Conversations, Reflections & Meditations


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Sign Guestbook \| View Guestbook Comments? Questions? [email protected]	Prayer topics Older Women Teaching Younger Women The Impress of the Cross Choose Peace and Rest With Me Help Me Understand Your Word Hope and Glory Older Women Teaching Younger Women Date: September 14, 2003 Last night at One Eighty (the youth service), my helper was talking and worrying about her plans to marry, because her boyfriend is not a Christian (a good reason to be concerned!). Then she started asking me the meaning of many Scriptures, and even of songs we sing at church. I was surprised at how little she understood, and yet she is so eager to learn, and just soaks it up. And I realized, thinking about it this morning, that here is another opportunity to serve the Lord, just as scripture says: older women teaching younger women (Titus 2). Thank You, Lord! Return to the top The Impress of the Cross Date: September 15, 2003 Springs in the Desert, Sept 15: "Oh, the inexpressible charm that hovers about some Christians simply because they bear upon the chastened countenance and mellow spirit the impress of the cross, the holy evidence of having died to something that was once proud and strong, but now is forever at the feet of Jesus. It is the sweetness which comes to the heart after it has died to its self-will and pride and sin." Dear Heavenly Father, I wish this could be said of me. I seem so harsh and demanding. I know part of that is my strong personality, but it seems to me that even so, under the influence of Jesus, I should be kinder, gentler, more mellow - more (totally!) dead to pride and self-strength. It seems so quick to me to pick up my self-reliance instead of leaving it "forever at the feet of Jesus." I am kind of scared to even pray a prayer like this because I instantly feel tired just to think of the trials that seem necessary to mold a person like me into conformity to the image of Jesus, Your Son and my precious Saviour. And yet even that fear, that tiredness, is clear indication of how much further I need to travel along the road of a broken and contrite spirit, dear Lord. So, dear Lord God, please go ahead and do what You must to make me like Jesus. Thank You. Lord, You know about my arguments and worries with my children yesterday morning, and how foolish I was. But then we went to church, and the worship leader said to put aside the things that we were worrying about and enter into worship. And oh, dear Lord, it was such wonderful, glorious worship. How much You must love me to allow me such a wonderful time of joy and communion with You after all the "kafuffle" at home. And I asked You what to do about it, and You answered me directly in the sermon (again!) and showed me that what is really important is not rules and behaviour, but relationship with You. Lord, I've backed off so much from sharing You with my kids, largely because I wanted them to like me, to be proud that I am a "cool mom," to be willing to bring their friends home (though actually they hardly do), and because I have also been scared because sometimes they get so mad when I say anything about You. But Lord, I see that if I am to be bold for You, it has to start right at home. I've also been afraid to say anything around my hubby because he sometimes takes offense, too. But You know about all that, too, and I do see You working in his life too.) Return to the top Choose Peace and Rest With Me Date: September 16, 2003 Thank You, Lord, for the miracle of our new car! Even the lady at the bank thought we got a great deal. And I was able to give You at least a little of the praise, when I was talking to her. Make me yet bolder, dear Father! Oh, dear Heavenly Father, How I do look forward and cherish the times spent in focused and concentrated communion with You. Lord, thank You for Your cares and provisions. Praise Your holy name! Thursday, September 18, 2003 Dear Lord, whatever You want me to do for You, let it be Your time, Your place, Your people, Your will being done. Praise God! Thank You, Lord Jesus! Pour out Your Holy Spirit on me, dear Lord God, in Jesus' name and for His sake - all day today, and forever. Forgive me for my impatience with my kids when they bicker and bug each other, for my lack of boldness for You at work, for wasting time watching TV when I could be in Your Word (oh Lord, TV seems so easy when I'm tired, and there it is blaring all the time. I hate having it in my house. Oh, Lord, I need You to make me strong to ignore it and/or solve the problem in whatever way You think best. Help me, dear Jesus. Amen. Thank You. I love You, Lord. I praise Your holy name! You are so wonderful to me. Thank You for all Your blessings of a comfortable home, clothes, food, new car, ___'s new job, my job, my husband's job, good schools, the spiritual work You are doing in ___'s life. My cup overflows! I praise You! I love You! Hallelujah! Amen. Thank You, Jesus. My ears are open, my heart is ready, my life is ready to serve You, to know You, to have relationship with You. .... Norma, My child, You must make time. You must tear yourself away from the distractions of TV and the fears of rejection. You must make the choice. Then I can help You. Make the right choice every moment. Be aware always of My Presence. Hear My voice. Respond to Me. Flee from the world's distractions. Even with the sounds of the world blasting around you, you can choose to be in an oasis of peace and rest with Me. Then we can relate together and I can grow you into the image of my Son. I love you, My precious little child. Your heart is right. You are washed and made perfect in the blood of my precious Son, Jesus. Accept it totally. Walk in it! Grow! I am with you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Stand tall for Me! With love, from your Father God .... Amen! Return to the top Help Me Understand Your Word Date: September 20, 2003 Lord, I've been reading 1 Corinthians 14 again, and I still wonder about women not speaking in the church, being under subjection, asking questions later at home to their husbands. I can see that a woman asking her husband does bring honour to him and might even encourage him to learn more and mature in the Lord so he can better lead and help his family. But does the "not speaking" mean total silence, or is it in context of asking questions out loud (cultural context: calling across the room from the women's section to the men's section, as I've read somewhere - and which seems to fit the context), or because of the Corinthian situation where the city contained so many women who were brazen sexual objects related to worship of false gods (which I've also heard), or what? Lord, please make Your Word clear to me, so that I will not make wrong choices in ministry due to my own vanity and wishes. Thank You, Lord. I know the passage also has to be taken in context of the whole gospel. That women and men are spiritually one in Christ. But that women are in subjection to/ under the covering of their husbands, as men are to Christ. That people like Priscilla taught the gospel, but it appears to me that she did it along with her husband Aquila. That women are to teach younger women and children, to do good works, to pray in the temple (the latter referring to the teaching about widows), etc. But I do not see that women were apostles at all, or any evidence that they were evangelists or pastors in their own right, though they seem to have carried out some of these responsibilities in partnership with their husbands and under their husband's authority. That is what I see at the moment. Show me Your truth, dear Lord. Please. Thank You, and amen. I want to be totally in Your will. Return to the top YHope and Glory Date: September 21, 2003 This morning's reading was 1 Corinthians 15. What a wonderful hope we have! To be raised with Christ - a body imperishable, immortal, victorious over death, spiritual, in the image of Jesus. And the final verse such a glorious commission: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor 15:58). Then I went to church this morning, and there was more glory. The pastor spoke on "How do I Know if I'm In the Right Church?" and he emphasized the need for teaching of the true gospel of a relationship and encounter with Jesus, and being really saved, and then going out into the world and bringing others to Jesus. He challenged us to look at our lives and see what more we can give to Jesus, and to get out of things that are holding you back from "doing for God." This made me think of my job: what are my motives? Am I doing it to make money for myself? - I do find myself buying more junk food and "stuff" than before - or for making myself feel good about myself? or to make it possible for my husband to find a different job if he wants to? or to get the kids off my back about being "poor"? or am I really wanting it to be the Lord's will (He did provide the job, I believe. I hope it was because it was His will, not because I was demanding it). Am I really serving God and seeking to build His kingdom? Am I really in His will for my life? What about my family and other things I could be doing? At the end of the sermon, the pastor had the worship team come up and lead in a song of dedication, but told us to stay sitting until we were really desiring to follow God totally and to "do" for Him. I couldn't wait more than a few lines of the song before I had to jump up and sing. Then, one of my daughters stood up, then another. Oh Lord, ____ wouldn't come to church again this week. Please work on her heart. And give me the words to say and the actions to do to influence her and lead her to You. Thank You, dear Jesus. Return to the top
Main Page \| My Articles for The Life Connection \| Prayers and Meditations \| Poetry Haida Gwaii Reflections \| Education & Home-School \| Family


	Main Page \| My Articles for The Life Connection \| Prayers and Meditations \| Poetry Haida Gwaii Reflections \| Education & Home-School \| Family
Sign Guestbook \| View Guestbook Comments? Questions? [email protected]	Prayer topics Older Women Teaching Younger Women The Impress of the Cross Choose Peace and Rest With Me Help Me Understand Your Word Hope and Glory Older Women Teaching Younger Women Date: September 14, 2003 Last night at One Eighty (the youth service), my helper was talking and worrying about her plans to marry, because her boyfriend is not a Christian (a good reason to be concerned!). Then she started asking me the meaning of many Scriptures, and even of songs we sing at church. I was surprised at how little she understood, and yet she is so eager to learn, and just soaks it up. And I realized, thinking about it this morning, that here is another opportunity to serve the Lord, just as scripture says: older women teaching younger women (Titus 2). Thank You, Lord! Return to the top The Impress of the Cross Date: September 15, 2003 Springs in the Desert, Sept 15: "Oh, the inexpressible charm that hovers about some Christians simply because they bear upon the chastened countenance and mellow spirit the impress of the cross, the holy evidence of having died to something that was once proud and strong, but now is forever at the feet of Jesus. It is the sweetness which comes to the heart after it has died to its self-will and pride and sin." Dear Heavenly Father, I wish this could be said of me. I seem so harsh and demanding. I know part of that is my strong personality, but it seems to me that even so, under the influence of Jesus, I should be kinder, gentler, more mellow - more (totally!) dead to pride and self-strength. It seems so quick to me to pick up my self-reliance instead of leaving it "forever at the feet of Jesus." I am kind of scared to even pray a prayer like this because I instantly feel tired just to think of the trials that seem necessary to mold a person like me into conformity to the image of Jesus, Your Son and my precious Saviour. And yet even that fear, that tiredness, is clear indication of how much further I need to travel along the road of a broken and contrite spirit, dear Lord. So, dear Lord God, please go ahead and do what You must to make me like Jesus. Thank You. Lord, You know about my arguments and worries with my children yesterday morning, and how foolish I was. But then we went to church, and the worship leader said to put aside the things that we were worrying about and enter into worship. And oh, dear Lord, it was such wonderful, glorious worship. How much You must love me to allow me such a wonderful time of joy and communion with You after all the "kafuffle" at home. And I asked You what to do about it, and You answered me directly in the sermon (again!) and showed me that what is really important is not rules and behaviour, but relationship with You. Lord, I've backed off so much from sharing You with my kids, largely because I wanted them to like me, to be proud that I am a "cool mom," to be willing to bring their friends home (though actually they hardly do), and because I have also been scared because sometimes they get so mad when I say anything about You. But Lord, I see that if I am to be bold for You, it has to start right at home. I've also been afraid to say anything around my hubby because he sometimes takes offense, too. But You know about all that, too, and I do see You working in his life too.) Return to the top Choose Peace and Rest With Me Date: September 16, 2003 Thank You, Lord, for the miracle of our new car! Even the lady at the bank thought we got a great deal. And I was able to give You at least a little of the praise, when I was talking to her. Make me yet bolder, dear Father! Oh, dear Heavenly Father, How I do look forward and cherish the times spent in focused and concentrated communion with You. Lord, thank You for Your cares and provisions. Praise Your holy name! Thursday, September 18, 2003 Dear Lord, whatever You want me to do for You, let it be Your time, Your place, Your people, Your will being done. Praise God! Thank You, Lord Jesus! Pour out Your Holy Spirit on me, dear Lord God, in Jesus' name and for His sake - all day today, and forever. Forgive me for my impatience with my kids when they bicker and bug each other, for my lack of boldness for You at work, for wasting time watching TV when I could be in Your Word (oh Lord, TV seems so easy when I'm tired, and there it is blaring all the time. I hate having it in my house. Oh, Lord, I need You to make me strong to ignore it and/or solve the problem in whatever way You think best. Help me, dear Jesus. Amen. Thank You. I love You, Lord. I praise Your holy name! You are so wonderful to me. Thank You for all Your blessings of a comfortable home, clothes, food, new car, ___'s new job, my job, my husband's job, good schools, the spiritual work You are doing in ___'s life. My cup overflows! I praise You! I love You! Hallelujah! Amen. Thank You, Jesus. My ears are open, my heart is ready, my life is ready to serve You, to know You, to have relationship with You. .... Norma, My child, You must make time. You must tear yourself away from the distractions of TV and the fears of rejection. You must make the choice. Then I can help You. Make the right choice every moment. Be aware always of My Presence. Hear My voice. Respond to Me. Flee from the world's distractions. Even with the sounds of the world blasting around you, you can choose to be in an oasis of peace and rest with Me. Then we can relate together and I can grow you into the image of my Son. I love you, My precious little child. Your heart is right. You are washed and made perfect in the blood of my precious Son, Jesus. Accept it totally. Walk in it! Grow! I am with you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Stand tall for Me! With love, from your Father God .... Amen! Return to the top Help Me Understand Your Word Date: September 20, 2003 Lord, I've been reading 1 Corinthians 14 again, and I still wonder about women not speaking in the church, being under subjection, asking questions later at home to their husbands. I can see that a woman asking her husband does bring honour to him and might even encourage him to learn more and mature in the Lord so he can better lead and help his family. But does the "not speaking" mean total silence, or is it in context of asking questions out loud (cultural context: calling across the room from the women's section to the men's section, as I've read somewhere - and which seems to fit the context), or because of the Corinthian situation where the city contained so many women who were brazen sexual objects related to worship of false gods (which I've also heard), or what? Lord, please make Your Word clear to me, so that I will not make wrong choices in ministry due to my own vanity and wishes. Thank You, Lord. I know the passage also has to be taken in context of the whole gospel. That women and men are spiritually one in Christ. But that women are in subjection to/ under the covering of their husbands, as men are to Christ. That people like Priscilla taught the gospel, but it appears to me that she did it along with her husband Aquila. That women are to teach younger women and children, to do good works, to pray in the temple (the latter referring to the teaching about widows), etc. But I do not see that women were apostles at all, or any evidence that they were evangelists or pastors in their own right, though they seem to have carried out some of these responsibilities in partnership with their husbands and under their husband's authority. That is what I see at the moment. Show me Your truth, dear Lord. Please. Thank You, and amen. I want to be totally in Your will. Return to the top YHope and Glory Date: September 21, 2003 This morning's reading was 1 Corinthians 15. What a wonderful hope we have! To be raised with Christ - a body imperishable, immortal, victorious over death, spiritual, in the image of Jesus. And the final verse such a glorious commission: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor 15:58). Then I went to church this morning, and there was more glory. The pastor spoke on "How do I Know if I'm In the Right Church?" and he emphasized the need for teaching of the true gospel of a relationship and encounter with Jesus, and being really saved, and then going out into the world and bringing others to Jesus. He challenged us to look at our lives and see what more we can give to Jesus, and to get out of things that are holding you back from "doing for God." This made me think of my job: what are my motives? Am I doing it to make money for myself? - I do find myself buying more junk food and "stuff" than before - or for making myself feel good about myself? or to make it possible for my husband to find a different job if he wants to? or to get the kids off my back about being "poor"? or am I really wanting it to be the Lord's will (He did provide the job, I believe. I hope it was because it was His will, not because I was demanding it). Am I really serving God and seeking to build His kingdom? Am I really in His will for my life? What about my family and other things I could be doing? At the end of the sermon, the pastor had the worship team come up and lead in a song of dedication, but told us to stay sitting until we were really desiring to follow God totally and to "do" for Him. I couldn't wait more than a few lines of the song before I had to jump up and sing. Then, one of my daughters stood up, then another. Oh Lord, ____ wouldn't come to church again this week. Please work on her heart. And give me the words to say and the actions to do to influence her and lead her to You. Thank You, dear Jesus. Return to the top
Main Page \| My Articles for The Life Connection \| Prayers and Meditations \| Poetry Haida Gwaii Reflections \| Education & Home-School \| Family