It's the question on everyone's mind. It's the question we think when it comes to our spouse, children, or best friend. How far would you go for someone you really loved? What would you do? How long would you wait?
Yesterday was Valentine's Day. That day when you wait to see what your significant other will get you. Will is be a funny card? Will it profess great love? Will I get candy and flowers? Dinner?
I saw a movie yesterday with my husband; a chic flick you might call it. "The Vow." A movie based on true events of a husband and wife involved in a car accident in which the wife loses the past five years of her life. She wakes us not knowing her husband. She remembers quite vividly everything from her life before they met. He is crushed. He has tried everything he can, but she will not cut him any slack. He finally gives up, and gives her up; hoping deep down in his heart she will remember. She goes back to her "old" life and as time passes over the next six or so months things come back to her. Not about her life just prior to the accident, but the reasons why she broke off her engagement, why she left home, why she left college. She finally meets back up with her husband/ex-husband. She never gains back her memory of those five years she lost, but she falls in love again with him, they get remarried, and have two children. A happy ending.
I asked my husband what he would do if the same thing happened to us; we've been married for 20 years now. He told me everything and anything to gain me back. I would do the same. I cannot imagine my life without my husband or children. It definately would not be as full.
God feels the same way about us. He truly does. He says it all over scripture. He has gone to the extreme to get us back, to provide a way back to him. "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son. That whoever believes in Him might not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. We all know that verse. We see it everywhere, especially at sporting events when someone holds up the sign. Tebow even puts it on his face before a game. But do we really appreciate what it says? I don't think we do. If you really think about it, you will probably agree.
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 God loved us first. If He didn't, He would never have created us and the world we live in. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15: 13-15. Jesus tells us that we are His friends. So giving up His life completely, being obedient to His Father's will (even after he experienced us in the flesh), He did so we would have a way to salvation. God created a way when it seemed that mankind was doomed. He was merciful to us. He showed us grace.
So what does real, true love look like for the believer? Paul said it so well in 1 Cor 13: 4-8. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails." Love is putting the well-being of another person ahead of your own agenda. It is not what can you give me, but how can I honor you.
So, we have year to think about this before the next Valentine's Day comes around. However, if we truly love someone we will strive to make everyday Valentine's Day. We will search out scripture about love and apply it to our lives.
Don't wait another day to show someone you love them. Our life here on earth is far too short. Don't wait another day to tell someone you love them. Don't assume they know.
And above all, look to the most perfect lover of all time: God!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Where does your strength come from?
I am not talking about physical strength or how much time you spend at the gym.
When the going gets rough, times are hard, you are down, depressed, or can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, then, where do you draw your strength from?
Scripture is just full of verses telling us to lean on God. Here are a few of the popular ones:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. ~ Proverbs 3:5
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:13
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation.” ~ Isaiah 12:2
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ~ 2 Thess 3:3
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. ~ Habakkuk 3:19.
These are just a sampling of the many you will find. But by looking at these it is clear that God wants us to lean on Him for our strength. Let's face it, when we try to do it ourselves we will fumble. We are not equipt with what it takes in and of ourselves.
Those of us who have made the choice to accept Jesus into our hearts can rest in the fact that He will never leave or forsake us. The Gospel, the Good News, is a place where we can find the unconditional love of God just waiting to be poured out over us, to fill us to overflowing. The love you have been searching for everywhere is like a waterfall just waiting to cascade over you, to cover you completely. But you must have hope, and you must have faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. See faith and hope go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other.
There have been many points in my own life where I have had to rely on God's strength over my own. There have also been many times I have tried to go it alone. Guess what? In those instances I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety. I have thrown my hands up in the air and said "What's the use?" But then a still, small voice will speak to my heart, or on my daily scripture I find in my inbox, God whispers to me. A friend will call and remind me of God's promises found within scripture. See, He continues to seek out you and me, even when we forget to take our problems to him.
Think about and reflect on the scriptures I have listed. Go to biblegateway.com and put in keywords such as hope, love, strength and trust. Make note of them so the next time you need strength, maybe, just maybe, you will run to God.
When the going gets rough, times are hard, you are down, depressed, or can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, then, where do you draw your strength from?
Scripture is just full of verses telling us to lean on God. Here are a few of the popular ones:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. ~ Proverbs 3:5
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:13
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:11
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation.” ~ Isaiah 12:2
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ~ 2 Thess 3:3
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. ~ Habakkuk 3:19.
These are just a sampling of the many you will find. But by looking at these it is clear that God wants us to lean on Him for our strength. Let's face it, when we try to do it ourselves we will fumble. We are not equipt with what it takes in and of ourselves.
Those of us who have made the choice to accept Jesus into our hearts can rest in the fact that He will never leave or forsake us. The Gospel, the Good News, is a place where we can find the unconditional love of God just waiting to be poured out over us, to fill us to overflowing. The love you have been searching for everywhere is like a waterfall just waiting to cascade over you, to cover you completely. But you must have hope, and you must have faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. See faith and hope go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other.
There have been many points in my own life where I have had to rely on God's strength over my own. There have also been many times I have tried to go it alone. Guess what? In those instances I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety. I have thrown my hands up in the air and said "What's the use?" But then a still, small voice will speak to my heart, or on my daily scripture I find in my inbox, God whispers to me. A friend will call and remind me of God's promises found within scripture. See, He continues to seek out you and me, even when we forget to take our problems to him.
Think about and reflect on the scriptures I have listed. Go to biblegateway.com and put in keywords such as hope, love, strength and trust. Make note of them so the next time you need strength, maybe, just maybe, you will run to God.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Are you a fan or a follower?
I know, it's a weird question and you are probably wondering where it is coming from.
I just finished this great book titled "Not a Fan." by Kyle Idleman. Becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus.
Now you may be saying to yourself: I'm a follower. I accepted Jesus into my heart as my Savior on this date_____. I remember where I was and what I was doing. But have you ever wondered what the difference between being a Fan of Jesus is as compared to being a Follower of Jesus.
As I read this book I felt myself start to become humbled and little embarrassed. There are many times in my life where I would have been considered more of Fan than a Follower. There are even days when this holds true. So, what you may ask is the distinction?
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word Fan as "an enthusiastic admirer." So what is wrong with that? Well, there may be several people you admire: parents, a teacher, a Pastor, sports figures, musical recording artists, movie stars...... and the list goes on and on. You may have read books about them, know their birthdays, favorite colors, and for a time you may even pattern your life after them. But it is a fad that comes and goes, or you can go long periods of time without talking to them or knowing how they are. The same can go for Jesus.
You may have a "fish" symbol on your car, wear a cross, go to church, pass all the tests in school. You may even be able to quote scripture. Here is where the defining line comes: does your commitment to Jesus shape the person you are, the people you spend the most time with, how you conduct yourself at work. Is Jesus intertwined in every part of your life? Or, is He only there when times are good, or when you need something, or the answer to the question on a questionnaire. When He doesn't answer your prayer the way you wanted or expected, or that loved one left you, or even worse died? Or when everything is going well so you forget about Him? Or maybe you pick and choose the parts of the Bible you like and use the other as slight guidelines for your life?
To be a committed follower you need to be "IN" relationship with Jesus everyday. You need to spend real time with Him. You have to trust that "He's got your back" and knows what is best for you. Proverbs 3:5 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will lead you in right paths." That means trust Him with your family, your prodigal child, your marriage, your finances, your job, your friendships, with EVERYTHING! We have to remember He has a plan that was set forth before we were created. He says that in Jeremiah 29:11. In Isaiah He states that he knit us in our mother's womb. He holds us in the palm of His hand. All throughout scripture we are told that He Loves Us. He loves us more than our parents, our friends, our children, our spouse. In Romans 8:28 we are told: "That everything works out for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
God never promised us our lives would be easy, but He did promise to always be with us. He tells us again and again in statements like: "I am sending you out as lambs among wolves" or "if people hate you, persecute you, scoff at you, remember they hated me first." It's a war zone out there for the true follower. You can loose family and friends for it. In some countries they still persecute and execute true followers.
If you are not already a follower you may wonder "why, give me a good reason?" Here is one reason: Because our time here in this world is finite, measured in days, weeks, months, years. Our eternity is infinite, as quoted by Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story": To infinity and beyond. If Heaven is eternity in the presence of God, then Hell is eternity in the absence of God. Eternal darkness, pain, suffering, hunger, and unquenchable thirst. To me, that is not a pretty picture. Here is another reason; and this one is personal. I know what God has done for me, how he filled the God-shaped hole in my heart, how He changed my perception of circumstances that occur.
After I accepted God nothing magical happened in my life to make it perfect. If you have read my other blogs you will see the hard times I have had. I have had close friends die when I was in high school, I have seen friends who have lost infant and young children. Both of my parents are in Heaven now with my Savior. I have suffered victimization. I have emotional scars that have run deep. I suffer from depression. Here is the thing though. Having a relationship with God through my faith in Jesus Christ has made all those things more bearable. He has been the my light in the darkness, my comfort during pain. He has made me new and given me a hope.
Am I always a good follower? Absolutely not. I am a disobedient child who wants what they want, when they want it. I can be egocentric, hurtful, and selfish. But my God knows that and loves me inspite of my black heart. Nothing can separate me from God's love.
I leave with you this question: Are you a fan or a follower? If not, what are you gonna do to make the change?
I just finished this great book titled "Not a Fan." by Kyle Idleman. Becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus.
Now you may be saying to yourself: I'm a follower. I accepted Jesus into my heart as my Savior on this date_____. I remember where I was and what I was doing. But have you ever wondered what the difference between being a Fan of Jesus is as compared to being a Follower of Jesus.
As I read this book I felt myself start to become humbled and little embarrassed. There are many times in my life where I would have been considered more of Fan than a Follower. There are even days when this holds true. So, what you may ask is the distinction?
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word Fan as "an enthusiastic admirer." So what is wrong with that? Well, there may be several people you admire: parents, a teacher, a Pastor, sports figures, musical recording artists, movie stars...... and the list goes on and on. You may have read books about them, know their birthdays, favorite colors, and for a time you may even pattern your life after them. But it is a fad that comes and goes, or you can go long periods of time without talking to them or knowing how they are. The same can go for Jesus.
You may have a "fish" symbol on your car, wear a cross, go to church, pass all the tests in school. You may even be able to quote scripture. Here is where the defining line comes: does your commitment to Jesus shape the person you are, the people you spend the most time with, how you conduct yourself at work. Is Jesus intertwined in every part of your life? Or, is He only there when times are good, or when you need something, or the answer to the question on a questionnaire. When He doesn't answer your prayer the way you wanted or expected, or that loved one left you, or even worse died? Or when everything is going well so you forget about Him? Or maybe you pick and choose the parts of the Bible you like and use the other as slight guidelines for your life?
To be a committed follower you need to be "IN" relationship with Jesus everyday. You need to spend real time with Him. You have to trust that "He's got your back" and knows what is best for you. Proverbs 3:5 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will lead you in right paths." That means trust Him with your family, your prodigal child, your marriage, your finances, your job, your friendships, with EVERYTHING! We have to remember He has a plan that was set forth before we were created. He says that in Jeremiah 29:11. In Isaiah He states that he knit us in our mother's womb. He holds us in the palm of His hand. All throughout scripture we are told that He Loves Us. He loves us more than our parents, our friends, our children, our spouse. In Romans 8:28 we are told: "That everything works out for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
God never promised us our lives would be easy, but He did promise to always be with us. He tells us again and again in statements like: "I am sending you out as lambs among wolves" or "if people hate you, persecute you, scoff at you, remember they hated me first." It's a war zone out there for the true follower. You can loose family and friends for it. In some countries they still persecute and execute true followers.
If you are not already a follower you may wonder "why, give me a good reason?" Here is one reason: Because our time here in this world is finite, measured in days, weeks, months, years. Our eternity is infinite, as quoted by Buzz Lightyear in "Toy Story": To infinity and beyond. If Heaven is eternity in the presence of God, then Hell is eternity in the absence of God. Eternal darkness, pain, suffering, hunger, and unquenchable thirst. To me, that is not a pretty picture. Here is another reason; and this one is personal. I know what God has done for me, how he filled the God-shaped hole in my heart, how He changed my perception of circumstances that occur.
After I accepted God nothing magical happened in my life to make it perfect. If you have read my other blogs you will see the hard times I have had. I have had close friends die when I was in high school, I have seen friends who have lost infant and young children. Both of my parents are in Heaven now with my Savior. I have suffered victimization. I have emotional scars that have run deep. I suffer from depression. Here is the thing though. Having a relationship with God through my faith in Jesus Christ has made all those things more bearable. He has been the my light in the darkness, my comfort during pain. He has made me new and given me a hope.
Am I always a good follower? Absolutely not. I am a disobedient child who wants what they want, when they want it. I can be egocentric, hurtful, and selfish. But my God knows that and loves me inspite of my black heart. Nothing can separate me from God's love.
I leave with you this question: Are you a fan or a follower? If not, what are you gonna do to make the change?
Monday, January 23, 2012
On the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
As I sit here at my kitchen table I am pondering a link I read. It was an article found today about the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The opening paragraph talks about how President Obama and Company were celebrating today. I was appalled.
What is there really to celebrate? Are they celebrating the deaths of millions of unborn children? Are they celebrating the women who have died from the procedure. Are they celebrating the millions of women who are left with emotional and mental scars from the guilt they feel they must carry because of a decision they made.
Some say they are celebrating a "Woman's Right to Choose."
I get that not every woman who becomes pregnant chose that option. Some were raped by a date, a relative, or a stranger. For some, it is because to not end the pregnancy would mean the woman would die. But come on.....let's be brutally honest. A great majority of the women walking into abortion clinics in the U.S. are ending an unwanted or inconvenient pregnancy. They made a choice to have intimate relations with someone, and whoops.......now they are pregnant. Some even end up using this as a form of birth control.
Then the "pro-choice" advocates say that only old men and women who have had their abortions already are the bulk of what make up "pro-lifers". I cannot speak to the first group, but I am part of the second.
It all happened when I was 18 years old. I was raped. It was an acquaintance. I was a naive 18 year old. Maybe I should have seen it coming. I have been told time and again that it was not my fault. It took me many years to believe it, and many past that to forgive myself for the decision I made.
I lived with the emotional and mental scars that women can carry away from that experience. I thought myself no better than a vicious murderer. Did I choose to become pregnant? No, in fact it was my first introduction to sex. I felt dirty, slimy, unworthy, and like an outcast. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I told no one about the incident. I became withdrawn and began having nightmares. Guess what? Six weeks later I find myself pregnant. In my mind I went against everything I was raised to believe: no relations out of wedlock, no children out of wedlock.
I called a friend. She drove me to the nearest Planned Parenthood. I filled out all the necessary forms, answered all the necessary questions correctly, and terminated my pregnancy. I slept at my friends house all day, and went home after dinner, acting as if nothing happened. But I hated myself.
Even though I was a believer, I had forgotten about God's free gift of grace. I had forgotten that he could lift this burden. I had forgotten to ask for forgiveness. At the time I did not believe I should be forgiven. That enlightenmint would come 10 years later.
On a couples marriage weekend in July of 1997 it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was listening to a testimony from a couple about Communication. This of course was aimed towards marriage, but it also relates directly to our Communication with God. You know: Prayer!
It was then I decided to ask God for forgiveness. Guess what? A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders; just like that. That is the velocity of God's love and grace. 0 to 60 in under a microsecond. Better than Ferrari, Lambourghini, and Maserati offer. Then I asked forgiveness from my unborn baby.
All throughout scripture God tells us of his unconditional love and forgiveness. Matthew 11: 28 says: "Come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus did not just say that for effect. He meant it. On the cross Jesus says: "Forgive them Father, they know not what they are doing", Luke 23:34. Nothing can separate the believer from God's love. Romans 8: 38-39 says: "No power on earth or heaven can separate us from God's love. Not our sin, not any authority, not any spiritual force. God's love is unshakable and can always be relied upon." Did you read that last sentence? This amazes me: unshakable and can always be relied upon. ALWAYS! Not sometimes, not usually, not in certain instances or circumstances, but ALWAYS!
I made a mistake. One that was life-changing. One that I regret to this day. I wish my friend would have stopped me. I wish that an organization called Pregnancy Solutions and Services, a ministry my church partners with, would have been there to minister to me.
So on this Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I ask again: What are they celebrating?
What is there really to celebrate? Are they celebrating the deaths of millions of unborn children? Are they celebrating the women who have died from the procedure. Are they celebrating the millions of women who are left with emotional and mental scars from the guilt they feel they must carry because of a decision they made.
Some say they are celebrating a "Woman's Right to Choose."
I get that not every woman who becomes pregnant chose that option. Some were raped by a date, a relative, or a stranger. For some, it is because to not end the pregnancy would mean the woman would die. But come on.....let's be brutally honest. A great majority of the women walking into abortion clinics in the U.S. are ending an unwanted or inconvenient pregnancy. They made a choice to have intimate relations with someone, and whoops.......now they are pregnant. Some even end up using this as a form of birth control.
Then the "pro-choice" advocates say that only old men and women who have had their abortions already are the bulk of what make up "pro-lifers". I cannot speak to the first group, but I am part of the second.
It all happened when I was 18 years old. I was raped. It was an acquaintance. I was a naive 18 year old. Maybe I should have seen it coming. I have been told time and again that it was not my fault. It took me many years to believe it, and many past that to forgive myself for the decision I made.
I lived with the emotional and mental scars that women can carry away from that experience. I thought myself no better than a vicious murderer. Did I choose to become pregnant? No, in fact it was my first introduction to sex. I felt dirty, slimy, unworthy, and like an outcast. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I told no one about the incident. I became withdrawn and began having nightmares. Guess what? Six weeks later I find myself pregnant. In my mind I went against everything I was raised to believe: no relations out of wedlock, no children out of wedlock.
I called a friend. She drove me to the nearest Planned Parenthood. I filled out all the necessary forms, answered all the necessary questions correctly, and terminated my pregnancy. I slept at my friends house all day, and went home after dinner, acting as if nothing happened. But I hated myself.
Even though I was a believer, I had forgotten about God's free gift of grace. I had forgotten that he could lift this burden. I had forgotten to ask for forgiveness. At the time I did not believe I should be forgiven. That enlightenmint would come 10 years later.
On a couples marriage weekend in July of 1997 it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was listening to a testimony from a couple about Communication. This of course was aimed towards marriage, but it also relates directly to our Communication with God. You know: Prayer!
It was then I decided to ask God for forgiveness. Guess what? A huge weight was lifted from my shoulders; just like that. That is the velocity of God's love and grace. 0 to 60 in under a microsecond. Better than Ferrari, Lambourghini, and Maserati offer. Then I asked forgiveness from my unborn baby.
All throughout scripture God tells us of his unconditional love and forgiveness. Matthew 11: 28 says: "Come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus did not just say that for effect. He meant it. On the cross Jesus says: "Forgive them Father, they know not what they are doing", Luke 23:34. Nothing can separate the believer from God's love. Romans 8: 38-39 says: "No power on earth or heaven can separate us from God's love. Not our sin, not any authority, not any spiritual force. God's love is unshakable and can always be relied upon." Did you read that last sentence? This amazes me: unshakable and can always be relied upon. ALWAYS! Not sometimes, not usually, not in certain instances or circumstances, but ALWAYS!
I made a mistake. One that was life-changing. One that I regret to this day. I wish my friend would have stopped me. I wish that an organization called Pregnancy Solutions and Services, a ministry my church partners with, would have been there to minister to me.
So on this Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I ask again: What are they celebrating?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
To Sin or Not to Sin?
Sin. What is it? How is it that three little letters can cause so much trouble in our lives.
Sin is defined by Merriam-Webster as: an offense against religious or moral law; an action that is or is felt to be higly reprehensible; a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God. Those definitions illustrate very strong wording. They give a very uncomfortable feeling to the heart and soul when you read them. They sound final.
There are many biblical references to sin, and many of them are even more disconcerting. The Roman's Road to Salvation is pretty clear about sin and it's consequences, but also how to work through it. Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us Romans 10:9: That if you confess with yourmouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the deat, you will be saved. Romans 5:1: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I like the hope in Roman's Road. Although it starts out as what seems to be hopeless, we find ourselves consoled by the fact that we have a way. God made a way through faith in Jesus Christ. But why is then, that even though there is a way, we continue on?
Sin can become like a comfortable sweatshirt or warm, fuzzy blanket. It becomes familiar, like a close friend. It is easy, and the enemy makes so appealing. We use phrases like: One little white lie never hurt anyone; or I only took a pack of gum, no biggie; or the company will never miss that one bolt of printer paper; or I only looked at that website for porn one time, who did it hurt? There are numerous other ones that come to mind as well, we all know what they are.
Human emotions can become sinful when they are used in the extreme. They can lead to harmful actions as well. Ways of coping with life's situations can become sinful and habitual. How can we possibly win?
God knows our weaknesses. He created us. He knows our every deed, thought, and next step will will make. However, He still chooses to love us. Why? Because as I stated: He CREATED us.
How do we overcome our sin? Here is the bad new: there is nothing we can DO to overcome it ourselves. No amount of good deeds or good works will change it. Here is the good news: God can and has. It is only through His grace that we are saved. Jesus was and is the bridge to conquer sin. It is through our faith in Christ that we receive our redemption. If it is only through God's grace, then we cannot boast about it, but give praise and honor to the One who gave it. Have you received that grace? Have you really accepted it?
Many talk about being saved or receiving God's grace, but still go through life punishing themselves for what they have done. Or, then continue on in their old life because of fear. They don't want to loose what they had and are afraid of what God may challenge them to do.
Once we get past the fact that we are and will remain sinners we can move forward and begin our journey with Christ. Will it be easy. No! God never promised that, however He did promise always be with us. We must hold tight to that promise. We will receive temptation because of free will. Not because God is allowing us to be tempted or because the enemy is always breathing down our back. Free will means that everyone gets to choose who they believe in, what choices they will make, and how they will act and react in life. Surround yourself with those who choose the easy way out or constantly make the wrong choices and you will find yourself following because sin is contagious. Surround yourself with people who strive to follow God, and you will find yourself beginning to make those decisions. That is not to say we should totally abandon and write off non-believers or those who make poor choices. We can let the light of Christ shine through us and help them see what a new life in Him can mean for them. We can model good choices. St. Francis said: Speak the Gospel loudly where ever you may go, but only use words when necessary.
Prayer, daily reading God's Word, fellowship with believers, and attending a bible believing church are all choices that will help provide the tools necessary for defense. We cannot do it alone. We need God.
I battle my demons daily. Depression, anxiety, anger, past hurts, and grudges. No one else can help me. I certainly cannot help myself. But the comfort that comes from being in The Word and prayer are the only ways to begin to overcome these.
You have a decision to make today? Don't go another day without considering it.
Sin is defined by Merriam-Webster as: an offense against religious or moral law; an action that is or is felt to be higly reprehensible; a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God. Those definitions illustrate very strong wording. They give a very uncomfortable feeling to the heart and soul when you read them. They sound final.
There are many biblical references to sin, and many of them are even more disconcerting. The Roman's Road to Salvation is pretty clear about sin and it's consequences, but also how to work through it. Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us Romans 10:9: That if you confess with yourmouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the deat, you will be saved. Romans 5:1: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
I like the hope in Roman's Road. Although it starts out as what seems to be hopeless, we find ourselves consoled by the fact that we have a way. God made a way through faith in Jesus Christ. But why is then, that even though there is a way, we continue on?
Sin can become like a comfortable sweatshirt or warm, fuzzy blanket. It becomes familiar, like a close friend. It is easy, and the enemy makes so appealing. We use phrases like: One little white lie never hurt anyone; or I only took a pack of gum, no biggie; or the company will never miss that one bolt of printer paper; or I only looked at that website for porn one time, who did it hurt? There are numerous other ones that come to mind as well, we all know what they are.
Human emotions can become sinful when they are used in the extreme. They can lead to harmful actions as well. Ways of coping with life's situations can become sinful and habitual. How can we possibly win?
God knows our weaknesses. He created us. He knows our every deed, thought, and next step will will make. However, He still chooses to love us. Why? Because as I stated: He CREATED us.
How do we overcome our sin? Here is the bad new: there is nothing we can DO to overcome it ourselves. No amount of good deeds or good works will change it. Here is the good news: God can and has. It is only through His grace that we are saved. Jesus was and is the bridge to conquer sin. It is through our faith in Christ that we receive our redemption. If it is only through God's grace, then we cannot boast about it, but give praise and honor to the One who gave it. Have you received that grace? Have you really accepted it?
Many talk about being saved or receiving God's grace, but still go through life punishing themselves for what they have done. Or, then continue on in their old life because of fear. They don't want to loose what they had and are afraid of what God may challenge them to do.
Once we get past the fact that we are and will remain sinners we can move forward and begin our journey with Christ. Will it be easy. No! God never promised that, however He did promise always be with us. We must hold tight to that promise. We will receive temptation because of free will. Not because God is allowing us to be tempted or because the enemy is always breathing down our back. Free will means that everyone gets to choose who they believe in, what choices they will make, and how they will act and react in life. Surround yourself with those who choose the easy way out or constantly make the wrong choices and you will find yourself following because sin is contagious. Surround yourself with people who strive to follow God, and you will find yourself beginning to make those decisions. That is not to say we should totally abandon and write off non-believers or those who make poor choices. We can let the light of Christ shine through us and help them see what a new life in Him can mean for them. We can model good choices. St. Francis said: Speak the Gospel loudly where ever you may go, but only use words when necessary.
Prayer, daily reading God's Word, fellowship with believers, and attending a bible believing church are all choices that will help provide the tools necessary for defense. We cannot do it alone. We need God.
I battle my demons daily. Depression, anxiety, anger, past hurts, and grudges. No one else can help me. I certainly cannot help myself. But the comfort that comes from being in The Word and prayer are the only ways to begin to overcome these.
You have a decision to make today? Don't go another day without considering it.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Preparing the Bride
In the book of Revelation it speaks about how the Bride, the church, will be prepared to be received by her groom, Jesus. As we know, when it comes to weddings, most of it centers around the Bride. What colors will she choose, the style dress she will wear, where is she registered, is she a bundle of nerves, is she still sweet and loving or has she become Bridezilla.
When it comes to preparing us for eternity in Heaven with Jesus, those issues carry no importance whatsoever. He will not care if we provided the wedding of the century, served champagne and caviar, or how many attended. All that will matter is if we knew our future groom and if He knew us. This is the story of how my mom died. How God prepared her for her acceptance and entry into Paradise. But let me backtrack a little.
Anyone who know me can attest to the fact that mom and I did not have a cozy mother/daughter relationship. I spent the last ten years feeling resentment toward her for always needing my help. I had made the selfish decision that since I now had my own family, all my time and energy should be spent on them. I wanted nothing outside my idyllic bubble to inconvenience me. So, as soon as I would recognize her number on caller ID, I would set my tone accordingly: Oh no, not mom again. Talk about the very definition of a brat.
The last two months of my mom's life were not very good. It began when she fell out of bed and hurt her leg. When she called I sent my husband, since he was more compassionate towards my mom, over to check her out. I had just literally started a new job, so really could not take time off. Remember: I am an only child. He decided that mom needed to be taken to the emergency room to have her right leg looked at since he felt it might be broken. A few hours later, they determined it was only badly bruised and sent her home.
Over the next few days it got worse, until she could no longer put weight on it. She wanted a wheel chair, to which I responded: And you could maneuver that around your apartment.......how? Nice attitude, I know. Once again I sent my husband. He took her to a completely different ER, and they decided she had a hematoma that formed in her lower leg, and it was infected. Yes, I know feel like a heal for not checking in more often that week and believing it was getting worse.
She was admitted to the hospital and put on a course of antibiotics. There was worry because of her diabetes. She was not responding to the meds, so surgery was needed. I realized at this point we had a long road ahead of us, and when my new employer was anything but sympathetic, I quit. Mom came through surgery fine, and she was transferred to a nursing home for respite care til she could come home. However, her trigeminal neuropathy that afflicted her for the past 10 years went crazy. She could not handle anything touching her face or inside of her mouth. Not real helpful for a diabetic who needs to eat, take high blood pressure meds, and follow-up antibiotics post surgery. After about two and a half days of this the resident physician and I decided mom needing a feeding tube temporarily until the neuropathy calmed down and she could eat normally again. So it is back to the hospital.
This brings us to the final two weeks of mom's life. She was transported back on a Tuesday and set for surgery on Wednesday, however, the attending took it upon himself to refer her to a neurologist who thought he was God and would cure mom. Never mind that we had already seen many and had numerous tests done. He cancelled the surgery and put her on drugs. Here would be the issue, they were oral drugs, and remember she could not handle anything in her mouth. I was livid. I complained and he told me: people can live indefinitely on IV fluids, to which I replied, yes, and that will help her leg heal.....How? Meanwhile, she is getting weaker.
My husband was livid and took matter into his own hands and had the neurologist thrown off her case. We had the surgery for the feeding tube rescheduled. We are now in the last week of her life, except we did not know it.
That Monday while I was visiting her she aspirated a mucous plug. They called a Code Red, never good and in minutes about a dozen nurses and doctors were in her room. The ICU doctors took me aside and explained that because her inactivity the odds of a recurrence were strong and what were my wishes. Yes, that's right, here it comes, the big decision. They told me she had double pneumonia and needed antibiotics. The also asked about life support, to which I said NO. Mom had suffered so much in the past 10 years with her neuropathy, that I decided if it was God's will no doctor should take that away. She had surgery the next day to put in the feeding tube, was put on oxygen to aide in breathing and four different antibiotics to try to combat the pneumonia.
After surgery she never really gained her consciousness. Her body was not responding to the antibiotics at all. I called my mom's sister and asked her advice, because I didn't want to make it alone. We decided to stop treatment and institute comfort care only. I asked the doctors for the honest truth, and they told me it was the best it was ever gonna get.
Monday morning, November 15, I got a call from the hospital to come. They told me her blood pressure had dropped dangerously low and that it would not be long. I raced to the hospital and arrived around 8:30 a.m. I told her I was there, prayed with her and gave her permission to leave, to go be with Jesus. I read scripture to her and sang all her favorite and my favorite praise and worship and christian music. It was as much for me as it was for her.
At 9:15 a.m. the sunlight came through her window to shine at her feet. Over the next two hours it slowly moved up her body. I believe this was God. He was getting my mom ready to walk down the aisle and join with Him. He was transforming her earthly body to make it ready and acceptable. I was reading 1 John 3 which begins: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Then I started singing "Amazing Grace: My Chains are Gone". At the last chorus I got choked up, but kept my eyes closed and kept singing. When I finished the song, the sunlight left my mom's face, traveled to her pillow, she stopped breathing, and entered into God's glory.
I feel so blessed and honored I had those two weeks with mom. I am so grateful to God for giving me those last two hours with her. It was so beautiful to watch her no longer suffer, to be at peace, and go where she longed to be, in Heaven.
It is never to late to say you are sorry. It is never to late to ask God to soften your heart. Nothing is impossible for Him. He is bigger than everything. He is mightier than anything. He is more gracious and loving than anyone. He can melt your heart of stone, heal you, comfort you, and lead you. He will use you if you let Him. He will and can prepare you for something bigger than yourself.
I know I will see mom again one day!
When it comes to preparing us for eternity in Heaven with Jesus, those issues carry no importance whatsoever. He will not care if we provided the wedding of the century, served champagne and caviar, or how many attended. All that will matter is if we knew our future groom and if He knew us. This is the story of how my mom died. How God prepared her for her acceptance and entry into Paradise. But let me backtrack a little.
Anyone who know me can attest to the fact that mom and I did not have a cozy mother/daughter relationship. I spent the last ten years feeling resentment toward her for always needing my help. I had made the selfish decision that since I now had my own family, all my time and energy should be spent on them. I wanted nothing outside my idyllic bubble to inconvenience me. So, as soon as I would recognize her number on caller ID, I would set my tone accordingly: Oh no, not mom again. Talk about the very definition of a brat.
The last two months of my mom's life were not very good. It began when she fell out of bed and hurt her leg. When she called I sent my husband, since he was more compassionate towards my mom, over to check her out. I had just literally started a new job, so really could not take time off. Remember: I am an only child. He decided that mom needed to be taken to the emergency room to have her right leg looked at since he felt it might be broken. A few hours later, they determined it was only badly bruised and sent her home.
Over the next few days it got worse, until she could no longer put weight on it. She wanted a wheel chair, to which I responded: And you could maneuver that around your apartment.......how? Nice attitude, I know. Once again I sent my husband. He took her to a completely different ER, and they decided she had a hematoma that formed in her lower leg, and it was infected. Yes, I know feel like a heal for not checking in more often that week and believing it was getting worse.
She was admitted to the hospital and put on a course of antibiotics. There was worry because of her diabetes. She was not responding to the meds, so surgery was needed. I realized at this point we had a long road ahead of us, and when my new employer was anything but sympathetic, I quit. Mom came through surgery fine, and she was transferred to a nursing home for respite care til she could come home. However, her trigeminal neuropathy that afflicted her for the past 10 years went crazy. She could not handle anything touching her face or inside of her mouth. Not real helpful for a diabetic who needs to eat, take high blood pressure meds, and follow-up antibiotics post surgery. After about two and a half days of this the resident physician and I decided mom needing a feeding tube temporarily until the neuropathy calmed down and she could eat normally again. So it is back to the hospital.
This brings us to the final two weeks of mom's life. She was transported back on a Tuesday and set for surgery on Wednesday, however, the attending took it upon himself to refer her to a neurologist who thought he was God and would cure mom. Never mind that we had already seen many and had numerous tests done. He cancelled the surgery and put her on drugs. Here would be the issue, they were oral drugs, and remember she could not handle anything in her mouth. I was livid. I complained and he told me: people can live indefinitely on IV fluids, to which I replied, yes, and that will help her leg heal.....How? Meanwhile, she is getting weaker.
My husband was livid and took matter into his own hands and had the neurologist thrown off her case. We had the surgery for the feeding tube rescheduled. We are now in the last week of her life, except we did not know it.
That Monday while I was visiting her she aspirated a mucous plug. They called a Code Red, never good and in minutes about a dozen nurses and doctors were in her room. The ICU doctors took me aside and explained that because her inactivity the odds of a recurrence were strong and what were my wishes. Yes, that's right, here it comes, the big decision. They told me she had double pneumonia and needed antibiotics. The also asked about life support, to which I said NO. Mom had suffered so much in the past 10 years with her neuropathy, that I decided if it was God's will no doctor should take that away. She had surgery the next day to put in the feeding tube, was put on oxygen to aide in breathing and four different antibiotics to try to combat the pneumonia.
After surgery she never really gained her consciousness. Her body was not responding to the antibiotics at all. I called my mom's sister and asked her advice, because I didn't want to make it alone. We decided to stop treatment and institute comfort care only. I asked the doctors for the honest truth, and they told me it was the best it was ever gonna get.
Monday morning, November 15, I got a call from the hospital to come. They told me her blood pressure had dropped dangerously low and that it would not be long. I raced to the hospital and arrived around 8:30 a.m. I told her I was there, prayed with her and gave her permission to leave, to go be with Jesus. I read scripture to her and sang all her favorite and my favorite praise and worship and christian music. It was as much for me as it was for her.
At 9:15 a.m. the sunlight came through her window to shine at her feet. Over the next two hours it slowly moved up her body. I believe this was God. He was getting my mom ready to walk down the aisle and join with Him. He was transforming her earthly body to make it ready and acceptable. I was reading 1 John 3 which begins: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! Then I started singing "Amazing Grace: My Chains are Gone". At the last chorus I got choked up, but kept my eyes closed and kept singing. When I finished the song, the sunlight left my mom's face, traveled to her pillow, she stopped breathing, and entered into God's glory.
I feel so blessed and honored I had those two weeks with mom. I am so grateful to God for giving me those last two hours with her. It was so beautiful to watch her no longer suffer, to be at peace, and go where she longed to be, in Heaven.
It is never to late to say you are sorry. It is never to late to ask God to soften your heart. Nothing is impossible for Him. He is bigger than everything. He is mightier than anything. He is more gracious and loving than anyone. He can melt your heart of stone, heal you, comfort you, and lead you. He will use you if you let Him. He will and can prepare you for something bigger than yourself.
I know I will see mom again one day!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
What Drives You
It's been an interesting week, and it's only just started. So many things have come across my computer, my syllabus for school, on the radio, through my bible study, and my personal reading time. It gets very tough in day to day life to prioritize what is truly important with what we really want to do or accomplish.
On my Facebook page I subscribe to several different Christian sites. I figure, while I am looking at everyone elses news and status updates, it is good to have a reminder of what God wants me to know. So I will read a particular Bible verse, maybe make a comment and of couse hit the perverbial "like" button. I would like to say I always read and reflect on what comes on to my news feed, but many times I only take a glimpse at the words, decide if I have read them or heard them before, but only comment and remember the ones I really like. You know which ones I am talking about. Those verses that are encouraging, not necessarily convicting. Those that comfort us, not make us feel uncomfortable or would cause us to do work. It is the same with the email I get everyday from Max Lucado with a scripture verse and then his words of wisdom about what God is trying to relay through it. I really enjoy those because I often feel as if Max has a direct line of communication with God and understands what needs to be said.
But don't we all have the ability to strengthen our line of communication with God? Don't most people own at least one Bible or have a computer through which they can "google" BIBLE during the day and read a passage? We can all pray, you know we can. Many seem to reach out to God in those times of desparation or anger looking for answers, and then get upset or disillusioned when the answer doesn't come on their timeline or result in the way they envisioned. If we have not kept the line of commuication open on a daily basis, spent time in The Word, and reflected on what God wants for us and says to us, we cannot hope to hear His voice in times of trouble. A burning bush does not always ignite in our flowerbeds or backyards.
Let's move on to my school syllabus. Mind you, I have no college theology classes or Bible study classes during this session. I have a special education course and American Literature class. I am gonna focus on the American Lit. class here. We have looked at, read, and picked apart Native American prose and poetry, the early explorers and settlers, and now this week Franklin, Adams, Paine, and Jefferson.
Native American literature was interesting. Much of their history, myths, and poetry focus on what Mother Earth and nature have given them, the importance of familial loyalty, and the power of the Great Spirit. Their lives were simple, they worked hard, but always remembered what was important. The early explorers and settlers talked about their voyages, claiming land for England and Spain, the hardships of frontier life, experience with the Native Americans, and their faith in Christ. But they used this faith in Christ to justify the brutality they showed to the Native people when they tried to take their land, civilize them, and aggressively force Christianity on them. They called them "savages" because their ways were so primitive and their language so different.
Now I am reading the works of Franklin, Paine, Adams, and Jefferson; not necessarily in that order. Also not on my top ten list to reread, but gives some great insight into the early life of our country. Although these men called themselves Christians, they make no mention of Christ in their writing. See, they were influenced by the Enlightenment. Rene Descartes famous line: "I think, therefore I am" influenced and drove the Naturalist's movement. Science to explain away the what, why, and how of everything. To explain away the evidence of a divine Creator. That to more educated you are, the more intelligent, the more reason you have, so the ultimate in answers you will receive or research upon.
My question is: Does everything in life have to have a definative answer? Do we always need scientific proof of what and why and how something came to be? For me, these answers only drive my faith in God deeper and stronger. It causes awe and amazement at the wonder of how he created everything from nothing. Want to deepen your faith in God? Read any of Lee Strobel's books entitled: The Case for a Creator, The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith. Here is a man who way a proclaimed atheist, a renown journalist, who through his research and study came to faith in God and Christ by what he found. The same holds true for "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. Talk about books that will put you in awe and guide your focus to Him.
In my Bible study this week we are reading from the first and second chapter of Ezekial. We are working through a study done by Anne Graham Lotz. She has a great way of breaking down scripture passages one verse at a time. You look at the facts, decipher the lesson, what is God saying directly to you, and how you will apply it to your life. Prior to this study I would have read these first two chapters, been quite confused by all the imagery and moved on to when Ezekial started his ministry. But these verses cause you to look at the awesomeness of God and the extent He will go to in order to reach our hearts and minds. He will turn your life upside down if need be to get your attention. He took the greatest extemes to capture our hearts through The Cross, and many times the trials which we experience are the wake-up call to slow down and turn our eyes back to Him.
One of the ways I have talked about in other blogs that God uses to speak to me is through music. He knows he has my undivided attention. This morning I was listening to the inspiration behind the evangelical voice and lyrics of the late Rich Mullins. Talk about a man whose focus was on God. His is so much more than the singer of "Awesome God". He speaks to the simplicity of life, and where your focus should be: On God. One song, "My One Thing" talks about how we always say we need one thing, but that eventually lead to one more thing. He petitions God to save him from this need, because one day when the world passes away, and we can't take it with us, all we truly have is God. I really like this line "Please take them away and purify my heart, I don't want to lose the eternal for The things that are passing". That pretty much sums it all up right there. If we are truly focused on God, this should be the cry of our heart.
So the next time you ponder the events of your day or thoughts that cross your mind ask yourself this question: What drives me? To answer it honestly, make a list of what is important in your life. Don't think to hard, just start writing, and then look at the order in which you listed everything. Or think about what crosses your mind ever time you daydream. The answers might surprise you.
On my Facebook page I subscribe to several different Christian sites. I figure, while I am looking at everyone elses news and status updates, it is good to have a reminder of what God wants me to know. So I will read a particular Bible verse, maybe make a comment and of couse hit the perverbial "like" button. I would like to say I always read and reflect on what comes on to my news feed, but many times I only take a glimpse at the words, decide if I have read them or heard them before, but only comment and remember the ones I really like. You know which ones I am talking about. Those verses that are encouraging, not necessarily convicting. Those that comfort us, not make us feel uncomfortable or would cause us to do work. It is the same with the email I get everyday from Max Lucado with a scripture verse and then his words of wisdom about what God is trying to relay through it. I really enjoy those because I often feel as if Max has a direct line of communication with God and understands what needs to be said.
But don't we all have the ability to strengthen our line of communication with God? Don't most people own at least one Bible or have a computer through which they can "google" BIBLE during the day and read a passage? We can all pray, you know we can. Many seem to reach out to God in those times of desparation or anger looking for answers, and then get upset or disillusioned when the answer doesn't come on their timeline or result in the way they envisioned. If we have not kept the line of commuication open on a daily basis, spent time in The Word, and reflected on what God wants for us and says to us, we cannot hope to hear His voice in times of trouble. A burning bush does not always ignite in our flowerbeds or backyards.
Let's move on to my school syllabus. Mind you, I have no college theology classes or Bible study classes during this session. I have a special education course and American Literature class. I am gonna focus on the American Lit. class here. We have looked at, read, and picked apart Native American prose and poetry, the early explorers and settlers, and now this week Franklin, Adams, Paine, and Jefferson.
Native American literature was interesting. Much of their history, myths, and poetry focus on what Mother Earth and nature have given them, the importance of familial loyalty, and the power of the Great Spirit. Their lives were simple, they worked hard, but always remembered what was important. The early explorers and settlers talked about their voyages, claiming land for England and Spain, the hardships of frontier life, experience with the Native Americans, and their faith in Christ. But they used this faith in Christ to justify the brutality they showed to the Native people when they tried to take their land, civilize them, and aggressively force Christianity on them. They called them "savages" because their ways were so primitive and their language so different.
Now I am reading the works of Franklin, Paine, Adams, and Jefferson; not necessarily in that order. Also not on my top ten list to reread, but gives some great insight into the early life of our country. Although these men called themselves Christians, they make no mention of Christ in their writing. See, they were influenced by the Enlightenment. Rene Descartes famous line: "I think, therefore I am" influenced and drove the Naturalist's movement. Science to explain away the what, why, and how of everything. To explain away the evidence of a divine Creator. That to more educated you are, the more intelligent, the more reason you have, so the ultimate in answers you will receive or research upon.
My question is: Does everything in life have to have a definative answer? Do we always need scientific proof of what and why and how something came to be? For me, these answers only drive my faith in God deeper and stronger. It causes awe and amazement at the wonder of how he created everything from nothing. Want to deepen your faith in God? Read any of Lee Strobel's books entitled: The Case for a Creator, The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith. Here is a man who way a proclaimed atheist, a renown journalist, who through his research and study came to faith in God and Christ by what he found. The same holds true for "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. Talk about books that will put you in awe and guide your focus to Him.
In my Bible study this week we are reading from the first and second chapter of Ezekial. We are working through a study done by Anne Graham Lotz. She has a great way of breaking down scripture passages one verse at a time. You look at the facts, decipher the lesson, what is God saying directly to you, and how you will apply it to your life. Prior to this study I would have read these first two chapters, been quite confused by all the imagery and moved on to when Ezekial started his ministry. But these verses cause you to look at the awesomeness of God and the extent He will go to in order to reach our hearts and minds. He will turn your life upside down if need be to get your attention. He took the greatest extemes to capture our hearts through The Cross, and many times the trials which we experience are the wake-up call to slow down and turn our eyes back to Him.
One of the ways I have talked about in other blogs that God uses to speak to me is through music. He knows he has my undivided attention. This morning I was listening to the inspiration behind the evangelical voice and lyrics of the late Rich Mullins. Talk about a man whose focus was on God. His is so much more than the singer of "Awesome God". He speaks to the simplicity of life, and where your focus should be: On God. One song, "My One Thing" talks about how we always say we need one thing, but that eventually lead to one more thing. He petitions God to save him from this need, because one day when the world passes away, and we can't take it with us, all we truly have is God. I really like this line "Please take them away and purify my heart, I don't want to lose the eternal for The things that are passing". That pretty much sums it all up right there. If we are truly focused on God, this should be the cry of our heart.
So the next time you ponder the events of your day or thoughts that cross your mind ask yourself this question: What drives me? To answer it honestly, make a list of what is important in your life. Don't think to hard, just start writing, and then look at the order in which you listed everything. Or think about what crosses your mind ever time you daydream. The answers might surprise you.
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