Dear Friends,
I came across this as I was digging through a file this morning. It was a much-needed reminder for me and I thought it was worthwhile enough to share:
“YOU CAN GIVE WITHOUT LOVING, BUT YOU CANNOT LOVE WITHOUT GIVING”
First Corinthians 13, Christmas version
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend myriad holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust…
But, giving the gift of love will endure.
Author unknown
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Rogers Family News Christmas
Christmas greetings to our dear family and friends!
We do hope that you are doing well and that 2010 has been a fruitful year for you. As we take a few moments of your time to share how our year has been it is our earnest desire that you have grown in the Lord and that He has been working mightily in your lives. We so look forward to hearing from all of you and enjoy every card and newsletter we receive.
This has been a good year for us. Good is such a relative word, isn’t it? I say good because we have seen the Lord’s faithfulness and continued provision for us despite the impact of the economy on our business and our lives. When we have had a need, God has been there. When we have experienced hurt, God has been our comfort. When we have wavered or been weak, He has been our strength. When we have grieved for loss or for the trials of those dear to us, God has been our refuge. When we have been sick, He has been our healer. In fact, I would have to say that one of the lessons I have most learned from God this year is that He has put me in places where I have had to totally and utterly depend on Him. Some of those places have been emotional; some physical; some spiritual. However, He has been true to His promise to never leave or forsake us and that is something any one of us CAN take to the bank!
Our family has had some fun changes this year; mostly involving with the Grandkids. However, before I tell you about them, I’ll start with our own kids. Jon and Kara are doing well. Jon continues to be busy in many ways, some which, I’m happy to say, involve serving the Lord. When our church Music Minister left a couple of months ago, Jon stepped up the plate and has taken over leading worship on Sunday mornings. He has also gotten more involved with the youth at church and is helping them grow their own praise and worship ministry. He really seems to enjoy that and it’s a blessing to see him share the talents and gifts God has given him this way. He also continues to play in the adult soccer league year round, has set up a recording studio in his basement and always manages to find something to occupy his ‘spare’ time.
Kara continues to grow her little sewing business; sew.hip.mama and is now also a pattern reviewer for an online business all of which she really enjoys. In fact, she has a blog if anyone is interested in checking it out: sewhipmama.wordpress.com where she posts photos of some of the things she makes. This year she participated in a couple of Christmas boutiques and sold quite a few things. She has also entered in the world of being a ‘chauffer Mom’, something I have told her will only increase as time goes by. She continues to amaze us with her baking skills, producing the most beautifully decorated cakes and cookies.
Asher is now 5 and started Kindergarten this year. That has been a huge change for our whole family. Gone are the days of doing whatever they (or we) wanted. Now, school hours and schedules must be considered. He’s doing very well and loves school, just like Jon did. He was one of 3 kindergartners to be selected for the advanced reading program, which comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. He is precocious, bright and fun to be around. He also has developed more of an interest in art and in music, so, we’ll see where that goes. In fact, his interest in music inspired him to enter the talent show at school which was a hoot. He likes this animusic that is on CD and the internet, and seems to particularly like the drums. So, he chose one of their songs and played a drum in the show and barely looked up after he realized how many people were watching him, but, stayed on beat and finished. It was just so cute! He also enjoyed another year of playing soccer and showed some degree of interest in the game when he was out on the field.
Sadie is now 3 and is still in pre-school. She has grown and developed so much in the past year that it’s amazing! She also started kiddie soccer this year and did really well. I think that she may turn out to really be the star athlete in the family. At the same time, she does cute little ballerina dances, and still enjoys ‘girlie’ things. She is just darling but, she’s such a ‘girl’, which is new for me because I didn’t raise girls. We have had tea together, and have fun when she gets to come to Grandma’s house.
Tim still lives in Greeneville and seems to be doing fine. He isn’t working at the moment, and we don’t see a whole lot of him, but, do see him from time-to-time. I think mostly he’s enjoying just living life. He is in a band of some kind and they do have opportunities to play in Greeneville.
As for Michael and I, well…we’re another year older and hopefully another year wiser! Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work? We enjoy our life together. I praise God for giving me such a wonderful, godly husband every day. When I think of what my life could have been, well, let’s just say that this is soooooo much better!!!
So, what has our year been like? Busy with family, some travel and keeping up with life and the Lord. Michael still works long hours, but, he is so grateful to have that opportunity. Yes,like everyone else, the economy has affected our business somewhat. There were a few months when the impact seemed particularly strong. However, despite that, as I said earlier, God knows our every need and has been so faithful to meet them all in truly amazing ways. Consequently, the business is still strong and that is such a blessing. There are other businesses all around us, just as I’m sure you see as well where you are, that have not survived. It saddens me to see all the businesses that have failed. To get away and relax Michael takes every opportunity he can to get out and hike and work outside. Got to keep that old vitamin D quota up!
My life has been somewhat different this year as well. At the end of June we made a staff change in the office which necessitated me to be there fulltime for awhile and to take on additional office responsibilities. I have decided come- what- may to take a lot of time off in December to do ‘Christmasy’ things and I’m very happy to have that time. Next year will see more changes for me, I think, and I look forward with great anticipation to see what the Lord has in mind. I still try to find time to sew and quilt and do some minor gardening. I hope to do more of all of those things next year. I also am teaching a women’s Bible study at church, and am still involved with the choir and the praise and worship ministry.
We’ve had some fun family times this year. We all went to Hilton Head for the first time for summer vacation and had a blast. We rented a house right on the beach with a pool and relaxed a lot, spent a lot of time in the water and exploring the area. Then, we went with Jon and his family for a trip to Germany at the end of November, staying mostly in Bamberg (Bavaria; where Michael’s mom grew up) and taking some side trips to Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Frankfurt. We went to many Christmas markets there and with the snowy, cold winter weather; it was like taking a step back in time to a fairytale world. It was a truly memorable time. We’ve also made many trips over to North Carolina to visit Michael’s parents, and eat dinner at our favorite German restaurant in Hickory. This year’s Hinman Dental convention was held in Orlando and we stayed in the Dolphin hotel, and, while Michael and Jon went to courses, Kara, kids and I saw just about all that Orlando has to offer. Asher’s birthday occurred while we were there, and Kara’s parents came down as well. The hight point of that trip for Asher was getting to see a rocket launch into space from Cape Canaveral. As we were walking back to the hotel after dinner there it was, and, because Asher is into everything space, he was just thrilled to get to see that. It was really pretty cool.
All-in-all, 2010 has been good for us. I think one of the things, though, that I have most learned is that God is who He says He is. As I watch dear friends struggling with serious health and marriage issues, and local business fail, I have seen incredible testimonies of faith upheld and prayers answered. I have seen the grief that goes along with all those things, and when I have run out of the faith or courage to face the trials in my life, God has been there every step of the way. It has caused me to take a serious look this year at what I have placed my hope and trust in.
What the world’s economic and physical challenges should be teaching us is that we can no longer depend upon those people, governments or things which we had always thought would be solid and would uphold us. Those things we thought would protect our rights or our values or our security sometimes fail. Two great quotes come to mind: Benjamin Franklin saying “in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes”, and Solomon who said in Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun”. We should not be so surprised by what is happening in the world today. For those of us who know the Bible, we know that this world will indeed come to an end. It is prophesied and it will happen.
Benjamin Franklin’s statement addresses only those things IN this world and the two things he mentioned are indeed certain. However, for those of us who truly know God, we must remember that this world isn’t really our home. Jesus is coming again and I believe His return is imminent, although it is also true that no one knows the hour or the time of that event. However, that and that alone; the hope of glory as the Apostle Paul calls it, is really the only thing that is eternally certain for us and it is the only thing that can truly sustain us through this life. I truly do not know how those who do not have a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ make it through the challenges and trials of life. I was once in that place, and thought I had it all together, but, I was so wrong. But for the grace of God, I don’t know what would have become of me! And, once again…if you are reading this, know that it is by God’s design, and if you have never taken that step to recognize you are a sinner, confess your sin before God and ask Him to be the Lord and Master of your life, I cannot encourage you strongly enough to do so now. Please! Paul writes more than once in Scripture “Consider Him”, and that is wise instruction, dear one.
In closing, we want to wish you a wonderful, blessed Christmas and a New Year that will be filled with Christ and the riches of His glory. It is our prayer that we, and you, would “walk in a manner worthy of our calling” in the coming year, and that God would use us to reach those in a lost and hurting world.
As always, you are in our hearts, ever near and ever dear.
Michael & Jan
We do hope that you are doing well and that 2010 has been a fruitful year for you. As we take a few moments of your time to share how our year has been it is our earnest desire that you have grown in the Lord and that He has been working mightily in your lives. We so look forward to hearing from all of you and enjoy every card and newsletter we receive.
This has been a good year for us. Good is such a relative word, isn’t it? I say good because we have seen the Lord’s faithfulness and continued provision for us despite the impact of the economy on our business and our lives. When we have had a need, God has been there. When we have experienced hurt, God has been our comfort. When we have wavered or been weak, He has been our strength. When we have grieved for loss or for the trials of those dear to us, God has been our refuge. When we have been sick, He has been our healer. In fact, I would have to say that one of the lessons I have most learned from God this year is that He has put me in places where I have had to totally and utterly depend on Him. Some of those places have been emotional; some physical; some spiritual. However, He has been true to His promise to never leave or forsake us and that is something any one of us CAN take to the bank!
Our family has had some fun changes this year; mostly involving with the Grandkids. However, before I tell you about them, I’ll start with our own kids. Jon and Kara are doing well. Jon continues to be busy in many ways, some which, I’m happy to say, involve serving the Lord. When our church Music Minister left a couple of months ago, Jon stepped up the plate and has taken over leading worship on Sunday mornings. He has also gotten more involved with the youth at church and is helping them grow their own praise and worship ministry. He really seems to enjoy that and it’s a blessing to see him share the talents and gifts God has given him this way. He also continues to play in the adult soccer league year round, has set up a recording studio in his basement and always manages to find something to occupy his ‘spare’ time.
Kara continues to grow her little sewing business; sew.hip.mama and is now also a pattern reviewer for an online business all of which she really enjoys. In fact, she has a blog if anyone is interested in checking it out: sewhipmama.wordpress.com where she posts photos of some of the things she makes. This year she participated in a couple of Christmas boutiques and sold quite a few things. She has also entered in the world of being a ‘chauffer Mom’, something I have told her will only increase as time goes by. She continues to amaze us with her baking skills, producing the most beautifully decorated cakes and cookies.
Asher is now 5 and started Kindergarten this year. That has been a huge change for our whole family. Gone are the days of doing whatever they (or we) wanted. Now, school hours and schedules must be considered. He’s doing very well and loves school, just like Jon did. He was one of 3 kindergartners to be selected for the advanced reading program, which comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. He is precocious, bright and fun to be around. He also has developed more of an interest in art and in music, so, we’ll see where that goes. In fact, his interest in music inspired him to enter the talent show at school which was a hoot. He likes this animusic that is on CD and the internet, and seems to particularly like the drums. So, he chose one of their songs and played a drum in the show and barely looked up after he realized how many people were watching him, but, stayed on beat and finished. It was just so cute! He also enjoyed another year of playing soccer and showed some degree of interest in the game when he was out on the field.
Sadie is now 3 and is still in pre-school. She has grown and developed so much in the past year that it’s amazing! She also started kiddie soccer this year and did really well. I think that she may turn out to really be the star athlete in the family. At the same time, she does cute little ballerina dances, and still enjoys ‘girlie’ things. She is just darling but, she’s such a ‘girl’, which is new for me because I didn’t raise girls. We have had tea together, and have fun when she gets to come to Grandma’s house.
Tim still lives in Greeneville and seems to be doing fine. He isn’t working at the moment, and we don’t see a whole lot of him, but, do see him from time-to-time. I think mostly he’s enjoying just living life. He is in a band of some kind and they do have opportunities to play in Greeneville.
As for Michael and I, well…we’re another year older and hopefully another year wiser! Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work? We enjoy our life together. I praise God for giving me such a wonderful, godly husband every day. When I think of what my life could have been, well, let’s just say that this is soooooo much better!!!
So, what has our year been like? Busy with family, some travel and keeping up with life and the Lord. Michael still works long hours, but, he is so grateful to have that opportunity. Yes,like everyone else, the economy has affected our business somewhat. There were a few months when the impact seemed particularly strong. However, despite that, as I said earlier, God knows our every need and has been so faithful to meet them all in truly amazing ways. Consequently, the business is still strong and that is such a blessing. There are other businesses all around us, just as I’m sure you see as well where you are, that have not survived. It saddens me to see all the businesses that have failed. To get away and relax Michael takes every opportunity he can to get out and hike and work outside. Got to keep that old vitamin D quota up!
My life has been somewhat different this year as well. At the end of June we made a staff change in the office which necessitated me to be there fulltime for awhile and to take on additional office responsibilities. I have decided come- what- may to take a lot of time off in December to do ‘Christmasy’ things and I’m very happy to have that time. Next year will see more changes for me, I think, and I look forward with great anticipation to see what the Lord has in mind. I still try to find time to sew and quilt and do some minor gardening. I hope to do more of all of those things next year. I also am teaching a women’s Bible study at church, and am still involved with the choir and the praise and worship ministry.
We’ve had some fun family times this year. We all went to Hilton Head for the first time for summer vacation and had a blast. We rented a house right on the beach with a pool and relaxed a lot, spent a lot of time in the water and exploring the area. Then, we went with Jon and his family for a trip to Germany at the end of November, staying mostly in Bamberg (Bavaria; where Michael’s mom grew up) and taking some side trips to Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Frankfurt. We went to many Christmas markets there and with the snowy, cold winter weather; it was like taking a step back in time to a fairytale world. It was a truly memorable time. We’ve also made many trips over to North Carolina to visit Michael’s parents, and eat dinner at our favorite German restaurant in Hickory. This year’s Hinman Dental convention was held in Orlando and we stayed in the Dolphin hotel, and, while Michael and Jon went to courses, Kara, kids and I saw just about all that Orlando has to offer. Asher’s birthday occurred while we were there, and Kara’s parents came down as well. The hight point of that trip for Asher was getting to see a rocket launch into space from Cape Canaveral. As we were walking back to the hotel after dinner there it was, and, because Asher is into everything space, he was just thrilled to get to see that. It was really pretty cool.
All-in-all, 2010 has been good for us. I think one of the things, though, that I have most learned is that God is who He says He is. As I watch dear friends struggling with serious health and marriage issues, and local business fail, I have seen incredible testimonies of faith upheld and prayers answered. I have seen the grief that goes along with all those things, and when I have run out of the faith or courage to face the trials in my life, God has been there every step of the way. It has caused me to take a serious look this year at what I have placed my hope and trust in.
What the world’s economic and physical challenges should be teaching us is that we can no longer depend upon those people, governments or things which we had always thought would be solid and would uphold us. Those things we thought would protect our rights or our values or our security sometimes fail. Two great quotes come to mind: Benjamin Franklin saying “in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes”, and Solomon who said in Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun”. We should not be so surprised by what is happening in the world today. For those of us who know the Bible, we know that this world will indeed come to an end. It is prophesied and it will happen.
Benjamin Franklin’s statement addresses only those things IN this world and the two things he mentioned are indeed certain. However, for those of us who truly know God, we must remember that this world isn’t really our home. Jesus is coming again and I believe His return is imminent, although it is also true that no one knows the hour or the time of that event. However, that and that alone; the hope of glory as the Apostle Paul calls it, is really the only thing that is eternally certain for us and it is the only thing that can truly sustain us through this life. I truly do not know how those who do not have a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ make it through the challenges and trials of life. I was once in that place, and thought I had it all together, but, I was so wrong. But for the grace of God, I don’t know what would have become of me! And, once again…if you are reading this, know that it is by God’s design, and if you have never taken that step to recognize you are a sinner, confess your sin before God and ask Him to be the Lord and Master of your life, I cannot encourage you strongly enough to do so now. Please! Paul writes more than once in Scripture “Consider Him”, and that is wise instruction, dear one.
In closing, we want to wish you a wonderful, blessed Christmas and a New Year that will be filled with Christ and the riches of His glory. It is our prayer that we, and you, would “walk in a manner worthy of our calling” in the coming year, and that God would use us to reach those in a lost and hurting world.
As always, you are in our hearts, ever near and ever dear.
Michael & Jan
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Worship Devotion 11/10/10
As our church is in the transition of searching for a new Worship Leader, I have the wonderful privilege of leading a little devotion for our choir and worship ministry folks on Wednesday evenings. Since we have only a brief time, and I almost always have so much more enthusiasm for the subject and for God's Word than we ever have time for, it seemed good to post my devotion notes and relevant things on this blog for the dear saints involved in our worship ministry to review at their leisure and pleasure. In that light, here are the notes from what we will go over tonight. I pray it richly blesses you and gives you much pause to reflect on God's grace-gifts and calling:
Worship Devotion
11/10/10
Last week we spoke briefly about what it means to be a WL and the importance of our hearts being focused on the Lord. Tonight, we're going to review the last paragraph in our booklet on p. 3 where our author touches a bit more on the responsibility of the WL and the heart God wants us to have.
Let’s look at some of the verses he uses:
And you shall again obey the LORD, and observe all His commandments which I command you today.9 "Then the LORD your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the LORD will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers;10 if you obey the LORD your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Deut 30:8-10 (NASB)
What will cause the Lord to rejoice over His children in this passage? If we observe all His commandments
What do you think the ‘if’ is there for?
What does it mean to turn to the Lord your God w/ all your heart and soul?
Our author quotes this v. to show us how WL are to have a passion for knowing God.
4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.6 Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.
Psalms 25:4-7 (NASB)
What will God do for those who recognize Him and wait on Him? Lead them in His truths and teach them
I believe our author uses this verse to show us and example of God’s mercy that we can imitate in our relationships w/ others. What is it? He asks God not to remember the sin of his youth or his transgressions.
Can there be compassion without forgiveness? NOPE! That’s another good reminder for us.
Does God’s compassion ever change or even waver? Is that another good example for us?
Our author exhorts us that we need to have a passion for God as well as a heart of compassion for people. What should we desire for our hearts?
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.Psalms 51:10-13 (NASB)
What is the Psalmist longing for? To be in God’s presence.
Notice the use of the word, ‘then’? This verse shows a process. What is it?
1. Our hearts are cleansed and our spirits renewed through being in God’s presence and in the power of the Holy Spirit
2. Once we are there, God restores the joy of our salv. Our spirit is willing to be sustained.
3. ONLY after those things happen are we then ready for ministry. What happens after ‘Then’? We can teach others and witness to others and watch God save them.
And, to further illustrate his point about having compassion for others, our author quotes 2 more verses: John 15:17 in which Jesus gives us a command to love one another and 1 Peter 1:22. There is a lot to 1 Peter, but, let’s see if we can fit the time in to review it:
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:13-23 (NASB)
What an incredibly uplifting and challenging passage this is! We could spend hours just discussing it. However, our author has chosen v. 22 to show how God desires us to love one another.
From where is that love to come? The heart
Finally…why?
Please write this verse down and spend some time this week praising God for all He has done for you. This passage should inspire the very heart and attitude towards God and others that our author is writing of.
Worship Devotion
11/10/10
Last week we spoke briefly about what it means to be a WL and the importance of our hearts being focused on the Lord. Tonight, we're going to review the last paragraph in our booklet on p. 3 where our author touches a bit more on the responsibility of the WL and the heart God wants us to have.
Let’s look at some of the verses he uses:
And you shall again obey the LORD, and observe all His commandments which I command you today.9 "Then the LORD your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the LORD will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers;10 if you obey the LORD your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Deut 30:8-10 (NASB)
What will cause the Lord to rejoice over His children in this passage? If we observe all His commandments
What do you think the ‘if’ is there for?
What does it mean to turn to the Lord your God w/ all your heart and soul?
Our author quotes this v. to show us how WL are to have a passion for knowing God.
4 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.6 Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses, For they have been from of old.7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness' sake, O LORD.
Psalms 25:4-7 (NASB)
What will God do for those who recognize Him and wait on Him? Lead them in His truths and teach them
I believe our author uses this verse to show us and example of God’s mercy that we can imitate in our relationships w/ others. What is it? He asks God not to remember the sin of his youth or his transgressions.
Can there be compassion without forgiveness? NOPE! That’s another good reminder for us.
Does God’s compassion ever change or even waver? Is that another good example for us?
Our author exhorts us that we need to have a passion for God as well as a heart of compassion for people. What should we desire for our hearts?
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.Psalms 51:10-13 (NASB)
What is the Psalmist longing for? To be in God’s presence.
Notice the use of the word, ‘then’? This verse shows a process. What is it?
1. Our hearts are cleansed and our spirits renewed through being in God’s presence and in the power of the Holy Spirit
2. Once we are there, God restores the joy of our salv. Our spirit is willing to be sustained.
3. ONLY after those things happen are we then ready for ministry. What happens after ‘Then’? We can teach others and witness to others and watch God save them.
And, to further illustrate his point about having compassion for others, our author quotes 2 more verses: John 15:17 in which Jesus gives us a command to love one another and 1 Peter 1:22. There is a lot to 1 Peter, but, let’s see if we can fit the time in to review it:
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:13-23 (NASB)
What an incredibly uplifting and challenging passage this is! We could spend hours just discussing it. However, our author has chosen v. 22 to show how God desires us to love one another.
From where is that love to come? The heart
Finally…why?
Please write this verse down and spend some time this week praising God for all He has done for you. This passage should inspire the very heart and attitude towards God and others that our author is writing of.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Autumn Song
Lately, it seems like trials have come my way. I've been reminded of two places in Scripture recently: John 15:1-9 where Jesus tells us that He is the Vine and His Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Him that bears fruit will be pruned so that it may bear more fruit. And, Hebrews 12:10-11 where the author tells us that God disciplines us for our good and even though it may be hard to go through, for those who have been trained by it, afterwards, it yields the peacable fruit of righteousness.
The message I believe God has been sending me is that even though the trials and seasons of life may seem difficult and challenging for their time, if we allow ourselves; in fact, if we yield ourselves to God's pruning in our lives, the dead will be cutoff and that which remains will be and do more to bring glory to Him.
Any experienced gardener will tell you this is a true principle. Plants of all kinds benefit from light to heavy yearly pruning. And, pruning of different plants is seasonal. Even my pansies benefit from being 'deadheaded'. We snip off the spent flowers and toss them into the planting bed where the flowers are growing. The seeds fall from the spent flowers, and next year will bear more.
Every year about this time, I go back to a poem I wrote some years ago and evaluate where I am in light of the words God gave me. It's probably my favorite of all the ones I've written over the years and I decided to post it here in case anyone else would like it. I was driving along with no thought in mind about writing, thanking God for the beauty of the autumn around me and it's as though the words echoed in my mind and heart so strongly that I had to pull over grab whatever I had to write on and with and jot it down. I love it when God speaks to me like that!
We've had a beautiful Fall this year. We were just up at the top of Viking Mountain this morning for a short hike on the Appalachian Trail, admiring the beauty of the view. It's always humbling to me when I see the beauty of God's handiwork. Man takes so much credit for what surrounds him in this world, but, I am ever reminded of God's words to Job: "where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?"
How I pray these words I wrote some years ago will be always true in my life!
Autumn Song
One morning I arose, and it seemed to me
That flames were dancing in every tree
Masses of colors so vivid and bright
Liquid opacity in the light.
Each day dawned a new surprise
As changes of color met my eyes
A rainbow would almost pale by these
As the flames kept dancing in the trees.
In days, the flames begin to dim
And I reflect and ask myself; “am I like them?”
But wait what do I see there in the sky?
Is that a twinkle in God’s eye?
Is it a message there for me
In the dimming of those trees?
Clothed once in finery lush and green
Ripped away by a foe unseen
Do they seem now not as grand
Reaching towards heaven with outstreched hands?
Their leaves whispered songs that only trees know
But now, they stand so very alone
But wait, what do I see there in the sky?
Is that a twinkle in God’s eye?
Is it a message there for me
In the lonliness of those trees?
Is it only when our glory is faded and gone
That God our attention has finally won?
Like the tree without its leaves does stand
Before its Maker with outstretched hands
Is there a message there for me
In the nakedness of that tree?
Whose roots reach down in soil deep
To find its strength in the winter’s sleep?
Yes, there’s a message in that tree
May my faith ever be
Unshakeable upon roots that reach below
All the things of this world that I know
Below the surface; so that I may stand
On the foundation built with heavenly hands.
In those seasons of my life
Filled with gladness yet fraught with strive
Where can I go, Lord, where will You be?
Right there in the message of those trees.
Oh Lord, let my praises be
As firmly rooted as those trees,
Stripped of all to boast upon
All my pride and self undone
My heart to YOU...fully won.
Jan Rogers
November 14, 2002
The message I believe God has been sending me is that even though the trials and seasons of life may seem difficult and challenging for their time, if we allow ourselves; in fact, if we yield ourselves to God's pruning in our lives, the dead will be cutoff and that which remains will be and do more to bring glory to Him.
Any experienced gardener will tell you this is a true principle. Plants of all kinds benefit from light to heavy yearly pruning. And, pruning of different plants is seasonal. Even my pansies benefit from being 'deadheaded'. We snip off the spent flowers and toss them into the planting bed where the flowers are growing. The seeds fall from the spent flowers, and next year will bear more.
Every year about this time, I go back to a poem I wrote some years ago and evaluate where I am in light of the words God gave me. It's probably my favorite of all the ones I've written over the years and I decided to post it here in case anyone else would like it. I was driving along with no thought in mind about writing, thanking God for the beauty of the autumn around me and it's as though the words echoed in my mind and heart so strongly that I had to pull over grab whatever I had to write on and with and jot it down. I love it when God speaks to me like that!
We've had a beautiful Fall this year. We were just up at the top of Viking Mountain this morning for a short hike on the Appalachian Trail, admiring the beauty of the view. It's always humbling to me when I see the beauty of God's handiwork. Man takes so much credit for what surrounds him in this world, but, I am ever reminded of God's words to Job: "where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?"
How I pray these words I wrote some years ago will be always true in my life!
Autumn Song
One morning I arose, and it seemed to me
That flames were dancing in every tree
Masses of colors so vivid and bright
Liquid opacity in the light.
Each day dawned a new surprise
As changes of color met my eyes
A rainbow would almost pale by these
As the flames kept dancing in the trees.
In days, the flames begin to dim
And I reflect and ask myself; “am I like them?”
But wait what do I see there in the sky?
Is that a twinkle in God’s eye?
Is it a message there for me
In the dimming of those trees?
Clothed once in finery lush and green
Ripped away by a foe unseen
Do they seem now not as grand
Reaching towards heaven with outstreched hands?
Their leaves whispered songs that only trees know
But now, they stand so very alone
But wait, what do I see there in the sky?
Is that a twinkle in God’s eye?
Is it a message there for me
In the lonliness of those trees?
Is it only when our glory is faded and gone
That God our attention has finally won?
Like the tree without its leaves does stand
Before its Maker with outstretched hands
Is there a message there for me
In the nakedness of that tree?
Whose roots reach down in soil deep
To find its strength in the winter’s sleep?
Yes, there’s a message in that tree
May my faith ever be
Unshakeable upon roots that reach below
All the things of this world that I know
Below the surface; so that I may stand
On the foundation built with heavenly hands.
In those seasons of my life
Filled with gladness yet fraught with strive
Where can I go, Lord, where will You be?
Right there in the message of those trees.
Oh Lord, let my praises be
As firmly rooted as those trees,
Stripped of all to boast upon
All my pride and self undone
My heart to YOU...fully won.
Jan Rogers
November 14, 2002
Saturday, August 14, 2010
My Hero
This morning we had some excitement. I was working on the computer when Polly wanted to go out and as she trotted out the door, a snake slithered in! Imagine my surprise! I've never had much testing to my natural response to snakes, but, respond I did. I ran in the opposite direction yelling for Michael at the top of my lungs! I probably scared him half to death, because he came running from upstairs to see what the commotion was all about.
It wasn't a terribly big snake, but, it was still a snake, and, to make matters worse, it was inside MY house! Michael ordered me to grab Polly who was, by this time, back in the house also wondering what all the fuss was about, so that he could attend to the business of ushering the critter back outside. He opened the door, grabbed a broom, and carefully swept the snake back out the door. When all was done and the snake was safely outside, and things were calm, I kissed him on the cheek telling him he was "my hero".
Later, I was reflecting on what had taken place, remembering the Biblical illustration of the snake in Genesis. Our snake was black as coal. It made me think about the darkness of sin. It also caused me to give thought to what had happened. When I saw the snake, my first impulse was to run the other way. Hmmm. The Bible tells us to flee from sin. It also directs us to resist evil in 1 Peter and in James, and if we do, Satan will flee from us.
I wonder, sometimes...if I run from sin as quickly as I ran from that snake this morning? I know that we become new creatures in Christ at the moment of salvation, but, still, there is the flesh which must be crucified on a daily basis.
I was glad it was Saturday and that Michael was able to come to my resuce. I am ever so much more grateful that one day years ago, Jesus Himself rescued me from sin and death. He truly is MY HERO!
It wasn't a terribly big snake, but, it was still a snake, and, to make matters worse, it was inside MY house! Michael ordered me to grab Polly who was, by this time, back in the house also wondering what all the fuss was about, so that he could attend to the business of ushering the critter back outside. He opened the door, grabbed a broom, and carefully swept the snake back out the door. When all was done and the snake was safely outside, and things were calm, I kissed him on the cheek telling him he was "my hero".
Later, I was reflecting on what had taken place, remembering the Biblical illustration of the snake in Genesis. Our snake was black as coal. It made me think about the darkness of sin. It also caused me to give thought to what had happened. When I saw the snake, my first impulse was to run the other way. Hmmm. The Bible tells us to flee from sin. It also directs us to resist evil in 1 Peter and in James, and if we do, Satan will flee from us.
I wonder, sometimes...if I run from sin as quickly as I ran from that snake this morning? I know that we become new creatures in Christ at the moment of salvation, but, still, there is the flesh which must be crucified on a daily basis.
I was glad it was Saturday and that Michael was able to come to my resuce. I am ever so much more grateful that one day years ago, Jesus Himself rescued me from sin and death. He truly is MY HERO!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
He Mends the Broken Pieces
I know, I know...it's been a long time since I've updated my blog. It seems like life is just so busy. My office responsibilities and hours have increased and it I sometimes find myself wishing that there were 48 hours in a day rather than 24! Even then, I don't think I'd finish everything I need to do!
And, last night I had another project; a sewing project to make replacement foot covers for the dental chairs at the office. As I was searching for some velcro, I stumbled across an old box of broken jewelry that was Mom's. Mom kept everything. When she died, I inherited all of her sewing supplies.
The little box was full of jewelry clasps, random beads and broken strands of fine gold necklaces. As I sifted through them, the Lord brought to my mind how I, too, was broken and my life in pieces of my past and random fragments of shame when He sent His Holy Spirit to convict me of my sin, convince me of my need for a Savior, and showed me that He alone could mend and heal my broken heart. What joy that brought to me last night and what a beautiful reminder of how He makes beauty out of ashes through the reconiliation of the resurrection.
Since I last posted to this blog much has happend in my life. I've seen the life of a precious and dear young man taken at his own hand because of a mind unable to live in this real plane of existince and a skewed, but intense desire to be closer to God. I've seen another young man in our family struggle, digging his hole deeper and deeper into sin. I've seen marriages that are unravelling, and young people who are not able to stand against the temptations of life. I've heard the voice of despair; seen Satan working in the church, as our dear friend, Layne, says, "like a microwave from the inside out".
At the same time, I've minstered to women in the local jail and seen one woman come to Christ and several who are trying to submit to His will for their lives. I've correpsonded with our Compassion kids in Africa who are content with so little. I've seen women who want to be closer to God.
I've fired an employee, and hired another to take her place. No matter how good we think we are, we are never irreplacable. Life will go on without us! I've learned patience. I'm trying to improve in self-control. We're looking at our future; praying for God's wisdom in business decisions that must be made; thankful that God is still keeping us afloat in the midst of an uncertain economy.
I've visited with old and dear (or should it be dear and old, Dan and Susie and Layne and Kristy... LOL) friends and gone to the beach. I've enjoyed summer time with family. I've seen my grandkids grow. I've taken quilting classes and have tried to find time to sew. I've had nice visits with my in-laws and good German food. I've taught Sunday school and ministered to ladies.
But...no matter what; good or hard, ups or downs; Jesus transcends all of this. Ephesians 2 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture and I think that once one masters the concept of forgiveness and salvation, the concepts of this chapter in Ephesians are the next most important thing about our lives in Christ one needs to know. Just exactly what is our victory in Christ? When Jesus takes all those broken fragments and pieces of our lives; when He melds the broken links of those chains together, where does that put us? So many people I've met do not know; do not understand, and consequently do not dwell in the place of victory upon which we are seated in Christ at the right hand of God. This is what Paul tells us in Ephesians 2.
Furthermore, as we're on that seat in Christ, He continues that lifelong process of sanctification in our lives. In fact, we read in Ephesians 2 :10 that we are His workmanship. I love the Greek transliteration of that word; 'workmanship', to poema. God takes all those broken pieces and weaves them together in a masterful tapestry according to the design He has had for us before the foundations of the world. To me that is an incredible and very humbling truth. My life is not my own; my life is not in my hands; my life is in the hands of Him who is skillfully weaving the fibers together into something more beautiful than I could ever imagine.
Dear one...do you sometimes look at your life and see only a little box of broken pieces and fragments of fine jewelry? Be encouraged today. Remember that Paul also writes in Philippians 2:12-13 : so then, my beloved, just as have always obeyed not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your savation with fear and trembling... and don't get worried here; there's more!: for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. God never leaves us dangling with our feet hanging over the edge of a cliff. The best is yet to come and we all know that His work will be done through the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and accomplished in His own good time and His own good way. Philippians 1:6 tells us He will be faithful to complete what He begins.
I have been encouraged lately to remember that even Paul counted himself as not perfect; nor complete. I like to summarize Philippians 3:12-16 to say "I'm not perfect, but, I'm pressing on".
So, dear ones...perservere and don't be discouraged when the trials of life come. Know that God is perfecting you and that He loves you with an everlasting love. All this He reminded me of as I sifted through that little box of broken jewelry and how grateful I am!
And, last night I had another project; a sewing project to make replacement foot covers for the dental chairs at the office. As I was searching for some velcro, I stumbled across an old box of broken jewelry that was Mom's. Mom kept everything. When she died, I inherited all of her sewing supplies.
The little box was full of jewelry clasps, random beads and broken strands of fine gold necklaces. As I sifted through them, the Lord brought to my mind how I, too, was broken and my life in pieces of my past and random fragments of shame when He sent His Holy Spirit to convict me of my sin, convince me of my need for a Savior, and showed me that He alone could mend and heal my broken heart. What joy that brought to me last night and what a beautiful reminder of how He makes beauty out of ashes through the reconiliation of the resurrection.
Since I last posted to this blog much has happend in my life. I've seen the life of a precious and dear young man taken at his own hand because of a mind unable to live in this real plane of existince and a skewed, but intense desire to be closer to God. I've seen another young man in our family struggle, digging his hole deeper and deeper into sin. I've seen marriages that are unravelling, and young people who are not able to stand against the temptations of life. I've heard the voice of despair; seen Satan working in the church, as our dear friend, Layne, says, "like a microwave from the inside out".
At the same time, I've minstered to women in the local jail and seen one woman come to Christ and several who are trying to submit to His will for their lives. I've correpsonded with our Compassion kids in Africa who are content with so little. I've seen women who want to be closer to God.
I've fired an employee, and hired another to take her place. No matter how good we think we are, we are never irreplacable. Life will go on without us! I've learned patience. I'm trying to improve in self-control. We're looking at our future; praying for God's wisdom in business decisions that must be made; thankful that God is still keeping us afloat in the midst of an uncertain economy.
I've visited with old and dear (or should it be dear and old, Dan and Susie and Layne and Kristy... LOL) friends and gone to the beach. I've enjoyed summer time with family. I've seen my grandkids grow. I've taken quilting classes and have tried to find time to sew. I've had nice visits with my in-laws and good German food. I've taught Sunday school and ministered to ladies.
But...no matter what; good or hard, ups or downs; Jesus transcends all of this. Ephesians 2 is one of my favorite passages of Scripture and I think that once one masters the concept of forgiveness and salvation, the concepts of this chapter in Ephesians are the next most important thing about our lives in Christ one needs to know. Just exactly what is our victory in Christ? When Jesus takes all those broken fragments and pieces of our lives; when He melds the broken links of those chains together, where does that put us? So many people I've met do not know; do not understand, and consequently do not dwell in the place of victory upon which we are seated in Christ at the right hand of God. This is what Paul tells us in Ephesians 2.
Furthermore, as we're on that seat in Christ, He continues that lifelong process of sanctification in our lives. In fact, we read in Ephesians 2 :10 that we are His workmanship. I love the Greek transliteration of that word; 'workmanship', to poema. God takes all those broken pieces and weaves them together in a masterful tapestry according to the design He has had for us before the foundations of the world. To me that is an incredible and very humbling truth. My life is not my own; my life is not in my hands; my life is in the hands of Him who is skillfully weaving the fibers together into something more beautiful than I could ever imagine.
Dear one...do you sometimes look at your life and see only a little box of broken pieces and fragments of fine jewelry? Be encouraged today. Remember that Paul also writes in Philippians 2:12-13 : so then, my beloved, just as have always obeyed not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your savation with fear and trembling... and don't get worried here; there's more!: for it is God who is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. God never leaves us dangling with our feet hanging over the edge of a cliff. The best is yet to come and we all know that His work will be done through the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and accomplished in His own good time and His own good way. Philippians 1:6 tells us He will be faithful to complete what He begins.
I have been encouraged lately to remember that even Paul counted himself as not perfect; nor complete. I like to summarize Philippians 3:12-16 to say "I'm not perfect, but, I'm pressing on".
So, dear ones...perservere and don't be discouraged when the trials of life come. Know that God is perfecting you and that He loves you with an everlasting love. All this He reminded me of as I sifted through that little box of broken jewelry and how grateful I am!
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