Okay, second post for today. I was looking at the name of my blog and got to thinking that I probably should include some day to day routine life things, not just stuff about God and the Bible (though that is a big part of my life). Anyway, as I was reading a comment on one of my posts yesterday I got to laughing so hard (and I was out in public when I read it). Now, there's nothing wrong with laughing. I love to laugh. But when I get to laughing too hard I have been known to have my knees buckle. And yesterday, I was seriously hoping I didn't fall out in the floor laughing. It was to the point of being uncontrollable. And what made it even funnier was the fact that my daughter in law, Jennifer had read the comment at about the same time I did and she was laughing about it too. I found that hilarious. My eyes were watering, my knees were shaky, and I just had to go sit down. And then when I commented back it made me laugh even more. Have you ever thought your own comment was funny? The thing is, it probably wasn't that humorous to other people. But, as I've said in the past, I have a weird sense of humor. My son has it too. So for those who don't know me well...I laugh at odd things. Doesn't have to be funny to anyone else. It's just who I am. But maybe, just maybe, I'm not the only oddball out there who finds humor in the most unlikely places.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14


While I realize that this verse wasn't specifically written for all that is going on in this day and age, I think that the same principle applies for the here and now as it did back when this was written. And today, of all days (9-11) is a day when this sentiment is expressed even more than usual.

Often times, Christians are so eager to point out all the sinners in the world who need to repent. We rant and rave about what is going on in this world as a result of their sin, their wickedness. But think about this verse for a moment and we might have a clue as to how we should be viewing things. First, this verse is referring to God's people, not unbelievers. And what is it telling us to do? 

1. Humble ourselves
2. Pray and seek God's face
3. Turn from our wicked ways

Okay, so let's reflect on that for a minute. Some of you may be thinking, "What do you mean we have to turn from our wicked ways? We're Christians. Jesus' blood has cleansed us from our sin." This thinking is exactly why we need to do these things. What do I mean? If for even one moment we thought that because of Jesus' blood that we had no need to repent, no need to turn from our wicked ways (and let's be honest, we still have some of that in us at times), that could certainly be an indication that we may be walking in pride( sin). And as we all know, pride will definitely create distance between us and God, as he opposes the proud. In order for us to get to a place of understanding that WE need to repent, we must humble ourselves first. We must be willing to admit that we are not perfect. Far from it, in fact. We mess up. We miss the mark. We SIN. That humility should bring us to our knees. And it is there that we seek the face of God. This is not a time for us to be petitioning God for our wants and desires. This is a time of seeking God's will, developing intimacy with God, loving on God, worshiping him, and drawing close to him, not merely because we want something from him. Have you ever heard the expression, "I'm seeking God's face, not his hand?" What does that mean? To me it means that when we seek his face we are wanting to behold his beauty. We are wanting to gaze upon him, to reflect on who he is.Once we see Him as he is, we can't help but want to do whatever he says to do. But when we seek his hand, we are wanting him to do something for us.Don't get me wrong, there are times when we will ask God to move on our behalf, but that can't be the only time we call upon God. Otherwise, we become like selfish children.

Here's a question for you: How many times have you come into some worship service and poured out all you had in song, attempting to touch the heart of God so that he would meet your need?

Now think....how many times have you come to a worship service and poured out your heart before God, expecting nothing from him, but merely wanting to express your love, your gratitude and appreciation for who he is, and for what he's done for you? Be honest with yourself.

I realize that we are under grace. And I recognize the fact that Jesus was the one time sacrifice for us. The shedding of his blood provided atonement for our sins. For the sins of the past, the sins of the present, and the sins of the future. But this doesn't mean that we shouldn't be repentant when we sin. It should break our heart. And if we continually sin without repentance, the relationship will be strained. How could it not be?

Have you ever wanted to write something, but your brain just seemed all out of whack? Maybe you call that writer's block. Whatever...all I know is I hate when I have nothing to share. If I go too many days without writing it's easy to get out of the habit. Speaking of habits, I was telling my hubby this morning that I am addicted to coke and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Well, today I did have one coke. I've tried hard for several months to stick mainly to water as my beverage of choice. If for no other reason, to keep my sugar from shooting up. But I made a decision that I cannot buy things that will tempt me. If it's in the house, then I'm going to indulge. And sadly, I can't seem to stop at one with the Reese's. I can stop at one on cokes though. It wasn't always that way. I used to drink at least a 2 liter a day. But lately I've been trying to get in shape, trying to keep my sugar under control, and trying hard to not let anything control me. Once this last coke is gone, I'm thinking I won't buy anymore (except on special occasions when other people are over). I need to lose 35 lbs. and having coke and candy too often will deter that. Okay, I started rambling again. All this was supposed to be was a note telling you I haven't forgotten the blog. I think after I read and study more, I'll feel more inclined to share something. You know...motivation...inspiration. I need some.

Have a blessed day!

~jan~

Life is a series of twists and turns. We never know exactly where the road will lead us. Oh, after a few curves here and there we may have a vague idea of what might be next. But we can never be certain until we are living in the moment. The thing is, we need to prepare in advance for whatever life may throw at us. A person doesn't wait until they are in the middle of a hurricane to go out and buy supplies, board up windows, put away anything in the yard that might be hurled into the air, etc. They have a warning that a hurricane is on the way and that is the time to go do what needs to be done. And it's the same way with our spiritual lives. We already know that trials will come. The Bible is filled with instruction on how to fight against temptation, how to respond in the situations we might face and such. It is our job to get into the Word and study and meditate. This way, we won't have some knee jerk reaction, but we'll know what God's Word says to do. I guarantee it will make life much easier if we come to know what God thinks about things.

God's Love Never Fails

Your Love Never Fails

As I was listening to this song I was reminded that no matter what happens in this life, God's love never fails. It endures forever. We cannot escape His love. We cannot mess up so much that we lose His love. His love is there even in the midst of our most trying storm. And He's bridged the gap between Him and us by sending His precious son, Jesus to die on a cross for us. If that isn't love, then I don't know what is. I mean, we were God's enemies and still Jesus chose to go to the cross. For us...ENEMIES OF GOD. Do you realize how unheard of that is? Romans 5:7-8 tells us:

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Isn't that an incredible example of unconditional love? He didn't wait for us to clean up our act. He certainly didn't think that we would ever be perfect in our own strength. And this is probably the most amazing thing to me. For a lot of years I felt that God could never love me because of my imperfections. Even now I still mess up. And I feel so bad about it. Well, the enemy immediately tries to play on that guilt feeling. And then I get this gentle reminder that, no matter how many times I mess up, Jesus' blood was enough. My sins have been forgiven. Past, present and future. And I marvel at the fact that Jesus totally understands whatever I am going through, and has made provision for me to come boldly to the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:15-16 says:

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I don't know about you, but I am pleased to know that nothing I did or can do saved me, and nothing I can do can separate me from His love. 

Okay, so some of you are probably questioning why I'm putting this song on my post. It's not a Christian song. Well, first let me say, I don't listen to just "Christian" music. I love musical styles from all genres. Besides that, I think the lyrics to this song have a meaningful message even for the believer. Let's take a look:

"Drive"

Sometimes I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear 

And I cant help but ask myself how much I'll let the fear take the wheel and steer 

It's driven me before, it seems to have a vague 

Haunting mass appeal 

Lately I'm beginning to find that I 

should be the one behind the wheel 

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there 

With open arms and open eyes yeah 

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, I'll be there 

So if I decide to waiver my chance to be one of the hive 

Will I choose water over wine and hold my own and drive, oh oh 

It's driven me before, it seems to be the way 

That everyone else get around 

Lately, I'm beginning to find that when I drive myself, my light is found 

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there 

With open arms and open eyes yeah 

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, I'll be there 

Would you choose water over wine 

Hold the wheel and drive 

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there 

With open arms and open eyes yeah 

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there, I'll be there

Okay, so did you get anything from that? I think that it has a lot to say about allowing fear to steer our course. And to me, it's also telling us that a vast majority fall prey to the grip of fear. Sometimes I think that when we hang around those who are afraid we too join in and feed off of that fear. Oh, don't get me wrong, we all have struggled with fear in our lives. But it's what you do in the midst of fear that will determine the grip it has on you. I find that if I am afraid to do something, surrounding myself with people who are fearless prompts me to be a bit more fearless myself. Of course, that can work in a good or bad way, depending on the crowd you're running with. The Bible is full of scriptures that say, "fear not." So I would venture to say that fear is not a good thing when we're following the leading of God in our lives. But then, there is a healthy fear. That kind of fear is our warning system that is designed to keep us safe from harm. Like when a rattlesnake is shaking its rattler, about to strike you. Common sense should tell you not to try to pick it up. 

I don't want to be foolish when it comes to ignoring signs that something is harmful. But I also don't want to be foolish and allow fear to prevent me from living out the destiny to which I am called. I want to be obedient to the leading of the Lord, and step out in faith to do all that He has for me to do.