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About Jill Richard

My name is Jill Richard. I'm a life long Christian. Trying to live my life for my Lord everyday. I've been working in internet marketing since 2003. I want people to look at me and think - What an amazing God she believes in! I want all of my actions to point back to my Lord. They don't always, and for that I am grateful for the Grace of my Lord Jesus Christ.

My God is…for us Romans 8:31

08 Apr

Romans 8:31-39 – What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against balloon-head-about-to-explodeus?

Do you ever feel like you’re facing giants?

Some days are worse than others. Yesterday was a very bad day for me. Who’s fault. Mine. All mine. I let a troubling email get me down before going to church. I was distracted during the sermon, thinking about said email. Then after church I was extremely hungry (it was now 2 pm , and I’m not such a fun person when I haven’t had anything to eat. I come in the house from running and errand, my husband was busy making a gourmet lunch for him and the boys (OK, it was just Mac & Cheese), so I decided to make myself some soup (all with a very bad attitude). I decided I was really hungry, so I made a quesadilla as well. During the making of the quesadilla, I spilled salsa and had to clean that up. My soup was now boiling. I turned it down, and put the quesadilla in the microwave (for too long). When I took it out, there was cheese melted over onto the microwave. I grabbed the Clorox wipes, pulled one out to clean the microwave, and proceeded to drop it in my soup. UGHHHH! The day didn’t get better from there, until way later. But I’ll spare you the rest of my self-imposed drama.

I felt like everything was against me

No matter what I did yesterday, it seemed like it was all going to Hell in a hand basket. Even when things started looking up, they came back to bite me. It was a rough one for sure. But while I was out on my afternoon walk, I prayed. I prayed and prayed. It was during this walk that I could feel my heart shifting from anxiousness to peace, from anger to kindness and patience. Unfortunately I had already made many other people’s day worse in the mean time. Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, everything is falling apart around you?

If God is for us

And God is for us. He is on our side. Later in the chapter our verse was taken from, we are encouraged with these words: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What can separate us from the love of God? 

Nothing. Not even:

  • death
  • life
  • angels
  • demons
  • present
  • future
  • any powers
  • height
  • depth

Nor anything else. Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from God’s love. Even when things are hitting the fan and we feel overwhelmed by even the simplest things, His love is there. We can turn to Him, pray and know that if God is for us, who can be against us. He is for us. He is for you and for me. He promises to be there for us, and we can trust Him to live up to His word. Put your trust in Him and let Him help you out of the trouble you’re in. Cling to Him that you might know freedom from the pains you’re feeling. All things are in His power and control. Turn your junk over to God. Truly give it to Him to take care of and expect Him to show up in amazing and unusual ways. God is good.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

 
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Posted by on April 8, 2013 in My God is for us

 

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My God is…Avenging Romans 12:9-21

05 Apr

Romans 12:9-21 – Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in Bloody revengelove. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

For years when my husband and I would fight, our arguments started small, but shortly would be burning out of control. The problem? We would get defensive. We would be hurt by the fact that our spouse wasn’t thrilled with whatever it was that started the “discussion” and we would have to point out one of their flaws as well. Then the other would do the same until our small fight had turned into a huge fight about all sorts of things that weren’t even part of the original argument. We were returning evil for evil. We felt the need to point out all the other person’s wrongs so we could feel better about ourselves. We have grown up a bit, and this doesn’t happen nearly as much as it used to (thanks to reading “Love and Respect“). We could all use a little more Love and Respect couldn’t we. Treating each other with love and respect helps us to stop that crazy cycle we get on.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

The funny thing is, I have found that when I make an actual effort to live at peace with everyone, it usually happens. If I restrain myself from getting angry when someone purposefully says things to get me riled, it quickly diffuses the situation. There isn’t a lot to say on either side when one person isn’t playing that old game. There are certain people who know how to push our buttons. They’re looking for a way to get under our skin. Sometimes it’s even people who are your friends and relatives, but they try to guilt and manipulate you at every turn. So do you have to give in to the guilt and manipulation? No, but you are called to treat that person with love and respect. That’s not always easy when it feels like your values and morals are under attack.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

For me, I find a lot of peace knowing that I don’t have to win battles on my own. I can walk away and know that the Lord is avenging the wrongs that have been done to me. I don’t have to call them names, make them feel bad or complain about them. I can turn it over to God. I can trust Him to sort them out. They’ll get theirs, and I trust that God knows even better than I what would be the best kind of vengeance for those who have done us wrong. Some of you probably have had bigger struggles than I with this issue. Maybe you had a loved one murdered. Or maybe you were paralyzed when you were hit by a drunk driver. These big things are much harder to get over. They’re awful  Like so many other imperatives we’re told in scripture, even though they’re contrary to how the world acts, they’re really meant for our own benefit. So that we might not have troubled hearts, so we can get over the pain and especially so that we can deepen our relationship with our Lord. Still not easy, but trusting God to avenge the wrongs done to you can be a great step in your healing process.

On the contrary: 

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

 if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. 

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 

If thinking about God as the one who avenges the wrongs done to you isn’t enough, there is another great way to get back at those who wronged you. Treat them with love. Again, this is contrary to what the world teaches. But God knows a better way. One that won’t cause your soul to be damaged while still getting the other guys goat. If someone does something bad to you, kill them with kindness. God tells us in this scripture to feed your enemy if they’re hungry. If they’re thirsty, we should give them something to drink. There is nothing worse than being really ticked off at someone and then they do something nice for you. You want to keep being justifiably angry and maybe a little mean. They deserve it, right? Probably, but God doesn’t want you to be the kind of person that is always living out of anger and meanness. Is that what you want? The more we can respond to those we really truly are mad at with kindness, the more we’re going to be able to let go of the hurt faster while building our relationship of love and trust with the Lord. And there’s a bonus: It will drive them crazy wondering when the other shoe will drop. They’ll wonder what you’ve got up your sleeve and when they can expect you to exact revenge. So you’ll be heaping burning coals on their head, ever more making them think about you and what they’ve done.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2013 in My God is Avenging

 

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My God is…Stern Romans 11:17-24

03 Apr

Romans 11:17-24 – graftedIf some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

Definition of STERN

1 a : having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner: austere
  b : expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
2: forbidding or gloomy in appearance
3: inexorable <stern necessity>
4
: sturdy, stout <a stern resolve>

Do you like it when someone is stern with you?

Most of us are not a big fan of having people be stern with us. Why not? Probably because if someone is stern with us, it’s pretty likely that we’ve done something wrong. People really don’t like the idea of God being stern. They don’t like to think that they could do anything that would cause God to cut them off. But, we see from these verses that God is stern. If we don’t believe Him, our unbelief breaks us off from Him. It puts a division between us.

How can God’s sternness be a good thing?
God is not stern without cause, but when people deny Him, He wants to draw them back to Him. Like the Israelites who made it a habit to draw close to God and then to lose their way. They found out that life without God not on your side isn’t good. They were well aware of the amazing things The Lord had done on their behalf when they had clung to Him. He led them out of Egypt, gave them plunder of the Egyptians and then parted the Red Sea. Then when He promised to give them the promised land, they doubted His power. They broke themselves off from God and it resulted in a sternness from The Lord, in 40 years of wandering around the desert. Even in the desert The Lord provided for them.

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness.
God never kicks us to the curb. When we try to kick Him to the curb and exclude Him from our lives, we deserve and should expect His sternness. Just like our earthly families, if we deny them, ignore them or act as if we’re more important than them, they may not stop caring for us, but they may not be quick to show their kindness. In the same way our Lord shows us sternness when we deny Him, make ourselves more important than Him or just ignore Him.

Kindness to you, provided you remain in His kindness
But there is good news for those who know The Lord and keep Him at the forefront of their minds and actions. For those who believe and seek The Lord, we can expect His kindness. We can expect Him to show up when we need Him. We can expect Him to show up and provide all our needs in amazing and unfathomable ways.

This story from 2 Chronicles 20 reminds me to expect God’s deliverance even when His way seems impossible.

15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his[c] holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:

“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.”

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing[d] and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah[e] to this day.

God is stern and God is Kind
My prayer for you and I is that we continue to seek The Lord and are amazed by the ways that God shows up on our behalf while not being surprised that He did. We can trust that He will be there for us, even when it seems there is no way out.

 
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Posted by on April 3, 2013 in My God is Stern

 

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My God is…Transforming 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

01 Apr

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 – Now the Lord is the Spirit,and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And weSauls-conversion all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Now the Lord is the Spirit,and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom

This was a very interesting section of scripture, and I encourage you to read the entire chapter of 2 Corinthians 3. The way I understand it, the Spirit of the Lord gives us freedom from living under the letter of the Law. Where before Jesus Christ, living perfectly was the way to be saved. But because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross, and rising again on Easter morning, we are set free from having to measure up. Living under the law, there is no freedom, and you know you don’t measure up. You seek the Lord with veiled faces, because there is no way that we can come before Him. Only those who have unveiled faces, those who believe in Jesus as their savior, the one who fulfills the law for us, have that kind of freedom.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory

As we seek to know God’s glory more, to have all of the wonderment that is God revealed to us in scripture, we are transformed. We change. Now, most people I know are a little leery of change. They like things the way they are, but when you follow Jesus and truly work on getting to know Him (like you would a new friend that you really like or that handsome man in your physics class), things will change.

How do you contemplate things? 

When you really need to contemplate something, really need to know more about it, what do you do? Maybe you research it. You might find experts about the subject. You may even read books on the subject. So many people talk like they know the Lord. They speculate, they postulate and act like they have some innate knowledge of the Lord, but truly (as stated in the verse above), we need to contemplate the Lord’s glory. It’s not something that someone smacks us with and then we know it (like the I could have had a V8 commercials). We need to contemplate God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. How do we begin to contemplate the Lord’s glory? We get to see God revealed through scripture, Bible study, worship, prayer, communion, baptism and relationships. We always refer back to scripture for clarification and guidance. Things start to happen when you contemplate God’s glory. The verses above promise it. It says that those who have unveiled faces (believe in Jesus as their Savior), will be transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

As we have a deeper, closer relationship with our Lord. As we continue to contemplate His Glory, we will be transformed and become more like Him. That doesn’t really mean that we will become God-like exactly. Think of it this way. When you see a little boy, and he behaves like his dad, you might say, “He is his father’s son.” In the same way as we get to know God more fully, we will truly be Christians. We will be more like our Savior Jesus. We will be more like our father. We aren’t our Father, but our actions reflect our Father. Our behaviors match our Father’s beliefs more and more. We’re a chip of the old block, an apple that doesn’t fall far from the tree, or we may follow in our Father’s footsteps. At any rate, we are transformed. People will begin to associate us with our Father, with our God. We will be a reflection of Him, with ever-increasing glory. But it will not be our glory, it will be His. We will be like the moon. People will see our light, but that light would not be there with out the Son.

Change can be good!

We will be transformed when we contemplate the glory of the Lord. We will be changed. Our behaviors will change, our thoughts will change, and even our friends might change, because we will crave and desire to be closer with the Lord. Being in that relationship will shape all of our other relationships. It will be life changing, but it will be such a blessing!

Are you contemplating something? 

Whatever we are contemplating, that is where our focus is. What do you think about? Do you spend your time obsessing about food? Where to get your next drink? That new outfit you wanted to get before the party on Friday? None of us have perfect God centered thoughts all the time, but whatever we contemplate the most shapes who we become. My boys? I am constantly concerned about the amount of time they spend on video games, because spending so much time on one thing can change a person’s mind. How about my time on Facebook? There are so many things in our world that vie for our attention. So many things that can distract us from God. It takes discipline to begin contemplating and setting your mind on God. Once you do, you are transformed, it becomes a positive habit that is not as easily broken.

 

 

 

 

 
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Posted by on April 1, 2013 in My God is transforming

 

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My God is…my redeemer Galatians 3:10-14

29 Mar

Galatians 3:10-14 

Salvation

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”  Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse

We all live under laws. We have our civic laws, our family laws and even social laws. There are certain things you just don’t do in polite society. Yet we all know the feeling of doing something against the law. All of us have 
done something that wasn’t right. Maybe it was swearing at a loved one, talking back to your mom, cheating on your spouse, or lying on your resume. No matter what it is, I’m sure all of us can think of something we’ve done wrong (if not ask your family – I’m sure they could think of something). Suppose every time we did something 
wrong we lost the parts of your body that were involved in the sin. What parts would you have left? I don’t like to think about it, because I’m pretty sure for me there isn’t much left, but my armpits (though they may have 
caused offenses of their own). 

Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

I certainly can’t rely on the law to be justified before God. If I had to go defend myself and see all the crud I have done in my life, having to try to justify those behaviors, I would be laughed out of heaven. But I don’t have to rely on the law to be justified before God. I live by faith, and as it says in the verses above from Galatians, “The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”” And I guess die by them. But God has given us a way out. He’s given us a Redeemer.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”

Definition of REDEEM

1a : to buy back : repurchase
  b : to get or win back
2: to free from what distresses or harms: as
  a : to free from captivity by payment of ransom
  b : to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental
  c : to release from blame or debt : clear
  d : to free from the consequences of sin
3: to change for the better : reform
5 a : to free from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby
  b (1) : to remove the obligation of by payment <the United States Treasury redeems savings bonds on demand> (2) : to exchange for something of value <redeem trading stamps>
  c : to make good : fulfill
6 a : to atone for : expiate <redeem an error>
  b (1) : to offset the bad effect of (2) : to make worthwhile :retrieve
Go back and read those definitions again. Read them with your name inserted in them.
  • Jesus Redeemed (Your Name Here)
  • to buy (Your Name Here) back
  • to get or win (Your Name Here) back
  • to free (Your Name Here) from what distresses or harms
  • to free from (Your Name Here) captivity by paying a ransom
  • to extricate (Your Name Here) from or help (Your Name Here) overcome something detrimental
  • to release (Your Name Here) from blame or debt
  • to free (Your Name Here) from the consequences of sins
  • to change (Your Name Here) for the better
  • repair, restore (Your Name Here)
  • to free (Your Name Here) from a lien by payment of an amount secured thereby
  • to remove the obligation of by payment by (Your Name Here)
  • to exchange for something of value namely (Your Name Here)
  • to make (Your Name Here) good : fulfill (Your Name Here)
  • to atone for (Your Name Here) : expiate (Your Name Here)
  • to offset the bad effect of (Your Name Here)’s sin
  • to make (Your Name Here) worthwhile
  • retrieve (Your Name Here)

I don’t know about you, but I was overwhelmed by reading my name in those definitions. Jesus Christ went up on the cross for us on Good Friday to redeem us. Some ask why it is “Good” Friday when it’s such a horrible event. The list you just read, with your name in it, is why Good Friday is good. Because of what Jesus Christ has done for you. He died and rose again. He conquered death. He has done all of this and so much more.

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Why did God die on the cross? So that we might spend eternity with Him in heaven. So that we might be filled with the Holy Spirit and be in relationship with God. So that we would have a future, a hope, and a prayer.

 

 
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Posted by on March 29, 2013 in My God is My Redeemer

 

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My God is…the One who sustains me Psalm 54

27 Mar

Psalm 54 – Relationship-conflict

Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
 Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.

Arrogant foes are attacking me;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
people without regard for God.

Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness destroy them.

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
You have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me—people without regard for God.

That’s never happened to you, right? You’ve never had anyone talk bad about you or tell people something that wasn’t true, have you? I’m guessing there are many who are reading this saying, “It has happened to me, and it’s happening right now!” Maybe it’s someone at work who is trying to make themselves look better than you. Maybe your friend is cutting you down to make herself look more important. Maybe someone is straight up lying about you. Does it sometimes seem that people are lying in wait to trip you up? They sometimes seem well-intentioned, but then “whammo” they complain about you to your peers or superiors. Or maybe you feel someone is trying to isolate you, and remove others from your life so that you’re dependent on them. These kind of attacks are really hard to take, aren’t they.

They may not be out to kill you, but they’re killing your spirit, because being misrepresented, lied about and manipulated is not good for the soul. These actions are often sadly performed by those professing to be Christians (full disclosure – I’m one of these people. I know that I have fallen short of treating others the way the Lord would treat them). But as painful as it is for me to admit I’m one of these people it’s even harder to hear that what I am doing shows disregard for God. And those who do this to you are disregarding God as well. They’re not following His command to love others as yourself. It’s all to easy to look out for “Numero Uno”. Oh wait. I guess that might be the problem, God should be “Numero Uno” in our lives, and when we replace Him with our own desires, we always get off track.

Surely God is my help.

How do you get through those horrible situations when people are on the attack, when the devil is on the attack and trying to distract you from your walk with God. Well, you’re not alone. God is your help. We need to lean on God in our tough situations and let Him handle them for us. Praying before we interact with those who trouble us, praying for opportunities to have healthy relationships with those who manipulate and to have the words to be firm but kind.

Definition of SUSTAIN

1: to give support or relief to
2: to supply with sustenance : nourish
4: to support the weight of : prop; also : to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)
5: to buoy up <sustained by hope>
6a : to bear up under

 b : suffer, undergo <sustained heavy losses>
7a : to support as true, legal, or just
 b : to allow or admit as valid <the court sustained the motion>
8: to support by adequate proof : confirm <testimony that sustains our contention>
The Lord is the one who sustains me
Looking at the definition of sustain helps us to see the depth of the word that this scripture says God will do for us. He will give us support and relief. He will supply us with what we need to survive. He will help us persevere. When we can no longer stand under the strain, He will prop us up. He knows the truth, and testifies on our behalf. He gives us hope.
Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
When others slander and mistreat us, we can trust in God to administer His justice. It might not be in the time we want, but He’s got it under control. He is the one who will “Give them what they deserve”. We don’t have to think about revenge and restitution. We don’t have to think about anything but God.
I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
There is nothing sweeter than having these kinds of situations resolved. When people are no longer attacking us in such a direct manner, we can recognize God’s provision and protection. We praise His name for everything He has accomplished in our lives, and the way He has helped us to grow in our faith and maturity through these situations.
You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
 
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Posted by on March 27, 2013 in My God is the one who sustains me, Psalm

 

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My God is…Robed in Majesty Psalm 93:1-2

25 Mar

Psalm 93: 1-2 – The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; God-Creation
the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
 Your throne was established long ago;
you are from all eternity.

The Lord reigns

God is in charge. If you want to talk to the man at the top, God is your man. He’s the go to guy for any situation. If you want answers, He’s got them. If you want justice, He provides it. If you want security, He’s your God. He fulfills everything we need. No matter whether we acknowledge Him or not, He reigns.

He is robed in majesty

Definition of MAJESTY

1: sovereign power, authority, or dignity
2—used in addressing or referring to reigning sovereigns and their consorts <Your Majesty> <Her Majesty’s Government>
3a : royal bearing or aspect : grandeur

 b : greatness or splendor of quality or character
When we look at the phrase, “robed in majesty” I immediately pictured a king in his fanciest of robes. But to be robed in something is a bit different, I think. Robed means, “to clothe or cover with or as if with a robe”. It’s not the robe itself, but instead being covered with something. I think in the example of our verse above, it means that God has majesty all over Him. He’s got that sovereign power, authority, and the dignity only God can have, and it’s all over Him. His greatness and splendor is in every part of Him. He’s covered in it. He’s robed in it.
So why does it matter if God is robed in majesty?
I think the point of describing God as robed in majesty is to point out that He is God. He has supreme authority over all that happens. He has been around for all eternity and uses His strength for our good. Why does He have this supreme authority? This sovereign power? The author of our verses give us a couple of reasons. The first reason, “the world is established, firm and secure,” is like saying, you made all of this, and clearly you knew what you were doing, because each part of the world works off and with all of the other parts. There is no detail God has not created. In addition to being the majestic creator, the author also mentions that God’s  “throne was established long ago” and that God is “from all eternity.” God knows more, has seen more, understands more because He has seen it all. Literally. There is nothing that has been hidden from God. He has been present for every moment of every life. 
The Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength
Not only does God have the supreme authority, but He’s got the strength to back it up. He doesn’t have someone else fighting His battles for Him. He’s able to fight off all the evil in the world, and guess what the devil and all his minions have to listen. Why because God is robed in His majesty – God has the sovereign power, and He has had it since before the world began. We can trust our wants, needs and dreams to Him, because He has the power and strength to back up all His claims. His love for us allows us to lean on Him in all circumstances. Praise God!
 
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Posted by on March 25, 2013 in My God is Robed in Majesty, Psalm

 

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My God is…Filling Colossians 1:9-14

22 Mar

Colossians 1:9-14 – For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.water-pour We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.  For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

We continually ask God to fill you

Do you ever feel empty? You have amazing wonderful things going on in your world, yet you feel like you’re missing something? Or maybe you’re going through something really tough and you feel like you’re all alone. Maybe you worked really hard to lose weight, but when you did you realized it didn’t change your relationship with your husband the way you thought it would. We all get disappointed. Why? We see the answer in our verse above.

The knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives

What is the answer? The answer is knowing God’s will for us through wisdom and understanding from the Spirit. Some of you might say, “How do I get that?”, well, one way the spirit comes to us is through Baptism, another is through scripture, and thirdly from prayer. I know some of you pretty well by now, and someone is going to email me and say – “Really? Is that all there is for me?” I know as humans we want to DO SOMETHING! But the truth is the thing we really need to do is spend time with God. Put Him first above everything else. Spend time with Him. You say you’ve tried reading scripture and praying, do it more. Maybe hear some scripture through some Christian music. Get engaged in a Bible study, by yourself or with others.

So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way:

  • bearing fruit in every good work
  • growing in the knowledge of God
  • being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might
  • you may have great endurance and patience
  • giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light

God wants these things for us so we can live a life that God has planned for us, because it brings Him pleasure for us to live with Him in our lives. When we do that, we are going to bear more fruit. We’re going to grow in our relationship with Him. You know the friends you’ve spent a lot of time with pretty well, don’t you. Spend that kind of time with the Lord and watch what happens. Some of you have been going through some really tough things lately, we’ve been praying for many of you, and this next part made me think of you. If you’re in relationship with the Lord through the Holy Spirit, you will be strengthened with all power. Not a little power, you will be strengthened with all power. God parted the Red Sea, saved Daniel from the Lion’s Den and Rose Jesus from the dead, I think He can strengthen and preserve you too. He can handle what you’re going through. What’s another benefit of walking with the Lord? You will have endurance, you will be able to get through the tough times and miracle of miracles you will gain patience (I always seem to need more patience). All of this He does for us so that we might bring Him glory, showing His greatness to the world. In these tough experiences, we are developing the testimonies that the Holy Spirit could use to encourage others to come to faith. To God be the Glory.

 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. AMEN!!!

 
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Posted by on March 22, 2013 in Uncategorized

 

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My God is…Kind Jeremiah 9:23-24

20 Mar

Jeremiah 9:23-24 – counting-fortune

This is what the Lord says:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

But let the one who boasts boast about this

I don’t know about you, but I was taught not to boast. Not that I did a lot that was worth boasting about. I never worked that hard really. I was a decent student, but I wasn’t super motivated. I can’t say that I’ve achieved a lot by the world’s standards even now. I have reduced my working hours so that I can remain at peace and have more patience with my teenage boys. It’s worked, and it’s a huge blessing, but as the world sees it, all I really did was reduce the amount of money that was coming in the door. My boys struggle with knowing that as well. Every now and then they ask if I could go back to work so we could have more money, but then I ask, “Do you want “mean mommy” back?” They quickly say no. They like it that I’m calmer now when they come home. I work from home, and often wanted them to be quiet when they came home so I could quickly finish working. So I would snap and be grumpy. Never mind they were coming into their home, not an office (as far as they were concerned).

I can boast:

Being home without a super large workload has allowed me more time for Bible study, devotions, writing my blog and spending time with people in prayer. I’m no saint. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still working on a lot of things, but having time to worship God on a daily basis has allowed me to get to know my Lord more.

But let the one who boasts boast about this: That they have the understanding to know me

One thing that is so amazing is how the Lord reveals Himself in scripture and through prayer. Spending even 5 minutes a day reading His word can make a difference in my outlook for the whole day. I’m excited about my faith, and the faith of others. I enjoy discovering God’s truths (sometimes for the first time, sometimes being reminded of old discoveries) with my sisters in Christ. Mostly I enjoy sharing the joy they have when they see the difference knowing the Lord is having on their reactions to unkindness, injustice and stress. As we journey with Christ through the scriptures, we’re led to know Him more and that changes a person. Knowing your creator and savior is powerful.

But let the one who boasts boast about this: that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth

So now I will boast. I boast in my Lord who loves me and who loves you. He shows us kindness through His grace, mercy and patience as we are being set free from the bondage of hate, addiction and abuse. He is patient, so that we might not be lost, but that instead we might know Him. That we would know that he is the one who exercises kindness. He’s the Lord, and He exercises justice – you can trust Him to handle the vengeance you want to take out on those who’ve hurt you. He is righteous, and is exercising righteousness through His Son Jesus Christ who gave us righteousness by dying on the cross so that we would not be left to our own failing attempts at righteousness. Instead we are free to strive for righteousness because He has already washed us clean from all our sin and failures.

Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches

All of these things are good, but we need to recognize the source of them. We can’t boast in our wisdom, because any wisdom we have is from the Lord. We can not boast in our strength, but we can boast in the Lord giving us strength. We can not boast in our riches, because they are a gift from God. These things are all temporary and do not amount to anything without faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus. With Him, these things can have purpose, meaning and value. But only in Christ to they have any value at all. Only if they point back to Him.

We can boast: in Christ.

 

 
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Posted by on March 20, 2013 in My God is Kind

 

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My God is…patient 2 Peter 3:8-9

18 Mar

2 Peter 3:8-9 – But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and Salvationa thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness

Clearly the Lord and I do not understand time in the same way. This verse even says so. It says, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” This concept is so big for my mind to even fathom. What I do know, is that my Lord doesn’t always do things on my time. I can sometimes find that frustrating. I may want a burden of mine (or a loved one) lifted, but I want it to happen now. It hardly ever happens right when I ask for it. Sometimes it happens quickly other times it’s hard for me to even recognize the answer to my prayers, no matter when they’re answered.

God isn’t being slow, as you and I think of slowness. 

God isn’t dragging His heals, He’s waiting for perfect timing. Timing that has our best interest at heart. His timing may not be what we think is perfect timing, but He has the perspective of actually understanding eternity. For Him, it’s all about Eternity. If waiting helps you or someone else come to faith, deepen their faith or acknowledge the Lord, than God will likely wait. He is patient, waiting for the perfect moment that will help draw us closer to Him.

Definition of PATIENT

1: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2: manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3: not hasty or impetuous
4: steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity
5a : able or willing to bear —used with of
 b : susceptible, admitting <patient of one interpretation>
Manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
Forbearance: a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due. I had to look that up three times for it to stick in my memory. God is all about forbearance, isn’t He. Everything He has done was to help us escape the punishment we deserved. My mom seemed to understand that about our God. When my sister and I were in college, and my mom was sure we were making some stupid decisions, she would pray that we would not have the full consequences of our sins. She was asking the Lord for patience, forbearance and grace. That is what Jesus on the cross is all about, as well. Jesus died on the cross so we could benefit from God’s forbearance for us. He took on the enforcement of our punishment.
Bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
With this definition of patience, I feel like Jesus could be the synonym for patience. Our Lord Jesus took on our sins, took the full punishment, even unto death. He went through so many pains and trials, and didn’t complain, but calmly took it upon Himself so you and I might be freed from our sins.
Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Everything God does is with the intent of drawing us closer to Him. He wants everyone to come to repentance and to have faith in Him so that they will not perish but have eternal life that only comes through Jesus Christ. He is patient with you. As you learn and grow in Him, He knows you’re going to stumble and fall, but He stays by your side so that when you reach out, He’s right there to catch you. Oh how it pains Him when we ignore Him, or deny Him or sin against Him, but He is patient with us as we grow through His Holy Spirit and learn to cling to Him each day.
He wants a relationship with you
Sin stands between us and the Lord. It makes us want to deny Him, pull away from Him and ignore Him all together. But God, who loves you and I more than we can ever imagine, doesn’t want that for us. He wants us to live eternally with Him, and that’s why, even though we fail over and over again, He is patient. He loves you too much not to be.
 
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Posted by on March 18, 2013 in 2 Peter, My God is Patient

 

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