Growing in Grace

The pole of power is greasy. The Roman emperor Charlemagne knew that. An interesting story surrounds the burial of this famous king. Legend has it that he asked to be entombed sitting upright in his throne. He asked that his crown be placed on his head and his scepter in his hand. He requested that the royal cape be draped around his shoulders and an open book be placed in his lap. That was A.D. 814. Nearly two hundred years later, Emperor Othello determined to see if the burial request had been carried out. He allegedly sent a team of men to open the tomb and make a report. They found the body just as Charlemagne had requested. Only now, nearly two centuries later, the scene was gruesome. . . But open on the skeletal thighs was the book Charlemagne had requested - the Bible. One bony finger pointed to Matthew 16:26: "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" You can answer that one. -From The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado;

Then Jesus asked them, "And who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." -Matthew 16:15-16 (NCV) This is the most important question you'll ever have to answer.

"Come on" is the invitation. And Peter doesn't have to be told twice. It's not every day that you walk on water through waves that are taller than you are. . . The first few steps go well. But a few strides out onto the water, and he forgets to look to the One who got him there in the first place, and down he plunges. . . Peter knows better than to bite the hand that can save him. His response may lack class - it probably wouldn't get him on the cover of Gentleman's Quarterly or even Sports Illustrated - but it gets him out of some deep water: Photo Credit "Help me!" And since Peter would rather swallow pride than water, a hand comes through the rain and pulls him up. The message is clear. As long as Jesus is one of many options, he is no option . As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief,  you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take

Photo Credit For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep . -Acts 13:36 When I interview people, I often close the interview by asking, "At the end of your life, how would you like to be remembered?" Answers to that question tell a lot about the person who is responding. A thousand years after King David lived, Luke, one of the writers of the New Testament, included a few thoughts about how David was remembered. He wrote, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. . . " (Acts 13:36). Another translation adds a single phrase that injects even more meaning. It reads, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation according to the will of God, he fell asleep". The overview of history is often so much different than how we appear in the smoke and dust of the battle. For a few moments, measure your life against the benchmark of what Luke wrote about Davi

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. -Romans 5:1 I heard about a man some years ago who was rolling a wheelbarrow back and forth across Niagra River on a tightrope. Thousands of people were shouting him on. He put a two-hundred pound sack of dirt in the wheelbarrow and rolled it over, and then he rolled it back. Then he turned to the crowd and said, "How many of you believe I can roll a man across?" Everybody shouted! One man in he front was very excited about his professed belief. The man pointed to this excited professor and said, "You're next!" You couldn't see the man for dust!. . . He said he believed it, he thought he believed it - but he was not willing to get in the wheelbarrow. Just so with Christ. There are many people who say they believe on Him, who say they will follow Him. But they never have gotten into the wheelbarrow. . . There are many people who ask, "W

The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher . -Luke 6:40 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. . . A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. -Luke 6:43-45 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. -Luke 6:47-49 God saves men by His

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. -Matthew 6:33 In deciding my life's priorities, I should keep three things in mind - my relationship to God, my relationship to other people, and my relationship to myself. Priority 1: Glorifying God . . . (Our) chief purpose is to know God and to glorify Him forever. The first commandment says, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). God should come first in everything. This does not mean our faith should be fanatical pursuit of heaven to the detriment of everything else in the world. But the first question we should always ask is, Does this glorify God? If it doesn't glorify God, don't do it. Priority 2: Loving others . God cares for the world so much that he gave His only Son to save it (John 3:16). Because of this, we can serve Him by caring for the people around us. This means living the life of Christ. How do we do that? By being gentle

Photo Credit Oh how I struggled with worry and anxiety in the past. And while I can't say I never experience these two emotions; I feel them less and less. I've been learning over the years to take my fears and concerns to God immediately instead of dwelling on them. As I have learned to let go of my hold on these things that I cannot control, God has proven Himself faithful over and over. God is sovereign. Knowing that everything I experience has first gone through Him, comforts me. He knows what I can handle and He is prepared to give me what I need to get through each circumstance He brings my way. And because He has proven Himself faithful, I can fully trust Him to meet all my needs. "Do not be anxious" is a command. It's something we need to grow in in our walk with the Lord. It's not easy; but the more we "let go and let God", the more peaceful our lives will be - even in the midst of the worst trials.

Photo Credit Struggled with a migraine headache off and on all week. Asked for prayer last night at Bible study for it to be gone by today. So thankful I woke up pain free. My class of 4th graders was high energy; but their projects turned out great and I was told by a mom of one of my "active" boys that he likes my class. Blessed day! Very appropriate that we sang this song at Chapel this morning. . .

Photo Credit Today my kids and I learned about the Apostle's Creed. We read that around A.D. 150 "Christians felt it necessary to write out the basis of their faith. . . The Apostle's Creed was written by early Christians for several reasons. It was used at the baptism of new Christians to confirm what they believe. It was probably used to teach others about Christianity, and it certainly helped bring the churches together. The Apostle's Creed was undoubtedly memorized in the Early Church and then taught on deeper levels. It would have been like a curriculum for a new believers' class. And of great importance, the Apostle's Creed served as an anchor for early Christians who were persecuted. In other words, the creed may have helped Christians understand what they were dying for if indeed they were put to death for their faith." -p. 57; The Mystery of History Volume II ; Linda Lacour Hobar Apostle's Creed I BELIEVE in God Almighty And in Ch

This happened to my hubby today as he was on his way home to coach our daughter's volleyball practice. As he was making the transition from the 10 freeway to the 15 freeway in Ontario, the car in front of him slammed on its brakes. My husband hit his brakes and lost control. He drove off the side of the freeway. The embankment was steep, but soft, so the front tires dug in. It took two tow trucks to pull the car out of the dirt and back onto the freeway. I pray daily for his commute - that God would keep watch over him as he comes and goes. We are so thankful today that God answered that prayer. He could have hit the car in front of him. He could have flipped over down the embankment. His car could have been damaged.  He had a hefty tow truck bill to pay on the spot. We are grateful that there was money in the bank; but we hope it will be covered by our auto insurance and we can get it back. If not, we trust that God will provide the funds needed in other areas that woul

I heard this song on the radio a few weeks ago. Two things came to mind. The first was just the beautiful reminder that God is aware of me. He is El Roi - the God who sees me. There are times when I feel like I just exist. I'm not doing anything important; nothing to be noticed by anyone. I don't think it is just me, but I know that in my lifetime I have struggled with wanting to be noticed; to be recognized for doing something special. This desire has led me to wrong behavior in a variety of ways. As I'm growing in my walk with the Lord, I am learning not to dwell on these feelings of anonymity for long because I recognize them as lies from the enemy. I focus on the fact that I am fulfilling God's calling for me - here in my own home with my husband and children, as well as with my extended family and friends. The ways I've served at church may not always be seen, but I am doing my part in the ways God has led. As Francesca's song reminds, I am chosen, wante

" Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." -Matthew 7:13-14

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe . -Ephesians 1:18-19 I am in week two of my study in Gideon. Today's nugget was found in the above verse. I spent some time looking at notes and commentary on this verse. I can easily personalize this prayer as I desire to live for Christ. The extraordinary divine force by which Jesus Christ was raised is the same power at work in and through believers. -NIV Study Bible The hope that belongs to our calling should be a dynamic force in our lives, encouraging us to be pure, obedient and faithful. The fact that we shall one day see Christ and be like Him should motivate us to live like Christ today. -Warren Wiersbe Gideon became aware of God's presence first and then discovered a new calling and the power to accomplish it. The s

How great are His signs and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and His dominion is from generation to generation. . .The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind.   -Daniel 4:3, 17 God Most High, El Elyon, is the Possessor of heaven and earth. God is sovereign; He is ruler over everything. There is absolutely nothing that God doesn't have control over. Thankful for a sovereign God. photo credit

The real enemies we face, the ones that deal us the most severe blows are not. . .(physical) handicaps. There are enemies far worse: lethargy, irresponsibility, lack of ambition, and lack of desire. These are the real enemies. . . There is something more important, however, than just results. It is learning how to live, how to overcome your difficulties, how to really make your life count. . . There is one thing you can be sure of. You can do anything God wants you to do and you can find His strength and help in accomplishing it. -Dr. Harold J. Sala; "Heroes" photo credit

I was actually CHILLY at the park tonight during volleyball practice! But it was a NICE change from the high temperatures we've been having. And the sunset was BEAUTIFUL! Feeling thankful tonight for the variety the seasons bring in nature as well as in our lives. photo credit

Spent an awesome day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. . . Loved the tigers, lion cubs and their majestic father, lemurs and beautiful birds. There is so much beauty and diversity in God's creation. He is the ultimate artist! For this is what the Lord says - he who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says : "I am the Lord, and there is no other . -Isaiah 45:18 photo credit

After church, I was asking Josh what he learned in class. He said they talked about prayer. Josh sometimes has fear at night. I asked him if he prayed then. He said yes, but what really helped him was saying Joshua 1:9 a couple of times.  Proverbs 30:5 says that God's Word is a shield to those who take refuge in in Him.  I printed out Joshua 1:9 for Josh and have it on the wall above his bed. I'm glad it serves as a reminder to him to not be afraid because God is with him always.

Finally watched "God's Not Dead" which prompted me to ask. . .  Where is your hope? I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. -Psalm 130:5 Photo Credit

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  -2 Corinthians 12:9 photo credit On my own, I am not enough. It is Christ in me that makes me a enough for my family. To read a great blog post on this, click on the "photo credit" link. 

Sometimes I need to remember for whom I am working!

This is my life verse. God has proven faithful many times over in my life. All things for my good and His glory! And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. -Romans 8:28 photo credit

Talking as a family at dinner tonight about money. This is my hubby's favorite verse on the subject. ". . . give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." -Proverbs 30:8b-9 photo credit

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . -Philippians 2:3-5 photo credit

" Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. " -Ecclesiastes 9:10 In the book Heroes  by Dr. Harold J. Sala, he writes of Brother Lawrence. In 1666, Nicholas Herman, who later became known as Brother Lawrence, was admitted to a lay brotherhood at the Carmelite monastery in Paris. He was assigned kitchen duty which was a challenge for him because he was naturally clumsy. Dr. Sala tells that the way Brother Lawrence tackled his work provided guidelines for victorious living. "Lawrence believed that even the most mundane and worldly task can be done in love for God, and doing it for the great King gives the most humble task a spiritual purpose." In his book The Practice of the Presence of God , Brother Lawrence wrote, "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen while several

Photo Credit Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego displayed faith and courage. They told King Nebuchadnezzar, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king." (Daniel 3:17) They believed that God had the power to deliver them from the fiery furnace. They went on to say, "But even if He does not,. . . " (Daniel 3:18) This does not mean they were wavering in that strong faith and courage. They knew that God had the power to save them, but they also knew that God might chose not to. "Sometimes God puts us in a fiery furnace to test our faith, to purify us, to make us more like Jesus (James 1:2-4)". (D4Y p. 64) "God is able to deliver us from hard times, from sickness, and from death, but sometimes God chooses to let us go through these things to fulfill His purpose for our lives and to make us more like Jesus. . . Sometimes God delivers us from the fire, sometimes He brin

I am reading Heroes by Dr. Harold J. Sala with my girl. So far, all of the stories are encouraging and challenging. I personally camped on the one about William Carey, "The Father of Modern Missions", for a little bit. William Carey was self-educated. He taught himself Latin, Hebrew and Greek and became proficient in six languages by the age of 12. While many in the church believed the heathen to be "unworthy of the sacrifice necessary to convert them", William "believed that each individual is important to our heavenly Father and that Christ died for the sins of the world, a world that needed to hear that people are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (p. 102) While Carey accomplished great learning at an early age and became known as "The Father of Modern Missions", he did not wish to be known for such accomplishments. Dr. Sala shares that William had once told his nephew ". . . if after my removal anyone should th