Blogging through the Gospels with Amy, from Mom's Toolbox.
Reading: John 18
Scripture: The very last part of John 18:37
37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Observations:
Everyone who is of the Truth hears His voice.
It is just remarkable, and overwhelming, that I hear the voice of the God of the Universe.
And that all humanity, throughout all of the World, has the same opportunity.
There is no threshhold -- no maximum capacity.
He is an intimate, personal, involved God for every single person who ever was, is, and ever will be.
Application:
On a personal level:
I need to make sure that nothing in my life is preventing me from hearing His voice.
I need to actively be choosing Him above all.
On a broader level:
I need to show the Love that I have been given to everyone that I encounter.
I need to remember that the people I interact with do not see my internal struggle, and will not be able to separate my actions done in my flesh from my actions done in the spirit.
I need to remember that my life might be the only Bible that some ever read.
Prayer:
Help me to live my faith out loud.
Let the peace that I feel in my heart, because of You, shine out and soothe others,
Let my life carry the fragrance of You.
Thank you for speaking to me, for the privilege of hearing Your voice.
Amen.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Giving thanks, 60 - 83
Monday July 4th
78 A savior that loves me so much
79 being trusted with a purpose, and forgiven when I lose sight
80 my boys laughing together as they play
81 being chosen to be their mother
82 a sensitive heart --once known as a liability, now seen as a gift
83 knowing that I need help, and being unafraid to ask
61 a morning of sleeping in -- and the boys actually letting us!
62 hearing the littlest boy singing to himself in his room before we got up
63 fresh coffee brewing in the next room
64 the creations of an almost five year old and his legos
62 hearing the littlest boy singing to himself in his room before we got up
63 fresh coffee brewing in the next room
64 the creations of an almost five year old and his legos
65 a thankful community
66 friends in red and white, playing and sharing music together
67 a well deserved nap (for all...)
68 seeing former students downtown
69 seeing current students downtown
70 good conversations
71 hugs
72 ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles
Tuesday, July 5th
73 both boys and I eating the same thing (only having to cook/prepare ONE breakfast)
74 imagination
75 My husband's summer hours (5:30AM - 2:00PM -- means we actually get to SEE each other!)
76 breathtaking blue sky
77 hearing a new song that brings tears to my eyes EVERY time I think about it... not just hear it!
78 A savior that loves me so much
79 being trusted with a purpose, and forgiven when I lose sight
80 my boys laughing together as they play
81 being chosen to be their mother
82 a sensitive heart --once known as a liability, now seen as a gift
83 knowing that I need help, and being unafraid to ask
Blogging through the #Gospels: John 17
Blogging through the Gospels with Amy, from Mom's Toolbox.
Reading: John 17
Scripture: John 17:15
15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
Observations:
In this part of the prayer, Jesus is praying for all of the believers that came to faith during His life on Earth. In the next section, He prays for all people who will ever come to faith in Him!
Jesus is praying for protection for the believers from the evil one.
And we know that when Jesus prays for something, we should probably take note of it.
We have a purpose here on Earth. Unfortunately, believing in the One is not an immediate ticket up to heaven. There is work to be done. Matthew 9: 37 tells us: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
So we have work to do. And can we expect smooth sailing while we are doing what needs to be done?
No.
I Peter 5:8 tells us that: (o)ur enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
So we are to live out the lives we have been given, saved by grace, and spread love and hope to the world. But, even knowing that we have an enemy prowling around us, we take comfort in the fact that the Savior of the world is praying for us.
Application:
Every couple of years I go through a time where I have to actively remind myself that it is not about me.
My quality of life, and my level of comfort are not what matter in the long run. In Heaven, after my life is over, are they going to care what I had a complete Willow Tree Nativity set, or matching couches in our living room? Will my gadgets impress?
No.
My accounts will only detail what I did to advance His Kingdom while I was here on Earth.
The good news is that the God who created me has not created a "spiritual checklist" to which we all must adhere. If my matching couches help me to invite people into my home, and share the love of my Savior, the means do not diminish the result. If my Willow Tree Nativity set sparks a conversation about the true meaning of Christmas, or my gadgets allow me to show off different ways one can have access to the Word, the means to not diminish the result.
So -- applying all of this to my life:
Jesus is praying for me, for protection from the evil one.
I am to continue on my current course, living my life to share the love that I have been given.
Remember that my life has a purpose that has nothing to do with my level of comfort.
Keep my eyes focused on You, and be alert at all times.
Prayer:
Lord,
Help me to stay focused on the plan.
I am so self-centered. (So human.)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my life for You.
Please don't give up on me.
Amen.
Reading: John 17
Scripture: John 17:15
15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
Observations:
In this part of the prayer, Jesus is praying for all of the believers that came to faith during His life on Earth. In the next section, He prays for all people who will ever come to faith in Him!
Jesus is praying for protection for the believers from the evil one.
And we know that when Jesus prays for something, we should probably take note of it.
We have a purpose here on Earth. Unfortunately, believing in the One is not an immediate ticket up to heaven. There is work to be done. Matthew 9: 37 tells us: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
So we have work to do. And can we expect smooth sailing while we are doing what needs to be done?
No.
I Peter 5:8 tells us that: (o)ur enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
So we are to live out the lives we have been given, saved by grace, and spread love and hope to the world. But, even knowing that we have an enemy prowling around us, we take comfort in the fact that the Savior of the world is praying for us.
Application:
Every couple of years I go through a time where I have to actively remind myself that it is not about me.
My quality of life, and my level of comfort are not what matter in the long run. In Heaven, after my life is over, are they going to care what I had a complete Willow Tree Nativity set, or matching couches in our living room? Will my gadgets impress?
No.
My accounts will only detail what I did to advance His Kingdom while I was here on Earth.
The good news is that the God who created me has not created a "spiritual checklist" to which we all must adhere. If my matching couches help me to invite people into my home, and share the love of my Savior, the means do not diminish the result. If my Willow Tree Nativity set sparks a conversation about the true meaning of Christmas, or my gadgets allow me to show off different ways one can have access to the Word, the means to not diminish the result.
So -- applying all of this to my life:
Jesus is praying for me, for protection from the evil one.
I am to continue on my current course, living my life to share the love that I have been given.
Remember that my life has a purpose that has nothing to do with my level of comfort.
Keep my eyes focused on You, and be alert at all times.
Prayer:
Lord,
Help me to stay focused on the plan.
I am so self-centered. (So human.)
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live my life for You.
Please don't give up on me.
Amen.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Blogging through the #Gospels: John 15 - True Vine, True Home
Blogging through the Gospels with Amy, from Mom's Toolbox.
Reading: John 15
Scripture:
5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Observations:
Verse 5 -
The branches apart from the vine wither and die. The vine is what gives the life, the sustaining nutrients.
It is a very vivid, memorable picture, that helps us to remember just how closely we have to be connected to our Savior.
Verse 19 -
When we become the Savior's, we are no longer of this World. Our true home is in Heaven. We are existing here, on this Earth, but the people of the Earth are not our brothers and sisters. Our lineage has changed. And the world can sense the difference, and the world does not like the One who will call us home.
Application:
Verse 5 -
In my own strength, everything I do vanishes. Nothing will benefit the Kingdom of God. Nothing will last. In my own strength it is all meaningless, all vanity.
In Him, truly resting, and abiding in Him, everything from the smallest encounter in the grocery store to the life changing decisions on Sunday morning benefits the Kingdom of God.
Verse 19 -
I do not need to worry about my standing in the community. I need to make sure that I am connected to the Vine. If the world hates me, the world hates me. If I am in the Vine, every moment will still be used for His Kingdom, no matter what the rest of the world thinks. The ones that being called will be called.
The praise of men means NOTHING.
And, therefore, the hatred of the same men means NOTHING.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord,
I needed the reminder today.
Remain in You-- and all else will fade into the background.
Amen.
Reading: John 15
Scripture:
5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Observations:
Verse 5 -
The branches apart from the vine wither and die. The vine is what gives the life, the sustaining nutrients.
It is a very vivid, memorable picture, that helps us to remember just how closely we have to be connected to our Savior.
Verse 19 -
When we become the Savior's, we are no longer of this World. Our true home is in Heaven. We are existing here, on this Earth, but the people of the Earth are not our brothers and sisters. Our lineage has changed. And the world can sense the difference, and the world does not like the One who will call us home.
Application:
Verse 5 -
In my own strength, everything I do vanishes. Nothing will benefit the Kingdom of God. Nothing will last. In my own strength it is all meaningless, all vanity.
In Him, truly resting, and abiding in Him, everything from the smallest encounter in the grocery store to the life changing decisions on Sunday morning benefits the Kingdom of God.
Verse 19 -
I do not need to worry about my standing in the community. I need to make sure that I am connected to the Vine. If the world hates me, the world hates me. If I am in the Vine, every moment will still be used for His Kingdom, no matter what the rest of the world thinks. The ones that being called will be called.
The praise of men means NOTHING.
And, therefore, the hatred of the same men means NOTHING.
Prayer:
Thank you, Lord,
I needed the reminder today.
Remain in You-- and all else will fade into the background.
Amen.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Giving thanks, 46 - 60
46 - happy weddings
47 - a mother’s love
48 - bright pink toenail polish
49 - dancing with my biggest little man
50 - the first cake with fondant that I have ever liked
51 -a new skirt at the thrift shop for $3.50 just in time for the wedding
52 - family on all sides
53 - live jazz musicians playing all of my favorites
54 - watching the biggest little boy conquer fears in the pool
55 - going up a size in diapers and shoes for the littlest little man
56 - adorable curls
57 - precious flower girls
58 - thoughtful Mimi, bringing gifts for her boys to help them be entertained at the reception
59 - beautiful sunshine
60 -home again, safe and sound
Friday, July 1, 2011
Giving thanks, 36 - 45
36- happy wake-ups from nap time
37 -hearing birds chirping away in the morning
38 - being renters, and therefore not responsible when the furnace broke last night
39 - the beautiful timing of going away for a cousin’s wedding for part of the weekend at the same time that we will be without hot water at home.
40 - a heart that is responsive to discipline
41 - having my “pray time with Jesus” protected by my older son
42 - the fact that he is learning that “prayer time with Jesus” is normal, and VITAL
43 - Christian fiction - although I probably shouldn’t read at bedtime again.... it was much later than intended that I finally went to sleep.
37 -hearing birds chirping away in the morning
38 - being renters, and therefore not responsible when the furnace broke last night
39 - the beautiful timing of going away for a cousin’s wedding for part of the weekend at the same time that we will be without hot water at home.
40 - a heart that is responsive to discipline
41 - having my “pray time with Jesus” protected by my older son
42 - the fact that he is learning that “prayer time with Jesus” is normal, and VITAL
43 - Christian fiction - although I probably shouldn’t read at bedtime again.... it was much later than intended that I finally went to sleep.
44 - hearing something from the Lord that I know He wanted me to hear today
45 - willingly getting up at 4AM during the summer to ensure that my quiet time happens --- and this is just.... a miracle.
Blogging through the #Gospels: John 13 - Humility
Blogging through the Gospels with Amy, from Mom's Toolbox.
Reading: John 13
Scripture: John 13: 14 - 15
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Observations:
I love that Peter is one of the disciples.
We see the other disciples acting petty at times, but never with the flair of Peter.
His pride needed to be broken. Seriously broken- or he would never be any use to Jesus. He was full of confidence in his own ability to be faithful, and to follow.
Humility: seeing ourselves as we truly are, in comparison to the infinite glory of Christ.
Jesus chose the most shocking example of servitude to demonstrate His point.
When guests arrived at a home, the master of the house would offer water, to wash the dust off of the traveler's feet. Sometimes a servant would be on hand to administer the task.
But never did the master of the house perform the task himself.
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
While I believe that Peter's reaction is more about Jesus lowering Himself, and Peter not feeling worthy to have His Lord performing such a base task, the root is still pride.
When Jesus answers Him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me," Peter realizes his mistake and with characteristic zeal offers his whole body to be washed. Jesus assured that only the feet were getting washed that day.
After He had finished the task, He explained that He had given them the standard. Serve one another. In reaching hearts for the Lord, there are no jobs, no tasks that are "below" them. The true measure of a man is not his list of accomplishments, but his heart and willingness to serve.
Application:
Oh there are so many places that I need to hear and apply this lesson.
In my home: I need to serve my family by making every effort to keep our home clean.
In my classroom: I need to serve my students by being more organized, and therefore more efficient.
In my heart: I need to remember my definition of humility.
Humility: seeing ourselves as we truly are, in comparison to the infinite glory of Christ.
Prayer:
Lord,
This reminder is needed.
Even though it stings.
(But you knew that already.)
Thank you for your kind rebuke.
Help me.
Amen.
Reading: John 13
Scripture: John 13: 14 - 15
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Observations:
I love that Peter is one of the disciples.
We see the other disciples acting petty at times, but never with the flair of Peter.
His pride needed to be broken. Seriously broken- or he would never be any use to Jesus. He was full of confidence in his own ability to be faithful, and to follow.
Humility: seeing ourselves as we truly are, in comparison to the infinite glory of Christ.
Jesus chose the most shocking example of servitude to demonstrate His point.
When guests arrived at a home, the master of the house would offer water, to wash the dust off of the traveler's feet. Sometimes a servant would be on hand to administer the task.
But never did the master of the house perform the task himself.
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”
While I believe that Peter's reaction is more about Jesus lowering Himself, and Peter not feeling worthy to have His Lord performing such a base task, the root is still pride.
When Jesus answers Him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me," Peter realizes his mistake and with characteristic zeal offers his whole body to be washed. Jesus assured that only the feet were getting washed that day.
After He had finished the task, He explained that He had given them the standard. Serve one another. In reaching hearts for the Lord, there are no jobs, no tasks that are "below" them. The true measure of a man is not his list of accomplishments, but his heart and willingness to serve.
Application:
Oh there are so many places that I need to hear and apply this lesson.
In my home: I need to serve my family by making every effort to keep our home clean.
In my classroom: I need to serve my students by being more organized, and therefore more efficient.
In my heart: I need to remember my definition of humility.
Humility: seeing ourselves as we truly are, in comparison to the infinite glory of Christ.
Prayer:
Lord,
This reminder is needed.
Even though it stings.
(But you knew that already.)
Thank you for your kind rebuke.
Help me.
Amen.
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