In a magazine, I recently heard about live58.org, a movement to end poverty by really living out Isaiah 58. The first thing I did when I heard about this was to of course read Isaih 58. I could talk a lot about this chapter because it has to do with true fasting, but I am still very much praying over it and discerning how to apply it to Sundays, Tuesday fast, And life in general. But one verse in particular came up during today's fast:
The Word:
Isaiah 58:7
"Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe them"
Today I was getting my haircut, fixing a car problem, and generally just having an enjoyable afternoon to myself, thanks to my mom for babysitting during nap time! Normally, on an afternoon out like this, I would really make it a special day and treat myself to some fancy drink, cookie, etc. like they had at the mall where I was getting my hair cut. I paced by the delicious-smelling shop for a while, thinking how rare an occasion this was, I was out of town, no one would know or care if just had one little (or giant) colorful cookie...except
God. And He is really the one who matters. It's not about me being a person who keeps my
commitments, shows restraint, or feels good about myself, it's about growing closer to God and
truly believing that God satisfies. I walked away strengthened in the faith, but still
thought about Isaiah 58 in the sense that true fasting is not about giving something up, it is
about loving and serving others. So after I got my haircut, I pulled out my mom's credit card (thanks for the treat mom!), and I added the tip she said she normally gave. Out of great
thankfulness for her generosity, the peacefulness in the day, general gratitude to God for
drawing me to Himself, especially on this day, I added some money to bless her that I would
have spent on that giant cookie, or something else. I doubt that I was making the difference between her having clothes or food, but if we, as Christians, start truly living in this grateful, generous spirit, many others will be blessed and God will be glorified.
Prayer: For our thankfulness and devotion to God to translate to blessing others and bring Heaven to earth!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
God Takes the Interstate
I drove to Ohio this past week to spend some time with family, and this time of prayer and fasting has reminded me that God truly is here with us all, as He is back in PA, though I don't have my usual morning devotional times, weekly Life Group, women's Bible Study, Church family, prayer time with my husband, etc... I have also been seeing how my prayer life is being transformed. For instance, Monday night I was laying in bed praying about how to direct the next day's prayers and fasting, and also about a big decision we were trying to make about purchasing a new vehicle. I 'said my prayer', followed by 'Amen'. Then I proceeded to continue, saying 'God, I am still so anxious about this car decision, will you help me to relax and trust in you, knowing that you will make the whole process work if You want it to'. Wait, I told myself, I said 'amen', the prayer is over....but I am learning that God still hears, and I want Him to hear, so I will direct my thoughts, desires, confessions to Him- praying at all times. This was a helpful realization because during my Tuesday, I was driving all around the state of Ohio looking at vehicles. And even though I was tempted to let this situation take over all of my thoughts, I forced myself to dig deeper for something to pray for others for. I have been informed that October is National pregnancy and Infancy loss awareness month. To be honest, I would normally skim over titles like this, saying to myself that every month is _____ awareness month for so many things, and they aren't really 'my thing'...I know that sounds a little heartless, but I think people who have experienced the situations are usually the best at rallying support and educating others anyway. But especially lately, there have been more than a dozen women/families in our lives that have experienced loss of pregnancy at various stages. more than a dozen!!! I know a lot of people, but that is still a staggering number! I thought maybe this should become 'my thing'. How would Jesus respond- what was His thing/things that he really fought for, felt passionately about?
The Word: Phil 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Jesus was involved in children's issues, homeless ministry, issues of starvation, disabilities, politics.... (I could think of more, but it's late)
So I am praying that instead of thinking of things so compartmentalized, I will join with god in anything that celebrates truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, lovely, and admirable, like a month that supports women and families who have experienced loss of life, which God never intended to happen.
The Word: Phil 4:8
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Jesus was involved in children's issues, homeless ministry, issues of starvation, disabilities, politics.... (I could think of more, but it's late)
So I am praying that instead of thinking of things so compartmentalized, I will join with god in anything that celebrates truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, lovely, and admirable, like a month that supports women and families who have experienced loss of life, which God never intended to happen.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
How Frail I am
I am posting late tonight, because after a wonderful morning saying goodbye to some visitors, getting the kids a late lunch and to nap time, then taking a short rest, I had a choice to make-either posting on this blog(which sounded fun and energizing), or actually praying for what I am posting about tonight...the fate we all share- death. I chose to pray, reminding me again that today is about connecting with God and being more deeply rooted in Him. This blog is great accountability and hopefully good encouragement for others, but it's not the point. The relative I have been praying for has passed on from this earth, and I was talking to Matt about what it would be like to get the news like he did, that I would only live for 2 days to 3 weeks. What would I do, say, would I have the faith to glorify God not only in life but also in death? And as I was searching for verses for this relative's memorial service, I came across this verse and remembered that I have been given that same death sentence, just maybe with a little longer range...maybe:
The Word:
Psalm 39: 4-7 "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. indeed, you have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing
before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man walks about like a shadow;surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who
will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you."
After a wonderfully full weekend with our friends, I was finding myself still getting a little stressed after day 5 out of my normal routine- not getting up early to spend time quietly before the Lord, spending more time than usual getting the kids ready for things, being out of the house, cleaning up more, etc. I needed an attitude change, but I ws trying to will it to happen, telling myself I am a 'better' person than that, that I should be a better host for our friends, and enjoy the last day together without any negative attitudes (even though these are friends I can be totally real with and know they still love me). Even comparing my life to my now widowed aunt brought no change in attitude (reminiscent of Eccelesiastes right!). But reading this verse was a great reminder of so many things 1: I shouldn't think of myself more highly than I ought- I'm not better than anything...especially not immune to my sinful heart nature to be selfish, ungrateful, grudging giver. 2: I don't know how many days I have, I should not expect anything, take anything for granted, enjoy each moment. 3: look at my motivations for what I do- am I trying to heap up some riches that I can't take with me out of this world? 4: what is my hope, or more appropriately, in whom who is my hope?
Prayer: Continued comfort for our aunt, for all of us to realize our own frailty, put our hope
in The One who holds eternity.
Food Story: We went to The Original Waffle Sop here in State College with our friends late this morning, and I totally felt like I was cheating my fast because I only had one waffle but still wasn't hungry until like 2 in the afternoon...yum waffle shop, still remembering God in times of hunger or fullness.
The Word:
Psalm 39: 4-7 "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. indeed, you have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing
before you; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Surely every man walks about like a shadow;surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who
will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you."
After a wonderfully full weekend with our friends, I was finding myself still getting a little stressed after day 5 out of my normal routine- not getting up early to spend time quietly before the Lord, spending more time than usual getting the kids ready for things, being out of the house, cleaning up more, etc. I needed an attitude change, but I ws trying to will it to happen, telling myself I am a 'better' person than that, that I should be a better host for our friends, and enjoy the last day together without any negative attitudes (even though these are friends I can be totally real with and know they still love me). Even comparing my life to my now widowed aunt brought no change in attitude (reminiscent of Eccelesiastes right!). But reading this verse was a great reminder of so many things 1: I shouldn't think of myself more highly than I ought- I'm not better than anything...especially not immune to my sinful heart nature to be selfish, ungrateful, grudging giver. 2: I don't know how many days I have, I should not expect anything, take anything for granted, enjoy each moment. 3: look at my motivations for what I do- am I trying to heap up some riches that I can't take with me out of this world? 4: what is my hope, or more appropriately, in whom who is my hope?
Prayer: Continued comfort for our aunt, for all of us to realize our own frailty, put our hope
in The One who holds eternity.
Food Story: We went to The Original Waffle Sop here in State College with our friends late this morning, and I totally felt like I was cheating my fast because I only had one waffle but still wasn't hungry until like 2 in the afternoon...yum waffle shop, still remembering God in times of hunger or fullness.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A change of plans, but not really
For a few different reasons I ended up donating plasma this morning, which for the past couple weeks I avoided so I would not confuse hunger symptoms wth any actual medical problems. In addition, I forgot that I had made a play date with a neighbor and her daughter, and she so kindly made us all lunch afterward, which I felt would be rude to refuse. Hmmm, so where does that leave me this Tuesday afternoon, when I am supposed to be reporting here about my prayer and fasting experience today? I thought first about just waiting until tomorrow to fast, pray and post, or about praying and posting today and fasting tomorrow, or just waiting until next Tuesday, etc. Even though this produced some extra mental and emotional 'strain', I realized I am thinking about this for such a good reason- having a wonderful neighbor/friend, friend for my children, a generous meal, good conversation....which just has to lead me to praise God- whether I planned to pray or not, it is just happening. And this praise happened to lead me to what I felt on my heart to pray about since last night, hearing about a tragic loss some friends are experiencing. I am by nature a very social person, love talking and hanging out with new people, learning new things, but sometimes I catch myself thinking that it is all for MY benefit- what can this person/organization offer me, it is 'worth' my time. When I heard about this situation with our friends, I was reminded of God's purposes for friendship:
The Word: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Are you having flashbacks from a recent wedding? I have definitely come to believe that we need more than just our spouse in this world, because as we become more and more 'one', we will be grieved by the same things, possibly fall into the same traps, and need good friends to keep pushing us along in our labor, and lift us up. Good relationships do take a lot of work, vulnerabilty, honesty, etc. but they are so important in good times and bad. Thank you friends!
Prayer: For our new but dear friends in their tragedy- may you feel that God loves you, hears you, has not forsaken you. Thank you for sharing with us so we can grieve with you, love you, and uplift you.
Food: With all of the 'schedule changes' today, I am choosing to continue to pray (and post obviously) today, and wait until next Tuesday to fast. It was a good reminder that prayer and fasting is not just missing a meal. Today my heart is still deeply longing for comfort and healing for our friends, even with a full stomach because of great friends.
The Word: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Are you having flashbacks from a recent wedding? I have definitely come to believe that we need more than just our spouse in this world, because as we become more and more 'one', we will be grieved by the same things, possibly fall into the same traps, and need good friends to keep pushing us along in our labor, and lift us up. Good relationships do take a lot of work, vulnerabilty, honesty, etc. but they are so important in good times and bad. Thank you friends!
Prayer: For our new but dear friends in their tragedy- may you feel that God loves you, hears you, has not forsaken you. Thank you for sharing with us so we can grieve with you, love you, and uplift you.
Food: With all of the 'schedule changes' today, I am choosing to continue to pray (and post obviously) today, and wait until next Tuesday to fast. It was a good reminder that prayer and fasting is not just missing a meal. Today my heart is still deeply longing for comfort and healing for our friends, even with a full stomach because of great friends.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The day after vacation
We traveled home from vacation yesterday, so today was that first day home...you know...the day where you need to do 4 loads of laundry, put away bags, review schedules for the week, inventory the fridge and cupboards, etc. So today also being fasting day, I am a little torn between taking time to really be in prayer and completing all of these chores. But there is something so pressing on my heart today that I know it is ok if some things around the house wait until tomorrow- marriage. There is a couple we know of (and many others I'm sure we do not know of) that are struggling in their marriage, to the point of being ready to end it. I don't think it is for me to weigh in on whether it is right or wrong to end the marriage, based on the circumstances, instead praying for God to show us His will. We know that God loves unity, and is the One who brings unity to a marriage even if the couples are not believers in Him, but I read Hosea today and was struck by how God might also use the brokenness of marriages to His Glory too.
Hosea 1
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.” 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel.”
6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them.
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.[b]
10 “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’
I love that last verse. God reminds the people of Isreal, through Hosea and Gomer, that even in their unfaithfulness, and His anger, that He will redeem them and bring them into His family forever. So maybe when we see things on earth that are not as God intended them to be, like divorce, it can remind us of our need for a new heaven and earth, where things ARE as God intended them to be.
Prayer: For all marriages to be strengthened, but especially for a certain one in turmoil right now. Can anything be done God? Do you want to use to do anything in the situation God?
Hosea 1
2 When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.” 3 So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son.
4 Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. 5 In that day I will break Israel’s bow in the Valley of Jezreel.”
6 Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the LORD said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them.
8 After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. 9 Then the LORD said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.[b]
10 “Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’
I love that last verse. God reminds the people of Isreal, through Hosea and Gomer, that even in their unfaithfulness, and His anger, that He will redeem them and bring them into His family forever. So maybe when we see things on earth that are not as God intended them to be, like divorce, it can remind us of our need for a new heaven and earth, where things ARE as God intended them to be.
Prayer: For all marriages to be strengthened, but especially for a certain one in turmoil right now. Can anything be done God? Do you want to use to do anything in the situation God?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Make the Most of Every Opportunity
Another rainy afternoon tempts me to just curl up on the couch and let the day pass by. But again I am thankful for the prompting to start this blog which keeps me accountable to God's call to:
"Be very careful then, how you live- not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:17
So if you just got all excited because you think I am going to tell you that I have the Lord's will all figured out, sorry to disappoint you. But that's part of the beauty in dedicating this day to hearing from Him about His plan for me, all of the world, and the world to come. I am also realizing that maybe the bigger questions regarding my future are not really as important in God's will as the day to day decisions, character building opportunities, interactions with others, etc. And since there are countless of these seemingly small instances throughout the day, I can see why this verse talks about making decisions carefully and making the most of every opportunity.
Prayer: In addition for praying that Spirit would continue to prompts me to live in this spirit of seizing every moment, I pulled out this pamphlet on my bookshelf called "A voice for the voiceless" and am starting to pray for one of the global issues of injustice each day, because I know that God wants to take every prayer as an opportunity to free these people from evil days.
Food Note: (I am trying to deepen the focus of my prayer and fasting posts but I still think some of the funny or interesting things associated with going without a meal are fun or encouraging to read, so I will put them here at the end, ok?) I am so glad I moved my plasma donating day to Wednesday this week. I still feel hungry and probably need another glass of water to keep some light-headedness away, but now I know it is just associated with my body being so spoiled with my normal eating habits. I am not worrying about any medical side effects, but using the hunger again to drive me towards praise, thanks, and hunger for righteousness.
"Be very careful then, how you live- not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:17
So if you just got all excited because you think I am going to tell you that I have the Lord's will all figured out, sorry to disappoint you. But that's part of the beauty in dedicating this day to hearing from Him about His plan for me, all of the world, and the world to come. I am also realizing that maybe the bigger questions regarding my future are not really as important in God's will as the day to day decisions, character building opportunities, interactions with others, etc. And since there are countless of these seemingly small instances throughout the day, I can see why this verse talks about making decisions carefully and making the most of every opportunity.
Prayer: In addition for praying that Spirit would continue to prompts me to live in this spirit of seizing every moment, I pulled out this pamphlet on my bookshelf called "A voice for the voiceless" and am starting to pray for one of the global issues of injustice each day, because I know that God wants to take every prayer as an opportunity to free these people from evil days.
Food Note: (I am trying to deepen the focus of my prayer and fasting posts but I still think some of the funny or interesting things associated with going without a meal are fun or encouraging to read, so I will put them here at the end, ok?) I am so glad I moved my plasma donating day to Wednesday this week. I still feel hungry and probably need another glass of water to keep some light-headedness away, but now I know it is just associated with my body being so spoiled with my normal eating habits. I am not worrying about any medical side effects, but using the hunger again to drive me towards praise, thanks, and hunger for righteousness.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The's no such thing as 'me' time
As usual, it's nap time in my house as I write this, and I usually think of the quiet, uninterrupted hours of sleeping or (pretend sleeping in the case of my 2 year old) as 'me' time. But today, before I even really cleaned up from lunch or straightened up the house, a neighbor of mine 'had the nerve' to knock on my door and ask if he could hang out for a couple of hours because he was locked out of his house. I welcomed him in immediately, but then started to feel a little strange...Bailey was still barking at him (she's our energeti c Jack Russel if you didn't know), I became more embarrassed of the messy house the more I looked around, and so my thoughts turned from welcoming mode to problem solving mode. I asked if he had checked with the office about letting him in, citing various policies from our past apartment complexes. He said he had not tried, and stood right up to go check, saying he would Accept the invitation to come back if there was any kind of fee. 10 minutes went by and he didn't return, so I ventured over to the office to check on him (I did lock myself out a lot at our old place, so it couldn't hurt to see what the policy was, and get the mail). He was there and said they had given him a key to get in, and even remembered something he had forgotten to do that would take some time anyway. So while I know I would have been happen if I were him to get back into my apartment, I know that I did not welcome him with the heart that Jesus calls us to when He says,
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me....and whatever you did not do for one of the least of these brothers or sisters you did not do for me." Matthew25:40, 45
My actions are hitting me especially hard because this is the second request from this same neighbor that I have pretty much redirected...tried to help, but reservedly. When we first moved into this new complex, we made a point of trying to connect with each of our neighbors, offering baked goods (my favorite), help moving, seeping and cleaning, etc. So that we truly could present ourselves as neighbors who wanted to know them, serve them, and love them. But when someone really had a need (or two), how did I respond...selfishly, because it was 'me' time, or was inconvenient.
So today I am praying to have a heart that is open to serve and love anyone, anywhere...because God seems to do His best work in and through the unexpected, don't you think?
p.s. I am feeling very lethargic and quite nauseous again today, after my second day donating plasma. As much of a blessing as it is to help us save up for Christmas presents, I made a choice to move the day I donate next week so that I could keep the commitment to prayer and fasting on Tuesdays and still provide for my physical needs on donating days.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me....and whatever you did not do for one of the least of these brothers or sisters you did not do for me." Matthew25:40, 45
My actions are hitting me especially hard because this is the second request from this same neighbor that I have pretty much redirected...tried to help, but reservedly. When we first moved into this new complex, we made a point of trying to connect with each of our neighbors, offering baked goods (my favorite), help moving, seeping and cleaning, etc. So that we truly could present ourselves as neighbors who wanted to know them, serve them, and love them. But when someone really had a need (or two), how did I respond...selfishly, because it was 'me' time, or was inconvenient.
So today I am praying to have a heart that is open to serve and love anyone, anywhere...because God seems to do His best work in and through the unexpected, don't you think?
p.s. I am feeling very lethargic and quite nauseous again today, after my second day donating plasma. As much of a blessing as it is to help us save up for Christmas presents, I made a choice to move the day I donate next week so that I could keep the commitment to prayer and fasting on Tuesdays and still provide for my physical needs on donating days.
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