Updated on April 9, 2017
What God Does with Stones
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. – Ezekiel 36:26
Take this stone of fear
press it carefully into the curve of the leather strap
and use it to show that Your power alone can slay any giant
Let this stone of helplessness
be just the beginning of a towering ebenezer
reminding the world that our God helps
Use this stone of stubbornness
to pillow my head as I wrestle and realize
that a blessing is mine and God always delivers
When this stone marks a hard ending
shake the ground and roll it away
and send Your angels to remind me this is only the beginning
Only You could take this Stone of stumbling
and create a masterpiece of a tabernacle within me
with a Cornerstone that is vaguely familiar but completely changed
Remove this stone of hopelessness
that longs to beat inside this chest
and restore a heart of flesh that longs only for You
Dear God, please never let me forget that You can do miraculous, unexpected things with stones. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on April 9, 2017
What Does Ecclesiastes Have To Do With Easter?
These are the words of the Teacher, King David’s son, who ruled in Jerusalem.
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”
– Ecclesiastes 1:1-2
I have seen the book of Ecclesiastes used as a tool by atheists, pulling out just one verse to supposedly prove how there are so many contradictions in scripture. How cold and even cruel God is, how removed and distant. It makes my blood boil to see the scriptures misused this way.
I read Ecclesiastes often. Front to back, that’s the only real way to read it. There are some beautiful gems of glorious truth in there. But if you read it straight through and really find two things:
1. Solomon could rock some epic poetry.
2. It all, always and in all ways, comes back to God… the awe of Him, the worshipful respect.
And there’s something else… something that Solomon was missing (innocently) and something the atheists are missing, too, for whatever reason.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.
What is wrong cannot be made right.
What is missing cannot be recovered. – Ecclesiastes 1:13b-15
Ah, but It could be made right. What was missing is now made whole.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. – Ecclesiastes 3:14-15
For the time Solomon lived in, I can see how he came to this conclusion. But God was up to something big, even then. And His golden thread weaving through would change everything.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. Already twisted by evil, people choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway. There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!” – Ecclesiastes 9:3-4
We have unimaginable Hope. There is adoption instead of death. A place prepared.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
So how about us, Dear Ones?
Does despair make you think that what is wrong cannot be made right?
That what is missing cannot be recovered?
Does grief and loss cause you to forget that God is up to something big, even now? Forget to look for His golden thread weaving through everything?
This Holy Week, let’s remember once again the difference that old rugged cross made. Almost as huge as the empty tomb that was coming.
Don’t forget to factor in Jesus.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. – Ephesians 1:3-11
**I’d love it if you found some other examples in Ecclesiastes of Jesus not being factored in. There are lots and it was hard for me to choose just a few for this post. Share them in the comments, won’t you?
Heavenly Father. Oh the awe of Your patience and plan. The unquenchable love our Savior has for us. Thank You for the story to tell. May we always tell it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on April 2, 2017
Hanging In Here
So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
– Exodus 17:10-13
photo credit: Katie Tegtmeyer via photopin cc
On any given day, if you ask me how I’m doing I’ll probably answer with some version of “hanging in here.”
The other day my sweet friend came back with an answer that made me think of this passage.
“Your arms get tired from all that hanging,” she replied.
Indeed they do. They really do.
But our God is a God of details, remember? It was no accident that Aaron and Hur climbed that hill with Moses. God knew they’d be needed.
He knew you’d be needed in my life, as well.
Not that I’m Moses, by any means, but we all need a little help sometimes to keep going, don’t we? To keep hanging on?
You make that possible.
So thank you, each of you, who hold my arms up when they get heavy. Who drag over a rock for me to sit on. Who ensure the victory.
You’re doing exactly what God intended for you to do, and you’re amazing at it.
Heavenly Father, You are simply an astounding provider. Thank You for each heart reading this, and their willingness to do their part. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on April 2, 2017
Be Fully His
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins. – Isaiah 53:11
Wow.
Each time I read this verse, all that I can think is, “Wow.”
I whisper it like a prayer. A prayer through tears of gratitude. A humble bare whisper of one who doesn’t have the worthy words to speak aloud after reading this scripture.
This scripture reminds me, no matter what is going on in my life or body at that moment, no matter what fears have me cornered, no matter what tears have me feeling all washed-out…
It reminds me that Jesus looked forward across the ages, into the New Testament and into me. Into you. Into the world as it is today, and as it was under Roman rule, and how it will be if the earth remains in another 2000 years.
He looked and He saw. He sees. Right this moment. In light of the anguish, the anguish he endured.
And do you know what He felt? What He feels?
Not disgust. Not frustration. Not anger or despair or regret. I’d have all of those, wouldn’t you?
No, Jesus feels satisfaction.
For me. In the state I’m in now, in the moment I turn my face and feet back to Him, in the darkest, most raw moment. He is satisfied.
Why?
Because we have the opportunity to be counted righteous. To spend eternity with Him. To be grafted in, adopted, loved as sons and daughters.
Because He bore all our sins. All of them.
Are you having trouble today with feeling satisfied, as I am?
Then I challenge you, as I’m challenging myself, to change that perspective around. If there was one more thing Jesus could have done to help us, please believe He would have done it 1000 times over. He’s already brought us to Him, given us the greatest gift, literally, of all time. He is satisfied to give us the opportunity to be fully His.
Be. Fully. His.
Today.
God in Heaven, You are marvelous and lovely. Thank you for finding satisfaction in silly little me. Thank You for this scripture that reminds me of Your love and sacrifice. I am unworthy. I am humbled and grateful. I am satisfied. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on April 9, 2017
What Does Ecclesiastes Have To Do With Easter?
These are the words of the Teacher, King David’s son, who ruled in Jerusalem.
“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”
– Ecclesiastes 1:1-2
I have seen the book of Ecclesiastes used as a tool by atheists, pulling out just one verse to supposedly prove how there are so many contradictions in scripture. How cold and even cruel God is, how removed and distant. It makes my blood boil to see the scriptures misused this way.
I read Ecclesiastes often. Front to back, that’s the only real way to read it. There are some beautiful gems of glorious truth in there. But if you read it straight through and really find two things:
1. Solomon could rock some epic poetry.
2. It all, always and in all ways, comes back to God… the awe of Him, the worshipful respect.
And there’s something else… something that Solomon was missing (innocently) and something the atheists are missing, too, for whatever reason.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.
What is wrong cannot be made right.
What is missing cannot be recovered. – Ecclesiastes 1:13b-15
Ah, but It could be made right. What was missing is now made whole.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. – Ecclesiastes 3:14-15
For the time Solomon lived in, I can see how he came to this conclusion. But God was up to something big, even then. And His golden thread weaving through would change everything.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
It seems so wrong that everyone under the sun suffers the same fate. Already twisted by evil, people choose their own mad course, for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway. There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!” – Ecclesiastes 9:3-4
We have unimaginable Hope. There is adoption instead of death. A place prepared.
They didn’t factor in Jesus.
So how about us, Dear Ones?
Does despair make you think that what is wrong cannot be made right?
That what is missing cannot be recovered?
Does grief and loss cause you to forget that God is up to something big, even now? Forget to look for His golden thread weaving through everything?
This Holy Week, let’s remember once again the difference that old rugged cross made. Almost as huge as the empty tomb that was coming.
Don’t forget to factor in Jesus.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. – Ephesians 1:3-11
**I’d love it if you found some other examples in Ecclesiastes of Jesus not being factored in. There are lots and it was hard for me to choose just a few for this post. Share them in the comments, won’t you?
Heavenly Father. Oh the awe of Your patience and plan. The unquenchable love our Savior has for us. Thank You for the story to tell. May we always tell it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on March 12, 2017
The Adoption of the Broken
** It’s a sick week at our home right now. I appreciate your prayers for us, especially for my daughter, Carissa. In the meantime, I hope you won’t mind if I dust off a couple of oldies but goodies to share here again. Thank you for your grace. <3 Heart Hugs **
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. – Romans 8:15-16
photo credit: D.Munoz-Santos via photopin cc
I sit here in the corner,
in the dark.
I don’t even dream anymore
of a family who will love me
want me
choose me.
They choose the newest babies
still moldable,
smelling sweet.
They choose the ones
who still have a sparkle in their eyes
to match the glimmer of their perfect blond hair.
But You
You walk a little farther
peer a little harder
into shadowy edges,
into the forgotten places.
The forgotten broken
like me.
You slide down the wall to sit beside me
holey hands braced casually on holy knees
like you have all the time in the world
to woo me.
We speak of the past
and you show me your bottle,
the one where you keep every tear.
We speak of the present
and You let me lean on your chest
as I sigh.
You bring up the future
and my walls crumble.
How could they possibly stand
in the force of the adoration
shining in Your eyes?
You hint at amazing things to come.
You promise things I’m almost too scared to hope for…
You take my hand
and lead me out into the sunlight.
I kneel to worship at Your feet,
but you gently lift up my face
and say softly,
“Call Me Abba.”
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on March 10, 2017
Sunday Scripture: 3/12/17
– 1 Peter 2:21
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on March 10, 2017
Recommendation Saturday: Following Directions
No confusion necessary.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on March 7, 2017
How To Sav(or) A Life: Taking Thoughts Captive
Ouch, right?
I’m sure I’ve done something like this at least a thousand times. I’d never want to admit to Jesus what I was arguing about or thinking about or discussing.
But He knows. Oh, He knows.
We cannot escape Him, and why on earth would we want to?
Only through the help of the Holy Spirit can we take every thought captive.
| We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5 |
And only when we do so will we have a renewal of the mind!
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2
It’s a lofty goal, to take every thought captive, isn’t it? Daunting.
But we already know that with God, all things are possible! And we also know that He would never ask us to do something that we were not capable of doing.
I’m working on a goal for this year, as I’m learning about savoring life. My goal is to strive to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. To let God transform me by changing the way I think.
How about you?
Savior King, where can I go from You? I don’t want to run and hide. I want to surrender and obey. Teach me Your good and pleasing and perfect will, God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on March 5, 2017
Lessons from the Eunuch: On Your Way Rejoicing
This precious passage of scripture proves that telling someone of the gospel includes teaching about baptism.
| Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. – Acts 8:35 |
We don’t know the exact words that were said. We don’t know what phrases Philip used or the tone of his voice. But we can know that told Him the good news. He taught the eunuch about salvation, about what Christ had come to make possible… our adoption into God’s family and the gift of grace that we can accept.
The first time that the eunuch saw enough water to go down into, he asked about baptism! He is ready to receive this gift and put on Christ!
And God provides, in the middle of this desert road, the water needed, just at the right time. Isn’t He just amazing?
| This is a desert place. – Acts 8:26b |
Are you in a desert place? Have you heard the good news and are ready to respond to God’s glorious invitation? Are you ready to surrender your burdens, gain your freedom, and become His child?
The scripture tells us that the eunuch went on his way rejoicing.
The good news is still the same today as it was when Philip was sent to the eunuch. Not a single thing has changed. Don’t delay, Dear One.
If you are already a child of God, I hope our study of the eunuch’s transformation will remind you that every single one matters. More than anything, they matter.
Let’s go on our way rejoicing, shall we?
Dear God, thank You for the perfect example that the eunuch and Philip are to us today. Thank You for making the gospel so plain, so available. Make us brave in telling the Good News. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
