I was gone from Sunday until Wednesday night. I did bring my bible with me, but I did not do the daily readings while I was away. We were busy from very early until very late every day. With that said, it was an amazing spiritually energizing experience. The theme was "The Bridge" and like pretty much everything it spoke to me about Derek. So much was about God's amazing love for us and relentless pursuit of us. It affirmed my recent thoughts that seem so clearly spoken to me by God through His word. The readers digest version: "I've got this, don't worry". And so it is my intention to beat back the worry every time it rears it's ugly head and claim the victory of Christ for my son. Jesus is the bridge that will reconcile Derek with God and I wait in expectation for Derek to hear His voice, quit running from and rather cling to His savior. In the time being I know that God has not given up on him, that He loves Him desperately and is pursuing him passionately. There was a song we sang and the chorus had these words: If God is for us then who can stand against us? (obvious answer.... NOBODY & NOTHING!) God's power has certainly lifted many people from lives of sin and destructive choices. I am thankful that I am not dealing with addiction etc. with Derek. It is still hard to see him wasting his time and potential. But again, I am excited to see what God has in store for him. He is such a smart guy and has so much potential. Seriously, he could do anything he set his mind to. It's too bad that he's taking the long way around, but it's not too late for him. I will continue to pray and do whatever I can to lead him in the right direction. There is nothing more I can do, the rest is up to him, and up to God.
So tomorrow is July first and I'm on June first.... a month behind but still on track.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 22
Clearly I loved this scripture before, because it is underlined, but it still resonates with me. 2 Samuel 14:14B "But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been seperated from him."
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June 21
So, the Bible readings continue to be about Derek, or about me with regard to him. I can very much relate to Psalm 119:81-82 "I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me?"
Well except for the comfort part, I do sense His comfort the last few days, but for sure I am worn out waiting, and straining to see the promises come true.... Oh well, God's timing, not mine right?
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20
I just finished the daily readings. (I've been doing good about the "daily" part lately. Nothing like a crisis with the kid to drive the habit.) I'm still behind though. Today's reading was May 27th and clearly we are well into June... seems like everything has Derek's name on it, or my name with regard to how I relate to him. Today is no different, here is the verse that jumped off the page at me: Psalm 119:73 You made me, you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
Moms in touch taught me to pray scripture... what a wonderful verse for that purpose: Dear Lord, you made Derek, you created him. Now give him the sense to follow your commands! Amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
June 19
The OT reading is the account of David's affair with Bathsheba and his successful plot to kill her husband to cover his transgression... But we cannot hide our sin from the One that matters and today's OT reading ended with these words: "But the Lord was displeased with what David had done"
That's really awful. I don't think I have spent much time in the past contemplating that sentence, but its tragic really. And worse I think it is common to pile sin upon sin in the attempt to cover our sin so that we look all fine and good to the world. So much better to take our lumps as we turn to Christ for forgiveness and the fresh start that He promises. Clearly David does repent (that's coming up) but what a blessing for me if I can try to remember that sentence and allow the Holy Spirit to stop me from repeating David's mistake. It is God's opinion of me that matters, not what the world sees or thinks. I am a screw up and fail to do what pleases God daily. But it is not my intent and it helps me to ponder the beautiful gift of His grace and mercy. I am sure it can often be said "But the Lord was displeased with what Terri had (done, said, not done, not said etc.) But thanks be to God that He is very pleased with what His Son did and with that in mind and with the help of His Holy Spirit (and as pointed out last entry in thankfulness) I will do my best to live my life and to make choices that "please" Him and therefore Honor and Glorify Him.
NT Reading was from John 15 the Vine and the branches. Its interesting that each time "remaining in" is spoken it begins with our part "remain in me, and I will remain in you." I am not a theologian (in fact I cannot even spell it correctly but am thankful that the spell check will fix it before I post this...) but this makes me think of our free will. You do your part people and I will do mine. (well I suppose more accurately Jesus already did His part but we lose the benefit of that if we don't do our part of "remaining in") I think of my son and how concerned I am about the fact that he does not appear to be remaining in... John 15:4 Says Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." It is no wonder that I do not see "fruit" in his life right now. But before I let that cause despair, I am reminded of Romans 11:23 which says "And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again."
And to seal the deal of comfort the Psalm reading for today began "Remember your promise to me, it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles." Not just the promise of grafting in again, but also the promise of leaving the 99 and going after the one, and "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" and in the parable of the prodigal son where it says "while he was still a long way off" the party preparations were started.
We are called to remain in Christ, and we should take that very seriously. However, I am so thankful that God is able and willing to work in the lives of those that are not "remaining in" Him. It is my fervent prayer that my son as well as all people that are not taking their faith life seriously would turn back toward Christ and be grafted in again. I continue to pray that God will soften Derek's heart and bring the good work that was started at his baptism to completion.
That's really awful. I don't think I have spent much time in the past contemplating that sentence, but its tragic really. And worse I think it is common to pile sin upon sin in the attempt to cover our sin so that we look all fine and good to the world. So much better to take our lumps as we turn to Christ for forgiveness and the fresh start that He promises. Clearly David does repent (that's coming up) but what a blessing for me if I can try to remember that sentence and allow the Holy Spirit to stop me from repeating David's mistake. It is God's opinion of me that matters, not what the world sees or thinks. I am a screw up and fail to do what pleases God daily. But it is not my intent and it helps me to ponder the beautiful gift of His grace and mercy. I am sure it can often be said "But the Lord was displeased with what Terri had (done, said, not done, not said etc.) But thanks be to God that He is very pleased with what His Son did and with that in mind and with the help of His Holy Spirit (and as pointed out last entry in thankfulness) I will do my best to live my life and to make choices that "please" Him and therefore Honor and Glorify Him.
NT Reading was from John 15 the Vine and the branches. Its interesting that each time "remaining in" is spoken it begins with our part "remain in me, and I will remain in you." I am not a theologian (in fact I cannot even spell it correctly but am thankful that the spell check will fix it before I post this...) but this makes me think of our free will. You do your part people and I will do mine. (well I suppose more accurately Jesus already did His part but we lose the benefit of that if we don't do our part of "remaining in") I think of my son and how concerned I am about the fact that he does not appear to be remaining in... John 15:4 Says Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." It is no wonder that I do not see "fruit" in his life right now. But before I let that cause despair, I am reminded of Romans 11:23 which says "And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again."
And to seal the deal of comfort the Psalm reading for today began "Remember your promise to me, it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles." Not just the promise of grafting in again, but also the promise of leaving the 99 and going after the one, and "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" and in the parable of the prodigal son where it says "while he was still a long way off" the party preparations were started.
We are called to remain in Christ, and we should take that very seriously. However, I am so thankful that God is able and willing to work in the lives of those that are not "remaining in" Him. It is my fervent prayer that my son as well as all people that are not taking their faith life seriously would turn back toward Christ and be grafted in again. I continue to pray that God will soften Derek's heart and bring the good work that was started at his baptism to completion.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 16
Psalm 119:7 b (NLT) "I will thank you by living as I should!" So ironic to read this today after the conversation I had yesterday with Pastor. The reason God's people should do the right thing is to live out their appreciation for what Christ has already done for us. We cannot earn our salvation, we can never do enough, or be good enough. The good news is that we don't need to worry about that because Christ lived the perfect life for us and then went to the cross to pay for all of the sins of humanity. But it isn't "cheap grace" good works do not matter for salvation but they most certainly do matter. Faith without works is dead scripture says, as well as that we must be doers of the word not just hearers only. So cool that today's Psalm sums it up so nicely. When someone does a kind deed for us that seems over the top we so often say "how can I ever thank you?" There is nothing to be more profoundly grateful for than the salvation that Christ won for us and so cool that the way to thank Him for this awesome gift is also spelled out.... May the Holy Spirit in His awesome power enable me to live a life of appreciation by enabling to live as I should!
Monday, June 6, 2011
June 6
From today's reading, Psalm 112:1&7
"How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. They do not fear bad news: they confidently trust the Lord to care for them."
Unfortunately life comes with "bad news" days, and times of tremendous challenges. I love the reminder found in today's readings that we do not need to fear!
"How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. They do not fear bad news: they confidently trust the Lord to care for them."
Unfortunately life comes with "bad news" days, and times of tremendous challenges. I love the reminder found in today's readings that we do not need to fear!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
David and Goliath
1 Samuel 16 & 17 are a bit confusing as to the order of things. In chapter 16 Saul sends for David on the recommendation of others to play music for him to soothe his dark moods, but in Chapter 17 is the account of David killing Goliath, and Saul says, who is this boys father and again he is explained as the son of Jesse. I am guessing the killing of Goliath must have come prior to going to soothe Saul's issues with the evil spirit. He is explained as a great warrior which would of course be true after the Goliath ordeal.
The account of David and Goliath is such a great example of how God Grants victory in the face of impossible odds. It anticipates Jesus victory on the cross in the face of all the powers against Him. We are not to place our trust in human endeavors and devices. The message of the cross is that God chose what is weak to shame the strong, and the "weakness" of God is stronger than human strength.
The account of David and Goliath is such a great example of how God Grants victory in the face of impossible odds. It anticipates Jesus victory on the cross in the face of all the powers against Him. We are not to place our trust in human endeavors and devices. The message of the cross is that God chose what is weak to shame the strong, and the "weakness" of God is stronger than human strength.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
June 2
1 Samuel 13:10-14
New Living Translation (NLT)
10 Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, 11 but Samuel said, “What is this you have done?”
Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 12 So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.”
13 “How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”
When I read this last night, my initial thought was that Saul did the wrong thing for the right reason. Certainly God would have him seek His help, however, not at the expense of a direct command. But I was curious about it because again the punishment seemed harsh for seeking God.... I looked at the notes in my Study bible, and the explanation there was "Saul's words are a rationalization for his actions. Humans have a common tendency to offer reasons for not following God's directives."
Once again the theme of how seriously God takes our obedience is completely clear. And once again I realize how important Christ's sacrifice is for me because of my inability, in spite of effort, to keep God's law. Obviously God is not satisfied with our effort, but only with adherence. I am thankful for the miracle that because of Christ, when God looks at me He sees His son and not my sin.
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