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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/1/2008 8:32:53 AM
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Focusing
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For the LORD had made a covenant with the descendants of Jacob and commanded them: "Do not worship any other gods or bow before them or serve them or offer sacrifices to them. … Do not forget the covenant I made with you, and do not worship other gods. You must worship only the LORD your God. He is the one who will rescue you from all your enemies."
But the people would not listen and continued to follow their former practices. So while these new residents worshiped the LORD, they also worshiped their idols. And to this day their descendants do the same.
2 Kings 17:35, 38–41
Oftentimes I wonder ... we are new creations in Christ ... but how much of our old lives do we maintain? How many of the "old practices" to we still cling to?
Habits.
Traditions.
Familiarity.
Comfort.
It's just so easy to do what we are accustomed to doing. It's so hard to change, get used to a new routine.
I'm reminded of an old episode of Alice. The one where the women were all determined to get rid of their habits. One smoked. One drank coffee. They struggled, but they were determined. They persevered alright ... they got rid of their habit alright ... but what they did was switch it out for something else. Another habit.
It reminds me of a sister in Christ whom I used to work with who was addicted to coffee with cream and lots of sugar. She felt it was a stumbling block in her walk because she was so addicted (a form of idolatry), and she was determined to break her habit. And she did ... now she has her Pepsi every morning to start her day.
Okay, these are silly examples. But in reality ... do we do this? Do we shed a bad habit to better ourselves, to bring ourselves more in alignment with the Lord and His ways? Or are we simply switching to another habit?
What is our motivation when we change or shed our habits?
Does it bring us closer to the Lord?
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There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/1/2008 10:22:45 AM
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magdaleine
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quote:
But in reality ... do we do this? Do we shed a bad habit to better ourselves, to bring ourselves more in alignment with the Lord and His ways? Or are we simply switching to another habit?
Absolutely! We really do. There is a reason we turn to these things. We have an unmet inner need that our addictions appear to be meeting. Until we deal with that underlying issue, and continually choose to turn to God instead of our addictions when we're in pain, we will turn to coffee or food or drink or work or whatever to dull the pain.
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Maggie
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/3/2008 1:45:02 PM
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joy2give2u
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Sam that is soooooooo cool and something which really blesses me today........and you know the thing......God is the one who picks the teams and he always places team mates around us who bring out the very best in us.........
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/17/2008 4:59:35 PM
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hotsaucygma
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SAA-AMMMM, Where arrrreeee youuuuu?
I miss your posts on your daily devotions and misc. stuff!
How have you been?
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Dear Lord, let my words today be as sweet and delicious as cheesecake... for tomorrow I may have to eat them!
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/19/2008 7:46:22 PM
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humbleinspirit
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Hi Sam, how is the weather in Phoenix these days? It is good to see you!
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/19/2008 11:56:26 PM
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magdaleine
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Hey Sam! Going for a ride with God can be quite exhilarating, can't it?
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Maggie
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/20/2008 1:34:57 PM
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Focusing
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Hi Mikey! Um, the weather is still in the 90's.  I think there is something seriously wrong with that. I'm ready for cooler weather. Yep. Even cold at night. I like it that way! Get all snuggly under the covers. Maybe I live in the wrong part of the country. Phoenix isn't really the place for someone who is always hot, kwim?
Hiya Maggie! Oh yeah, those rides God takes us for ... exhilarating ... good word! I was thinking emotionally exhausting, but I like your word much better. 
Hot-N-Saucy, yeah, I know you understand what I mean. What a bunch of crazy emotions. Those are the exhausting emotions ...
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a Bible study with a friend. What a wonderful group of Godly people, it was so incredibly heartwarming to be with them. There was a new member of the group, and he was going through a really tough time. Everyone surrounded him and prayed over him. I had my hand on his shoulder, and I could feel the emotions flooding through him, it was so powerful ... the Holy Spirit filled the room ... as the body of Christ conducting ourselves as one living organism, we surrounded this man and lifted him in prayer ... we each pulled a piece of the pain from him, and as we prayed, his spirit calmed.
I was reminded of a recent study through the book of Acts, where the community lived in harmony one with another ... each giving as another needed ... filling in all the gaps ... all needs being met. The love of Christ so strong.
This lifting in prayer was like that. We shared in this man's hurt, taking on a piece of his pain, lessening his burden, asking God to be with him, that he feel His presence, to be with him during this difficult time.
The word emotional doesn't come close to describing this experience. It was so very powerful, being in the presence of the Holy Spirit with this group of believers.
As an individual, I feel the Spirit as I pray, as I converse with the Lord.
With close friends, praying together, studying the Word together, I feel the Spirit.
Being in a room full of believers, laying hands on a hurting brother, praying for the Lord to be with him, sharing in his pain and hurt and discouragement ... it was beautiful.
_____________________________
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/20/2008 3:33:41 PM
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magdaleine
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That's exactly as it should be. Wonderful times--even if exhausting.
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Maggie
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/21/2008 4:23:34 PM
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Focusing
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Compassion.
This is my study right now.
I love these verses:
Then Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. And controlling himself he said, "Serve the food." (Genesis 43:30-31)
What a beautiful expression of love. He showed compassion towards someone who he should have been able to trust but chose to wrong him. Oh, how easy it would have been for Joseph to just throw his brothers out on the streets and repay evil for evil. He could have criticized them, humiliated them, made a mockery of his brothers coming and asking for help.
Instead, he exemplified God's great love. He showed compassion. So much so that he had to seek out a private place to weep, having been overcome with emotion. Joseph was in a place to help and he chose to help. In fact, he went above and beyond in helping.
What would you have done if you had been in Joseph's shoes?
What would you have expected if you had been in his brothers' shoes?
What would you have thought if you had been Benjamin ... receiving five times what you would ever have expected or felt you had deserved?
How much compassion do you think God has on each and every one of us? None of us deserve His great love. We have done so much that is contrary to what He desires us to do. And yet, He swoops His arms down and gathers us to Him and bathes us in His love, His blessings, His forgiveness.
That last one ... forgiveness ... amazes me every time I stop to think about it. As far as the east is from the west ...
I can't even begin to imagine.
Just this little piece of His love, one tiny little portion of what He provides for me daily, oftentimes many times daily, humbles me beyond words.
He is a compassionate God beyond anything my mind can grasp!
No matter what I do, because His Son lives within my heart as the Ruler of my life, I am forgiven. Never to have my transgressions brought up and thrown in my face. Never to be reminded that just because I made a mistake, no matter how big or small, when wading through a difficult and trying time, unsure of what to do or which way to turn, when I go to Him and ask for His forgiveness, He forgives me. And He lets it go.
He never brings it up again.
He never holds it against me.
This is such a small portion of His expression of love ... this compassion.
Father, I thank You from the very depths of my soul that You are a compassionate God. Please show me how to be compassionate towards others in my life. Please help me to see clearly how to look beyond another's wrongdoing and forgive them, to demonstrate Your love in my life. Father, show me in a way that is clear to me how to live my life for You. Amen.
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There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/21/2008 4:57:48 PM
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hotsaucygma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Focusing
How much compassion do you think God has on each and every one of us? None of us deserve His great love. We have done so much that is contrary to what He desires us to do. And yet, He swoops His arms down and gathers us to Him and bathes us in His love, His blessings, His forgiveness.
That last one ... forgiveness ... amazes me every time I stop to think about it. As far as the east is from the west ...
I can't even begin to imagine. It is amazing isn't it Sam? Amazing probably because we know how seldom we truly forgive, and how hard it is to forgive the way we do- half effort that it sometimes seems to be...
quote:
He never brings it up again.
He never holds it against me.
This is such a small portion of His expression of love ... this compassion. And this is what I mean by 'half effort' of my own forgiveness. Never, the key word here, never brings it up again... never comes to His mind again... never again held against us.
How I wish I could say I forgive that way...
quote:
Father, I thank You from the very depths of my soul that You are a compassionate God. Please show me how to be compassionate towards others in my life. Please help me to see clearly how to look beyond another's wrongdoing and forgive them, to demonstrate Your love in my life. Father, show me in a way that is clear to me how to live my life for You. Amen.
And Amen...
Thanks for posting again Sam, I've missed your thoughts...
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Dear Lord, let my words today be as sweet and delicious as cheesecake... for tomorrow I may have to eat them!
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/22/2008 5:08:26 PM
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Focusing
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But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
This verse was in one of my e-devotions this morning, and while my personal study at the moment is on the subject of compassion, I thought this verse fit in quite well. It's a topic that I'm somewhat passionate about.
A person's physical appearance ... how important is it? Is it more important to you than the condition of their heart?
I don't recall ever being more interested in a person's physical appearance than in who they were inside. And as I contemplate why this is, my mind wanders to memories of a little girl gazing back at me in the mirror. An extremely shy and introverted toe head with a huge overbite wearing those terrible silver braces. That was what people saw, and they didn't want to be bothered getting to know anything more. It is a less than pleasant childhood memory. I vowed as a young child to take the time to get to know people beyond their physical apperance.
As I have grown older, I still cling to this vow.
I have to smile when I think of how many "less-than-a-10" men I have had incredible conversations with. And I think of the friends who cannot understand why I would give these men the time of day.
I shake my head when I think how many times my girl friends would act like they didn't know me when I accepted an offer to dance from a man that they perceived as less than spectacular looking.
I have befriended people who have had less than stellar reputations, but have overcome their pasts. I actually have a number of friends who fall into this category, and I have found that they are the ones who are the most determined to continue making long and successful strides in their walks with the Lord. These are people I admire for their perseverance.
This last category ... those who have overcome ... maybe they have had serious run-ins with the law, maybe they have had bad luck with business dealings, maybe they have overcome an addiction ... they are the point of my train of thoughts at the moment.
How often do we meet someone, and as soon as we find out that they have had a mark against them for whatever reason in their past, we cast them aside and deem them as someone to "be careful about" ... someone we need to be suspicious of ... someone that no matter what, can never be trusted ... someone that we will whisper about behind their backs, trying to prevent them from moving forward in their lives?
Further to yesterday's thoughts ... do we forgive them and drop it, never to be brought up again?
If they are a significant other ... do we continue to bring it up argument after argument?
I know I have been guilty of digging up old bones. I know I have been guilty of bringing up the same-ole-same-ole in an argument months later. But the Lord, He is so good, and He is reminding me gently ... "Sam, I have forgiven them, why do you feel you need to hang on to it?"
Talk about some serious conviction!
... but the Lord looks at the heart ... ... ... ... ... ... do I? ... am I? ... will I?
Father, thank You for these words You have given us to live by. Please help me to always look at a person's heart, and not just their appearance, their past, the mistakes they have made. Help me to see what You see: one of Your children that You love deeply. Help me to see past the outer shell. Amen.
_____________________________
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/22/2008 9:35:00 PM
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magdaleine
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As I was reading your post, Sam, I saw myself twice. The first was when you described how shy and introverted you were and how others didn't want to be bothered getting past how you looked. I too was shy, introverted and felt very alone and unwanted. Interestingly, I came away from that with the opposite attitude: I have a great problem getting past how people look. My mind fully agrees that what is inside is the most important. I fully believe that. But something in me somewhere doesn't and so I get overawed at someone who is very attractive and appears to have herself all together and back away because I'm not good enough. On the other hand, I also have trouble with those who look unattractive. I'm more likely to try to strike up a friendship with them but I really struggle with my inner attitudes--usually along the lines of being patronising.
The second place I saw myself in your post was the someone who has a "less than stellar reputation." There's always a great fear that when someone learns the things of my past and what I struggle with, that they will turn against me. Interestingly, that doesn't happen as often as I expect. In fact, the response is often the opposite, which always amazes me.
Thank you for what you wrote. It was good.
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Maggie
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/23/2008 1:18:20 AM
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Focusing
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Hi Maggie!
quote:
There's always a great fear that when someone learns the things of my past and what I struggle with, that they will turn against me.
I have that same fear about certain things in my past as well. I sometimes contemplate the fine line between keeping secrets or being transparent about them. While I realize probably a million other people, at least, have the same secret, I still choose to keep it locked in a private place, only to be shared with very close and trustworthy friends. God and I have discussed it ad nauseum, I have confessed and repented, and through the process I know I will never go to that place again.
The other thing I contemplate, particularly through this study on compassion, is this: for those of us who have gone through or are going through this experience, this fear of being "found out" ... do we have more compassion towards others and their difficult and private struggles?
Having been through an abusive marriage, I see women wearing the shoes I once wore. I know in the split second our eyes meet ... I see it in their eyes ... the fear that someone has just found them out ... the split second of panic and the thousand thoughts that are rushing through their minds. I will never ever forget how I felt the first time I knew that someone else knew. My knees buckled out from under me and if I hadn't been near a wall, I would have fallen to the ground. It was a very powerful and overwhelming emotion. I thank God that she was a sister in Christ and filled with compassion. There was nothing accusatory in her questions or comments, just concern, and sound advice. She may well be the reason I am alive today.
quote:
Interestingly, that doesn't happen as often as I expect.
Praise God!
Maggie, I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... thank you for your transparency and courage to share your heart. You truly are an inspiration! 
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There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/23/2008 7:22:09 AM
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magdaleine
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Good morning, Sam!
quote:
While I realize probably a million other people, at least, have the same secret, I still choose to keep it locked in a private place, only to be shared with very close and trustworthy friends. Paradoxical, isn't it? I remember telling someone at church that I was struggling with something--I wasn't ready yet to tell her what--and she confessed that she too had a very great struggle. The way she spoke of it, my imagination went to the worst possible things (and unknown to her, I knew some of her past). Later, when she confided in me, I was surprised to learn that her big secret was an anger problem. It would never have occurred to me that that would be so shameful it had to be hidden.
quote:
do we have more compassion towards others and their difficult and private struggles? If we don't, then something's wrong. I believe it's one reason why we go through the struggles we do--to wake up compassion and empathy for those still needing Jesus' healing touch.
Interesting, how you can tell, just by meeting another woman's eyes, that she's in an abusive relationship. I'm thinking that that ability would open doors to you to show compassion and an extra measure of love--and maybe speak some hope into her life.
quote:
Maggie, I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... thank you for your transparency and courage to share your heart. You truly are an inspiration! Thank you, Sam.
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Maggie
Ask me about my book. It's now available online!
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/23/2008 12:01:31 PM
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Focusing
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quote:
Interesting, how you can tell, just by meeting another woman's eyes, that she's in an abusive relationship. I'm thinking that that ability would open doors to you to show compassion and an extra measure of love--and maybe speak some hope into her life.
The funny thing is, what typically happens is she will want to escape. Get away as soon as possible. Afraid to really face the truth. Perhaps not in a place to admit or acknowledge what was happening ... yet. But that tiny little moment when our eyes meet is always another lightbulb going off in her mind. It's her choice whether or not to turn it off. That was my experience anyway. And that has been my experience in talking with women who are finally ready to talk about it.
Either way, it is a cause of immediate prayer on my part. And a time to thank God for allowing the interaction, no matter how brief.
This morning my heart is just so heavy for the men in my church who are ill. What a sad phone call to receive from my spiritual mom last night. She knows how much I love and adore Dennis, and how much I have enjoyed learning from him.
It all seems so unfair. And I have to remember that while I have feelings of selfishness and wanting them to stay here on earth for me, and for others of course, God wants them too. He loves them even more than I could ever begin to comprehend.
Knowing they are going Home soon is certainly a huge cause for celebration on their parts ... but knowing we are going to be losing wonderful leaders in the church is difficult.
Such contrasting emotions ...
Father, I lift Dennis, Mark and George up to You in prayer, for Your mercies during this time as they prepare to go Home to meet You face to face. I am so very thankful that they have a close walk with You, and that You brought them into my life to help me learn to know You and Your ways a little more. Help me to be there with a shoulder to cry on for their families, and for our church family as we go through this experience together. Amen.
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There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/23/2008 3:25:47 PM
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magdaleine
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quote:
Either way, it is a cause of immediate prayer on my part. And a time to thank God for allowing the interaction, no matter how brief. And God hears our prayers, even when we pray for strangers.
I clicked on your link about Dennis, Mark and George. Oh my! That must be so difficult for all of you! I will be praying. {{{{{{{{{{Sam}}}}}}}}}
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Maggie
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/24/2008 6:30:52 PM
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magdaleine
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Yes, he is, Sam. He certainly is.
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/25/2008 1:06:02 PM
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Focusing
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Compassion.
God's compassion to be very specific.
This morning I am considering Dennis ... who less than two weeks ago found out he had cancer, and this past Tuesday was told he would not be receiving the chemo treatments as planned to start that day, but instead was told that his time was short. Very short. One to two weeks was all he had.
Dennis passed away yesterday afternoon.
Through the tears and sadness, I can't help but praise God for His compassion demonstrated on so many levels.
For the diagnosis that allowed family time to travel and gather to his bedside. His son arrived from out of town and to Dennis' house less than an hour before he passed. For the time his son had with him in the last moments to thank Dennis for being such a wonderful father and example in his life. For the time to share expressions of love and thankfulness.
For his daughter to be there at his bedside. Their relationship had been strained for many years.
For his granddaughter to sing Amazing Grace in his ear just moments before he passed. For her to be with him during these last moments. Dennis raised her and doted on her through her illness, and they were very close.
For his wife to be there holding his hands, wrapped around his Bible, when he took his last breath.
For close friends to be there, for the Lord providing strength for R to read the Word through tears of sadness.
For our pastor to be there amidst a very busy and hectic schedule. Dennis headed up our team of deacons, and was very close with our pastor.
For our visiting pastor to also be there, to share in this experience, to meet the family and be another source of comfort to them.
God's hands are so clearly demonstrated through Dennis' life. His compassion in taking Dennis Home without an extended time of suffering, for allowing just enough time for those closest to him to make it to his bedside before his passing, for allowing his family to be there to share together in their grief, told hold each other up in prayer and with emotional strength over the next days and weeks, to provide time for apologies to be spoken, and love to be shared. I cannot imagine a more beautiful way to leave this earth.
I am also praising God this morning for allowing me the experience to have had Dennis in my life as a teacher and amazing example of His love.
And on an even more personal note, this is the first time I have experienced ... I don't even know how to describe it ... a feeling, maybe a visual, maybe God's expression of His promise in my heart ... in knowing Dennis and knowing beyond any doubt that he is now in heaven, I saw the tiniest little glimpse, felt the tiniest little bit of excitement, that Dennis is seeing and feeling going to heaven and meeting the Lord face to face, to be a part of the Kingdom of God for all eternity. My excitement and happiness for him has far outshadowed the sadness in my heart.
So this morning I praise God for His compassion demonstrated through this time, and for allowing me to see a little glimpse into how He works on so many levels. It's so complex to my mind, and yet ... knowing the end result He has worked towards ... it is so very simple.
Lord, You are truly amazing!! I don't even know what to say other than thank You.
_____________________________
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven
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RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! - 10/26/2008 3:06:21 AM
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magdaleine
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quote:
And on an even more personal note, this is the first time I have experienced ... I don't even know how to describe it ... a feeling, maybe a visual, maybe God's expression of His promise in my heart ... in knowing Dennis and knowing beyond any doubt that he is now in heaven, I saw the tiniest little glimpse, felt the tiniest little bit of excitement, that Dennis is seeing and feeling going to heaven and meeting the Lord face to face, to be a part of the Kingdom of God for all eternity. My excitement and happiness for him has far outshadowed the sadness in my heart.
So this morning I praise God for His compassion demonstrated through this time, and for allowing me to see a little glimpse into how He works on so many levels. It's so complex to my mind, and yet ... knowing the end result He has worked towards ... it is so very simple. That's awesome, Sam! And since then, Mark has died. The pain of loss your congregation is going through is beyond understanding. I pray that your excitement and happiness for both men continues to lift you up. May God be with you.
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Maggie
Ask me about my book. It's now available online!
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