By: Jane L. Fryar
Imagine you've moved into a new house or apartment. What would you unpack first? Probably not the Christmas tree ornaments or the shoe polish or the outfit you wore in a wedding a decade ago.
In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus urges us toward a first-things-first lifestyle. Then he identifies our "first things" for us:
"Seek first (God's) kingdom and his righteousness," our Lord says.
What would it mean to seek God's kingdom first? We see the answer-in perfection-as we reflect on the life of our Lord Jesus: loving God by loving people.
This was no syrupy, soap opera love. This love went way beyond expectations to care for those in need. This love told the truth, never mind the consequences. This love refused to be manipulated. This love took our Lord into uncomfortable situations, and it created unlikely relationships.
What's more, Jesus' love was by no means cheap. In the end, he paid the ultimate price, an unimaginable price. Jesus' love-his love for you and me-cost him his life!
Our Savior died for those times we focus on ourselves rather than on him. He died because we choose to chase after second and third and fourth things. He died for our cowardice in "being nice" when real love would "be honest". He died for the times we've done what was convenient rather than what was best for the other person.
And now, Jesus calls us, his forgiven children, into his own first-things-first lifestyle. We may feel timid about stepping out into that kind of risky, self-giving love. But we can do it, knowing we will never walk alone. He walks right beside us, filling us with peace and leading the way
We can lay aside our worries about every detail, right down to what we'll eat or drink or wear. He promises, "All these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). It's an all-inclusive promise by our ever-loving Lord!
Dear Jesus, you love me, and you'll never stop loving me. It's amazing! Be my first thing and my only thing as you teach me to love others...
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Comfort ABLE
Are you comfort able? Not comfortable, but comfort-able. Are you ABLE to comfort others?
Years ago I read a book by James Dobson called, "When God Doesn't Make Sense". He suggests that when a person is going through a difficult circumstance allow them to find their own "silver lining". Going up to a person in the thick of their difficulty is not the time to try to help them see the BRIGHT SIDE or quote Romans 8:28 reminding them that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. While Romans 8:28 is absolutely true, spoken at the wrong time, can really hurt.
It's difficult to see a person that we love so much HURT so deeply. Many times I am guilty of trying to "fix" the hurt rather than listen to the person who is hurting. Listening seems to come easier for some, but I think there is a reason God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe He is trying to say that we should listen a whole lot more than we talk. Now I know you are probably laughing out loud because no one likes to talk more than me. Talking is the way I work though my emotions, but God has been convicting me that I need to talk less and listen more.
I remember going through a difficult time when God used a friend to comfort me and my friend never said a word. I was having some medical issues and I was overcome with fear. As I spewed out all my fears my friend simply put a hand around my shoulder. Not one word, not one question, not one piece of advice. Just listened and kept that arm around my shoulder. I remember feeling comforted as I realized that I was not alone.
So many times I want the "hurting person" to hurry up and get better and I compulsively offer unsolicited advice, cook a meal, buy a gift, or tell a similar personal experience. While these activities are not always bad or the wrong thing to do, sometimes a person just wants to be heard.
As Christians, we know that God is our ultimate source of comfort and He comforts us through His Word & His Spirit; however, He also wants to work through His children to be a physical expression of His comfort. Sometimes we just need someone in the flesh, putting their arm around us!
Paul shares this truth in 2 Corinthians 1:3 &4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
The word Paul used for "comfort" comes from the Greek words meaning "call alongside."
Will you answer the call to come alongside another?
Let His Comfort make you ABLE!
Years ago I read a book by James Dobson called, "When God Doesn't Make Sense". He suggests that when a person is going through a difficult circumstance allow them to find their own "silver lining". Going up to a person in the thick of their difficulty is not the time to try to help them see the BRIGHT SIDE or quote Romans 8:28 reminding them that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. While Romans 8:28 is absolutely true, spoken at the wrong time, can really hurt.
It's difficult to see a person that we love so much HURT so deeply. Many times I am guilty of trying to "fix" the hurt rather than listen to the person who is hurting. Listening seems to come easier for some, but I think there is a reason God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe He is trying to say that we should listen a whole lot more than we talk. Now I know you are probably laughing out loud because no one likes to talk more than me. Talking is the way I work though my emotions, but God has been convicting me that I need to talk less and listen more.
I remember going through a difficult time when God used a friend to comfort me and my friend never said a word. I was having some medical issues and I was overcome with fear. As I spewed out all my fears my friend simply put a hand around my shoulder. Not one word, not one question, not one piece of advice. Just listened and kept that arm around my shoulder. I remember feeling comforted as I realized that I was not alone.
So many times I want the "hurting person" to hurry up and get better and I compulsively offer unsolicited advice, cook a meal, buy a gift, or tell a similar personal experience. While these activities are not always bad or the wrong thing to do, sometimes a person just wants to be heard.
As Christians, we know that God is our ultimate source of comfort and He comforts us through His Word & His Spirit; however, He also wants to work through His children to be a physical expression of His comfort. Sometimes we just need someone in the flesh, putting their arm around us!
Paul shares this truth in 2 Corinthians 1:3 &4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
The word Paul used for "comfort" comes from the Greek words meaning "call alongside."
Will you answer the call to come alongside another?
Let His Comfort make you ABLE!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Fill My Cup!
I can still remember the sweet sound coming from the white radio that sat on my mother's kitchen counter. I had to be four years old or younger because I was at home with my mother while my brother was at school.
The sound was a beautiful woman's voice singing,"Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord. Come and quench the thirsting of my soul." I was intrigued by those words and found myself staring at the radio thinking that those were absolutely the most beautiful words that I had ever heard.
"Fill my cup, I lift it up.....quench me."
While I really did not know what all that meant, and to this day I am still learning, I believe it was then that God's Spirit began wooing me.
Shortly before I entered Kindergarten I knelt beside our brown couch with the family Bible opened up to John 3:16 as my mom read, "For God so loved Cheri....."
I had approached her and told her Jesus was asking to come into my heart and I knew I had sinned and needed forgiveness.
While I did not know the doctrine of Lordship, I knew that Jesus was my boss and I sought to obey Him.
There have been many twists and turns and ups and downs on this journey with Jesus; however, HE HAS NEVER LEFT ME.
There have been times that my cup has seemed completely empty and I have had to confess to Jesus that I have been trying to fill it myself or had emptied it by trying to serve others without coming to Him to be filled.
BUT GOD in His tender love and mercy always welcomes me back as I sing that sweet song I heard long ago, "FILL MY CUP LORD, I LIFT IT UP LORD....Come and quench the thirsting of my soul."
Praise be to God who fills my cup, quenches my thirst and satisfies my soul!
Overflowed,
Cheri
The sound was a beautiful woman's voice singing,"Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord. Come and quench the thirsting of my soul." I was intrigued by those words and found myself staring at the radio thinking that those were absolutely the most beautiful words that I had ever heard.
"Fill my cup, I lift it up.....quench me."
While I really did not know what all that meant, and to this day I am still learning, I believe it was then that God's Spirit began wooing me.
Shortly before I entered Kindergarten I knelt beside our brown couch with the family Bible opened up to John 3:16 as my mom read, "For God so loved Cheri....."
I had approached her and told her Jesus was asking to come into my heart and I knew I had sinned and needed forgiveness.
While I did not know the doctrine of Lordship, I knew that Jesus was my boss and I sought to obey Him.
There have been many twists and turns and ups and downs on this journey with Jesus; however, HE HAS NEVER LEFT ME.
There have been times that my cup has seemed completely empty and I have had to confess to Jesus that I have been trying to fill it myself or had emptied it by trying to serve others without coming to Him to be filled.
BUT GOD in His tender love and mercy always welcomes me back as I sing that sweet song I heard long ago, "FILL MY CUP LORD, I LIFT IT UP LORD....Come and quench the thirsting of my soul."
Praise be to God who fills my cup, quenches my thirst and satisfies my soul!
Overflowed,
Cheri
Thursday, August 12, 2010
"SomeTHING out of NoTHING"
I woke up in the middle of the night last night with a lot on my mind. I was talking to the Lord and trying not to cross over into the land of "worry" when the Holy Spirit reminded me of this,
God knows how to make "something" out of "nothing".
With that thought, I went back to sleep with the comfort of the Lord and the anticipation of what He can and will do!
This morning I got up and read Genesis, Chapter 1. How I needed that reminder of our Creator. I started thinking about all the "THINGS" I tend to focus on.
My money.
My home.
My work.
My talents and gifts.
My husband.
My children.....etc. etc.
MY, MY, MY.........and it was as the Lord kept reminding me that,
"In the beginning GOD CREATED."
Who am I to think anyTHING is mine or by my own doing.
Even the ability to be creative was created by HIM.
I don't know about you, but focusing on Him as Creator, brings me a lot of comfort and relieves a lot of stress.
May you delight in knowing that everyTHING is His, under His control and He is the CREATOR of all THINGS.
"For by him all THINGS were created; THINGS in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all THINGS were created by him and for him.
Colossians 1:16
May EveryTHING that has breath praise the Creator!
Cheri
God knows how to make "something" out of "nothing".
With that thought, I went back to sleep with the comfort of the Lord and the anticipation of what He can and will do!
This morning I got up and read Genesis, Chapter 1. How I needed that reminder of our Creator. I started thinking about all the "THINGS" I tend to focus on.
My money.
My home.
My work.
My talents and gifts.
My husband.
My children.....etc. etc.
MY, MY, MY.........and it was as the Lord kept reminding me that,
"In the beginning GOD CREATED."
Who am I to think anyTHING is mine or by my own doing.
Even the ability to be creative was created by HIM.
I don't know about you, but focusing on Him as Creator, brings me a lot of comfort and relieves a lot of stress.
May you delight in knowing that everyTHING is His, under His control and He is the CREATOR of all THINGS.
"For by him all THINGS were created; THINGS in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all THINGS were created by him and for him.
Colossians 1:16
May EveryTHING that has breath praise the Creator!
Cheri
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Trusting Jesus, that is ALL!
Today was one of those days that I woke up with lots of anticipation. James and I were going to one of our local college campuses to pass out Final Exam Survival Kits. God opened an incredible door for us to go on a public campus and pass out items to the students, which also included a gospel tract and information about our church.
I had "fantasies" in my head of how things would be. James and I would have a leisurely breakfast before we had to be at the college.
HOWEVER....things did not turn out as planned. We ended up having to take care of some pressing matters which included coming back to the ranch. Needless to say, I didn' t get that breakfast, but I did get much MORE!
We were both frustrated and so we just prayed out loud as we were driving. Asking God to help us keep our focus, praise Him despite circumstances, and to obey HIM and follow HIS plan regardless of the distractions and the pressing temptation to fall deep into discouragement.
We were able to take care of our business and make it to the college on time. God's presence was with us and He blessed our time on campus. I had also committed to go back tonight to pass out more packets to the night students.
On my way back to the campus I was LEANING on Jesus as I was reflecting on the things that had happened earlier.
All of a sudden a song came to mind and I knew it was the Holy Spirit reminding me of an old Hymn that I learned long ago.
It's called, "Trusting Jesus"
The line of the song that came to my mind was:
"Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus that is all."
The song is not saying, "That is all?, That's all you are doing?" It is saying that is enough....it is ALL.
It is ALL we need.
We can trust Him with our ALL, it's ALL His anyway.
Isn't their also a song that says that He is our ALL in ALL?
What that says to me is that regardless of how awful it ALL seems.........He is ALL we need for ALL of it!
ALLways Amazed at His comfort and peace,
Cheri
PS: I never got that breakfast, but I did get a nice lunch at my hubby's favorite lunch spot,
which makes me happy!
I had "fantasies" in my head of how things would be. James and I would have a leisurely breakfast before we had to be at the college.
HOWEVER....things did not turn out as planned. We ended up having to take care of some pressing matters which included coming back to the ranch. Needless to say, I didn' t get that breakfast, but I did get much MORE!
We were both frustrated and so we just prayed out loud as we were driving. Asking God to help us keep our focus, praise Him despite circumstances, and to obey HIM and follow HIS plan regardless of the distractions and the pressing temptation to fall deep into discouragement.
We were able to take care of our business and make it to the college on time. God's presence was with us and He blessed our time on campus. I had also committed to go back tonight to pass out more packets to the night students.
On my way back to the campus I was LEANING on Jesus as I was reflecting on the things that had happened earlier.
All of a sudden a song came to mind and I knew it was the Holy Spirit reminding me of an old Hymn that I learned long ago.
It's called, "Trusting Jesus"
The line of the song that came to my mind was:
"Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus that is all."
The song is not saying, "That is all?, That's all you are doing?" It is saying that is enough....it is ALL.
It is ALL we need.
We can trust Him with our ALL, it's ALL His anyway.
Isn't their also a song that says that He is our ALL in ALL?
What that says to me is that regardless of how awful it ALL seems.........He is ALL we need for ALL of it!
ALLways Amazed at His comfort and peace,
Cheri
PS: I never got that breakfast, but I did get a nice lunch at my hubby's favorite lunch spot,
which makes me happy!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Unfailing Love
This past Sunday, February 14th, my hubby wrote a Sunday School lesson to teach the college students. The title of the lesson was "Unfailing Love". He started the lesson by reading the following......(I had no idea he wrote it until I asked him later who the author was and where he found such a beautiful description of love....He said, "God wrote it on his heart)
It is the subject of films, songs, books, and television. It is sought after, fought over, and longed for likely more than any other thing. It is both blamed for feuds, disagreements, even criminal behavior, and at the same time credited with moving people through compassion to relieve suffering. Nothing generates the sales of flowers, particularly roses , any stronger than this one thing. It is, however, often misunderstood. A man and woman will marry and remain so for their entire lives because of this. In its perfect form, it is the reason God created and the reason He has extended redemption to fallen mankind. It is the reason Jesus was born, the reason he lived, died, and rose again. It is the reason He will return for the redeemed of all ages....LOVE.
Hope you had a blessed Valentine's Day and that you were overwhelmed by the knowledge of His GREAT love for you and that you found comfort in HIS presence as He has wooed you, won you and LOVES you with an INVINCIBLE, INCREDIBLE, UNFAILING LOVE.
God Bless,
Cheri
It is the subject of films, songs, books, and television. It is sought after, fought over, and longed for likely more than any other thing. It is both blamed for feuds, disagreements, even criminal behavior, and at the same time credited with moving people through compassion to relieve suffering. Nothing generates the sales of flowers, particularly roses , any stronger than this one thing. It is, however, often misunderstood. A man and woman will marry and remain so for their entire lives because of this. In its perfect form, it is the reason God created and the reason He has extended redemption to fallen mankind. It is the reason Jesus was born, the reason he lived, died, and rose again. It is the reason He will return for the redeemed of all ages....LOVE.
Hope you had a blessed Valentine's Day and that you were overwhelmed by the knowledge of His GREAT love for you and that you found comfort in HIS presence as He has wooed you, won you and LOVES you with an INVINCIBLE, INCREDIBLE, UNFAILING LOVE.
God Bless,
Cheri
Monday, January 4, 2010
A NEW Year!
I love a NEW year! I love the opportunity that the NEW year brings. It's nice to think of 365 NEW days and the opportunities of each day. While many of us like to reflect on the OLD days & while looking back can be good, we can't live there!
NEW,.....don't you like that word? I do.
God uses the word NEW in the Bible quite often. Here are few of the places where the word NEW is found......
"He has put a NEW song in my mouth!" Ps. 40:3a
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a NEW thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Is. 43:18-19
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are NEW every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22 & 23
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation; the old has gone, the NEW has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
NEW, NEW, NEW...........those are just a few of the scriptures that remind us of the NEWness we have as Children of God.
We can't do anything about the PAST. What is DONE is DONE and we don't get to try something over........Adam and Eve could not say, "Can I go back in the garden and try that again?" and Moses could not say, "Can I get another opportunity with the rock? This time I will not strike it!"
No, we can't undo the past; however, when we respond to God's voice..... He reveals His character, and shows us His ways. He is a God who is willing to leave the 99 to go get the 1 that has gotten off His path. Oh what great LOVE He has for us!
It's never too late to start doing what is right and to start NEW!
Although we may still have to walk back through some of the choices we made while veering off HIS path and choosing our own way, He is with us and will help us!
Let's start NEW today!
"Let's us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us!" Hebrews 12:1
I love you all!
May you experience God's Best this NEW year!
NEW,.....don't you like that word? I do.
God uses the word NEW in the Bible quite often. Here are few of the places where the word NEW is found......
"He has put a NEW song in my mouth!" Ps. 40:3a
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a NEW thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."
Is. 43:18-19
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are NEW every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22 & 23
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation; the old has gone, the NEW has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
NEW, NEW, NEW...........those are just a few of the scriptures that remind us of the NEWness we have as Children of God.
We can't do anything about the PAST. What is DONE is DONE and we don't get to try something over........Adam and Eve could not say, "Can I go back in the garden and try that again?" and Moses could not say, "Can I get another opportunity with the rock? This time I will not strike it!"
No, we can't undo the past; however, when we respond to God's voice..... He reveals His character, and shows us His ways. He is a God who is willing to leave the 99 to go get the 1 that has gotten off His path. Oh what great LOVE He has for us!
It's never too late to start doing what is right and to start NEW!
Although we may still have to walk back through some of the choices we made while veering off HIS path and choosing our own way, He is with us and will help us!
Let's start NEW today!
"Let's us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us!" Hebrews 12:1
I love you all!
May you experience God's Best this NEW year!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Dirt Road
When I lived in Louisana, God blessed me with a wonderful mentor. She was just what I needed for that season of my life. One of the ways she ministered to me was by sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness in her life.
We have kept in touch and one day while we were on the phone she shared with me about a dirt road she used to walk down as a little girl. She told me how she was preparing to teach her Sunday School class and how she was going to use that dirt road as an analogy to her journey as a Christian.
I've never forgot the story, but several months ago I asked her to write it down. She claims she is a better story teller than writer, so she told her son the story and he wrote the following:
The Dirt Road
The road ran just in front of my country home. I was but 8 or 10 years old. And I was always going somewhere. Walking somewhere on that dusty dirt road. On some days I was walking to school in my newest flour sack dress. Some days I was walking to see my beloved Aunt Blanche. And on some days I was walking over to play with my cousins. Some walks were just right over yonder, but most of the time I would walk for a mile or more, quite a stretch for an 8 year old little girl. You might even see me walking back home at dusk, keeping time with clanging cow bells as the cows made their way back from the pasture. That road bent and shaped me, like a hot piece of wrought iron in a blacksmith's shop.
It was wondrous. I daydreamed through the parching dust of a passing produce truck. Sometimes I would stop to pick wildflowers by the roadside, or study a honeybee harvesting nectar to make me some honey with. Early mornings often revealed a covey of wild quail spooked by my noisy journey. And the dusk was teeming with cottontail and wild deer grazing in the meadows along that Louisiana country road. With each passing day, and each journey, I was learning and cherishing the gifts of God. Walking along a dirt road.
There were times when I would stray off the road into the drainage ditch running along the road, playing, and exploring the bustling activities of God's tiniest creations. Occasionally, a thunderstorm would pass, and fill the ditches with water. The muddy water would disguise the hazards of the ditch, yet I would venture on, and end up with battle wounded feet from sharp-edged rocks and the like.
I can remember a time when I wandered into the twilight, traveling with a band of cows making their way to pasture. After a time, when I did not return home at the expected time, my family worried themselves into a panic. But I wasn't worried. I was safe and secure beneath the stars in the company of God.
And as the seasons passed by, I knew that dirt road inside and out, learning to travel with bigger feet and longer legs. And so goes my spiritual journey as I walk in fellowship with God. Sometimes I still wander off "into the ditch", but the Lord shows me the way back to that dirt road, and on some glorious day, that dirt will be paved with gold.
Written by Richard Bissette as told to him by him mom, Carl Deane Bissette
I received this story right before Christmas and what a wonderful Christmas gift it was. I've asked Carl to write some of her testimonies down for me too and she said she would. She has not lived a life free from trouble, but she has lived a life full of HOPE and I HOPE to share more of her testimonies with you soon.
We have kept in touch and one day while we were on the phone she shared with me about a dirt road she used to walk down as a little girl. She told me how she was preparing to teach her Sunday School class and how she was going to use that dirt road as an analogy to her journey as a Christian.
I've never forgot the story, but several months ago I asked her to write it down. She claims she is a better story teller than writer, so she told her son the story and he wrote the following:
The Dirt Road
The road ran just in front of my country home. I was but 8 or 10 years old. And I was always going somewhere. Walking somewhere on that dusty dirt road. On some days I was walking to school in my newest flour sack dress. Some days I was walking to see my beloved Aunt Blanche. And on some days I was walking over to play with my cousins. Some walks were just right over yonder, but most of the time I would walk for a mile or more, quite a stretch for an 8 year old little girl. You might even see me walking back home at dusk, keeping time with clanging cow bells as the cows made their way back from the pasture. That road bent and shaped me, like a hot piece of wrought iron in a blacksmith's shop.
It was wondrous. I daydreamed through the parching dust of a passing produce truck. Sometimes I would stop to pick wildflowers by the roadside, or study a honeybee harvesting nectar to make me some honey with. Early mornings often revealed a covey of wild quail spooked by my noisy journey. And the dusk was teeming with cottontail and wild deer grazing in the meadows along that Louisiana country road. With each passing day, and each journey, I was learning and cherishing the gifts of God. Walking along a dirt road.
There were times when I would stray off the road into the drainage ditch running along the road, playing, and exploring the bustling activities of God's tiniest creations. Occasionally, a thunderstorm would pass, and fill the ditches with water. The muddy water would disguise the hazards of the ditch, yet I would venture on, and end up with battle wounded feet from sharp-edged rocks and the like.
I can remember a time when I wandered into the twilight, traveling with a band of cows making their way to pasture. After a time, when I did not return home at the expected time, my family worried themselves into a panic. But I wasn't worried. I was safe and secure beneath the stars in the company of God.
And as the seasons passed by, I knew that dirt road inside and out, learning to travel with bigger feet and longer legs. And so goes my spiritual journey as I walk in fellowship with God. Sometimes I still wander off "into the ditch", but the Lord shows me the way back to that dirt road, and on some glorious day, that dirt will be paved with gold.
Written by Richard Bissette as told to him by him mom, Carl Deane Bissette
I received this story right before Christmas and what a wonderful Christmas gift it was. I've asked Carl to write some of her testimonies down for me too and she said she would. She has not lived a life free from trouble, but she has lived a life full of HOPE and I HOPE to share more of her testimonies with you soon.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Looking for a Christmas Miracle?
I received an email from a friend asking for prayer. She needs a Christmas miracle financially. As I have been praying for her the Lord reminded me of a miracle He did in the life of a widow. Thought maybe more of us could use the reminder of God's power and provision too. So, here it goes............
The Widow's Oil
2 Kings 4:1-7
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha. "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."
Elisha replied to her. "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in you house?"
Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side"
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."
But he replied, "there is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.
She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, you and your sons can live on what is left."
What a beautiful reminder of God's power and provision. What a reminder that God may want to use something we already have to provide for us. It's all His and we are all His. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours.
May we all seek Him to provide for us as He has promised! (Phil. 4:19)
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen
Eph. 3:20&21
Merry CHRISTmas!
Cheri
The Widow's Oil
2 Kings 4:1-7
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha. "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves."
Elisha replied to her. "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in you house?"
Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."
Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side"
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."
But he replied, "there is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.
She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, you and your sons can live on what is left."
What a beautiful reminder of God's power and provision. What a reminder that God may want to use something we already have to provide for us. It's all His and we are all His. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not ours.
May we all seek Him to provide for us as He has promised! (Phil. 4:19)
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen
Eph. 3:20&21
Merry CHRISTmas!
Cheri
Monday, November 23, 2009
Will Not Be Taken Away
"Martha, Martha." The Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
I've read the story of Martha and Mary over and over and I know Mary did the right thing. I get that, but today as I read this story again these words jumped out at me.
IT WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER!
Wow! Jesus said, that the time Mary spent with Him could not be taken from her. That is an incredible promise.
It seems we live in a world where people take whatever they feel like taking.
We know there are thieves that steal all sorts of things from money to cars and lately we hear alot about "identity theft", but what about stealing the "credit" for a job that someone else did?What if that sort of stealing caused you to receive a job promotion you really didn't deserve?
In a world that seems to be all about SELF, it's easy to get caught up in an "every man for himself mentality" or I am going to work harder and harder so I will get the glory the next time.
Unfortunately, I have even seen this type of mindset in the church. Seeking position, trying to outshine others, and seeking praise and glory.
And yes, at times I have had to check my own motives and examine if I am doing this or that because Jesus has instructed me to or am I doing it for myself and my glory?
So........as I sit and ponder about what Jesus said to Mary, I crave to hear those words and desire to have His peace and His promise in my heart that no one or nothing can take from me.
Thanksgiving is just a few days away & it is my prayer that I will not neglect the ONE to whom all thanks and glory is due! May my Thanksgiving preparation be spent by being alone with my Savior and then all these other things............................
Long after the turkey is ate and the dishes are clean, I can still have His abiding peace and joy, which will not be taken from me!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Cheri
I've read the story of Martha and Mary over and over and I know Mary did the right thing. I get that, but today as I read this story again these words jumped out at me.
IT WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER!
Wow! Jesus said, that the time Mary spent with Him could not be taken from her. That is an incredible promise.
It seems we live in a world where people take whatever they feel like taking.
We know there are thieves that steal all sorts of things from money to cars and lately we hear alot about "identity theft", but what about stealing the "credit" for a job that someone else did?What if that sort of stealing caused you to receive a job promotion you really didn't deserve?
In a world that seems to be all about SELF, it's easy to get caught up in an "every man for himself mentality" or I am going to work harder and harder so I will get the glory the next time.
Unfortunately, I have even seen this type of mindset in the church. Seeking position, trying to outshine others, and seeking praise and glory.
And yes, at times I have had to check my own motives and examine if I am doing this or that because Jesus has instructed me to or am I doing it for myself and my glory?
So........as I sit and ponder about what Jesus said to Mary, I crave to hear those words and desire to have His peace and His promise in my heart that no one or nothing can take from me.
Thanksgiving is just a few days away & it is my prayer that I will not neglect the ONE to whom all thanks and glory is due! May my Thanksgiving preparation be spent by being alone with my Savior and then all these other things............................
Long after the turkey is ate and the dishes are clean, I can still have His abiding peace and joy, which will not be taken from me!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Cheri
Monday, November 2, 2009
Have a Very "Mary" Christmas!
This is an article I wrote back in 2005 for the Women's Ministry Newsletter at my church. Do you realize that we have just under 8 weeks before Christmas Day? I am not trying to cause you anxiety, but I thought it would be a good time for us to challenge each other to keep our focus. If your calendar is like mine, it starts filling up fast with party invitations, family gatherings, etc. Let's pray for wisdom to know how to respond to each invitation.
Blessings, Cheri
"Have a very “Mary” Christmas!"
Christmas is just around the corner! Does that thought bring you joy or anxiety? As Christian women, we know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many of us start out every December promising ourselves that THIS YEAR we will not lose our focus. We promise ourselves everything from, “I will not over commit myself,” to “I will not overbuy!” What happens to all of those promises? How can one stay focused with so much to do?
Let’s look at the Bible story of Mary and Martha. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and immediately went to work preparing to serve Him a meal. Martha had a sister named Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. Martha being distracted by all of the preparation, approached the Lord and said, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” Jesus answered and said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Let’s remember during this Christmas season that in the midst of our long “To-Do” list we must take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. He has much to say to us. He desires to give us a gift that cannot be taken from us. As we sit at His feet He will help us stay focused. He will keep us from being worried and troubled about many unnecessary things. He is calling us to sit at His feet and have a very “MARY” Christmas. Will you accept His invitation?
Blessings, Cheri
"Have a very “Mary” Christmas!"
Christmas is just around the corner! Does that thought bring you joy or anxiety? As Christian women, we know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Many of us start out every December promising ourselves that THIS YEAR we will not lose our focus. We promise ourselves everything from, “I will not over commit myself,” to “I will not overbuy!” What happens to all of those promises? How can one stay focused with so much to do?
Let’s look at the Bible story of Mary and Martha. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and immediately went to work preparing to serve Him a meal. Martha had a sister named Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. Martha being distracted by all of the preparation, approached the Lord and said, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me.” Jesus answered and said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Let’s remember during this Christmas season that in the midst of our long “To-Do” list we must take the time to sit at the feet of Jesus. He has much to say to us. He desires to give us a gift that cannot be taken from us. As we sit at His feet He will help us stay focused. He will keep us from being worried and troubled about many unnecessary things. He is calling us to sit at His feet and have a very “MARY” Christmas. Will you accept His invitation?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Me, Myself and I
Several years ago country singer, Toby Keith, wrote a song called, "I Wanna Talk About Me!" Isn't that so true? How many of us really want to talk about ourselves? How many of us will be honest enough to admit it?
Why would Christian author, Max Lucado, even have to write a book a few years ago called, "It's Not About Me."?
Could it be that we have made the Christian Life all about us? Has church become all about us? Do we read the Bible and esteem the men in the Bible that God chose to use over God himself?
How many sermons have you heard calling PAUL a spiritual giant, and then you hear someone say...."I could never be like Paul."? Or any other Bible Character that we lift up and compare ourselves to.
God has not called us to be like any other person, nor did He call us to salvation to make us more like US. We are called to BECOME more like HIM.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20
I want to share with you something I learned from T.W. Hunt several years ago and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. I have to constantly remind myself that "It's Not About Me." The flesh doesn't die easy and I find myself wanting to feed it when it gets hungry instead of letting it starve to death.
We have already established that our lives are not about us, but Christ.
T.W. Hunt reminded me a few years ago that the Bible is about GOD. Now you may say, I know that, but do you practice it? He challenged me to think about how I teach the Bible and to think about how many times I have heard lessons and sermons where the REAL story is missed.
Here are some examples of the "supposed story" we often teach or hear taught and then the REAL story where God is the focus.
Story/Supposed Story/RealStory
David-Goliath/"heroism"/God does not need help.
Jehoshaphat/ "trust"/God does not need an army
David's hurts/ "sin lasts"/ A heart right with God always returns to God
Hannah/ "God rewards"/Prayer changes history.....
Job/"remained faithful"/ God reveals Himself in suffering
Corinth/"superior attitudes"/God's love is greater than our superiorities
Peter /"all are weak"/ God foreknows and provides for our weakness
It's all about GOD!
Let's tell His Story!
Why would Christian author, Max Lucado, even have to write a book a few years ago called, "It's Not About Me."?
Could it be that we have made the Christian Life all about us? Has church become all about us? Do we read the Bible and esteem the men in the Bible that God chose to use over God himself?
How many sermons have you heard calling PAUL a spiritual giant, and then you hear someone say...."I could never be like Paul."? Or any other Bible Character that we lift up and compare ourselves to.
God has not called us to be like any other person, nor did He call us to salvation to make us more like US. We are called to BECOME more like HIM.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20
I want to share with you something I learned from T.W. Hunt several years ago and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. I have to constantly remind myself that "It's Not About Me." The flesh doesn't die easy and I find myself wanting to feed it when it gets hungry instead of letting it starve to death.
We have already established that our lives are not about us, but Christ.
T.W. Hunt reminded me a few years ago that the Bible is about GOD. Now you may say, I know that, but do you practice it? He challenged me to think about how I teach the Bible and to think about how many times I have heard lessons and sermons where the REAL story is missed.
Here are some examples of the "supposed story" we often teach or hear taught and then the REAL story where God is the focus.
Story/Supposed Story/RealStory
David-Goliath/"heroism"/God does not need help.
Jehoshaphat/ "trust"/God does not need an army
David's hurts/ "sin lasts"/ A heart right with God always returns to God
Hannah/ "God rewards"/Prayer changes history.....
Job/"remained faithful"/ God reveals Himself in suffering
Corinth/"superior attitudes"/God's love is greater than our superiorities
Peter /"all are weak"/ God foreknows and provides for our weakness
It's all about GOD!
Let's tell His Story!
On Mission
As I have mentioned before on my blog, I follow Ed Stetzer on Twitter. He works for Lifeway Research and travels all over doing conferences. I heard him speak at a conference last September in Orlando. The link below is Ed teaching on "Missional Leadership".
Extremely thought provoking..............................
http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/missional/
Rethinking,
Cheri
Extremely thought provoking..............................
http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/missional/
Rethinking,
Cheri
Monday, October 26, 2009
Got REST?
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST, Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find REST for your souls. For My Yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
It's one of those Monday's that I do not feel rested. Our family had a busy week last week. My son was in the school musical which meant late nights and early mornings along with 4 performances this weekend. WHEW!
Being in the school musical meant he has stayed after school every day for the last nine weeks as well as an all day dress rehearsal last weekend. Yesterday he had a two hour Orchestra rehersal at church.
He still has school work to finish up and tomorrow is the last day for this quarter. Poor guy, he was up until 1am this morning trying to get it all done. He slept in the car on the way to school. Oh Lord, we need REST. We need you to fill our cup. While it was fun and it was a good opportunity for Andrew to see how far he can be stretched, HE NEEDS SOME REST. We all do.
Tonight is the Cast Party. That will be a lot of fun! God really pulled this cast together and it was neat to see how they leaned on the Lord for strength and gave Him all the praise!
On Thursday, Mollie has a field trip to St. Augustine and our whole family will be going on this trip. Andrew is going to check out a college in St. Augustine and we plan on staying through Saturday.
Thanking the Lord for this opportunity.
We need time together to reconnect. We can run hard and we can run long, but we cannot run hard for very long. Our bodies were made to need REST. Even Jesus took time to REST.
May we all remember to H. A. L. T.
To never let ourselves get too.......
H ungry (physically or spiritually)
A ngry
Let's remember to Pray for one another. Encourage one another and build each other up. Let's remind each other to lean on Jesus, to depend on Him for our strength.
"Grant us wisdom O' Lord to know what we need to let go of and what we need to do, teach us our Lord to abide in you."
It's one of those Monday's that I do not feel rested. Our family had a busy week last week. My son was in the school musical which meant late nights and early mornings along with 4 performances this weekend. WHEW!
Being in the school musical meant he has stayed after school every day for the last nine weeks as well as an all day dress rehearsal last weekend. Yesterday he had a two hour Orchestra rehersal at church.
He still has school work to finish up and tomorrow is the last day for this quarter. Poor guy, he was up until 1am this morning trying to get it all done. He slept in the car on the way to school. Oh Lord, we need REST. We need you to fill our cup. While it was fun and it was a good opportunity for Andrew to see how far he can be stretched, HE NEEDS SOME REST. We all do.
Tonight is the Cast Party. That will be a lot of fun! God really pulled this cast together and it was neat to see how they leaned on the Lord for strength and gave Him all the praise!
On Thursday, Mollie has a field trip to St. Augustine and our whole family will be going on this trip. Andrew is going to check out a college in St. Augustine and we plan on staying through Saturday.
Thanking the Lord for this opportunity.
We need time together to reconnect. We can run hard and we can run long, but we cannot run hard for very long. Our bodies were made to need REST. Even Jesus took time to REST.
May we all remember to H. A. L. T.
To never let ourselves get too.......
H ungry (physically or spiritually)
A ngry
L onely
T iredLet's remember to Pray for one another. Encourage one another and build each other up. Let's remind each other to lean on Jesus, to depend on Him for our strength.
"Grant us wisdom O' Lord to know what we need to let go of and what we need to do, teach us our Lord to abide in you."
Peace, Cheri
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
"BE"
I originally wrote this post back in October, but as I got up on this Thanksgiving morning, I started thinking about this post again. Maybe it is because I have a LONG list of "To-DO's" to accomplish by the 2 pm meal. Again, I have revisited the Martha/Mary story and I long to BE today, not just DO. And because it is Thanksgiving, I'd like to add one more BE......."BE THANKFUL!" Love YOU ALL! Blessings to you and your family!
I was raised "going to church". In fact, I went to church the entire time I was in my mother's womb. I have never questioned the importance of "going to church", but I have questioned if the "going" and "doing" is all there is to the Christian Life and if some of the activity is really of God.
O.K., before you think I have lost my mind, hang with me. It seems to me that in all the "going" and "doing" one thing tends to be overlooked, "being".
BE Holy:
Lev. 11:44-45, Lev. 20L7-8, Lev. 20:26, Lev. 27:9, Eph. 1:4, 1Pet. 1:15-16, 1 Cor. 7:1
(separate-we see what the world cannot see!)
BE Merciful:
Luke 6:36, Ps. 86:15, Is. 55:7, Mic. 7:18-19
(it is a fulfillment of the covenant to show God's kind of mercy)
BE Perfect:
Gen. 17:1, Deut. 19:13, 2 Cor. 13:9, 11, Col. 1:28, Col. 4:12, James 1:2-4
(blameless, unblemished, mature, complete, or finished)
BE One:
Jer. 32:39, John 10:16, John 17:11, 21-23, Acts 2:46, Acts 4:32, Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 1:10, 1 Cor. 12:25-26, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 4:3-6, Phillip. 1:7, Philip. 2:2-4
(UNITY-not divided with jealousy or quarrels as mentioned in 1 Corth. 3 or fighting over who is the GREATEST as in Luke 9:46-48)
I hear a lot of pleas to GO & DO, but not many sermons on BEING or BECOMING!
Becoming as mentioned in Phil. 3:12-15.
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made PERFECT, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But ONE THING I DO,: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Recently, I have been challenged by a friend of mine, Jason Dukes, who wrote a book called "Live Sent: You Are A Letter" to not just GO TO CHURCH, but BE THE CHURCH.
His book is available on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Live-Sent-you-are-letter/dp/1604943408/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256052020&sr=1-1
Here are a few questions that have been going through my mind lately....Have we forgotten that "We are God's fellow workers, God's field, God's building?" (1 Corth. 3:9)
"Don't we know that we are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in us?" (1 Corth. 3:16)
I've been pondering these thoughts since 2005 when I heard T.W. Hunt teach on "Being". For some reason it seems much easier to obey a command to "do" something than it is to obey a command to "be" something. It seems to me that Christians have a tendency to ignore the commands to "be" something.
Am I BEING God's love letter sent to this world?
I was raised "going to church". In fact, I went to church the entire time I was in my mother's womb. I have never questioned the importance of "going to church", but I have questioned if the "going" and "doing" is all there is to the Christian Life and if some of the activity is really of God.
O.K., before you think I have lost my mind, hang with me. It seems to me that in all the "going" and "doing" one thing tends to be overlooked, "being".
BE Holy:
Lev. 11:44-45, Lev. 20L7-8, Lev. 20:26, Lev. 27:9, Eph. 1:4, 1Pet. 1:15-16, 1 Cor. 7:1
(separate-we see what the world cannot see!)
BE Merciful:
Luke 6:36, Ps. 86:15, Is. 55:7, Mic. 7:18-19
(it is a fulfillment of the covenant to show God's kind of mercy)
BE Perfect:
Gen. 17:1, Deut. 19:13, 2 Cor. 13:9, 11, Col. 1:28, Col. 4:12, James 1:2-4
(blameless, unblemished, mature, complete, or finished)
BE One:
Jer. 32:39, John 10:16, John 17:11, 21-23, Acts 2:46, Acts 4:32, Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 1:10, 1 Cor. 12:25-26, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 4:3-6, Phillip. 1:7, Philip. 2:2-4
(UNITY-not divided with jealousy or quarrels as mentioned in 1 Corth. 3 or fighting over who is the GREATEST as in Luke 9:46-48)
I hear a lot of pleas to GO & DO, but not many sermons on BEING or BECOMING!
Becoming as mentioned in Phil. 3:12-15.
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made PERFECT, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But ONE THING I DO,: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Recently, I have been challenged by a friend of mine, Jason Dukes, who wrote a book called "Live Sent: You Are A Letter" to not just GO TO CHURCH, but BE THE CHURCH.
His book is available on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Live-Sent-you-are-letter/dp/1604943408/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256052020&sr=1-1
Here are a few questions that have been going through my mind lately....Have we forgotten that "We are God's fellow workers, God's field, God's building?" (1 Corth. 3:9)
"Don't we know that we are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in us?" (1 Corth. 3:16)
I've been pondering these thoughts since 2005 when I heard T.W. Hunt teach on "Being". For some reason it seems much easier to obey a command to "do" something than it is to obey a command to "be" something. It seems to me that Christians have a tendency to ignore the commands to "be" something.
Am I BEING God's love letter sent to this world?
I guess to Be or not to Be.....is still a good question!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Quiet Time
From the first time I heard my daughter cry I knew she was uniquely different from her older brother. I remember telling my husband at the hospital, "She cries like a girl!" Her cry was different, unique, and when I heard it, I was filled with excitement about getting to know her.
She is a delight, uniquely crafted by the"Master's Hand" and a blessing to our family! I have always said that Mollie is my child that truly takes time to smell the roses! She is exactly what this fast paced mama needed.
I remember her as a preschooler saying to me, "Why are we rushing?" and she still asks me, as she sees me rush around in a frenzy, "Are we late?". Oh, how I have needed her. Her questions have always pierced my heart as they remind me of how I need to slow down and enjoy life, not rush through it.
Tonight, she spoke at my mother's church. She has had the privilege of going to GA Grandmother/Granddaughter Camp with my mom for the last 3 years and tonight was their opportunity to speak about it. She walked up to the microphone and my normally cautious child who usually doesn't speak in front of crowds boldly gave her testimony.
She said, "My favorite part of Grandmother/Granddaughter camp was my quiet time with my Grandma because we GOT to hear the birds sing and watch the squirrels play!" My heart melted. That's my girl! So in touch with God's world. So in touch with what I believe the psalmist was trying to communicate when he said, "Be still and know that I am God!" (Ps. 46:10) To her having a "Quiet Time" means just that.........be quiet, get still, listen and see! Thank you Mollie for reminding me once again the importance of slowing down, getting quiet and connecting to the Creator of the Universe.
Last summer, my step-dad passed away and while we were not very close, I still experienced a variety of emotions. One day, I had become extremely anxious as I was processing some pretty overwhelming feelings. I went outside to try to quiet my mind. I took my Bible, but was so overwhelmed I could not concentrate enough to read. All of a sudden two squirrels ran in front of me and began to play. I remember breathing a sigh of relief as I realized that while my world seemed to have stopped, no one had informed the squirrels. They were still playing! Then I worshipped my Creator and then I could read His Word delighting in the fact that HE NEVER CHANGES! Hallelujah!
If you haven't read Psalm 46 in a while I highly recommend it, but most of all I recommend going outside and marveling at His creative hand!
Mollie's childlike wonder has reminded me to make sure my "Quiet Times" are not so full of
"my agenda" that I can no longer hear or see.
Selah!
She is a delight, uniquely crafted by the"Master's Hand" and a blessing to our family! I have always said that Mollie is my child that truly takes time to smell the roses! She is exactly what this fast paced mama needed.
I remember her as a preschooler saying to me, "Why are we rushing?" and she still asks me, as she sees me rush around in a frenzy, "Are we late?". Oh, how I have needed her. Her questions have always pierced my heart as they remind me of how I need to slow down and enjoy life, not rush through it.
Tonight, she spoke at my mother's church. She has had the privilege of going to GA Grandmother/Granddaughter Camp with my mom for the last 3 years and tonight was their opportunity to speak about it. She walked up to the microphone and my normally cautious child who usually doesn't speak in front of crowds boldly gave her testimony.
She said, "My favorite part of Grandmother/Granddaughter camp was my quiet time with my Grandma because we GOT to hear the birds sing and watch the squirrels play!" My heart melted. That's my girl! So in touch with God's world. So in touch with what I believe the psalmist was trying to communicate when he said, "Be still and know that I am God!" (Ps. 46:10) To her having a "Quiet Time" means just that.........be quiet, get still, listen and see! Thank you Mollie for reminding me once again the importance of slowing down, getting quiet and connecting to the Creator of the Universe.
Last summer, my step-dad passed away and while we were not very close, I still experienced a variety of emotions. One day, I had become extremely anxious as I was processing some pretty overwhelming feelings. I went outside to try to quiet my mind. I took my Bible, but was so overwhelmed I could not concentrate enough to read. All of a sudden two squirrels ran in front of me and began to play. I remember breathing a sigh of relief as I realized that while my world seemed to have stopped, no one had informed the squirrels. They were still playing! Then I worshipped my Creator and then I could read His Word delighting in the fact that HE NEVER CHANGES! Hallelujah!
If you haven't read Psalm 46 in a while I highly recommend it, but most of all I recommend going outside and marveling at His creative hand!
Mollie's childlike wonder has reminded me to make sure my "Quiet Times" are not so full of
"my agenda" that I can no longer hear or see.
Selah!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
No Second Class Citizens!
I wrote this blog over a year ago, but this past Friday at my Book Club a lady brought this blog up as she was thinking about someone she loves dearly. She said, "I have to remember something that Cheri said, "In Heaven there are No Second Class Citizens". I replied, "True & we also need to think about the Lord's prayer & how He told us that we should pray: "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN." We need to treat each other that way NOW." I love how the Lord is constantly teaching.
I absolutely love the voice of the Lord. I love how He speaks so clearly. I love John 10 that talks about Jesus being the Shepherd and how His sheep know HIS VOICE
There are so MANY voices crying out for us to follow and we must stay close to the Good Shepherd, so we will know when an imposture is speaking.
Tonight, I had one of those moments when I heard the Lord speak clearly. Not an audible voice, but loud and clear enough to be audible.
I was thinking about two people, whom I love dearly, that have recently been mistreated by fellow Christians. I was thinking about how these fellow Christians were justifying their ill actions as I was talking to the Lord about the situation. I am so glad I can tell Him how mad and sad these situations make me and that He comforts me by telling me that they make Him mad & sad too.
Then I heard the Lord say, "In MY KINGDOM there are no second class citizens!" WOW! Thanks Lord! You are right. We are joint heirs with Jesus, we have received full citizenship! Hallelujah!
I shared with my husband what I heard the Lord say and how I was talking to the Lord about the two situations when I heard the Lord clearly speak. My husband's eyes filled with tears as God's message was so clear.
My husband's short version response:
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." Mark 10:31
Oh Lord, Help us to treat each person you created with love and respect. This is my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen
Friday, September 4, 2009
Character or Compromise
Many of you followed the Dukes tragedy with me and are aware of the many ways God has used this tragic situation. I have been so blessed to have people like the Dukes in my life. I had the privilege of having Dr. Dukes as a professor while at seminary and I will always treasure the truth I learned under his teaching. The godly character I witnessed in many professors went far beyond my seminary classroom experience. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed because of the great examples I have had. I have been so blessed!
Even my 16 year old son commented last week on how James and I sat under some of the best teaching while we were at seminary. He has heard us quote the teaching of people like Dr. Charles Harvey, Dr. Ferris Jordan, Dr. Landrum Leavell, Dr. Jeanine Bozeman, and Dr. Dukes many times throughout his life.
While he has never met some of them, he feels like he knows their character because of how we have quoted things we learned from their teaching as well as how they handled everyday situations.
Character is so important!
Recently, we have been influenced by someone by the name of Ed Stetzer. I went to a conference on how to reach young adults back in September and he was one of the speakers. I took many notes, but I did not have a personal conversation with him.
Through the Dukes tragedy, I started a twitter account as one more way to follow their journey. On twitter, I noticed that the Dukes were friends with Ed Stetzer, so I began following Ed on twitter. Ed challenges not only himself, but all of us to live a gospel-centered, repentance-filled life. I am going to post a recent sermon of his. He shares an outline as well as a video of him preaching.
In the video, he is speaking to a group of pastors; however, the week before he had preached this sermon to his whole congregation at church. It's a message we all need to hear and it is EXTREMELY challenging.
Ed has trained pastors and church planters on five continents and has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. He has been a seminary professor, author, and ministry consultant. Ed's primary role is President of LifeWay Research and LifeWay's Missiologist in Residence.
Here is Ed's twitter post. If you click on either link below, it will take you to his sermon.
edstetzer"If Satan cannot get us to compromise our beliefs, he is happy to settle for compromising our character," http://is.gd/1IfKx
http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2009/07/message-on-secret-sins.html
Challenged,
Cheri
Even my 16 year old son commented last week on how James and I sat under some of the best teaching while we were at seminary. He has heard us quote the teaching of people like Dr. Charles Harvey, Dr. Ferris Jordan, Dr. Landrum Leavell, Dr. Jeanine Bozeman, and Dr. Dukes many times throughout his life.
While he has never met some of them, he feels like he knows their character because of how we have quoted things we learned from their teaching as well as how they handled everyday situations.
Character is so important!
Recently, we have been influenced by someone by the name of Ed Stetzer. I went to a conference on how to reach young adults back in September and he was one of the speakers. I took many notes, but I did not have a personal conversation with him.
Through the Dukes tragedy, I started a twitter account as one more way to follow their journey. On twitter, I noticed that the Dukes were friends with Ed Stetzer, so I began following Ed on twitter. Ed challenges not only himself, but all of us to live a gospel-centered, repentance-filled life. I am going to post a recent sermon of his. He shares an outline as well as a video of him preaching.
In the video, he is speaking to a group of pastors; however, the week before he had preached this sermon to his whole congregation at church. It's a message we all need to hear and it is EXTREMELY challenging.
Ed has trained pastors and church planters on five continents and has planted churches in New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. He has been a seminary professor, author, and ministry consultant. Ed's primary role is President of LifeWay Research and LifeWay's Missiologist in Residence.
Here is Ed's twitter post. If you click on either link below, it will take you to his sermon.
edstetzer"If Satan cannot get us to compromise our beliefs, he is happy to settle for compromising our character," http://is.gd/1IfKx
http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2009/07/message-on-secret-sins.html
Challenged,
Cheri
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Caroline's Rainbow
This picture was taken after a storm in Lakeland, Florida on our cattle ranch.It was taken on June 25th around 8pm (Florida Time) the evening of Caroline Taylor's surgery.
I've shared the prayer request of baby Caroline with some of you, but some may not know. I have dear friends in New Orleans that have been blessed with their first Grandchild. She is absolutely beautiful!
Only God knew that little baby Caroline was to be born with spina bifida.
God's people have prayed for her. Jeremiah 29:11 has been the verse that has been claimed for her many times. She is precious and if you would like to follow her story, click on this link:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/marycarolinetaylor/mystory
So, about the rainbow. I took the picture as we were driving back from a fishing hole on our ranch. I had been trying to keep myself in an attitude of prayer for little Caroline as I knew she was facing another surgery that evening. A rainstorm forced us away from the fishing hole and as we headed to the house.........this beautiful rainbow appeared.
It appeared as my mind went from praying to worrying. It was as if God said, "I know the plans I have for her, plans for good and not evil, plans to give her a future and a hope." Then he said, "Cheri, I keep my promises.....trust me, I can take care of Caroline." So, I took a picture to remind me of how personal God was to me in that special moment.
Well.......this week (August 27th) I felt as if I needed to share this rainbow picture with Caroline's grandmom, so I texted it to her. It wasn't too long after I sent the text that my phone rang and it was Caroline's Grandmom.
I had no idea that Grandmom Sheila had been thinking and praying for baby Caroline throughout the night and when she got up that morning, she saw my text. It was as if God was reminding her that He was in control and He was taking care of baby Caroline.
I had taken that picture over 2 months ago, but God had me send it to Caroline's Grandmom at the "exact" time she needed it.
We have such an AWESOME, PERSONAL, LOVING GOD! He knows just what we need, and when we need it.
He is with us!
Please keep praying for baby Caroline. It is my understanding that she is being dedicated to the Lord tomorrow. Grandmom will be there, along with many others.
Remember.........God is near!
Cheri
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"Caring" On!
Yesterday was the memorial service for Retia Dukes in Orlando. The service was a great tribute to her. She definitely left a legacy. A legacy of love that will continue to carry on through every life she touched.
It meant so much to me to get the voice mails I received yesterday from friends that didn't know Retia, but prayed for her over the last 4 months. Thank you for leaving messages that you were praying for me and her family yesterday as we remembered Retia.
It was hard for me to look at the grandkids. These little ones that she loved so much. It still makes me sad and angry that they will not have Retia to share life with as they grow up. Times like these are hard to understand, so I won't even begin trying to explain them. I am clueless. It just doesn't make sense.
It doesn't make sense to my finite mind at all. In a world where so many families do not have an example of unconditional love, why would this family that is full of love and grace have such a significant person taken from them? That question continues to roll through my mind and I have to be honest, I struggle with it.
Yes, I know Romans 8:28. I know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I know that God has been at work in this family and will continue to be at work. I know that, but he never said that all things are good. Losing Retia is not good. It is bad. It is sad. The promise is that God will take all of this bad and sad stuff and bring good out of it. Somehow, someway he knows how to weave a beautiful tapestry out of circumstances and emotions that can get me all tangled up.
We live in a fallen world. This world is not our permanent home. THANK YOU GOD! We will suffer. Even when it is not our fault. I am sad today. I am sad because this has been a long journey for this family, and the journey is not over.
Yes, Retia is no longer among them physically. There is finality in that; however, the journey of learning to live in this "new normal" has just begun. Please do not stop praying for this precious family as the Lord brings them to your mind. They need are prayers just as much now.
While I am sad today, I am thankful for a blessing the Lord gave me on this journey. God has blessed me through the CaringBridge website. God knew I needed to have a visual picture of how big His family is. There were so many people that gathered around this one family. It was good to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as I read the journals and the guestbook.
I couldn't help to think about how much bigger God's family really is. It is huge. I needed this reminder. I needed to be reminded that God has His children scattered all over the place. He knows where each of us are and one day there will be a "great gathering" of all the saints. MUCH bigger than CaringBridge.
Until that day may be about our Father's business. May we continue to love as we have been loved. May we walk where Jesus would walk and remember how He carried his cross up a hill in order to bridge the gap between us and God.
Let's not forget one another. Let's keep caring for one another and allowing Christ to bridge the gaps.
"Caring" On!
Cheri
It meant so much to me to get the voice mails I received yesterday from friends that didn't know Retia, but prayed for her over the last 4 months. Thank you for leaving messages that you were praying for me and her family yesterday as we remembered Retia.
It was hard for me to look at the grandkids. These little ones that she loved so much. It still makes me sad and angry that they will not have Retia to share life with as they grow up. Times like these are hard to understand, so I won't even begin trying to explain them. I am clueless. It just doesn't make sense.
It doesn't make sense to my finite mind at all. In a world where so many families do not have an example of unconditional love, why would this family that is full of love and grace have such a significant person taken from them? That question continues to roll through my mind and I have to be honest, I struggle with it.
Yes, I know Romans 8:28. I know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I know that God has been at work in this family and will continue to be at work. I know that, but he never said that all things are good. Losing Retia is not good. It is bad. It is sad. The promise is that God will take all of this bad and sad stuff and bring good out of it. Somehow, someway he knows how to weave a beautiful tapestry out of circumstances and emotions that can get me all tangled up.
We live in a fallen world. This world is not our permanent home. THANK YOU GOD! We will suffer. Even when it is not our fault. I am sad today. I am sad because this has been a long journey for this family, and the journey is not over.
Yes, Retia is no longer among them physically. There is finality in that; however, the journey of learning to live in this "new normal" has just begun. Please do not stop praying for this precious family as the Lord brings them to your mind. They need are prayers just as much now.
While I am sad today, I am thankful for a blessing the Lord gave me on this journey. God has blessed me through the CaringBridge website. God knew I needed to have a visual picture of how big His family is. There were so many people that gathered around this one family. It was good to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as I read the journals and the guestbook.
I couldn't help to think about how much bigger God's family really is. It is huge. I needed this reminder. I needed to be reminded that God has His children scattered all over the place. He knows where each of us are and one day there will be a "great gathering" of all the saints. MUCH bigger than CaringBridge.
Until that day may be about our Father's business. May we continue to love as we have been loved. May we walk where Jesus would walk and remember how He carried his cross up a hill in order to bridge the gap between us and God.
Let's not forget one another. Let's keep caring for one another and allowing Christ to bridge the gaps.
"Caring" On!
Cheri
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