we are to have a family that loves each other (even the kids!), and looks out for each other, and prays for each other, and enjoys each other! How lucky we are to have Christ and His Word so easily accessible! How lucky we are!
How lucky, indeed.
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
This time of the year always seems to breed discontentment in me. With the generosity of the season, I want to give, give, give, and our bank account just won’t allow it. That is when I begin to look around and notice all the people who have more than me and who can (seemingly) just go out and spoil all the people within their circle of influence.
Oh, how I wish that could be me! Gift-giving is definitely my love language, and I really don’t get to express it much, being a stay-at-home mom and all. So, rather than looking out, at all that I want and do not have, I need to look up. Up to the One who has everything. Yes, the One who is and has all that I need.
Verses 36-37, “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word,” has become a passage very familiar and very dear to me. I cry these words from the very depths of my heart every time I begin to complain about our small house, or our not-so-new cars, or my “outdated” wardrobe, or our depleted bank account. Such stupid things, really – “worthless.”
When I read and meditate on this passage, and allow God to turn me toward His truth and His Word, I find that the discontentment fades, and I begin to see that there are at least twice as many people out there (probably many of you reading this) who are worse off than Chris and me! How lucky we are to even own a house! How lucky we are to have 2 working cars! How lucky we are to have the health of every single person under this roof! How lucky we are to have a family that loves each other (even the kids!), and looks out for each other, and prays for each other, and enjoys each other! How lucky we are to have Christ and His Word so easily accessible! How lucky we are!
How lucky, indeed.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Laid Low in the Dust
Psalm 119:25-32
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
We’ve all been here, haven’t we? Big or small, our mistakes have a wonderful way of humbling us – “laying us low in the dust.” I was just there, as you know, and am still working my way out. God has definitely “preserved my life according to His Word.” Praise His holy name!
Tonight, this makes me think of Rev. Ted Haggard, who I really don’t know much about apart from the media frenzy that has surrounded him the last couple of days. He was, apparently, a very influential Christian leader, and it has been discovered that he has been maintaining a secret homosexual relationship for quite a while. In his apology to his church, he wrote “there is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life.”
I’m sure there are many Christians who are outraged, repulsed, and many other descriptive words over this whole incident. I, myself, am sad and so sorry for Mr. Haggard and his family. He was in Satan’s crosshairs, and like so many of us, he went down when he was hit. I think those of us who can see our own “repulsive and dark” sides will be sad for him and his family. Everyone else, well, in my opinion they are just turning a blind eye to their “repulsive and dark” side, because we all have them.
That is why we must be in the Word, not just for study, not just for discussion or to mark it off our list of things to do. No, we need to be consuming the Word, and letting its fire consume us. We need to ask God to preserve our lives and to strengthen us according to His Word. And when we see a brother or sister fall, we need to get down in the dust with them, take an elbow and help to lift them to their feet again. If it wasn’t them, it may have been us.
You see, it is in keeping our eyes on Christ and in the Word that we keep ourselves from worshiping and idolizing our Christian leaders. Then, if they stumble, rather than being disappointed and discouraged in our faith, we can simply walk beside them remembering that they are made out of dust, just like you and me. We can encourage them, and help to restore them.
Let’s pray for Rev. Haggard and his family – pray that God would preserve their lives, and strengthen them; pray that God would use this for His great glory, redeeming this situation in ways you and I could never imagine! And let’s pray for any other brothers or sisters who have fallen prey to the enemy’s flaming arrows – so swift and accurate. I pray that it not be one of us next time.
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
We’ve all been here, haven’t we? Big or small, our mistakes have a wonderful way of humbling us – “laying us low in the dust.” I was just there, as you know, and am still working my way out. God has definitely “preserved my life according to His Word.” Praise His holy name!
Tonight, this makes me think of Rev. Ted Haggard, who I really don’t know much about apart from the media frenzy that has surrounded him the last couple of days. He was, apparently, a very influential Christian leader, and it has been discovered that he has been maintaining a secret homosexual relationship for quite a while. In his apology to his church, he wrote “there is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life.”
I’m sure there are many Christians who are outraged, repulsed, and many other descriptive words over this whole incident. I, myself, am sad and so sorry for Mr. Haggard and his family. He was in Satan’s crosshairs, and like so many of us, he went down when he was hit. I think those of us who can see our own “repulsive and dark” sides will be sad for him and his family. Everyone else, well, in my opinion they are just turning a blind eye to their “repulsive and dark” side, because we all have them.
That is why we must be in the Word, not just for study, not just for discussion or to mark it off our list of things to do. No, we need to be consuming the Word, and letting its fire consume us. We need to ask God to preserve our lives and to strengthen us according to His Word. And when we see a brother or sister fall, we need to get down in the dust with them, take an elbow and help to lift them to their feet again. If it wasn’t them, it may have been us.
You see, it is in keeping our eyes on Christ and in the Word that we keep ourselves from worshiping and idolizing our Christian leaders. Then, if they stumble, rather than being disappointed and discouraged in our faith, we can simply walk beside them remembering that they are made out of dust, just like you and me. We can encourage them, and help to restore them.
Let’s pray for Rev. Haggard and his family – pray that God would preserve their lives, and strengthen them; pray that God would use this for His great glory, redeeming this situation in ways you and I could never imagine! And let’s pray for any other brothers or sisters who have fallen prey to the enemy’s flaming arrows – so swift and accurate. I pray that it not be one of us next time.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Longing For God's Word
Psalm 119:17-24
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Back to Psalm 119, though not out of “sharing my struggles mode.” I love Psalm 119, and am drawn to it when I find my passion for God’s Word dwindling, as I said on October 26. I especially love this section, as it reminds me that I need to be “consumed with longing for God’s laws at all times.” (emphasis mine) I don’t know about you, but that does not describe me, as much as I wish it did.
Actually, I guess that I am consumed with a longing for God’s Word quite frequently. I walk through my day desiring to spend some alone time with Him, somehow, sometime. However, it is in the follow-through that I tend to fall short – dramatically short. Somehow I can find time to study for my writing and my teaching, but with two little ones (who don’t like to sleep late in the morning, or much during the night sometimes), and a hubby with a strange work schedule, and, well, life in general, I find that it is my time in the Word with Jesus that tends to slip first. Since my second little guy has come along, I have had so much trouble getting back into this vital habit. I know how terribly important it is. I know how much better I feel when I go to Him first thing in the morning. I also can tell you that I am tired, and feel as though I am burning the candle at both ends most of the time.
I wonder how I am supposed to do all that I am called to do, and still find time for the rest that God commands of us. I am consumed with longing for God’s Word, because I do not get near enough time to just soak it up and consume it. I want God to open my eyes that I would see wonderful things in His Word. I want His statutes to be my delight and my counselors. I want these things so bad I can taste it. Yet, to my shame and dismay, I can tell you that today, once again, I have desired them only and not tasted at all.
Something’s got to give! I wish I had some answers here, but I don’t. I don’t know if this is something you struggle with, or not. I know I meet countless people who know the importance of a daily devotional time, but like me have trouble “working it in.” You and I cannot do what we are called to do if our roots do not go deep into the Word, into Jesus, into His truth, into His life-giving waters. Pray for me friends! And I will pray for you, that God would make a way, give us the energy, and draw us into a daily, maintainable time with Him. Deal?
Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.
Back to Psalm 119, though not out of “sharing my struggles mode.” I love Psalm 119, and am drawn to it when I find my passion for God’s Word dwindling, as I said on October 26. I especially love this section, as it reminds me that I need to be “consumed with longing for God’s laws at all times.” (emphasis mine) I don’t know about you, but that does not describe me, as much as I wish it did.
Actually, I guess that I am consumed with a longing for God’s Word quite frequently. I walk through my day desiring to spend some alone time with Him, somehow, sometime. However, it is in the follow-through that I tend to fall short – dramatically short. Somehow I can find time to study for my writing and my teaching, but with two little ones (who don’t like to sleep late in the morning, or much during the night sometimes), and a hubby with a strange work schedule, and, well, life in general, I find that it is my time in the Word with Jesus that tends to slip first. Since my second little guy has come along, I have had so much trouble getting back into this vital habit. I know how terribly important it is. I know how much better I feel when I go to Him first thing in the morning. I also can tell you that I am tired, and feel as though I am burning the candle at both ends most of the time.
I wonder how I am supposed to do all that I am called to do, and still find time for the rest that God commands of us. I am consumed with longing for God’s Word, because I do not get near enough time to just soak it up and consume it. I want God to open my eyes that I would see wonderful things in His Word. I want His statutes to be my delight and my counselors. I want these things so bad I can taste it. Yet, to my shame and dismay, I can tell you that today, once again, I have desired them only and not tasted at all.
Something’s got to give! I wish I had some answers here, but I don’t. I don’t know if this is something you struggle with, or not. I know I meet countless people who know the importance of a daily devotional time, but like me have trouble “working it in.” You and I cannot do what we are called to do if our roots do not go deep into the Word, into Jesus, into His truth, into His life-giving waters. Pray for me friends! And I will pray for you, that God would make a way, give us the energy, and draw us into a daily, maintainable time with Him. Deal?
Friday, November 03, 2006
Encouragment
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
My goodness! The e-mails just came pouring in after I poured my heart out to you all. What a blessing! I can’t believe the encouragement and support you all poured out on me . . . I’m speechless. Well, almost. :)
I was thinking today about how it is so easy for me to look at Scripture and tell you what it means and how we should live accordingly. But I’ve gotten out of the habit, for the most part, of just sharing my heart with you, and what’s going on in my life. We need that, don’t we? Satan has a way of convincing us we’re all alone in our fights and struggles – we’re the only one’s who every mess up or make this kind of bad choice. When that is not the case at all!
This verse in Hebrews has been and still is my “call to action” verse for Morning SonRise. I want to encourage you daily, and I think one way I can do that is to share my struggles, disappointments, and failings with you. In this way, you will know that you are not alone! You are not the only one who messes up, and wonders when you’ll get it right. Not that I am giving excuses and saying it’s OK to mess up. We still need to fight the good fight, and do our best to grow ever-closer to Christ, in His likeness. However, we cannot allow Satan to corner us, and separate us from each other, hardening us through the lies he piles on top of the bad choices we make.
Find encouragement, then, dear friend, that I am not perfect – I am actually so far from perfect that I wonder how God could use me. It is only through His grace and by His mercy that I am allowed to work with Him, because I think I get more wrong then I do right, sometimes!
So, don’t be surprised to hear more of my life and the struggles I am wrestling with. Perhaps together we can walk this path and grow in Christ, supporting and encouraging each other as long as it is called Today.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
My goodness! The e-mails just came pouring in after I poured my heart out to you all. What a blessing! I can’t believe the encouragement and support you all poured out on me . . . I’m speechless. Well, almost. :)
I was thinking today about how it is so easy for me to look at Scripture and tell you what it means and how we should live accordingly. But I’ve gotten out of the habit, for the most part, of just sharing my heart with you, and what’s going on in my life. We need that, don’t we? Satan has a way of convincing us we’re all alone in our fights and struggles – we’re the only one’s who every mess up or make this kind of bad choice. When that is not the case at all!
This verse in Hebrews has been and still is my “call to action” verse for Morning SonRise. I want to encourage you daily, and I think one way I can do that is to share my struggles, disappointments, and failings with you. In this way, you will know that you are not alone! You are not the only one who messes up, and wonders when you’ll get it right. Not that I am giving excuses and saying it’s OK to mess up. We still need to fight the good fight, and do our best to grow ever-closer to Christ, in His likeness. However, we cannot allow Satan to corner us, and separate us from each other, hardening us through the lies he piles on top of the bad choices we make.
Find encouragement, then, dear friend, that I am not perfect – I am actually so far from perfect that I wonder how God could use me. It is only through His grace and by His mercy that I am allowed to work with Him, because I think I get more wrong then I do right, sometimes!
So, don’t be surprised to hear more of my life and the struggles I am wrestling with. Perhaps together we can walk this path and grow in Christ, supporting and encouraging each other as long as it is called Today.
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