Are You a Scholar?

I once heard a pastor make this statement: “I’ve heard people say, 'Well, I’m no bible scholar'.  My question back to them is:  why not??”

A scholar is defined as “a person who has done advanced study in a special field.”  Ponder this for a moment. When did we get the idea that being a bible “scholar” was only for those in full-time ministry? Or for those who have been to seminary? Do we really believe God would save us, give us His Word, and then make it all too hard for us to understand? Do we really believe God’s design is to give us this huge puzzle to figure out, which includes His will for our lives and the meaning of His Word? Really?

My grandfather used to tell me that anything worth having is worth working for. Is knowing and understanding God’s Word and God’s Will worth having? Is it worth working for? I think so. This knowledge, this understanding DOES require time and effort and desire (i.e., “study”)…but I don’t believe it’s some mystical puzzle that only a select few will be privileged to solve. God desires each and every one of us to know Him (which we can only do through his word).

And consider this: since all knowledge comes FROM God, is he not then able to give us that knowledge and understanding in spite of what man calls our “intellect”? Whether a Harvard graduate with multiple degrees or the simplest laborer with only a grade-school education, God’s Holy Spirit is able to enlighten our understanding – to believe otherwise is to deny the infallibility of God’s Holy Word, and therefore God himself.

Every one of us ought to be a bible “scholar”.   Don’t make “studying God’s Word” just another New Year’s Resolution – make it a daily choice.  No more excuses – what’s keeping you from it??

Walking in the Spirit...what does that MEAN??

It sounds so good, so righteous, so "spiritual" to say to one another, "Walk in the Spirit!" or "Walk in the ways of the Lord!" or "Walk honestly!" or "Put on Jesus!"...

But what does that look like in real life?  on a typical day for me? for you?

Let's try this...

The alarm goes off.  You stumble, bleary-eyed to the restroom.  Find your robe; go wake up the kids - who, by the way, are old enough to get up by themselves to their own alarms, but don't - you head to the kitchen.  Maybe you make breakfast or coffee; maybe you make lunches or find lunch money and set it out for each child.  Maybe you just get your own coffee and everyone else is on their own...

If your hubby has an office job, he may breeze past you on his way out the door with a peck on the cheek - to which you respond with a bleary-eyed grunt.  Or maybe he works an early morning shift and is already gone, (as evidenced by the dregs of coffee in the bottom of the cup on counter) or maybe he's just coming home from the night shift and ignores you completely as he heads directly for the shower and bed...

The kids have yet to appear and its time to go.  You holler for them to get moving, and in a flurry of activity, they fly past you shouting, "Bye, Mom!" as they sprint out the door to catch the bus, or their ride, or to catch up with their friends on the walk to school.

At some point, you realize the tv was turned on and the voices you now hear are coming from that box in the other room, not your head.  You decide it's probably time to get a move on yourself - maybe you need to get ready for work or at least ready for the day, so you head to the shower...

An hour later, you're in the car, muttering under your breath about the lil' old man who just pulled out in front of you, effectively boxing you in at 10 miles below the speed limit.  The lady in the car next to you is talking on the phone, applying mascara, AND smoking a cigarette - you keep a leery eye on her while wondering why the guy on the other side of you feels compelled to "share" his mind-jarring rap music with the entire world at 7:30 in the morning...

By the time you get to work, you wonder if they've changed the driver's licensing requirements in your state to say you MUST have absolutely NO knowledge of common sense road rules, to say nothing of common courtesy or knowledge of what decibel levels cause brain damage.  You find a message on your desk from a high-maintenance client who has already called this morning and you're beginning to wish you could contract the flu so you'd have a legitimate reason to go back home and pull the covers over your head...

Uh - so, where was the Spirit in THAT scenario?  Let's re-wind...

Your alarm goes off.  You stumble, bleary-eyed, to the restroom, grab your robe, and head to the kitchen.  "Lord, help me wake up!  I'm soooo not ready for morning!"  You start the coffee and grab your bible.  You find a quiet spot - shouldn't be hard because you're up before everyone else.  You've been reading the book of Ephesians.  You find where you left off, read a few more verses; think about what God is telling you through his Word; what he wants you to learn.

Your prayer time is filled with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.  You petition the Lord for wisdom, discernment, godliness; you pray for the kids, your husband, the ladies in your church, your pastor and pastor's wife...

Now it's time for the rest of the household to rise.  You still have to get the kids up - but you realize this routine really needs to change and you make a mental note to discuss this with their dad. 

As they leave, you give each one a hug & a kiss.  Tell them you're praying for them today.  Turn the tv off and put on some godly music as you get ready for work, dressing with care.  Drive to work, praying for the idiots - er, lost people - all around you as you drive.  You pray for the high-maintenance client before you return their phone call, and pray that God will give you a sweet spirit, so that HE will shine through to that person, even over the phone.

See, the circumstances didn't change - but YOU did.  Because of God's grace.  Because you took the time to put on the armour of God, to bathe yourself in God's Word, to surrender to the Spirit.  To see others as God sees them.  You have "walked in the Spirit".

It's not really all about us.  It's about the Lord.  Get your eyes off yourself - it's not, "How can I do this?", but "Am I letting God do this?"

~Tammy

Are you Dressed??

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?  How much time do you spend putting on your makeup, fixing your hair, choosing your clothes, coordinating your jewelry?  Some of you take an hour or more...some of you could take just a few more minutes!  But, in general, we take care with how we look before we venture out of the house.  I have one friend who was taught that you NEVER leave your house without makeup on and being completely dressed - in other words, no running to the mailbox in your pj's!  Or to the store in your painting clothes!  And I do believe we ought to take care not to be immodest or a poor testimony for the Lord when we're going out.  (But, I confess, I do give my skin a break on Saturdays if I'm just running to Walmart!)

But God sees our hearts.  God is more concerned with what we "look like" on the inside.  So - how much time do you spend "cleaning" your heart - confessing sin?  How much time do you spend "fixing your mind" - reading God's Word?  How carefully do you pull out the "armour of truth"?  How much time do you spend "grooming" a right attitude?  a sweet spirit?  a gracious tongue?  How much time do you spend asking God to prepare you for the day to come?  For grace and mercy to deal with whatever comes your way today?

Your body and face can be perfectly attired, but it will be your spirit, your attitude, your behavior that will leave an impression on those around you today - and on your heavenly Father.

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." - 1 Peter 3:3-4

How well "adorned" are YOU today?

Ladies Bible Study - 9/22/11

When I read something, my mind creates an image of what I'm reading.  In Matthew 7, Jesus talks about the "narrow" way and the "wide" way.  Few are on the narrow way; many are on the wide way.  In my mind, I have always pictured a narrow dirt path, winding through a field as the "narrow" way.  On that path are just a few people, some side by side, some alone, walking in a long line.  The "wide" way, in my mind, has looked more like a 5-lane highway that has been closed off to traffic, and instead is a throng of people, shoulder-to-shoulder, all surging forward, but without any idea where they are going.  Like the teaming masses gather in Times Square for New Year's Eve, but moving instead of standing.

Last night's bible study changed my picture of the "narrow" way.

The narrow way leads to heaven; the wide way to destruction, or hell.  Few will find their way to heaven, choosing instead to take a more "popular" route; an easy route; a wide and comfortable route.  The way to heaven is narrow because the only way is through Jesus.  In fact, the "strait gate", as scripture calls it, is only wide enough for ONE person at a time.  Why?  Because when we realize our own sinfulness and God's holiness; when we realize Jesus died for our sins; when we humbly bow before Him - we do it alone.  We cannot gain salvation riding piggy-back on someone else's salvation; we cannot carry with us our baggage and our excuses and our rationalizations; we cannot bring our friends or loved ones - we come alone and we come in humility.  The narrow gate is only big enough for one - nothing and no one else fits through the gate with us.

In fact, my mental image of the narrow way now has the gate built into the base of the cross.  

I am on the narrow way.  I gave my life to Jesus on March 1, 1981.  He died for me, taking on a punishment that was meant for me.  I have opened my life to him - it is His to do with as He pleases.  An easy exchange to make for the reward of being allowed to spend all eternity with Him in heaven.  In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize what a win-win situation it is.  There is no "down" side for me...Jesus took the punishment for MY sin; I didn't have to suffer that.  All I have to do is let Him control my life - a God who is loving and merciful and righteous and just and holy and who plans only for my "good" - and then I get to spend eternity in heaven with Him.  Why would I not want to live for Him??  Do I really think I am better suited to control my own life?  Me, a sinful, prideful, woman, who cannot see the future nor know the hearts and thoughts of others?  Me, whose vision is limited and imperfect and flawed by my own misconceptions?  I think God knows best, and I trust him.

Are you on the narrow way?  Or are you searching?  Find the cross.  The gate to the narrow way is there...

Living the Christian Life

How many times have you heard the phrase, "Let go and Let God"?  It has become a mantra, a chant, a catchy saying to tickle our ears...but is one of Satan's most destructive lies whispered in the ear of the believer.


Living the Christian life requires diligent, intentional, purposeful exercise.  Just as your marriage will fail if you fail to participate in it, your life in Christ will flounder if you sit back and passively wait for God to orchestrate life around you in your recliner.  


First of all, the Christian life begins not with us, but with Christ.  It is in HIM we find all power and strength and might.  It is in HIM we find our hope, our comfort, our worth.  Once we understand this, then Jesus tells us in His Word, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments."  Really?  How do you love God from your chair?  How do you "do good to them that despitefully use you" from your chair? How do you "assemble yourselves together" from your chair?  Oh, and by the way, Jesus gives us FAR more than "10" commandments!


Diligent, intentional, purposeful exercise.  Reading God's Word.  Praying.  Searching the scriptures (not just "reading").  Seeking spiritual food through hearing God's Word preached.  Exhorting one another - not just you being encouraged by someone else, but YOU encouraging others!  


You don't train for a marathon by running only when God's blows the $5 bill out of your pocket and you have to chase it across the parking lot - you train by running, walking, stretching, climbing, jogging, lifting...you have a PLAN.  It's not accidental.  


Your Christian life should not be accidental (or incidental) either.


"Study to show yourself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15  Think about what this verse really means; don't gloss over it because it's familiar.  ASK God to give you a hunger for His Word...He will give it to you!


Don't float through life today - live unto God intentionally.


~Tammy~

5 Truths for Dark Days

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, bemoaning the economy, discouraged by the evening news, or mired in overwhelming personal issues, we all understand that we have "dark days".  In a bible study on Wednesday night, my husband, Michael, encouraged us to cling to these "5 Truths for Dark Days"...


1.  God is still on the throne.
"Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath; there is none else." - Deuteronomy 4:39


"And he (Solomon) said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath..." 1 Kings 8:23


"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them."  - Deuteronomy 33:27


"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."  - Hebrews 13:6 & 8


2. The Church will survive.
"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." - Psalm 125:1


"And I (Jesus speaking here) say also unto thee that thou art Peter, and upon this rock (God) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."  - Matthew 16:18


Acts 8:3-4  Even though Saul persecuted the church, and the believers scattered to avoid this persecution, God used the scattered believers to spread the Gospel to people who had not yet heard it.  The church was not destroyed, but rather strengthened!


3. Our Mission is still clear.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20  We are to glorify God.
Matthew 28:19-20  We are to go and teach.
Romans 15:5-7 We are to be unified as believers.
1 Thess. 4 We are to walk pleasing to the Lord.
John 15 We are to bear fruit and love one another.  By the way, "loving" one another is not a mushy-gushy kind of thing; "loving" one another means giving of myself for someone else.
1 Peter 1:16 We are to be holy.  "Holy" means "set apart"; we are to be different from the world in a way that lets others know there is something unique about us because Jesus dwells within.  This does not mean to be "weird"!!
Romans 12:1-2 We are to be a living sacrifice.


4. Our Focus is still "up", not "down".
On eternity - Matthew 16:24-26
On today - Matthew 6:33-34
On Christ's return - Titus 2:11-13
On our hope laid up in heaven - Col. 1
On our hope in our calling - Ephesians
On Christ's resurrection - 1 Cor. 15


5. Our Victory is guaranteed!
Nothing can separate us from God. - Romans 8:35-38
We have victory through Jesus. - 1 Cor. 15:57-58
Greater is He that is in ME than he that is in the world. - 1 John 4:4-5
No more tears. - Revelation 7 & 21


Yes, we'll all have dark days.  But if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you know who the winner will be in the end - and YOU will be on the winning side!


~Tammy~

Reflections...

Saturday mornings are a great time to reflect on the week just over and to re-assess where the Lord wants me to go in the week to come.  It's quite, it's peaceful, and I am not distracted by the need to get ready for work...


Of late, I have found my devotions meandering a bit.  I realize when this happens I frequently turn back to the book of James.  Both yesterday and today, I was struck by two very familiar verses - but God, in His wisdom, makes his word "new every morning"!  (along with his mercies!)


James 1:8 - "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."  I've always interpreted this verse to be similar to verse 6, in that "double-minded" meant that he could not decide - that he was easily swayed.  But my Scofield reference bible cf. Proverbs 3:5, which says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."


This would seem to indicate then, that "double-minded" refers to a practice of trusting God one minute, but then trusting my own wisdom, my own wicked heart, the next minute!  Jumping from the solid, firm foundation of God's Word to the squishy, slippery loam of my own understanding of things, which is inevitably shaped by persuasive speech, Satan's lies, and under the influence of feelings or emotions.


But in order to stand  on the firm ground, I have to know where the firm ground is and what it is!  How can I stand on something I am unsure of?  I need to KNOW God's Word.


Today's thought-provoking verse is James 1:22 - "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."  We so often stop at "only", leaving off the last phrase, "deceiving your own selves."  But there is nothing superfluous in God's Word - so there is great importance to that last phrase.


We deceive ourselves if we think that just because we go to church we are being "obedient" to the Lord.  Yes, we may be hearing his word, but we're not doing His Word, and we're not being completely obedient!


For example, am I being "kind one to another?" (Eph. 4:32).
Am I going to the brother who has "ought against" me? (Mt.5:23-24)
Am I "exhorting" one another?  (Heb.3:13)
Am I "praying" to the Lord?  "Seeking" His counsel?  (Prov.8:17)
Do I "esteem others" more highly than myself?  (Phil.2:3)


Again, it all comes back to our knowledge and understanding of God's Word.  We cannot have firm footing on something we can't even find and we can't do something of which we have no knowledge!


I am convinced more and more that the Bible is the key to godly, growing, joyous, abundant Christian living - and we, as born again believers - woefully ignore and under utilize the very tool God has given us for success!


Naaman was told that in order to be cleansed from leperosy, he had to go wash in the Jordan river 7 times, and he become upset at this.  But his servants said to him, "...if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it?  How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash and be clean?"  (2 Kings 5:13)


Indeed.  God hasn't asked us to accomplish some strenuous physical feat.  Nor has He asked us to solve an inexplicable riddle.  All that He asks is that we read.  That we think.  That we apply.  Whether you are of Herculean strength or bedridden with the strength of a newborn kitten, it makes no difference.  Either can still accomplish God's will.


So what's your excuse?  Deceive not yourselves....


~Tammy~

Memorial Day...

Yesterday, a dear friend of ours lost his father.  We grieve with him and lift him up in prayer as his family gathers together, and we think of his mom, lost without her husband of so many years.

Today is Memorial Day.  A day set aside to remember those who have fought for our country and our freedoms and sacrificed so much for each one of us.  We attended a memorial service this morning; it always touches my heart to see the men and women in uniform, so proud of their country.  Tears always pool at the thought of those who could not be there today because they gave their lives for our country.  I am forever thankful for my husband, who established this tradition of attending these services on Memorial Day many years ago, when our children were little.

But when I got home today, I started going through some old pictures.  And Memorial Day took on a different meaning then, as I found pictures of my own dad, who succumbed to cancer more than 27 years ago at the age of 39.

And then, amidst the pictures, I found this newspaper article, written about my dad.  Judging by the ages of my sister and I as mentioned in the article, this must have been in 1978.  And as I read it, it brought a smile to my heart and laughter to my lips, as I remembered the dad I grew up with.  So, I thought I'd share it with you today.  My own children never knew my dad; I have a wonderful step-dad, whom I love dearly, and my children have always called him Grandpa; but perhaps through this article, they will know a little bit more of the man I knew as "Dad"...

Anyway, on this Memorial Day, I want to remember my dad.  I love you, Dad - I miss you still.

Love,

Tammy

Facebook...

I have found that there are two things to discern from reading other people's posts on Facebook:

1.  They are living a fantasy life via Facebook, where everything is wonderful but in reality it is falling down around their ears, or

2.  They are who they really are on Facebook, and they have forgotten who is reading their posts!  In other words, they say, do, act as one person - particularly on Sundays - but the rest of the week their lives just don't match up with the person you see on Sunday.

I'm a Christian because Jesus saved me from my own wicked sin, and I accepted that free gift and made it my own.  The Holy Spirit dwells within me, 24/7 - there is no part of my life from which He is excluded.  Therefore, being a "Christian" is not something I DO - it's who I AM.  There is no "secular" (non-Christian) sections of my life - ALL of my life should be that which pleases God and brings glory to Him.  No part of my life should be lived in such a way that an unsaved person would not be able to see a difference between my life and theirs.

I'm not talking about being "weird" or dressing weird or "Bible thumping".  Having said that, however, I do believe God would not want me to explode in anger, or wear immodest clothing, or fail to share what he does in my life (which may very well include quoting or reading scripture).  But it grieves my heart, for instance, to hear on Sunday how someone is so desperate for "good, uplifting, godly music" for themselves and their family, but then the highlight of their week seems to be watching American Idol and gushing over some rock star on Facebook.

Now, don't get me wrong - it's not like I've never watched American Idol.  My point is that if you truly want to live a surrendered, God-honoring life, then you do it 24/7.  You don't put yourself in positions, you don't fill your mind with things, that will draw you away from the Lord.  Is it easy?  Of course not!  Is it even possible?  Absolutely not!  Not on our own.  We need God's help.

How do we get God's help?  Well, do you take time EVERYDAY to read your Bible?  Just a verse or two - just to get you thinking about the Lord?  And what He requires of you?  How can you strive to be like someone you don't even know??  Do you take time EVERYDAY to pray for wisdom, strength, guidance - or do you only pray when there's a crisis?

We're good at excuses, and Satan is eager to feed them to us.  If you're saved, every part of your life should reflect that you belong to Jesus.  Don't quote scripture on one profile feed and praises for ungodly, unsaved people on the next.  

And if I've "stepped on your toes" with this post, I hope you'll consider this:  If I've said something that is untrue, then please come and talk to me about it.  If not, then it may be time to take stock and do some honest soul-searching.

My goal in writing this post is not to "bash" anyone, but rather to cause some thought to be given as to what we're doing in our day-to-day lives.  I see so many Christians struggling to be "successful" in their walk; and this is just one of many evidences that highlights WHY they cannot claim the victory Jesus has already promised.

If someone were going to try to arrest you for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Or would there be a hung jury?  Think about it.  

~Tammy~

No Whining!

I really didn't think this morning's study on the Sunday School lesson was going to amount to anything...but, God in His wisdom, had other plans...


The lesson this week is on whining, based on Philippians 2:14-15:


"Do all things without murmurings and disputings..." WHY?  "That ye may be blameless and harmless (not fake), the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."


The more I think about this, the more convicted I become.  I "whine" or complain about so many things!  Things at work, things at church, people in general - like crazy-stupid drivers - the weather...oh, my.  How much time and energy have I wasted with my whining?!?  It's useless anyway - it will never change the weather, the drivers, my boss, my job, or my circumstances  - it is just so purely a waste of time!  Time I could spend rejoicing and being a "light" for the Lord!

• Praise God I have a job!
• Praise God I have a car to drive - and am able to drive!
• Praise God for the rain, the heat, the humidity, the wind, the ice, the cold!
• Praise God that he didn't make us all exactly the same - for if He did, who would teach me piano?  Who, besides God himself,  would challenge my thinking?  Who would show me another point of view?  Who would love me just as I am?  Who would encourage me when I'm ready to quit?

No, I've spent enough time whining.  Lord, help me to focus on YOU, to praise you and thank you  - and let me "shine as (a) light(s) in the world."

~Tammy~

Lessons Learned

God has taught me a couple of things this week that really caught my attention...

#1 - Circumstances do not need to control me.  

One morning this week I got up at my normal time to workout and was disappointed to find that the room I workout in was 83 degrees!  (We haven't turned the A/C on yet).  It was WAY too hot, and it made me feel sluggish before I'd even started.  I did workout, but it didn't feel very effective.

Then, when it come time for breakfast, the coffee pot was empty, so I had to make some more.  Not a big deal, it just took time I hadn't planned on spending.  Meanwhile, I'd let the dog out, and she'd disappeared.  I had to call for several minutes before she finally came back.

Next, I fixed my morning oatmeal and it "boiled" over in the microwave.  So now I not only had a mess to clean up (in the microwave and all over a now sticky bowl), but I didn't get to eat it all!!

As I was walking back to my bedroom to get dressed for work, I found myself thinking, Great.  THIS is going to be a fabulous day (insert heavy sarcasm here) - I can already tell!!  But then, that still, small voice whispered, "It's just circumstances.  Is that where your joy comes from?"  

Well, no, I thought.  Of course not.  My joy comes from knowing YOU, Lord.  Who I am in You.  "Yet, that's not the way you're acting - you've already given up on your day - because of circumstances - but I haven't changed."

And I realized what I was doing.  

So, mentally "shrugging off" those annoyances that had already occurred, I started counting my blessings and realized it was going to be a GREAT day - because God was in it!  And I did have a great day - not because anything stupendous happened, but only because I'd changed my attitude and my outlook - with God's help.  

#2 - God doesn't call me to do everything.

Earlier this week, there was a need in our church family that was brought to my attention.  The Lord impressed upon my heart a way to address that need, so I offered it to the person involved.

Well, it turned out that the offer I made was not necessary, as God had already worked out a solution.  My first reaction was frustration - here I was, ready to help, ready to make a few small sacrifices in order to meet a need, and I wasn't needed!  In fact, to be honest, this wasn't the first time I'd offered help to this person and been turned away (always in the most gracious of ways), and I was tempted to have a little pity party.  Is it me? Have I said or done something that would cause this person not to trust me in this?  Why is it that others seem to be able to help, but I can't?  

And then, once again, God whispered in my soul.  "This is not your ministry right now.  I have not called you to this.  You can pray - that is your help right now."  And, I confess, joy burst through my heart!  Because I realized that, yes, God wants me to be willing, and yes, God wants me to offer - but He is not going to use me every time, not in that exact way.  Others may need the blessing right then.  Others may need to be used.  Others may need something to learn - just like I needed to learn this:  God doesn't call me to meet every need I see, but He does want me to be willing.

I left my offer on the table to be available for any need that should arise in this situation, and promised to continue in prayer.  God knows my heart - He knows I am sincere.  And I know He has a perfect plan, just for me.  :-)

~Tammy~

Look Out!

My Sunday School lesson this week is on Philippians 2:1-5.


The lesson starts off by asking the students to list 5 things that would be part of their "ideal day".  When they're done, we look at the lists to see who is the focus of each list.  Chances are, the focus is themselves, not others.  For example, it is doubtful anyone will have listed "Helping Mom clean the house" as part of their ideal day!


We don't need "help" or encouragement to look out for our own interests - that comes naturally.  But God wants us to "look out" for the interest of others as well.


I was convicted to realize that had I made my own "ideal day" list, my list would probably have been just as self-focused as my 4th-6th graders' lists.  Obviously, this is not very Christ-like!  Just when I think I might be getting somewhere in my Christian growth, God shows me another area where there is still room for improvement - sometimes, more room than I'd like to admit.  :)


But rather than be discouraged by this, I find that I can rejoice - because it means that God has not given up and is still willing to work on me!  


Yelling "Look out!" may keep someone from getting hurt, but God also wants me to "look out!" for the needs of others.  With his help and by his grace, I'm praying my "ideal day" list will change to become more focused on others than on self.


What's on your  "ideal day" list?


~Tammy~

Humility

I've been doing a word-study on "humility" - which includes the word humble.  Here is what the Lord showed me this morning...

1 Peter 5:5-7 - "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.  Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you."

First of all, what does it mean to be "clothed with humility"?  

Clothing:

• Covers us
• It's visible to others
• It shields us 
• It conveys a message

So, if I am clothed in humility, that humility ought to:

• Cover me - it ought to be the one outstanding quality that overshadows all others
• Be visible to others - it's probably not humility if no one else can see it and you have to proclaim it!!
• Shield me - by it's nature, humility will shield me against pride and arrogance
• Send a message - the message that it's not about me, it's about the Lord.

And then there are verses 6 & 7.  So often we like to tear the two apart and quote them individually.  But in reality, verses 6 & 7 are one thought - notice that the end of verse 6 is NOT the end of the sentence.

Because God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (verse 5), we should humble ourselves under God's authority, so that HE can exalt us; and as we humble ourselves, we will also cast all our cares (all = any kind of care!) upon Him:  "Here, Lord - I'm tired of carrying this burden; you do it!" - because he cares for us.  He wants to take that burden from me.

I don't believe you can be truly humble and still try to care your burdens, your cares, yourself.  It's a dichotomy - you can't be humble and still say, "I can do this by myself!  I can handle it.  I can solve it.  I can deal with it."  It's a package deal.  In order to be truly humble, you also have to admit that God and God alone can handle what troubles you.  It's part of being humble.

~Tammy~

God

We have as much of God as we want.

~Tammy~

Hell has Enlarged...

I would be remiss, I think, to ignore the recent news of the death of Osama Bin Laden.  


Currently doing a word study on humility, I came across these verses this morning in my study, and could not help but think of this man...


"Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.  And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:  but the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness."  Isaiah 5:14-16


Whatever he thought while alive on earth; whatever his goals, beliefs, desires - Osama Bin Laden now knows the truth.  For he has stood before the One, the True, the Living, the ONLY God - and now understands he will forever spend eternity in Hell.  


I rejoice in God's righteousness, knowing He is, indeed, in control of all things.  The victory is God's.  And while evil men may appear victorious for a time, God will prove the ultimate victor, according to His perfect will.


~Tammy~

Easter

Without the empty tomb, the empty cross would be meaningless.

Darkness

The Bible does not tell us what the weather was like the day Jesus was lead to Calvary.  We know there were throngs of people there, following, watching, waiting.  We know Jesus was beaten so badly that someone else had to carry his cross up the hill for him.

I've always pictured a cloudy, gloomy kind of day, because that's how it must have felt for those who loved Jesus.  But I wonder if it wasn't a bright, sunny day...perhaps even with pleasant temps and warm breezes.

Until noon.

At noon, as Jesus hung on the cross, the sky darkened.  For three hours, it was the darkest of nights in the middle of the day.  Perhaps the skies boiled with foreboding clouds and gusting winds.  I can only imagine the stormiest of storms hitting at mid-day, but without the rain.  Scripture tells us that it was dark for 3 hours; perhaps there was even thunder and lightening.  But the day was black as night for 3 long hours, as the Son of God took upon himself the dirty, vile, grimy, gritty, ugly, repulsive, reprehensible sin that belonged to me.  And you.  Every nasty thought, word, deed...he accepted the punishment, the consequence of them all.

I cannot imagine that day.  I cannot imagine His suffering at the hands of the Roman soldiers, both physical and verbal.  The slightest pain, the simplest offense sends me into "woe-is-me" mode.  My mind cannot comprehend His pain.

Nor can I understand why He would suffer all that just for me.

I know he loves me - oh, how he's proved it o'er and o'er!  How can I but live for Him, then?  How can I fail to surrender my own selfish desires in light of all He's done for me?

Don't let the bunnies fool you - Easter is all about Jesus.  There is none other.

~Tammy~

Waiting on the Lord - Psalm 37

Trust.  Delight.  Commit.  Rest.  Wait.  All commands, not suggestions.  God, in his grace and mercy, even explains why it benefits us to obey...


V.3 - "Trust in the Lord, and do good..."  Why?  So He can take care of me and supply my needs. ("So thou shalt dwell in the land and...be fed.")


V.4 - "Delight thyself also in the Lord..."  Why?  So He can give me the "desires of my heart".  Which, by the way, when I'm delighting in Him will NOT be desires for worldly things, but rather desires that are Christ-like.


V.5 - "Commit thy way unto the Lord..."  Why?  So He can bring it to pass.  When I walk in the center of His will, He IS going to accomplish that will in my life.  He will make it happen.


V.7 - "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him..."  Why?  Because if I wait, I will "inherit the earth" and "delight myself in the abundance of peace" (v11).  In other words, the reward for resting and waiting is God meeting the needs in my life in such a way that I will be completely satisfied and know a peace that overflows!  


How much better to attain all this than to push my way to where I think I should be, only to find that I have missed God's best for me.


Trust.  Delight.  Commit.  Rest.  Wait.  Commands, not suggestions.  But the rewards are far better than anything I could dream up.


~Tammy~

It's been a week!

It's been one of those weeks...I've come down with a cold or the flu or something...it's the busiest week of the year in the CPA firm...things to work on at church...behind on housework (because of being sick and busy!)...I am SO glad God is in control of ALL these things!

I am reminded of this awesome truth:  There is only one thing God has never seen.

His equal.

What more is there to say?

~Tammy~

Storms of Life - Part II

So, Peter took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink.  His fears were adversaries of his faith.  "Fear" and "Faith" do not mix.  In fact, as my faith increases, my fears should decrease...and victory over fear = growth in the Lord!


Consider this - when a crisis confronts us, we have, at our disposal, the GREATEST defense - prayer.  We have access to the throne room of God Himself.  Anytime, anywhere - we don't need a priest, we don't need a building, we don't need a certain time - God is always accessible.   And prayers don't have to be elaborate - Peter prayed:  "Lord, save me."  Short.  To the point.  Unimpressive.  Simply acknowledging the power of the Lord.


Jesus immediately held out his hand.


Yes, storms can be daunting, and certainly not something we long for.  But we know that nothing comes to us that does not first pass our heavenly Father - and He holds me firmly in his hand.


My God is bigger than any storm.  ~Tammy~

Storms of Life

We've all heard messages about Peter walking on the water.  But I recently heard some things I'd not thought of before...

First of all, while the disciples all piled into the boat, Jesus was spending time alone in prayer to his heavenly father.  Jesus - the Son of God - was praying.  How much more than do I need to spend time alone with God??

Secondly, a storm came upon the disciples, even though they were exactly where Jesus told them to be - they were doing God's will at that moment in time.  Sometimes God sends the storms to get our attention because we are out of God's will - but sometimes God uses the storms for other reasons.

Not only that, but God knows my storms.  They may take me by surprise, but God is never surprised.

Fast forward to Peter walking on the water.  Notice that as he's walking toward Jesus, scripture says, Peter "saw" the winds boisterous...he obviously wasn't looking at Jesus, he was looking at the waves and temptest around him!    His focus became his circumstances, not his Lord.

Circumstances - those nasty things you see when you take your eyes off the Lord.

And there's more to be learned from this passage, but I am out of time for today...tune in tomorrow for Part 2!  :-)

~Tammy~

Diligence

2 Peter 3:14 says, "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things (ie, the return of Christ), be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."


Knowing that Jesus could return at any moment ought to cause me to LIVE as though I believe that.  How awful would I feel if Jesus returned to find me goofing off at work?  Or watching some vile TV show?  He's not going to ring the doorbell, giving me time to turn off the TV, hide that inappropriate book, or shut down that website - he's just going to appear - "in the twinkling of the eye."


More sobering still is the fact that Jesus doesn't have to return to know exactly what I am doing every second of the day!  In fact, he knows my every thought!


The verse above says to "be diligent".  Do you realize the word "diligence" means "intense purpose?"  We ought not to just be "la-dee-dah-dee-dah" in our attitude - but we ought to be intensely purposeful that Jesus will find us "in peace, without spot, and blameless."


By God's grace and thru HIS strength, that's what I want in my life today - intense purpose to do right at all times.  And when in doubt, when wavering between two choices, to choose the "high" road - to take the choice that will leave no doubt, no question, no compromise on the table.


Jesus died for me.  I will live for Him.


~Tammy~

Broken Promises?

2 Peter 3 reminds us of this important truth:  Jesus has not yet returned for the believers, not because God doesn't keep His promises, but because He doesn't want anyone to perish to spend eternity in Hell - He wants everyone to come to repentance.

In other words, He's waiting for YOU to seek His forgiveness and surrender your life to Him.  

A holy, sinless, perfect Jesus suffered torture, agonizing pain, and a burden of vile sin so tremendous it is beyond our comprehension - all so that He wouldn't have to spend eternity in Heaven without YOU.  

What are YOU waiting for?

~Tammy~

Under Conviction

I teach Sunday School for 4th - 6th graders.  Every week I study the lesson.  I don't expect to be "convicted" about anything in particular as I teach the familiar scripture passages and lessons.

But that's exactly what happened this morning.

This week's lesson is on "perseverance", based on Galatians 6:9, and is based on the story of the 4 friends who dropped their friend thru the ceiling so he could see Jesus.  The "Teacher Preparation" page went something like this:

• Look around your house.  How many projects are sitting unfinished?  A strip of wallpaper; a second coat of paint?
• What tempts you to leave a project undone?
• Perseverance carries us through projects, especially the unpleasant ones, when we feel like quitting.  Are you known for your perseverance?
• While house projects can be left undone without much consequence, spiritual projects are a different matter.  Ask God to help you to persevere in a spiritual project this week.

Any idea what the convicting part of this was for me?  Well, I'll tell you.  Just yesterday I was bemoaning the fact that I have all these ideas bouncing through my head; projects I'd like to do, etc.  But you know what?  Not one of them is a "spiritual" project.  Wow!  I was so convicted when I read the teacher prep - Ask God to help me persevere?  How 'bout I at least HAVE one to persevere in??

I'm so thankful God doesn't give up on me, and that he uses the most simple means - like a Junior Sunday School lesson - to get my attention.    ~Tammy~

You Never Know...

I was stunned, humbled, encouraged...when I discovered yesterday that the sole remaining "founding" member of our church, a sweet lady in her 80's, had never been to a ladies conference before this past Saturday.  She said she thoroughly enjoyed it and is looking forward to next year!


It was a quiet reminder that we never know how God is going to touch a life through the things he lays on our hearts - so listen for that "still, small voice" - and follow it wherever He leads you!  ~Tammy~

Ladies Conference - March 26, 2011

I know of few things more encouraging to a woman's heart than to gather with other women for a day of singing, praising, listening to God's Word, fellowship, and good food!  Such was the day we had yesterday at our church.  My heart was blessed and challenged.  The weather was cold, stormy, and gloomy - but inside the auditorium, we were warm, joyful, and blessed!  Our men did an outstanding job with the valet parking (in the midst of horizontal rain, thunder, and lightning), and then handled all the food - pick up, serving, and clean up.  It is a rare day, indeed, to find no women in the church kitchen, but yesterday was just such a day, and I do believe the Lord was pleased.

Thank you to all of you who worked, served, and attended.  Without those of you who attended, all the work would have been in vain!  And there is nothing more discouraging than an empty auditorium.  :-)  You all encouraged my heart!  ~Tammy~

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Isaiah 43:1 - He created me, He formed me, He redeemed me...I am HIS!!    ~Tammy~

Sundays - March 20, 2011

There's nothing quite like Sundays - 
we're rushing here and there...
Seeking missing shoes and socks,
Wondering what to wear!


Grab our bibles, take our seats
Preacher starts with prayer...
Close our eyes and bow our heads,
Stop messing with your hair!


A gentle tap upon heart's door,
Jesus whispers still...
"Cast all your care on me, " He says,
"Obey my perfect will."


All that seemed so critical
just a few short hours ago
Now fades into the mist of time
As His love o'er me does flow.


Jesus is my guiding light,
my hope in time of need.
Upon Him will I rest my head,
Those hands for me did bleed.


Monday comes and so begins
a week of work and toil;
But Jesus is my rock, my friend,
To Him I will be loyal.


Sunday comes but once a week,
And Jesus never fails;
To the one Who saved me from my sin,
In my life He will prevail.


Jesus loves me, this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Lord, help me live my life for you,
So others to You will go.


There's nothing quite like Sundays,
no other day so sweet,
But Lord, help me every day,
To sit at your dear feet.