We have so much to be thankful for. I did not believe it would ever get to 28° (80°), but it did! I do have to say, that I still like the heat better than all that snow we had! Okay, it can get a little difficult, or uncomfortable, because there is no air conditioning, but I realize how much Karen and I are adapting to this European climate.
We are in the middle of our LST (Let's Start Talking) campaign. We now have three students living with us that come from the Sam Houston University in Texas. They are meeting daily with people here in Leipzig that wish to improve their conversational skill in English. I am so humbled by seeing how God is working in so many different peoples lives. People coming from many different walks of life, wanting to develop new relationships. It is such a blessing for us to have these students here. On so many levels. I do so enjoy seeing them interact with different people. Talking, laughing, and just getting to know people with different ideas and many times a very different way of thinking.
It has also been a blessing to have them here because it helps Karen and I recognize just how much of the language and the culture we really do know and understand. Have you ever learned a foreign language? Have you ever been to a place where you could actually use this language and speak to someone who spoke that language as a native tongue? Maybe a better question is, have you ever been to a country and not been able to speak, read or communicate with the local people? Yea, it is not so much fun. In a tourist area you will probably find someone you can communicate with. Often, in many foreign countries the people can speak English as a second language, but not always. I think you get the picture I am trying to paint for you. So, it is not an easy thing to do to communicate with someone who does not speak your language. I have been reminded through helping these students read how to get somewhere, understand what someone is saying to them, shopping in a grocery store where everything is written in a language you cannot understand (thank goodness for pictures :-) ) and general just getting around in a city of nearly 3/4 of a million people. It feels very good to be able to help them do these things. It reminds us that we have learned a lot... ha, yes, we have much more to learn... but when we stop learning... well, I guess that is when we leave this earth, yes?
I am thankful for friends. I am thankful that we have a best friend in Jesus and I am glad that we are here and have the opportunity to share the good message about Jesus with the people God puts in our path in this city. Thanks for reading, praying and caring!!
Mark
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Summer time
I am so excited about summer. One it is warm... two it is time for our LST campaign. I must once again apologize for being so bad about making a post. I have no excuses...
We have students here from York College to help people improve their English by reading and talking about Bible verses. We had our meeting this past Tuesday and had over 25 people show up to the meeting to find out how they could take part. 25 people. That is amazing! Only one of those that showed up was someone that we were already acquainted with. The students have their work cut out for them as they seek to build a relationship and a bridge to us, those of us who live here year around, and make a connection so that we can share the love of our Father with people in this city. I am humbled, I am thrilled and I am so excited about the next 6 weeks.
I shot a video of our students playing in a field of Rapps (not sure what we call that in English). It is a crop that is used to make oil to cook with. They have the most beautiful yellow flowers this time of year. Let me see if it will let me upload it... hold on...
So, I think it worked... but I am gonna keep writing till it is finished.
We are having a great time getting to know the students and we now have a building where they can meet and we can also use it as a place of worship on Sundays. Exciting times. Ah ha, it is finished. I think it will work. Hope you enjoy the video.
Enough for now. I hope to add more later. Thanks for you patience...
For Him,
Mark
We have students here from York College to help people improve their English by reading and talking about Bible verses. We had our meeting this past Tuesday and had over 25 people show up to the meeting to find out how they could take part. 25 people. That is amazing! Only one of those that showed up was someone that we were already acquainted with. The students have their work cut out for them as they seek to build a relationship and a bridge to us, those of us who live here year around, and make a connection so that we can share the love of our Father with people in this city. I am humbled, I am thrilled and I am so excited about the next 6 weeks.
I shot a video of our students playing in a field of Rapps (not sure what we call that in English). It is a crop that is used to make oil to cook with. They have the most beautiful yellow flowers this time of year. Let me see if it will let me upload it... hold on...
So, I think it worked... but I am gonna keep writing till it is finished.
We are having a great time getting to know the students and we now have a building where they can meet and we can also use it as a place of worship on Sundays. Exciting times. Ah ha, it is finished. I think it will work. Hope you enjoy the video.
Enough for now. I hope to add more later. Thanks for you patience...
For Him,
Mark
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Change… or not?
- Think for a moment…
- How have things changed in the way you live, just in your lifetime?
- What are three things that have been developed since you have been born?
- What are three things that have been developed since you have been born?
- For me that is a little bit easier, I have been around longer :-)
- Microwave oven
- Consumer use began in the 60's
- Consumer use began in the 60's
- Color TV
- okay they were actually developed in the 50's but no one could afford to have one until the 60's
- okay they were actually developed in the 50's but no one could afford to have one until the 60's
- Video Games
- Atari started in the 70's
- Atari started in the 70's
- Personal computers
- Yes, we had computers when I was young, but they were the size of a large room and no one had them at home
- My first computer was a Vic 20
- 5 KB (not mb) of Ram
- Came out in 1980
- 5 KB (not mb) of Ram
- Next was the Commodore64
- 64 KB of Ram
- Came out in 1982
- 64 KB of Ram
- Yes, we had computers when I was young, but they were the size of a large room and no one had them at home
- Handys (Mobile phones)
- The first produced for public use was in the 70's
- Bag phone
- Brick phone
- Bag phone
- We went from LP records to cassette tapes to cd's to mp3
- We didn't have Ipod or Iphone
- We didn't have Ipod or Iphone
- All changes have not been positive or good changes
- The worlds attitudes about things have changed
- Marriage
- Sex outside of marriage
- Modest dress
- Abortion
- Honesty, integrity, ethics
- Marriage
- Many times I feel like many people in the world call me "square" (uncool) or an "old fogy" (too retro) if I hold to my Bible beliefs
- I am not "with the times"
- I am not living in the "real world"
- I am not "with the times"
- So what do we do when the world trashes the good things, Biblical teachings through its change in thinking?
- In Psalms 11:3 David talks about the same problem, only many years earlier
- What would good people do if the wicked destroyed all that is good?
- This is the question for us tonight
- What will good people, people following God, do about negative changes in our world?
- This is the question for us tonight
- David gives us the solution by revealing 3 things about God here in Psalms 11
- Let's read this together
- Focus on vs. 4: (someone read this verse again, please)
- The Lord is in his holy temple. The Lord sits on his throne in heaven. He sees everything that happens. He watches people closely.
- The Lord is in his holy temple. The Lord sits on his throne in heaven. He sees everything that happens. He watches people closely.
- 3 important things about God
- God is holy
- His holiness is unthreatened by an unholy world
- His standards set forth in the Bible for Holy living do not change just because people's opinions change
- His holiness is unthreatened by an unholy world
- God rules!
- Things changing here on earth do not change the fact that God rules in heaven.
- He allows things to change here, but all people will give an account for how they lived their lives.
- Things changing here on earth do not change the fact that God rules in heaven.
- God sees.
- He is aware of what is going on
- On this earth
- In each of our lives
- How each of us choose to live
- How each of us choose to live
- On this earth
- Let's read this together
- God who is HOLY, and who RULES in heaven over all creation, also SEES everything that is going on in HIS CREATION.
- Read vs. 7 again
- The Lord always does what is right, and he loves seeing people do right. Those who live good lives will be with him.
- God's way is the best way.
- God made a way for us to be with Him, through Jesus Christ
- Change will happen, sometimes good sometimes bad
- We need to follow God's way
- We need to follow God's way
- God made a way for us to be with Him, through Jesus Christ
- The Lord always does what is right, and he loves seeing people do right. Those who live good lives will be with him.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
What to do with failure
Stupid question right off the bat... have you ever failed at something? Have you ever said that you would be there for someone... then let them down, worse yet been in such a place as to leave them hanging when you told them you would be there for them?
Not what we would call best case scenario for living life like we want, huh? This past week I spent at a men's retreat here in Germany. The week long topic and focus of the retreat was AGAPE. I think most of us have heard enough Bible lessons and sermons to know right off the bat that the Greek has three different words for our English word Love. Different types of Greek words for different nuances of our word. So is the order of languages... Ha, you should see the difference between English and German.. :-)
In looking at the word, Agape, it seems the best way to describe this type of love is a love that does the right thing. Treats people the right way, even when it is difficult to do, even when they are not doing the right thing. It is not so much an emotional type of love like Phileo, but a love that is practiced because we have made a decision to do the right thing. I think that much of our Christian walk is actually this Agape love. We are told by Jesus to treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves, this is not dictated by how others treat us but how we wish to be treated. That my friends is not an emotional love but a decision to do the right thing. Not easy sometimes, but a direct instruction from our Savior. I also think that is how we show our love for God our Father. We love Him when we DO what he says. Jesus said if we love Him (and love God) we will do what he has asked us to do. That my friends is a decision. Yes, emotion does come into it, but if emotion is all that is there... it just won't last. We make a decision to follow Jesus and do what he teaches and we are showing our love for God.
I find it quite interesting, Jesus' discussion with Peter at the end of John's Gospel...
John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Remember this is the first time Peter would have once again talked with Jesus since he left him to be crucified... deserted him... denied him... looked into his eyes when he heard the rooster crow... guilt, sorrow, frustration, humiliation, anger, pain, disappointment, embarrassment,.... can you imagine the gammit of emotions he was feeling? If your like me, you can. Because you too have let someone down, you too have failed someone, directly or indirectly... I can relate to Peter. Jesus asks him the question, do you love me? He asks him three times... perhaps because Peter had denied him three times, perhaps because Peter was feeling so many emotions about what he had done, he was not really hearing what Jesus was saying. Let me see if I can make any since of what I mean... look at the breakdown of the questions:
[15] Jesus: Do you love [agapao] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
[16] Jesus: Do you love [agapao] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
[17] Jesus: Do you love [phileo] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
Jesus ask Peter the first two times "Will you make a decision to do the things that I have told you to do. Will you show love for me by being a leader and taking care of my followers?"
Peter answers him with "Yes, I have an emotional love for you. You are my friend and I have feelings for you"
Then Jesus asks in the third question if Peter has emotional love for him.
Okay, where am I going with this. Peter failed Jesus. Point blank simple. Perhaps we can really relate to that. Maybe a time comes into your mind when you remember a time when you have failed someone that you love (phileo) or maybe a time when you have failed God (agape)... I think we can all relate on some level, that is why God gives us this example in scripture.
Jesus was calling Peter (and is calling us) to a higher calling. Jesus says that if we really love him we will make the decision to do things his way. As we serve him... ie feeding his sheep... we have to make a decision to love (agape) God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love (agape) others like ourselves. To treat them, to love them (agape), the way we want to be treated and loved. Yes, we are an emotional people, God made us that way, Jesus was that way too. But, Jesus did what had to be done, he was crucified on the cross for us, that was not emotion my friends, that was a decision to do the right thing. That is the highest form of love. That is the same love God had for us while we were still sinners... He decided to send his one and only son to die for us, because it was what was best for us, not what was best for Him. His decision enables us to have a relationship with Him, but it was not the easy thing for Him to do, but it was the best thing for us... He so Loves us (apages us). Praise His name.
Jesus came to Peter... knowing how he was feeling, knowing the thoughts and emotions he was having. Jesus knows how we feel when we let him down too. He knows how we are feeling when we let other people down. Jesus didn't so much focus on Peter's failure as he did focus on where Peter would go from this point on... what would he do now? So, my question for you today is, what will you do from this point on today? Where are you at? Are you at a point in your life where you have just given up and gone back fishing... that is what Peter had done. What else could he do, it was what he knew how to do? Are you at a point in your life where you feel like you have failed God so bad that you have just given up and gone back to your life before God? Then these scriptures are for you. Have you been fighting discouragement because he just seem to be letting God down because you just can't seem to live the life for him you want? Those "little sins" just keep creeping in? Then these scriptures are for you.
Jesus came to Peter. Think about that. JESUS CAME AND FOUND PETER, the very one who just shortly before left him out to dry. Jesus challenged him to make a new commitment to follow him and being a worker in His kingdom. Jesus does not focus on our failures, he focuses on what we can do and what we should be doing and lovingly (agape and phileo) leads and challenges us in that direction.
My challenge for you and me today is to let go of those failures, don't forget them because they are a good reminder for us to stay committed to the decision that we made to do it Jesus' way, but also not to be crippled by our failures. Jesus was helping Peter look to the future. Jesus helps us to look and see the future, of serving Him by serving others. We can learn from our mistakes. They will makes us stronger. Look at the difference in Peter's life. He made the love decision (agape) to do it God's way and because of that we have so many examples of how we can and should live as we serve God. What kind of differences are you going to make because of the decision you make to live and serve God? What kind of legacy will you leave through living your life in love for God and for others?
I know that this one was very long... hope I did not loose you... hope it helps... hope you can think about these things and give me your thoughts on where I was going with this... we are in this together. Thanks for your time and thoughts.
Mark
Not what we would call best case scenario for living life like we want, huh? This past week I spent at a men's retreat here in Germany. The week long topic and focus of the retreat was AGAPE. I think most of us have heard enough Bible lessons and sermons to know right off the bat that the Greek has three different words for our English word Love. Different types of Greek words for different nuances of our word. So is the order of languages... Ha, you should see the difference between English and German.. :-)
In looking at the word, Agape, it seems the best way to describe this type of love is a love that does the right thing. Treats people the right way, even when it is difficult to do, even when they are not doing the right thing. It is not so much an emotional type of love like Phileo, but a love that is practiced because we have made a decision to do the right thing. I think that much of our Christian walk is actually this Agape love. We are told by Jesus to treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves, this is not dictated by how others treat us but how we wish to be treated. That my friends is not an emotional love but a decision to do the right thing. Not easy sometimes, but a direct instruction from our Savior. I also think that is how we show our love for God our Father. We love Him when we DO what he says. Jesus said if we love Him (and love God) we will do what he has asked us to do. That my friends is a decision. Yes, emotion does come into it, but if emotion is all that is there... it just won't last. We make a decision to follow Jesus and do what he teaches and we are showing our love for God.
I find it quite interesting, Jesus' discussion with Peter at the end of John's Gospel...
John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Remember this is the first time Peter would have once again talked with Jesus since he left him to be crucified... deserted him... denied him... looked into his eyes when he heard the rooster crow... guilt, sorrow, frustration, humiliation, anger, pain, disappointment, embarrassment,.... can you imagine the gammit of emotions he was feeling? If your like me, you can. Because you too have let someone down, you too have failed someone, directly or indirectly... I can relate to Peter. Jesus asks him the question, do you love me? He asks him three times... perhaps because Peter had denied him three times, perhaps because Peter was feeling so many emotions about what he had done, he was not really hearing what Jesus was saying. Let me see if I can make any since of what I mean... look at the breakdown of the questions:
[15] Jesus: Do you love [agapao] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
[16] Jesus: Do you love [agapao] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
[17] Jesus: Do you love [phileo] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
Jesus ask Peter the first two times "Will you make a decision to do the things that I have told you to do. Will you show love for me by being a leader and taking care of my followers?"
Peter answers him with "Yes, I have an emotional love for you. You are my friend and I have feelings for you"
Then Jesus asks in the third question if Peter has emotional love for him.
Okay, where am I going with this. Peter failed Jesus. Point blank simple. Perhaps we can really relate to that. Maybe a time comes into your mind when you remember a time when you have failed someone that you love (phileo) or maybe a time when you have failed God (agape)... I think we can all relate on some level, that is why God gives us this example in scripture.
Jesus was calling Peter (and is calling us) to a higher calling. Jesus says that if we really love him we will make the decision to do things his way. As we serve him... ie feeding his sheep... we have to make a decision to love (agape) God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love (agape) others like ourselves. To treat them, to love them (agape), the way we want to be treated and loved. Yes, we are an emotional people, God made us that way, Jesus was that way too. But, Jesus did what had to be done, he was crucified on the cross for us, that was not emotion my friends, that was a decision to do the right thing. That is the highest form of love. That is the same love God had for us while we were still sinners... He decided to send his one and only son to die for us, because it was what was best for us, not what was best for Him. His decision enables us to have a relationship with Him, but it was not the easy thing for Him to do, but it was the best thing for us... He so Loves us (apages us). Praise His name.
Jesus came to Peter... knowing how he was feeling, knowing the thoughts and emotions he was having. Jesus knows how we feel when we let him down too. He knows how we are feeling when we let other people down. Jesus didn't so much focus on Peter's failure as he did focus on where Peter would go from this point on... what would he do now? So, my question for you today is, what will you do from this point on today? Where are you at? Are you at a point in your life where you have just given up and gone back fishing... that is what Peter had done. What else could he do, it was what he knew how to do? Are you at a point in your life where you feel like you have failed God so bad that you have just given up and gone back to your life before God? Then these scriptures are for you. Have you been fighting discouragement because he just seem to be letting God down because you just can't seem to live the life for him you want? Those "little sins" just keep creeping in? Then these scriptures are for you.
Jesus came to Peter. Think about that. JESUS CAME AND FOUND PETER, the very one who just shortly before left him out to dry. Jesus challenged him to make a new commitment to follow him and being a worker in His kingdom. Jesus does not focus on our failures, he focuses on what we can do and what we should be doing and lovingly (agape and phileo) leads and challenges us in that direction.
My challenge for you and me today is to let go of those failures, don't forget them because they are a good reminder for us to stay committed to the decision that we made to do it Jesus' way, but also not to be crippled by our failures. Jesus was helping Peter look to the future. Jesus helps us to look and see the future, of serving Him by serving others. We can learn from our mistakes. They will makes us stronger. Look at the difference in Peter's life. He made the love decision (agape) to do it God's way and because of that we have so many examples of how we can and should live as we serve God. What kind of differences are you going to make because of the decision you make to live and serve God? What kind of legacy will you leave through living your life in love for God and for others?
I know that this one was very long... hope I did not loose you... hope it helps... hope you can think about these things and give me your thoughts on where I was going with this... we are in this together. Thanks for your time and thoughts.
Mark
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Who is in control?
Sorry that it has been so long since I last blogged. Man today is August 27 and I have not blogged since June... Hard to believe, but as you might have guessed it has been pretty busy.
We have folks living with us in our apartment in Chemnitz, Roy and Tiffany Rhodes. The Rhodes are here as HIM (Helping In Missions) workers for two years. Karen and I will be moving to Leipzig next month and they will stay in the apartment here in Chemnitz. It is a stressful time for everyone. Sullivans are looking for a small apartment in Leipzig, the Rhodes are trying to get money transferred and figure out what all they are going to have to buy to live here once we move to Leipzig and take all of our furniture with us, and of course we are struggling with trying to get all the stuff organized for the move, getting the visa stuff all taken care of (which is looking like we will have to get another temporary one and then more paperwork.... then maybe a real one... for one more year) as well as trying to get all the things line out for beginning the work in Leipzig. Ha, okay, I know that all these things are working towards the work in Leipzig and continuing the work here in Chemnitz... I just needed a little time to vent.... Thanks.
Today the Rhodes, Sulllivans and us met together to spend some time praying together, studying Gods word and practice and learn some of the ways to better use the LST (Let's Start Talking) material... Using English to teach the Bible. Larry had a great lesson that came from I Corinthians. What made the greatest impact on me this day is one, remembering that it is all God's work, we are just helpers. Some people excel in somethings others in other things. Everyone is not a great preacher, everyone is not a great singer.... you get my point. But God uses each one of us the way HE SEES FIT. Ever have the problem of having a great plan on how you are going to serve God and then it doesnt work out right? Of course you have. Step back and take a look at "what went wrong with the great plan". Maybe nothing went wrong. Maybe what actually occured was a wonderful thing that you would have never even imagined would have happened. Welcome to God working in your life. I needed to be reminded today... as things are so hectic for all of us, with our plans, dreams, challenges and agendas, that God has a plan and he is going to work that plan despite my best intentions. Relax, I am talking to myself here, enjoy the day God has given you (me) and look for opportunities that are coming our way. Ways we can use the gifts that our Father has given to us as individuals to serve Him in His work.
Jesus said more than once, the two most important things in following God is to love God with everything part of our being, ALL OF IT and the next is almost as important (and often seemingly harder) love others as much as we love ourselves and treat them the way that we WANT to be treated. That is what is really important. When we do these two things, love God and love others, we will be serving God and taking advantage of the things He is doing in this world and in our world.
God is in control. He has a plan, doesnt need our advice, actually doesnt even need our help, but He knows we want and need to help Him as we seek to serve Him. Go out and have a blessed day giving God the praise for Him working in His world.
We have folks living with us in our apartment in Chemnitz, Roy and Tiffany Rhodes. The Rhodes are here as HIM (Helping In Missions) workers for two years. Karen and I will be moving to Leipzig next month and they will stay in the apartment here in Chemnitz. It is a stressful time for everyone. Sullivans are looking for a small apartment in Leipzig, the Rhodes are trying to get money transferred and figure out what all they are going to have to buy to live here once we move to Leipzig and take all of our furniture with us, and of course we are struggling with trying to get all the stuff organized for the move, getting the visa stuff all taken care of (which is looking like we will have to get another temporary one and then more paperwork.... then maybe a real one... for one more year) as well as trying to get all the things line out for beginning the work in Leipzig. Ha, okay, I know that all these things are working towards the work in Leipzig and continuing the work here in Chemnitz... I just needed a little time to vent.... Thanks.
Today the Rhodes, Sulllivans and us met together to spend some time praying together, studying Gods word and practice and learn some of the ways to better use the LST (Let's Start Talking) material... Using English to teach the Bible. Larry had a great lesson that came from I Corinthians. What made the greatest impact on me this day is one, remembering that it is all God's work, we are just helpers. Some people excel in somethings others in other things. Everyone is not a great preacher, everyone is not a great singer.... you get my point. But God uses each one of us the way HE SEES FIT. Ever have the problem of having a great plan on how you are going to serve God and then it doesnt work out right? Of course you have. Step back and take a look at "what went wrong with the great plan". Maybe nothing went wrong. Maybe what actually occured was a wonderful thing that you would have never even imagined would have happened. Welcome to God working in your life. I needed to be reminded today... as things are so hectic for all of us, with our plans, dreams, challenges and agendas, that God has a plan and he is going to work that plan despite my best intentions. Relax, I am talking to myself here, enjoy the day God has given you (me) and look for opportunities that are coming our way. Ways we can use the gifts that our Father has given to us as individuals to serve Him in His work.
Jesus said more than once, the two most important things in following God is to love God with everything part of our being, ALL OF IT and the next is almost as important (and often seemingly harder) love others as much as we love ourselves and treat them the way that we WANT to be treated. That is what is really important. When we do these two things, love God and love others, we will be serving God and taking advantage of the things He is doing in this world and in our world.
God is in control. He has a plan, doesnt need our advice, actually doesnt even need our help, but He knows we want and need to help Him as we seek to serve Him. Go out and have a blessed day giving God the praise for Him working in His world.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Psalms 4
Ps 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
Ps 4:2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ?
Ps 4:3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
Ps 4:4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Ps 4:5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
Ps 4:6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
Ps 4:7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Ps 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
I have a friend who challenged me to read in the Psalms everyday. It is such an encouragement to me to spend time thinking over what is said in these writings.
It is apparent from the start of this Psalm that David is experiencing some difficult times in his life. He is crying out to the Lord in his time of distress. Evidently he is having problems with other people... sounds pretty much like how our lives go today, huh? For me, yes.
I love vs. 3. David, even though he seems to be stressed at what is going on in his life, still makes the comment that he knows God is in tune with him. He knows that God is listening to his prayers. Even more important, he knows that God is listening, not just to the words of his mouth but also is seeing what is going on in David's life. David finds comfort in knowing that God is there with him and for him.
How do I KNOW this to be absolutely true? Look at the wording of vs. 8. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Think about what he just said. Lie down and sleep.... what do you do when you have troubles that seem far to great for you to handle them? Me, sometimes I worry. I know, Jesus told us not to worry.... but... that is what I do. What David did was give his troubles to the Lord, then he went to bed. He left them at the throne of the Lord and went to sleep, knowing that God is in control and that he would bring the safety that David needed... God would supply the protection that David needed.
God will supply what we need too... so why worry, give it to HIM. When we are experiencing those times of incredible trial and sufferings, when we are going through tough times the best thing we can do is give it to God. Literally, give it to him. Pray to Him, pouring out your heart about your troubles, then letting go of the fears and unknowns and get some sleep. We have to trust that God, the same God that loves us so much that He sent his only son to come into the world to be a sacrifice for us so that we could be in a right relationship with Him, will take care of the problems in our live in the WAY THAT HE SEES FIT. He will provide for us, just as much as he did for David. He just requires us to trust in Him, like David did.
How about some rest. God is in control and He really does care for His children. So, how about you and I both start giving the things rolling around in our head, that seem to keep us up at nights, to our loving, caring, heavenly Father and let Him deal with them and we get the much needed rest that we require to deal with our everyday lives. David did. It is a great example for us to learn from. God bless you this day and may you bless someone else's life this day.
Mark
Ps 4:2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ?
Ps 4:3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
Ps 4:4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Ps 4:5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
Ps 4:6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
Ps 4:7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Ps 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
I have a friend who challenged me to read in the Psalms everyday. It is such an encouragement to me to spend time thinking over what is said in these writings.
It is apparent from the start of this Psalm that David is experiencing some difficult times in his life. He is crying out to the Lord in his time of distress. Evidently he is having problems with other people... sounds pretty much like how our lives go today, huh? For me, yes.
I love vs. 3. David, even though he seems to be stressed at what is going on in his life, still makes the comment that he knows God is in tune with him. He knows that God is listening to his prayers. Even more important, he knows that God is listening, not just to the words of his mouth but also is seeing what is going on in David's life. David finds comfort in knowing that God is there with him and for him.
How do I KNOW this to be absolutely true? Look at the wording of vs. 8. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Think about what he just said. Lie down and sleep.... what do you do when you have troubles that seem far to great for you to handle them? Me, sometimes I worry. I know, Jesus told us not to worry.... but... that is what I do. What David did was give his troubles to the Lord, then he went to bed. He left them at the throne of the Lord and went to sleep, knowing that God is in control and that he would bring the safety that David needed... God would supply the protection that David needed.
God will supply what we need too... so why worry, give it to HIM. When we are experiencing those times of incredible trial and sufferings, when we are going through tough times the best thing we can do is give it to God. Literally, give it to him. Pray to Him, pouring out your heart about your troubles, then letting go of the fears and unknowns and get some sleep. We have to trust that God, the same God that loves us so much that He sent his only son to come into the world to be a sacrifice for us so that we could be in a right relationship with Him, will take care of the problems in our live in the WAY THAT HE SEES FIT. He will provide for us, just as much as he did for David. He just requires us to trust in Him, like David did.
How about some rest. God is in control and He really does care for His children. So, how about you and I both start giving the things rolling around in our head, that seem to keep us up at nights, to our loving, caring, heavenly Father and let Him deal with them and we get the much needed rest that we require to deal with our everyday lives. David did. It is a great example for us to learn from. God bless you this day and may you bless someone else's life this day.
Mark
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Endure or enjoy
Karen made a comment to me the other day and it really caused me to rethink some things in my life. She said that sometimes as we live our lives we must endure through the tough times. As I thought about enduring... I thought, it is true, sometimes just enduring and making it through a hard time is sometimes all we can do. Then things get better. I know that is okay for the really hard things... like someone close to you dying or surviving when your mate up and leaves you... but what about the things in life that are not so drastic. What about those things in life that are just not as much fun as other things. Like having to learn a new language, or moving to a new city, or going to some activity that really stretches you and makes you get out of your comfort zone?
What it really made me think of was the many times that I have gone ahead and done the RIGHT THING because that is what I am suppose to do as a Christian... but really on the inside only really was committed to enduring the event or function, just get it done and over with and then move on to the next thing... Well, I have to tell you that I am working on a new philosophy. It is called enjoying these things. Okay, I am not saying that it is easy, what I am saying is it is a mindset. For example, German. It is not easy to go to class and feel stupid so much of the time... Okay, humor me a little, I know that is an exaggeration, but sometimes when we are learning something new, it takes time, a lot more time than we want it to take and it gets old and .... you get the point. That is the point you tell yourself, all I need to do is keep doing it... it will be over one day and then you will be able to speak German fluently... or do what ever it is that you are doing and wish it was over... But how about instead of me having the attitude that I cannot wait to get this over with... I try and ENJOY what I am doing while I am learning. Novel idea huh? But not always an easy one to do.
If you think about it, it really is simple. We make up our minds about the situations that we are in or that lay ahead of us. We make a choice to be happy about it or to be upset or angry about it. When we know something is coming up and we are not looking forward to it, perhaps a good way for us to deal with that is to DECIDE that we are going to enjoy what ever lays ahead. I know, I know. I can hear you now! I realize this cannot work for everything, but maybe it can work for more things that you think it can. Look for the positive in every situation! I would venture to say that if you look, you will find something positive that can come out of almost any situation. Think about how you being more positive will also be an incredible witness to who Jesus Christ is! I hope you can enjoy the different things life gives to you. It will make you more pleasant and will really encourage other people that you come in contact with. God bless you!!
What it really made me think of was the many times that I have gone ahead and done the RIGHT THING because that is what I am suppose to do as a Christian... but really on the inside only really was committed to enduring the event or function, just get it done and over with and then move on to the next thing... Well, I have to tell you that I am working on a new philosophy. It is called enjoying these things. Okay, I am not saying that it is easy, what I am saying is it is a mindset. For example, German. It is not easy to go to class and feel stupid so much of the time... Okay, humor me a little, I know that is an exaggeration, but sometimes when we are learning something new, it takes time, a lot more time than we want it to take and it gets old and .... you get the point. That is the point you tell yourself, all I need to do is keep doing it... it will be over one day and then you will be able to speak German fluently... or do what ever it is that you are doing and wish it was over... But how about instead of me having the attitude that I cannot wait to get this over with... I try and ENJOY what I am doing while I am learning. Novel idea huh? But not always an easy one to do.
If you think about it, it really is simple. We make up our minds about the situations that we are in or that lay ahead of us. We make a choice to be happy about it or to be upset or angry about it. When we know something is coming up and we are not looking forward to it, perhaps a good way for us to deal with that is to DECIDE that we are going to enjoy what ever lays ahead. I know, I know. I can hear you now! I realize this cannot work for everything, but maybe it can work for more things that you think it can. Look for the positive in every situation! I would venture to say that if you look, you will find something positive that can come out of almost any situation. Think about how you being more positive will also be an incredible witness to who Jesus Christ is! I hope you can enjoy the different things life gives to you. It will make you more pleasant and will really encourage other people that you come in contact with. God bless you!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
