I wrote this yesterday to a young man who is a spiritual son to me. His real mum is in his country of birth, close to where Jesus himself walked this dusty earth.
I wanted to share it here because it speaks of all the things I hold dear and of my own weaknesses.
It is natural to look back over the last year on the first day of the new. I have many thoughts to share but I will start with this letter and wish you every blessing as you begin a brand new year with me, trusting for His strength and grace to provide all we need in every situation. Thank you for being part of my journey.
Dear Ryan, thank you so much for your kind thoughts and for your sincere desire to please our Heavenly Father. As you have already found, the closer you draw yourself to Him, the more opposition and hardship you will experience and as you are tested, you will become more and more like Jesus. It's not that God wants to test you, it is a result of being in the world, but not of it.
Sometimes it is our own human nature that is against us (emotions, thoughts) and we are our own worst enemies. Sometimes it is friends or family who are used to attack us for daring to be righteous. Sometimes it is strangers, an obvious spiritual battle they don't even understand themselves. Worst of all, for me at least, is other people who call themselves "Christians". They are the toughest battles of all. To stand firm in your faith against that kind of attack brings you closer to Jesus than anything else!
Jesus did not have an easy life. He was reviled, persecuted and wrongly accused, betrayed, abused and tortured, humiliated and scorned, but through it all He showed pure love and was always willing to forgive those who sinned against Him. This is the God who became man whom we love and obey, wanting to please Him more than any other, wanting to show others His love and compassion against all odds. We count it a privilege to serve Him and know our reward will be an eternity in heaven with Him.
I think we all need time out to look at our lives, reassess our priorities and seek God's will for our lives. That's a healthy thing to do Ryan. Then we just take one day at a time, trust Him and do what's right. Things like your car breaking down are a nuisance, happened to me last week, but they are also opportunities to remind us that we cannot do this life alone, we need family and friends to help us sometimes, so we do not get too proud for God to be able to use us. See it as an opportunity to trust Him and He will provide what you need! That's a promise!
One day at a time, rejoicing in His love and grace, knowing we are not worthy but He loves us and accepts us even though we will always be a "work in progress", in this life anyway!
Have a Happy New Year Ryan, do not be so hard on yourself and enjoy your life. Serve Him and show the people around you all the fruits of the spirit that are at work in you, love and joy, peace and patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. The last one is so important. I used to think that just meant not doing the wrong thing but now I understand it often means doing the right thing, even when you don't feel like it or it is inconvenient or difficult.
It's been my honour and privilege to know you Ryan, and it delights me to know you love the Lord as you do : )
God bless you and Happy New Year in Jesus name : )
love always
mum Lynn
Friday, January 1, 2010
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A Simple Prayer
When I was a teenager I first heard Keith Green's music and I loved it. His messages were simple and yet so inspiring. Keith died tragically in a plane crash with two of his little children Josiah and Bethany in 1982. His widow Melody continued their ministry with their two remaining daughters.
I recently discovered recordings of Keith on youtube. I do so love the internet and the many blessings it provides. These are my two favourites of Keith's songs, simple and yet full of hope and encouragement and I hope you enjoy them and are blessed by them as I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwUroyJLg9A
Create in me a clean heart
Oh god and renew a right spirit within me (2x)
Cast me not away from thy presence, o lord
And take not thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh4ac4znuRk&feature=related
God bless each of you : )
Lynn
I recently discovered recordings of Keith on youtube. I do so love the internet and the many blessings it provides. These are my two favourites of Keith's songs, simple and yet full of hope and encouragement and I hope you enjoy them and are blessed by them as I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwUroyJLg9A
Create in me a clean heart
Oh god and renew a right spirit within me (2x)
Cast me not away from thy presence, o lord
And take not thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh4ac4znuRk&feature=related
Oh Lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh Lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it lord.
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.
Oh lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clean.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.
I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it lord.
And when Im doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.
Oh lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh Lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it lord.
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.
Oh lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clean.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.
I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it lord.
And when Im doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.
Oh lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
Oh lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.
God bless each of you : )
Lynn
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Trust and Obey?
Did you know that the Bible says children are a gift and reward from God? (Psalm 127: 2-5)
It's not some religious idea propagated by any particular church, it's the Word of God. The same living and active word of God that tells us we are lost and need to be saved and how that can miraculously happen.
The same Word that speaks of the coming Messiah for hundreds of years before the prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The same word that tells us how God became man and lived amongst us, was tempted like we are but did not succumb, was falsely accused as we are, was tortured and crucified for our sake.
It doesn't matter which version of the Bible you read, they all reveal the very heart of the living God and His plans for our lives. Us as individuals. He tells us He knows us better than we know ourselves, He says He knows the number of hairs on our heads, He says He has us carved in the palm of His hand, He says He gave His life for us. He made the supreme sacrifice for us. And what does he require of us in return?
".....the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Fear the Lord if you are wise!..."
Micah 6:8,9
Seems quite simple doesn't it?
1. Do what is right.
2. Love mercy.
3. Walk humbly with God.
You might ask "but what's this got to do with having children?" You might think, surely we are in control of our lives, surely our God given free will is to enable us to make decisions? Surely having children is a personal thing? Surely we are entitled to some fun before we have children? but, but, but, but......
Think about it some more if you dare! There are so many conditions we often seek to satisfy before deciding to allow God to give us this "gift and reward" of children. (What other blessing from God do we accept only under our conditions?) Can we afford them? Is our relationship stable enough? Is the house/car big enough? How we will ever have any quality time together again? What about "me" time?
Where are those scriptures again? The ones about me, me and me? Yeh, I can't find them either. I find the ones that say trust and obey, die to yourself and follow me, stay on the narrow path and don't be like the world is, be in the world but not of it, cast all your cares on Him and don't be anxious about anything!!
Trusting God is not an optional extra upon becoming a Christian. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and how do we please Him if we do not welcome and submit to His ways, all of them, it's not multiple choice.
What blessing would you like from God today?
a) financial security
b) good health
c) children
d) a good job
e) all of the above
Take your pick, choose carefully now, future generations might depend on you........or not.
When I was first married many years ago I reluctantly agreed with my husband that we would wait five years before we had children. Seemed reasonable, we could gain financial benefits from me working for a few years, buy a house, have a family. Like in fairy tales, you know...
When the time came for us to generously allow God to bless us, nothing happened. Time passed, still nothing happened. I went to a specialist and after some tests which included minor surgery, I was told it was unlikely I would ever have any children. I guess the fairy tale came to an abrupt halt around then. I was devastated. It had never crossed my mind I would not be able to have the large family I had dreamed of. Then I decided to trust God. Better late than never I suppose. I didn't know Him then, but I knew He could help. I trusted I could be healed and that I would have children regardless of predictions by the so called "expert".
Five months later I found out I was having a baby!! Such jubilation!! My son was born and then a daughter two years later. My third pregnancy became a threatened miscarriage at 12 weeks. I was terrified. The danger passed and my second daughter was born. Then my desperate prayers were answered and I gave my life to the Lord. That's another story. My next pregnancy was three years later. I was so happy as I didn't feel sick as I had with the others and I was relieved about that. Sadly, at 14 weeks of pregnancy, my baby Grace went to be with the Lord. (she would have been 21 this year) Not what I had planned at all. My world turned upside down. It was a very traumatic time in my life.
I did not have another baby for six years. She was also a threatened miscarriage at 9 weeks. I was almost paralyzed with fear and so thankful when the pregnancy progressed normally after the scare. I really wanted that baby in my arms and not with the Lord just then.
My husband deserted us when Naomi was five weeks old. Another long story.
I guess I have learned the hard way that my will has it's painful consequences, just as God's will is for our good and to fulfill His purposes. That doesn't mean His way is easy or always pleasant, but He is always faithful, even when we are faithless!
I do have two more little ones with the Lord from my second marriage, but as I always say, that's yet another story....
Psalm 127: 3-5 NLT
Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
It's not some religious idea propagated by any particular church, it's the Word of God. The same living and active word of God that tells us we are lost and need to be saved and how that can miraculously happen.
The same Word that speaks of the coming Messiah for hundreds of years before the prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The same word that tells us how God became man and lived amongst us, was tempted like we are but did not succumb, was falsely accused as we are, was tortured and crucified for our sake.
It doesn't matter which version of the Bible you read, they all reveal the very heart of the living God and His plans for our lives. Us as individuals. He tells us He knows us better than we know ourselves, He says He knows the number of hairs on our heads, He says He has us carved in the palm of His hand, He says He gave His life for us. He made the supreme sacrifice for us. And what does he require of us in return?
".....the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Fear the Lord if you are wise!..."
Micah 6:8,9
Seems quite simple doesn't it?
1. Do what is right.
2. Love mercy.
3. Walk humbly with God.
You might ask "but what's this got to do with having children?" You might think, surely we are in control of our lives, surely our God given free will is to enable us to make decisions? Surely having children is a personal thing? Surely we are entitled to some fun before we have children? but, but, but, but......
Think about it some more if you dare! There are so many conditions we often seek to satisfy before deciding to allow God to give us this "gift and reward" of children. (What other blessing from God do we accept only under our conditions?) Can we afford them? Is our relationship stable enough? Is the house/car big enough? How we will ever have any quality time together again? What about "me" time?
Where are those scriptures again? The ones about me, me and me? Yeh, I can't find them either. I find the ones that say trust and obey, die to yourself and follow me, stay on the narrow path and don't be like the world is, be in the world but not of it, cast all your cares on Him and don't be anxious about anything!!
Trusting God is not an optional extra upon becoming a Christian. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and how do we please Him if we do not welcome and submit to His ways, all of them, it's not multiple choice.
What blessing would you like from God today?
a) financial security
b) good health
c) children
d) a good job
e) all of the above
Take your pick, choose carefully now, future generations might depend on you........or not.
When I was first married many years ago I reluctantly agreed with my husband that we would wait five years before we had children. Seemed reasonable, we could gain financial benefits from me working for a few years, buy a house, have a family. Like in fairy tales, you know...
When the time came for us to generously allow God to bless us, nothing happened. Time passed, still nothing happened. I went to a specialist and after some tests which included minor surgery, I was told it was unlikely I would ever have any children. I guess the fairy tale came to an abrupt halt around then. I was devastated. It had never crossed my mind I would not be able to have the large family I had dreamed of. Then I decided to trust God. Better late than never I suppose. I didn't know Him then, but I knew He could help. I trusted I could be healed and that I would have children regardless of predictions by the so called "expert".
Five months later I found out I was having a baby!! Such jubilation!! My son was born and then a daughter two years later. My third pregnancy became a threatened miscarriage at 12 weeks. I was terrified. The danger passed and my second daughter was born. Then my desperate prayers were answered and I gave my life to the Lord. That's another story. My next pregnancy was three years later. I was so happy as I didn't feel sick as I had with the others and I was relieved about that. Sadly, at 14 weeks of pregnancy, my baby Grace went to be with the Lord. (she would have been 21 this year) Not what I had planned at all. My world turned upside down. It was a very traumatic time in my life.
I did not have another baby for six years. She was also a threatened miscarriage at 9 weeks. I was almost paralyzed with fear and so thankful when the pregnancy progressed normally after the scare. I really wanted that baby in my arms and not with the Lord just then.
My husband deserted us when Naomi was five weeks old. Another long story.
I guess I have learned the hard way that my will has it's painful consequences, just as God's will is for our good and to fulfill His purposes. That doesn't mean His way is easy or always pleasant, but He is always faithful, even when we are faithless!
I do have two more little ones with the Lord from my second marriage, but as I always say, that's yet another story....
Psalm 127: 3-5 NLT
Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)