Sunday Reflection: March 22, 2020 - Sabbath Spirit

The below video is from our church service, Grace Chapel UMC, on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

Mark 2:23-27 (NRSV)

One sabbath he was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?” And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need of food? He entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and he gave some to his companions.” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.

2:23-28 In this controversy, Jesus and his disciples are accused of braking the Sabbath.  Picking grain by hand in another person's field was lawful.  The charge was that by rubbing the chaff from the kernels, the disciples were working on the Sabbath, which was forbidden. 

2:25-26 Jesus countered with reference to an incident in the life of King David.  When David and his followers ate the sacred loaves - the twelve loaves in the Tabernacle that only priests were allowed to eat - they broke the law.  But deeper principles were at work. 

2:27-28 Since Jesus is the Lord of humanity and since the Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, he is Lord...over the Sabbath.  As with Jesus' authority to forgive sins, this was a claim to divine authority.

Reflection:  As a society, we have been go, go, go!  I feel as if God is trying to remind us what the Sabbath should look like.  We are not supposed to feel exhausted, overworked, depression, anxiety, or empty.  As Pastor Courtney stated, "We were created to live with a rhythm.  Our Saturdays have returned back to us since everything has been canceled."  I checked out the book, God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God and plan to begin reading it this week.  I know God is with us through all of this and I know He loves us.  Our church sang the following song at the end of service yesterday.  If you are struggling, it is worth listening to. 

Good Grace by Joel Houston

Don't let your heart be troubled hold your head up high

Don't fear no evil fix your eyes on this one truth

God is madly in love with you

Take courage hold on be strong remember where our help comes from

Sunday Reflection: December 30, 2018

Come and See - 12/30/18

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and see,” he said.

John 1:35-39a NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.1.35-39.NLT

God invites us on a journey.  He wants a relationship with you. This can be challenging since it's not simple. We cannot see Jesus like his disciples could.  Jesus responds in this scripture, “What are you looking and searching for?” He continued on by telling the disciples to “Come and see.” 

Reflection: Walking with God is an ongoing experience.  My goals for 2019 is to read and explore more into my Bible.  In order to do this, I will have to set some time aside at least weekly.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your plans and purposes never cease to amaze me. To think that my Savior was present during the creation of the universe, yet He came to earth to be with me! We are so blessed that You revealed Yourself to us through Jesus. Thank You for abiding with us in the messiness of human life. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Transitions: By the Way - 4/30/17

This past Sunday, June 4th, was Pastor Chris' last Sunday at Cross Way UMC since he was reappointed to Wesley UMC in Greenville.  On Monday, June 5th, I picked up my Jesus Calling book and read the devotional for June 5th and then decided I should read the day before which I am glad I did.

June 4th - "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Welcome challenging times as opportunities to trust Me.  You have Me beside you and My Spirit within you, so no set of circumstances is too much for you to handle.

The way to walk through demanding days is to grip My hand tightly and stay in close communication with Me.  Regardless of the day's problems, I can keep you in perfect Peace as you stay close to Me.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. -- James 1:2

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -- Philippians 4:13

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. -- Isaiah 26:3

I needed to hear those words as I was struggling with the changes and the unknown.  It reminded me of a previous sermon from Pastor Chris from the end of April.

Transitions: By the Way

4/30/2017

http://first5.org/plans/Acts/ff_acts_18/

“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.”

Acts 16:6-12 NIV

http://bible.us/111/act.16.6-12.niv

Pastor Chris focused on how it can be frustrating when you don't know where to start and reminded the congregation that Cross Way UMC is on the move.  When God sends, we follow.  Period.  In the scripture, Acts 16:6-12, the spirit of Jesus was doing what location services (GPS within technology) does for us today.  It was sending them where they needed to be.  We are on a mission from God.  He reminded all of us how God's plan pre-dated Cross Way UMC since we are the daughter church from Grace Avenue UMC in Frisco, TX.  There is a amazing journey ahead!  Pastor Chris ended the sermon focusing on Hebrews 12:1-4.  I am reminded when we focus on God's plans, rather than our own plans, life tends to go easier!  Everything will fall into place as it always seems to do.

God’s Discipline Proves His Love

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

The sermon reminded me of the song, God is on the Move, from 7eventh Time Down.  As a mom, the most amazing thing is to hear my kids sing christian music including this one.  This is probably one of their favorites too!

Link to previous:

http://lisasmith1019.blogspot.com/2017/05/savior-way-god-works-31117.html

Savior: The Way God Works - 3/11/17

On Friday, March 10th, we found out about Pastor Chris being relocated to Greenville.  He will be the pastor at Wesley UMC beginning this July.  We will surely miss the Yost family as they have truly been an amazing inspiration to our family.  I am grateful we were introduced to him and his family and to Cross Way UMC.

Savior: The Way God Works - 3/11/17

The call of the first disciples illustrates one of the purposes of Jesus' ministry: to call people to follow him in self-denying obedience.

“As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," he said, "and I’ll show you how to fish for people." Right away, they left their nets and followed him. Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

Matthew 4:18-22 CEB

http://bible.us/37/mat.4.18-22.ceb

The opening song to church that evening hit me hard.  I can hear the tune and I can remember exactly where I was standing.  The main lyrics go something like:
I will follow you,
Where you go I will go
Stay I will stay
Serve I will serve...

My reflection / notes:

• Really frustrating when you experience real people in poverty.  Then you see someone... momentarily glance and then you look away as quick as you can?? God I really don't want to see what I just saw but God is there something I can do? It never fits into your schedule. You understand the call of serving and having god in your life.
• People in this passage:
• Peter is a goof ball sometimes.
• Andrew maybe a little bit more wholly.
• James 
• John
• Fisherman -- multiple job concepts related to fisherman.
• These fisherman Were just going about their lives. Jesus takes the initiative to see them.  Jesus is the one who speaks to them.  Seeks to offer. Seeks to restore the relationship.
• The call was for everyone.
• Redemption story. God calls us to be apart of. Miracle is the call itself. Jesus would speak the word and people would follow.
• Jesus says, "Follow me."  As he leads, we follow.
• Take the plans you had and set them aside.
• Chris handed out fishing nets.  Whatever God is calling you to.  What vocation are you in?  Go be it. You are the one.

Then, I read my Jesus Calling book for March 12th!  It was spot on to what I was feeling with the news and all of the emotions.  It was one of the moments, when I said, "Okay God, I'm listening."  I am reminded more now than ever to stop and listen when I am troubled.  God has a way of speaking to me, but you just have to slow down to listen and hear him.

Jesus Calling - 3/12/2017

Waiting, trusting, and hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands interwoven to forma  strong chain.  Trusting is the central strand, because it is the response from My children that I desire the most.  Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to Me.  Waiting for Me to work, with your eyes on Me, is evidence that you really do trust Me.  If you mouth the words "I trust You" while anxiously trying to make things go your way, your words ring hollow.  Hoping is future-directed, connecting you to the inheritance in heaven.  However, the benefits of hope fall fully on you in the present.

Because you are Mine, you don't just pass time in your waiting.  You can wait expectantly, in hopeful trust.  Keep your "antennae" out to pick up even the faintest glimmer of My Presence.

John 14:1; Psalm 27:14; Hebrews 6:18-20

Sunday Reflection: March 5, 2017

March 5, 2017 from Jesus Calling

Make friends with the problems in your life.  Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything.  I can fit everything into a pattern for good, but only to the extent that you trust Me.  Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be.  The very same problem can become a stumbling block over which you fall, if you react with distrust and defiance.  The choice is up to you, and will have you choose too many times each day whether to trust Me or defy Me.

The best way to befriend your problems is to thank Me for them.  This simple act opens your mind to the possibility of benefits flowing from your difficulties.  You can even give persistent problems nicknames, helping you to approach them with familiarity rather than with dread.  The next step is to introduce them to Me, enabling Me to embrace them in My loving Presence.  I will not necessarily remove your problems, but My wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them.

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
‭‭ROMANS‬ ‭8:28‬ ‭AMP‬‬
http://bible.com/1588/rom.8.28.amp

“So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:23-24‬ ‭NLT‬‬
http://bible.com/116/1co.1.23-24.nlt


From Proverbs 31 First 5 App:



He understands our weak places. He knows what to pray. There is a purpose to this weakness. Though it doesn’t feel good, things will be worked out in a way that good will come from it. (Romans 8:28)

But Paul has received word that problems are brewing in the church, and they are in desperate need of correction and help. So Paul is writing this letter to correct major issues, answer questions and clear up confusion.

Paul’s first appeal, right from the beginning, is for the church to come together and be perfectly unified in Christ. They need to quit letting nonessential issues divide them. You see, there was a competition going on among the people. They were separating themselves into cliquish groups and fighting over which leader they were following. Each group thought their leader was the best, and they were forming personality cults. The internal bickering was causing a split in the church, and it was all motivated by pride. But even worse, it was dishonoring to Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Paul pushes right past their spiritual elitism and pride to remind them … and us … that Christianity is not a popularity contest. It’s not about who’s following whom, or who is baptizing whom or the number of “likes” a person gets. It’s not about worldly wisdom, a charismatic personality, having personal eloquence, growing a platform or gaining scholarly knowledge.

It’s not even about being an amazing Christian leader who is doing incredible ministry work for the kingdom of God like Paul, or Peter or Apollos. In essence Paul is saying, “It’s not about me! I didn’t go to the cross for you.” Only Jesus did. A leader-centered approach always displaces the significance of Jesus.

Christianity is about being a follower of Jesus Christ. It’s about keeping your heart and mind focused on Jesus and the gospel. He must be the center of our attention. That’s one reason why Paul says; “We preach Christ crucified … Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know I am nothing without You. I want Your strength to be present in every area of my life. Thank You for hearing the pleas of my heart even when I don’t have the words to express how I feel.  You are the wisdom and power of God. You are the centerpiece of salvation. Forgive me for the times when I get off track and allow other people or worldly wisdom to distract me and displace my loyalty to You. You are the cure for division and pride. Prompt me today to keep my focus on You and may You be at the center of all I say and do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Sunday Refection: February 26, 2017

February 26, 2017 from Jesus Calling

I am leading you, step by step, through your life.  Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day.  Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy - even precarious.  That is how it should be.  Secret things belong to the Lord, and future thins are secret things.  When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at thins that are Mine.  This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you. Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me.  I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.  Relax and enjoy in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go.

 ““The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.”
Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT http://bible.com/116/deu.29.29.nlt

“The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalms 32:8 NLT http://bible.com/116/psa.32.8.nlt

 Reflection:

Scripture always has a way of talking to me at the right time.  It always seems like what I need to hear happens to talk to me when I need to hear it.  This week has been a busy, hetctic, and quite stressful.  When I first read these two scriptures, I visualized a roadmap.  After completing a Google search for images for these scriptures, one that stuck out was a compass.  It also brought to mind the pictures from camping.  I love taking the pictures of our camping trails.  The peaceful view of the road ahead is such a calming thought for me.  I am ready for the weather to get a little warmer and stay consistent to allow us to go camping as a family. I am ready for some relaxation time to unwind, spend time with God, and unplug.

Through these scriptures and the stressful week, I feel I am being reminded to pray about things I might (am) worrying about instead of stressing over them, even though this is easier said than done.  The future is unknown as scripture states.  Things tend to have a way to work themselves out.  However, I must say, today has not been easy.  Many tears were shed through frustrations due to an event which brought up emotions and for some reason reminded me how I feel as if I do not have many friends. I am also thankful for my church family and the connections I have made with my church family.  It has been a rough day and reflecting on how grateful I am for them since I feel I really do have friendships with them.  The question I always wonder is did we find Cross Way UMC or did Cross Way UMC find us.  No matter the answer, I am thankful.  Through this time of Lent, I feel I am being reminded to slow down.  The hustle and bustle is catching up to me.

 From Proverbs 31 First 5 App:

Before we consider what God keeps secret, let’s talk about what He reveals. In Deuteronomy 29, Moses recounts all God has revealed to the Israelites: 

• They witnessed God’s marvelous deliverance out of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 29:2-3)
• They experienced God’s provision for 40 years in the wilderness. (Deuteronomy 29:5-6)
• They watched as God defeated their enemies. (Deuteronomy 29:7-8)
• They stood in the very presence of God. (Deuteronomy 29:10-11)
• God confirmed His faithfulness by willingly renewing His covenant with them. (Deuteronomy 29:12-13)
• God established His future commitment to their next generation. (Deuteronomy 29:14-15)

God had revealed so much to the Israelites, but did they make better choices because of it? Sadly, the answer is no.

They turned their backs on God—not just once, but many times—choosing to disobey His commands, while giving their allegiance and devotion to false gods.

If the Israelites were repeatedly unfaithful after all God had revealed to them (and done for them), why then should He reveal what was considered “secret” and sacred?

They had repeatedly scribbled on God’s laws and pouted over His holy covenant. They didn’t treasure His gifts or follow the instructions He provided. Sadly, revealing more wasn’t producing more obedience or trust in God.

Honestly, I don’t always treasure the gifts God gives me like I should. I’m quick to say, “God, reveal more to me.” But the truth is, I sometimes struggle with following through and stewarding well those things He’s already revealed to me. Does that ever happen to you?

Yes, it’s true God keeps some things reserved as secret. But He generously reveals and gives us full access to His Word. So let’s be faithful and stay committed to read Scripture every day so we can learn from it, be nourished by it and share God’s truth with others.

Let’s not get all tangled up in wondering what God has kept secret from us. Instead let’s trust those “secret things” to His care and believe that whatever is beneficial for us, He will reveal in His perfect timing.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have revealed to me in Your Word. Help me to be faithful with what already belongs to me and trust You with the secret things that are not beneficial for me to know about. In Jesus’ name, amen.

AHG Devotional: February 2017 - Luke 8:40‭-‬50 NLT

Luke 8:40‭-‬50 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.8.40-50.NLT

On the other side of the lake the crowds welcomed Jesus, because they had been waiting for him. Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.”  When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”

This scripture was part of Ashlyn's devotional tonight at her American Heritage Girls' Troop meeting.   She and I learned the woman had been sick for twelve years.  We discussed her personality as a troop.  The girls in the troop discussed the old woman was perseverant, wanted to get to Jesus in order to be healed, and was faithful.   She was unable to work since she was sick.  Her sickness brought her to Christ.  She heard Jesus healed people.  Mrs. Wiley began the activity by asking one of the older girls in the troop, Emily, to stand in the center of the room and then asked all the other girls to touch her.  Initially, Emily knew who was touching her, but quickly afterwards was unable to determine who all was touching her.  In this same scenario, the sick woman touched Jesus and he was unaware who touched him, but knew someone touched his robe.  Through her touching his robe and receiving Jesus' healing power, she was no longer sick and was immediately better.  However, we are unable to touch Jesus' robe and through our faith we are healed.  Afterwards, the girls in the troop went to their individual meeting groups and wrote in the journals.  Ashlyn drew a picture of the smiling woman touching Jesus.

2017 Goals

Morgan recently wrote on I'm an Organizing Junkie, "We have dreams that remain just that, dreams.  It's pretty amazing what you can accomplish, when you commit to organizing your goals."  As I plan my 2017 goals, I want them to be:

• Realistic – carefully consider your current season: ability and availability.
• Accountable – announce your goals, ask for support, and share your progress.
• Flexible – change, revise, and update your goals and/or methods, as necessary.

I hope that you can look ahead and take an even more determined approach with your goal setting. You can do anything that you set your mind to, and I hope that you do!

2017 Goals

• Exercise (3 times / week) and Daily Step Goals (8,000 daily; 56,000 weekly)
• In 2016, my weight was creeping back between 160-165 pounds and my ankles were swelling.  I rejoined Weight Watchers on April 27, 2016.  I have reached my goal and currently working toward obtaining lifetime membership with them.  I am amazed at how much I have toned and the inches I have lost.  Over the next five weeks, the goal is to maintain my weight between a plus / minus two pounds of my goal weight.
• Jeff and I have continued to exercise in 2016 and we both ran the Abilene Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.  We both beat our goals with Jeff finishing in 26:08.1 and I finished in 36:55.  Personally, my goal is to run three 5K races in 2017 split throughout the year to give us time to continue to train and become healthier and more fit.
• Read at least six books
• With a combination of being busy and many other excuses, I would like to read a minimum of six books in 2017 with hopes of reading more.  I have learned in 2016 to take more time for me.  I have found that I do not have to "go-go-go".  I am finishing up on Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers and plan to read her next book in the series, Her Daughter's Dream after finishing the first.
• Read my bible and continue to grow my faith
• Reality for this goal to obtained, it all goes back to slowing down, taking time for me, and spending purposeful time reading my bible, reading devotions, and taking time to learn more.  The Proverbs 31 ministry provides free daily devotionals and other online bible studies.  Last June, I ordered a study guide over the book of Numbers and did not finish it.  So with a combination of using their app, First 5, I am planning to spend more time with God.  
• My church, Cross Way UMC, is offering new classes this upcoming spring which I am excited about attending including Sunday School, Life Groups, and Illustration Journaling!

Gr8ful: Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

http://bible.us/111/php.4.4-9.niv

Pastor Chris shared this video this past Sunday.  This powerful video reminds us that our eyes Jesus Christ gives us changes our viewpoint of others.  How one person may see a thief, but what does the other person see?  In this video, someone saw it differently.  Giving is the best communication.  Paying it forward for what Christ did for us.

Imagine grace as kool-aid.  Grace is messy, splashes down, makes a mess... everywhere. God can enter in anywhere and make it different.  God is going to be in resurrection. Redemption is always coming. Want to know why we rejoice, that's why. So rejoice. Give us obstacle, we rejoice. Setbacks, we rejoice.

Thanksgiving: 30 Day Scripture Writing Plan - Day 5 & 6

Day 5: Colossians 3:12-17New Living Translation (NLT)

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Day 6: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18New Living Translation (NLT)

Paul’s Final Advice

12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving: 30 Day Scripture Writing Plan - Day 3 & 4

Day 3: 2 Corinthians 4:15-18New Living Translation (NLT)

15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[a]being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Day 4: Isaiah 12:2-6New Living Translation (NLT,)

2 See, God has come to save me.
    I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
    he has given me victory.”

3 With joy you will drink deeply
    from the fountain of salvation!
4 In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
    Make known his praise around the world.
6 Let all the people of Jerusalem[a] shout his praise with joy!
    For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

During the month of November, I am wanting to reflect and give thanks to God.  It is easy to get wound up into material things along with wants when so much of it is not even needed.  However, when you sit back, enjoy the moments, you realize how much you have around you.

 I have been concerned and frustrated over recent discussions regarding proposed district boundary lines for the middle schools.  It is easy to focus our attention to our troubles we can see now.  This reminds me of a passage from my Jesus Calling Devotional.

 "Follow me one step at a time.  That is all I require of you.  In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world.  You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights.  Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now.  As I help you get back up on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead.  But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow.  Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains.  There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance.  If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for the strenuous climb.  I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your way.  Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My presence.  Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you." 

 This passage reminds me to stop stressing over things I cannot control.  The passage always makes me wonder if new doors will be opening and what those paths may look like.  The scripture passages helped me remember to slow down, enjoy the moments, and to give thanks instead of worrying over details uncontrollable.

Thanksgiving: 30 Day Scripture Writing Plan - Day 1 & 2

Day 1: Psalm 95:1-7New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 95

1 Come, let us sing to the Lord!
    Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving.
    Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
3 For the Lord is a great God,
    a great King above all gods.
4 He holds in his hands the depths of the earth
    and the mightiest mountains.
5 The sea belongs to him, for he made it.
    His hands formed the dry land, too.

6 Come, let us worship and bow down.
    Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
7     for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
    the flock under his care.

Day 2: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Paul Gives Thanks to God

4 I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. 5 Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. 6 This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. 7 Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 9 God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

During this month of November, I am wanting to reflect and give thanks to God.  It is easy to get wound up into material things along with wants when so much of it is not even needed.  However, when you sit back, enjoy the moments, you realize how much you have around you.  

Yesterday, we looked into a different neighborhood and looked at some new homes that were ready to move into.  Jeff and I really liked one of them, but at the end of the day we discussed it was really out of price range.  Along with our conversations, I was not content on the location of the house based on the current phase and likelihood of it being a busier street than our current home.  When we moved out to our area after getting my teaching position, it seemed we "lucked" into our home.  We live currently on a quiet section of the neighborhood on a cul-de-sac.  The main traffic is from home owners in our area.  In conversations with my grandmother, she reminds me, "Well, you live in your house and not your backyard."  I have been thinking of our conversations recently because I know she is absolutely correct.  I also know if the time is right in the future, everything will "fall" into place if we are destined to move.

Reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

2 Corinthians 5:14-21New Living Translation (NLT)

14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us.[a] Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.[b] 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[c] so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Reconciliation is the process of becoming peaceful again and to have harmony again.  My bible states the term is found throughout Paul's letters.  Paul's doctrine of reconciliation arises from his conviction that:

1. Christ died for all believers
2. in Christ; believers also die to sin and self
3. now all believers should live for Christ.

Can we be ambassadors?  Our perspective is different when God is within.  The way we live and the how we are are different.  Pastor Chris shared an example of getting upset when your lunch disappears at work.  Instead of getting upset, finding out why the individual is taking your lunch and what situation is the individual in?  When Christ is in your life, it allows you to see individuals as good or through a different lens.  You are an ambassador when Christ is in your life.  The benefits are out of this world.

The new life in Christ thus leads to a fresh evaluation of other people and of Christ.