When most Europeans in 1492 looked at the Atlantic Ocean, they saw a barrier. When Christopher Columbus looked at the Atlantic, he saw an oppurtunity. Columbus knew that sailing across it would be a challenge, but he envisioned sailing west as the answer that many Europeans were looking for to the problem of how to get to Asia more easily. Everybody saw the same ocean, but the difference was in how they saw it. Columbus' vision opened a new world for the Europeans and for world history. Although it was not what anyone in Europe expected (including Columbus), great blessings came from the world that was discovered.
When God was preparing to lead the Israelites into the land He had promised to give them, He had the people send twelve spies into Canaan to find out all they could about the land. Ten of the spies thought it was an insurmountable problem, while two believer that they could conquer the land with God's help. All of the spies saw the same land, but the difference was in how they saw it. The ten looked at Canaan through eyes of fear and doubt, while the two saw with eyes of faith. How these ancient explorers saw the land before them affected the history of their people from that time forward.
Let's take a look at this story in the Bible. :)
~Numbers 13-14
Chapter 13
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the Lord sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur. Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun. Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu. Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi. Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi. Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli. Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael. Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi. Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua. And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Chapter 14
The People Rebel against the LORD
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they. And Moses said unto the Lord, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;) And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou Lord art among this people, that thou Lord art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night. Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying, Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness. And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.
God's Punishment on Israel
And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word: But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelt in the valley.) To morrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
The Death of the Ten Evil Spies
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the Lord. But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
The Defeat of Israel at Hormah
And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly. And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the Lord hath promised: for we have sinned. And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the Lord? but it shall not prosper. Go not up, for the Lord is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the Lord, therefore the Lord will not be with you. But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.
Lessons from the story of the spies:
The majority is not always right. Five-sixths of the spies and almost all of the Israelites were convinced that they could not conquer the Promised Land, but they were wrong. What is favored by the majority and what appears to be popular is no basis for living and making decisions. People (including you and I) can be easily influenced by an idea that appears to offer short-term reward or by a persuasive speaker who has a hidden agenda. We have to live by what is right in God's eyes, regardless of how popular that is, at any given moment.
We become what we fear. The Israelites were afraid that they could not conquer Canaan and would die in the wilderness. Because of their faithlessness, that is exactly what happened to them. They did not conquer Canaan and they dies in the wilderness. If we fear failure, we are more likely to fail by simply trying to avoid failure. If we fear what people think, we will become captive to the opinions of others. If we fear God, on the other hand, we will treat Him with respect and will become more like Him. Fear (except for the fear of God) is no motive to live by.
Look at your world through the eyes of faith. Anyone can make excuses and can see roadblocks and reasons why something cannot happen. The person who trusts God sees what is possible and looks beyond the problems to the solution. The eyes of doubt and fear focus on what is seen, which often includes difficulties. The eyes that see as God wants us to see focus on the unseen: the unseen and powerful God and the goal that God can help us accomplish.
The explorers of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries caught a vision for what was possible, despite the risks, and changed the world. Joshua and Caleb caught the vision of what God promised, despite the difficulties, and entered into the Promised Land. As you explore the life that God gives you, look beyond the difficulties and potential roadblocks and see what God can accomplish through you.
P.S. We finally got some snow the other night! In the end of October when we had that big snowstorm and lost our power for 4 days, I thought it was going to be a long winter. The past couple weeks, I had begun to think and wonder if Winter would ever come. It finally did! :) Have a great night, and a wonderful weekend! :)
In Him, Karissa││Romans 12
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Story of the Three Trees
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
The second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to
my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenter's, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.
The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.
At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things do not seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, but not in the way they had imagined.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
We do not always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world."
The second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to
my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.
One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenter's, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.
The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped.
At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.
When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things do not seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, but not in the way they had imagined.
The next time you feel down because you didn't get what you wanted, sit tight and be happy because God is thinking of something better to give you.
We do not always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
"To this world you might just be another person, but to one person you just might be the whole world."
I hope you all had a good Christmas! Have a wonderful day!
Love, Karissa││Romans 12
P.S. Any thoughts on the new design? I like it, but we have no snow yet, here in Massachusetts, soooo, I'm really hoping we get some reeeaaalllyyy soon! :)
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Calvary's Love
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? And what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I find myself taking lapses for granted, "Oh, that's what they always do," "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am soft to myself and slide comfortably into self-pity and self-sympathy; If I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth); if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel bitter toward those who condemn me, as it seems to me, unjustly, forgetting that if they knew me as I know myself they would condemn me much more, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not forget about such a trifle as personal success, so that it never crosses my mind, or if it does, is never given room there; if the cup of flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself, so that others are caused to feel unwanted; if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous (to myself, for myself), then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I refuse to allow one who is dear to me to suffer for the sake of Christ, if I do not see such suffering as the greatest honor that can be offered to any follower of the Crucified, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I slip into the place that can be filled by Christ alone, making myself the first necessity to a soul instead of leading it to fasten upon Him, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I wonder why something trying is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go on in peace under any mystery, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.
~Amy Carmichael
Sunday, October 2, 2011
In Search Of Silence
In Search Of Silence
From: Our Daily Bread
Written by: Julie Ackerman Link
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:35-45
"My next record should be 45 minutes of silence," said singer, Meg Hutchinson, "beacause that's what we're missing most in society." Silence is indeed hard to find. Cities are notoriously noisy due to the high concentration of traffic and people. There seems to be no escape from loud music, loud machines, and loud voices. But the kind of noise that endangers our spiritual well-being is not the noise we can't escape but the noise we invite into our lives. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out loneliness: voices of TV and radio personalities give us the illusion of companionship. Some of us use it as a way of shutting out our own thoughts: other voices and opinions keep us from having to think for ourselves. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out the voice if God: constant chatter, even when we're talking about God, keeps us from hearing what God has to say. But Jesus, even during His busiest times, made a point of seeking out places of solitude where He could carry on a conversation with God (Mark 1:35). Even when we can't find a place that is perfectly quiet, we need to find a place to quiet our souls (Ps. 131:2), a place where God has our full attention.
From: Our Daily Bread
Written by: Julie Ackerman Link
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:35-45
"My next record should be 45 minutes of silence," said singer, Meg Hutchinson, "beacause that's what we're missing most in society." Silence is indeed hard to find. Cities are notoriously noisy due to the high concentration of traffic and people. There seems to be no escape from loud music, loud machines, and loud voices. But the kind of noise that endangers our spiritual well-being is not the noise we can't escape but the noise we invite into our lives. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out loneliness: voices of TV and radio personalities give us the illusion of companionship. Some of us use it as a way of shutting out our own thoughts: other voices and opinions keep us from having to think for ourselves. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out the voice if God: constant chatter, even when we're talking about God, keeps us from hearing what God has to say. But Jesus, even during His busiest times, made a point of seeking out places of solitude where He could carry on a conversation with God (Mark 1:35). Even when we can't find a place that is perfectly quiet, we need to find a place to quiet our souls (Ps. 131:2), a place where God has our full attention.
For Further Study:
For more on this topic, read the online booklet
Mary and Martha: Balancing Life's Priorities
Don't let the noise of the world keep you from
hearing the voice of the Lord.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
There
I read this the other day on ylcf.org, and thought it was really good, so I wanted to share it with you! Some of you may have read it, but I just wanted to put it on here anyways! :)
It was simply titled “There”, but it was one of the most powerful sermons I’d heard. The piece of paper on which I jotted the notes and main points is limp now, for each of the years that have passed since I first heard the sermon have proved to make the message it contained more relevant all the time.
It was a sermon about being There, right where God has asked us to be. It’s not always where we think we want to be, and most certainly not always the place that makes sense to us as humans, but being There is the only place we should be.
For Noah, there was preaching an apparently foolish sermon about something that had never happened before. There was to build a boat- a living testimony to his faith. There was to endure ridicule, reproach, to be called crazy and out of his mind for One Hundred and Fifty years. There was to wait in that arch until God opened the door. Not stepping out a moment sooner, not a moment later than God’s will for him and his family.
For Moses, there was in the palace of the king of Egypt. The king who was cruel to his people and hated his God. There was living the lonely and humble life of a shepherd for forty years, and there was standing in the palace and at the risk of everything, delivering the message to set God’s people free.
For Joseph, there was a servant in the house of a stranger, doing his very best only to be unjustly accused and thrown in to prison. There was then to serve God- and his superiors faithfully, no matter how long and tedious those years must’ve felt.
For Esther, there was in the palace of a heathen king, as Queen – for “such a time as this”- risking her life to save her people.
For Elijah, there was beside the little brook of Cherith, relying on Ravens to bring him food, and trusting that the little brook wouldn’t dry up, until God led him on.
There for him and for each one of these great bible heroes was right where God wanted them to be, and there is right where we need to be, no matter what.
Over the years, the lines from that sermon have often echoed in my heart when the place God asked me to be didn’t always feel so comfortable, didn’t always make sense to me, or so very beautiful as I thought I wanted, and again when I’ve caught glimpses of why He put me right there after all. And I’ve jotted my own notes under the outlines of the sermon, filling in the things that I have learned, that am always learning as I seek to truly be There. Right in the place that He has put me for today. No where else, just right there.
Truly, “the path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.”
May these little notes serve to encourage you in your “there” to be faithful, and to trust Him who makes all things beautiful in His time.
There is a place of perplexity. Sometimes I don’t know why God put me here. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes seems so far from where I want to be, or even where I think I should be right now. But if He puts me there, be there, no matter how perplexing or uncertain it seems, because I know that He knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture, while I’m only catching a glimpse of the moment I’m in.
There is a place of promise. Our God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or even imagine. No matter what There looks like, if we remain, trusting Him, He promises to make all things clear in His time, that we shall not lack any good thing, that He will be faithful. His word is full of promises to us, and the honor of His throne stands behind the fulfillment of those promises.
There is a place of providence. God has a plan, a beautiful plan for working out His purpose in our life. In our limited human vision, this is not often clear to us, but there is no chance in being there where He has asked us to be- just His promises, His providence. When we step out in faith, right there in the line of duty, providence meets us, and His way, His plans are always perfect.
There is a place of provision. God has more than a thousand ways to provide for every single one of our needs. He has promised to provide for us, and He will be faithful to that promise. If we choose our own place, instead of being There where He has called us, no matter how humble of a there it might be, God’s hand may still protect us, but His provision is not what it would have been or could have been had we faithfully remained there in his will.
There is a place of protection. While we are there, in His will, we will be under His care, even in the very path of danger. “The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or through the sea, but it is a safe path.” Whatever happens there, God is in control and He will not allow anything to happen that is not according to His will, but we must never leave God’s appointed there for any other place, for no other place is as safe as right there where He wants us to be.
There is a place of prayer. Asking God to give us the good gifts that His word says that are ours for the asking, asking for his blessings on others, asking Him to take care of tomorrow, and to give us strength for today. Thanking Him for what He has done, and will do. Sharing with Him as your Friend and Confidant.
There is a place of praise. Praise God for his provision, protection, providence and for the promises that He has fulfilled. “Let His praise be continually on your lips.” We ask often for His blessings, as we should, but how little time we spend in praising Him and thanking Him for the great things that He has done. As we focus our eyes on the blessings He daily has poured out on us in this place, our heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving. Instead of “give me…” and “give me…” or “do this….” or “do that…”, the language of our heart becomes “Thank you”, “Thank you”, “Thank you”.
There is a place of patience. God has sent us there, and if “the brook of Cherith dries up”, if the door of the ark doesn’t open immediately, if the sun is still hiding behind those clouds, wait patiently on His plan, His time, His provision. No matter what appearances may say, stay there until He makes a way. “If there ever was a time for patient trust, it is right now” when you feel the least like waiting. Trust in his purposes, even when they do not make sense.
There is a place of peace. If you are there- in His will- you will have peace of mind and heart. If you are not there, you cannot have true peace or rest. “There” could be in a den of lions, in a fiery furnace, in a ship lost at sea, or in the middle of the most devastating of circumstances, but peace between your soul and God is there because peace is a gift that only God can give. And it is a gift that He delights to give those that trust in His will. It does not mean that there will never be any struggles, or that you will not have to keep putting your heart and mind back into the hands of God, but when you do this, the peace will come.
There is a place of privilege. It is a privilege to be There. Right there in God’s will, right there where He has called us to be. To be a part of His great plan is a privilege, and an honor that we should cherish. All of His instructions are a privilege, and more than a privilege, a joy for those who love Him to obey. And for each thing that He calls us to, He gives us strength and grace in great measure to accomplish. In light of this, why do we complain when there isn’t how we think it should be, when it is a place so filled with privileges and blessings?
This is a picture I saw on someone else's blog, and I really liked it, so I wanted to share this as well! I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)
"There"
It was a sermon about being There, right where God has asked us to be. It’s not always where we think we want to be, and most certainly not always the place that makes sense to us as humans, but being There is the only place we should be.
For Noah, there was preaching an apparently foolish sermon about something that had never happened before. There was to build a boat- a living testimony to his faith. There was to endure ridicule, reproach, to be called crazy and out of his mind for One Hundred and Fifty years. There was to wait in that arch until God opened the door. Not stepping out a moment sooner, not a moment later than God’s will for him and his family.
For Moses, there was in the palace of the king of Egypt. The king who was cruel to his people and hated his God. There was living the lonely and humble life of a shepherd for forty years, and there was standing in the palace and at the risk of everything, delivering the message to set God’s people free.
For Joseph, there was a servant in the house of a stranger, doing his very best only to be unjustly accused and thrown in to prison. There was then to serve God- and his superiors faithfully, no matter how long and tedious those years must’ve felt.
For Esther, there was in the palace of a heathen king, as Queen – for “such a time as this”- risking her life to save her people.
For Elijah, there was beside the little brook of Cherith, relying on Ravens to bring him food, and trusting that the little brook wouldn’t dry up, until God led him on.
There for him and for each one of these great bible heroes was right where God wanted them to be, and there is right where we need to be, no matter what.
Over the years, the lines from that sermon have often echoed in my heart when the place God asked me to be didn’t always feel so comfortable, didn’t always make sense to me, or so very beautiful as I thought I wanted, and again when I’ve caught glimpses of why He put me right there after all. And I’ve jotted my own notes under the outlines of the sermon, filling in the things that I have learned, that am always learning as I seek to truly be There. Right in the place that He has put me for today. No where else, just right there.
Truly, “the path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.”
May these little notes serve to encourage you in your “there” to be faithful, and to trust Him who makes all things beautiful in His time.
There is a place of perplexity. Sometimes I don’t know why God put me here. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes seems so far from where I want to be, or even where I think I should be right now. But if He puts me there, be there, no matter how perplexing or uncertain it seems, because I know that He knows what He’s doing. He sees the big picture, while I’m only catching a glimpse of the moment I’m in.
There is a place of promise. Our God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or even imagine. No matter what There looks like, if we remain, trusting Him, He promises to make all things clear in His time, that we shall not lack any good thing, that He will be faithful. His word is full of promises to us, and the honor of His throne stands behind the fulfillment of those promises.
There is a place of providence. God has a plan, a beautiful plan for working out His purpose in our life. In our limited human vision, this is not often clear to us, but there is no chance in being there where He has asked us to be- just His promises, His providence. When we step out in faith, right there in the line of duty, providence meets us, and His way, His plans are always perfect.
There is a place of provision. God has more than a thousand ways to provide for every single one of our needs. He has promised to provide for us, and He will be faithful to that promise. If we choose our own place, instead of being There where He has called us, no matter how humble of a there it might be, God’s hand may still protect us, but His provision is not what it would have been or could have been had we faithfully remained there in his will.
There is a place of protection. While we are there, in His will, we will be under His care, even in the very path of danger. “The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or through the sea, but it is a safe path.” Whatever happens there, God is in control and He will not allow anything to happen that is not according to His will, but we must never leave God’s appointed there for any other place, for no other place is as safe as right there where He wants us to be.
There is a place of prayer. Asking God to give us the good gifts that His word says that are ours for the asking, asking for his blessings on others, asking Him to take care of tomorrow, and to give us strength for today. Thanking Him for what He has done, and will do. Sharing with Him as your Friend and Confidant.
There is a place of praise. Praise God for his provision, protection, providence and for the promises that He has fulfilled. “Let His praise be continually on your lips.” We ask often for His blessings, as we should, but how little time we spend in praising Him and thanking Him for the great things that He has done. As we focus our eyes on the blessings He daily has poured out on us in this place, our heart will be overflowing with thanksgiving. Instead of “give me…” and “give me…” or “do this….” or “do that…”, the language of our heart becomes “Thank you”, “Thank you”, “Thank you”.
There is a place of patience. God has sent us there, and if “the brook of Cherith dries up”, if the door of the ark doesn’t open immediately, if the sun is still hiding behind those clouds, wait patiently on His plan, His time, His provision. No matter what appearances may say, stay there until He makes a way. “If there ever was a time for patient trust, it is right now” when you feel the least like waiting. Trust in his purposes, even when they do not make sense.
There is a place of peace. If you are there- in His will- you will have peace of mind and heart. If you are not there, you cannot have true peace or rest. “There” could be in a den of lions, in a fiery furnace, in a ship lost at sea, or in the middle of the most devastating of circumstances, but peace between your soul and God is there because peace is a gift that only God can give. And it is a gift that He delights to give those that trust in His will. It does not mean that there will never be any struggles, or that you will not have to keep putting your heart and mind back into the hands of God, but when you do this, the peace will come.
There is a place of privilege. It is a privilege to be There. Right there in God’s will, right there where He has called us to be. To be a part of His great plan is a privilege, and an honor that we should cherish. All of His instructions are a privilege, and more than a privilege, a joy for those who love Him to obey. And for each thing that He calls us to, He gives us strength and grace in great measure to accomplish. In light of this, why do we complain when there isn’t how we think it should be, when it is a place so filled with privileges and blessings?
This is a picture I saw on someone else's blog, and I really liked it, so I wanted to share this as well! I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)
In Christ,
Karissa :)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Loooong post :)
Hey everyone,
I am finally blogging again! Oh my! I don't have any pictures at this time, but hope to have some soon. :) Haha. I was going to write the other day but I didn't end up getting to. Oh well! To get on to what I want to blog about...
I am growing to love and look forward to my times with the Lord each day more and more. The other day when I was doing my devotions, I was praying and I just had a great feeling, like I was in the arms of Christ! It was a wonderful feeling. When I was done I had such a joy and peace in my heart, knowing that God is on control of my life, and He will take care of me. I can place my total trust in Him, knowing that whatever happens is all for the glory and honour of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour! I am so excited to continue to learn and grow each day, and see what God has for me to do for His Kingdom.
Recently, I have been praying and asking God that I would be content in the place He has placed me and although it may not be what I want, or I am not happy, that I would have a good attitude, and not be angry or whatever. Philippians 4:11 says I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. So, that is some of the things I have been learning, and God has been teaching me through His word recently! :D
Well, a while ago (almost two weeks now. Wow!), we went to the Deerfield fair. It was really fun. It started out to be a rainy day, but we prayed that God would have it be a nice day, and it was beautiful for the rest of the day. It was nice weather (not to warm, and not to hot), and there was a beautiful breeze! God was very good. (like always!) :) We enjoyed seeing all the animals (horses, cows, pigs, roosters, chickens, goats, sheep, etc), and also had a great time watching the pig scramble, the flying Wallenda's, the horse pull (horse pullin', at the Deerfield fair, you'll see no better, says the guy. Haha), the horse show, and others. Over all, it was a fun day! :)
This past weekend, we went to The Hanson's house for a harvest carnival! I was sick on Saturday, and that was really a bummer, but at least I was better Sunday and Monday, and get to have some fun. So, when we got there Friday night, just Kristi Phipps and Allie were there (and of course the Hanson's. Haha). So, after a little bit, the Johnson's get there, and everyone went crazy ("the bus is at the end of the driveway", "the bus is here"). So then everyone had ice cream, and after a little bit Emily, Thomas, Nicholas, Katie, Uncle Tom and Auntie Heather get there. So, for the rest of that night it was just playing and going to bed.
The next morning everyone had pancakes and fruit, etc. made by Kristi and Allie. I'm not all that sure what everyone did that day, since I was in bed, but I do know that the kids played some capture the flag, and other stuff, and the adults played some volleyball. Mrs. Robin had invited some other people, so there were lots of other "new" people to play and have fun with as well! Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan came with Nate and Maria (who I didn't get to see :( hopefully next time :) ), and Kelly Poitier was also there. Mr. Johnson, Corbin and Lucas had to go home sometime Saturday to go to a karate thing, and Mr. J had to preach on Sunday morning....but they were back. Lunch that day was by us, sandwiches with turkey breast, bologna, etc. and chips and vegetables. Supper was by Mrs. Robin, which was beef stew. I didn't get to eat a lot of food that day, but I did have some, and what I ate was GOOD (so thank you to Kristi and Allie, Mom and Susanna, and Mrs. Robin for those delicious meals). So, I think Saturday was a good day filled with lots of fun!
Sunday, I woke up feeling muccchhh better, PTL! :) The breakfast was delicious! Waffles, fruit, biscuits and jelly, etc. Then we had a Church service, and Mr. Hanson shared some of his thoughts with us, as well as other people passing around some thoughts as well. After that was just kind of hanging out until lunch which was tacos made by Auntie Heather! They were soooo good (thanks for making that meal Auntie Heather)! After that it was just more hanging out, talking, having fun, playing, etc. The kids played a lot more capture the flag, and more. The Johnson's got back probably at about 3-3:30 I'd say. Supper Sunday night was Stromboli made by Mrs. Johnson (yum! Thanks Mrs. J for making that for us), and salad (I think they may have soup as well). After dinner was a time of singing with Mr. J playing the guitar. I really enjoyed that time of singing, it was just wonderful. You could sense the presence of the Lord in that room, that night!
After that was dessert. Leftovers (cookies, etc), plus apple pie that Mrs. J had made. Yummy! Oh! Mrs. J also made the yummy chocolate chex mix that's so good! :D And again after that it was just playing, and having some more fun before it was time to go to bed. We played some pole position, mappy and pac man on the tv. Caleb and Corbin (as well as Mr. Hanson, Mr. J, and Uncle Tom) played ping pong a lot, and had lots of fun with that. The next morning, last day ( :'( ), we woke up and had muffins made by Mrs. J, waffles, fruit, and a couple other things. After that we played outside for a while, before it was time to pack up. When we were about done packing, we stopped for lunch, which was leftovers (chips, pretzels, sandwiches with whatever meat was leftovers, etc.). Then right before we left to head for home, Corbin made everyone smoothies (either pineapple, strawberry, banana, or any combination with those three things). I had the regular strawberry banana like at the sand box this summer! :) Thanks Corbin for those delicious smoothies. After that, it was time to say our goodbyes and head for home! It was a great weekend, and everyone had lots of fun!
So, thanks to everyone who made it so fun, to all those who prepared the meals, and helped with cleanup, dishes, and anything else that went on. I hope next time, I won't be feeling yucky and I'll be able to help some more!
Well, that is all I am going to say for now. I am out of breath, and this is getting really long! Lol. I hope to get some pictures on here when I get the chance, and I hope you all have a great night! :)
I am finally blogging again! Oh my! I don't have any pictures at this time, but hope to have some soon. :) Haha. I was going to write the other day but I didn't end up getting to. Oh well! To get on to what I want to blog about...
I am growing to love and look forward to my times with the Lord each day more and more. The other day when I was doing my devotions, I was praying and I just had a great feeling, like I was in the arms of Christ! It was a wonderful feeling. When I was done I had such a joy and peace in my heart, knowing that God is on control of my life, and He will take care of me. I can place my total trust in Him, knowing that whatever happens is all for the glory and honour of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour! I am so excited to continue to learn and grow each day, and see what God has for me to do for His Kingdom.
Recently, I have been praying and asking God that I would be content in the place He has placed me and although it may not be what I want, or I am not happy, that I would have a good attitude, and not be angry or whatever. Philippians 4:11 says I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. So, that is some of the things I have been learning, and God has been teaching me through His word recently! :D
Well, a while ago (almost two weeks now. Wow!), we went to the Deerfield fair. It was really fun. It started out to be a rainy day, but we prayed that God would have it be a nice day, and it was beautiful for the rest of the day. It was nice weather (not to warm, and not to hot), and there was a beautiful breeze! God was very good. (like always!) :) We enjoyed seeing all the animals (horses, cows, pigs, roosters, chickens, goats, sheep, etc), and also had a great time watching the pig scramble, the flying Wallenda's, the horse pull (horse pullin', at the Deerfield fair, you'll see no better, says the guy. Haha), the horse show, and others. Over all, it was a fun day! :)
This past weekend, we went to The Hanson's house for a harvest carnival! I was sick on Saturday, and that was really a bummer, but at least I was better Sunday and Monday, and get to have some fun. So, when we got there Friday night, just Kristi Phipps and Allie were there (and of course the Hanson's. Haha). So, after a little bit, the Johnson's get there, and everyone went crazy ("the bus is at the end of the driveway", "the bus is here"). So then everyone had ice cream, and after a little bit Emily, Thomas, Nicholas, Katie, Uncle Tom and Auntie Heather get there. So, for the rest of that night it was just playing and going to bed.
The next morning everyone had pancakes and fruit, etc. made by Kristi and Allie. I'm not all that sure what everyone did that day, since I was in bed, but I do know that the kids played some capture the flag, and other stuff, and the adults played some volleyball. Mrs. Robin had invited some other people, so there were lots of other "new" people to play and have fun with as well! Auntie Jenn and Uncle Dan came with Nate and Maria (who I didn't get to see :( hopefully next time :) ), and Kelly Poitier was also there. Mr. Johnson, Corbin and Lucas had to go home sometime Saturday to go to a karate thing, and Mr. J had to preach on Sunday morning....but they were back. Lunch that day was by us, sandwiches with turkey breast, bologna, etc. and chips and vegetables. Supper was by Mrs. Robin, which was beef stew. I didn't get to eat a lot of food that day, but I did have some, and what I ate was GOOD (so thank you to Kristi and Allie, Mom and Susanna, and Mrs. Robin for those delicious meals). So, I think Saturday was a good day filled with lots of fun!
Sunday, I woke up feeling muccchhh better, PTL! :) The breakfast was delicious! Waffles, fruit, biscuits and jelly, etc. Then we had a Church service, and Mr. Hanson shared some of his thoughts with us, as well as other people passing around some thoughts as well. After that was just kind of hanging out until lunch which was tacos made by Auntie Heather! They were soooo good (thanks for making that meal Auntie Heather)! After that it was just more hanging out, talking, having fun, playing, etc. The kids played a lot more capture the flag, and more. The Johnson's got back probably at about 3-3:30 I'd say. Supper Sunday night was Stromboli made by Mrs. Johnson (yum! Thanks Mrs. J for making that for us), and salad (I think they may have soup as well). After dinner was a time of singing with Mr. J playing the guitar. I really enjoyed that time of singing, it was just wonderful. You could sense the presence of the Lord in that room, that night!
After that was dessert. Leftovers (cookies, etc), plus apple pie that Mrs. J had made. Yummy! Oh! Mrs. J also made the yummy chocolate chex mix that's so good! :D And again after that it was just playing, and having some more fun before it was time to go to bed. We played some pole position, mappy and pac man on the tv. Caleb and Corbin (as well as Mr. Hanson, Mr. J, and Uncle Tom) played ping pong a lot, and had lots of fun with that. The next morning, last day ( :'( ), we woke up and had muffins made by Mrs. J, waffles, fruit, and a couple other things. After that we played outside for a while, before it was time to pack up. When we were about done packing, we stopped for lunch, which was leftovers (chips, pretzels, sandwiches with whatever meat was leftovers, etc.). Then right before we left to head for home, Corbin made everyone smoothies (either pineapple, strawberry, banana, or any combination with those three things). I had the regular strawberry banana like at the sand box this summer! :) Thanks Corbin for those delicious smoothies. After that, it was time to say our goodbyes and head for home! It was a great weekend, and everyone had lots of fun!
So, thanks to everyone who made it so fun, to all those who prepared the meals, and helped with cleanup, dishes, and anything else that went on. I hope next time, I won't be feeling yucky and I'll be able to help some more!
Well, that is all I am going to say for now. I am out of breath, and this is getting really long! Lol. I hope to get some pictures on here when I get the chance, and I hope you all have a great night! :)
With his Love,
Karissa Noelle <3
1 John 2:15-17 (King James Version)
15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)