Did you ever have “one of those days”? The kind of day that makes you want to just quit and go back to bed—and try again tomorrow? The kind of day that makes you envious of Alexander’s day from the children’s book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?"
That’s kind of how I feel today. Anyone want to join me in a pity party? I knew we weren’t off to a very good start when my shower was interrupted 3 times by people banging on the door to ask me questions! We did arrive on time for 7:15 piano lesson but as soon as I got to my office, I realized that I had left my lunch at home. Once home, I discovered that it was really in the back seat of the car! Then my husband discovers that the milk we had in the church refrigerator was bad. He makes a quick trip home! As soon as he returns, I hear from my daughter that she forgot a crucial item involving standardized dress that necessitated a 3rd trip home! Now it’s time to teach catechism and all that early prep time that I thought I was going to have just disappeared. After class, I finally got around to getting out my laptop for the day. No wireless connection. After staff meeting, I tried to play around with it to see if I could figure out the problem but finally gave up! And made one more trip home where I could use the internet and get some work done. Through my frustrations, I made a second travel mug of coffee and resorted to candy and potato chips! I’m sure many women out there can relate! Through everything, I kept hearing the words of Psalm 46,
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.”
My day seems to be going out of control but I have to keep reminding myself that God is in control. A bad day? Let’s put this in perspective. Compared to what? Let’s compare it to the fears of the earlier verses in Psalm 46.
Psalm 46 (English Standard Version)
God Is Our Fortress
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Through all kinds of natural disasters and terrible troubles that can enter our lives, Christians do not need to fear. God will be our refuge—our protection in all danger and distress. I think sometimes it’s easier to see this when the big things hit our lives. When we are dealing with earthquakes or floods, cancer or heart attacks, we know we can’t handle it alone. We know we need God’s protection. Sometimes on these “bad days”, we forget that we don’t have to handle them alone either. We forget that God wants us to depend on Him during those times too. God took care of our biggest problems—sin, death and the devil—through the perfect life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. He can certainly take care of our “bad days!” Psalm 46.10 is good advice for every day.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.”
Heavenly Father,
We praise You for being the God of all creation. We ask You to be our refuge through the storms of life. Forgive us for all the times we think we handle things on our own. Thank You for the calm assurance we receive we heed Your Words to “Be still, and know that I am God.”
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Redemption Center
Last Friday night our school hosted a “Fall Festival” complete with inflatable bouncing houses and carnival type games. As I walked through the hallway during set up, I couldn’t help but notice the big booth where the kids could turn in their winning game tickets for prizes. It was, of course, full of things to light up every child’s eyes and to make every parent groan—“Please, don’t bring that huge ball home!” It’s a little harder to make large items mysteriously disappear! What really caught my attention as I walked past this booth was the large sign at the top of the backboard—“Redemption Center.” I had to do a double-take to realize what this was all about. Oh, yeah. This is where you redeem all the tickets that you have collected for a prize. Now, of course, when I saw the words “Redemption Center”, I was thinking church! I was looking for a cross. I was looking for a baptismal font.
Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for all my sins. At the baptismal font, I received that gift of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit which covers all my sins with the robe of His righteousness.
We just started “The Apostles’ Creed” this morning in 7th grade Catechism class. I can’t think of redemption without hear the explanation of The Second Article in my head:
“I believe that Jesus Christ....has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death….”
And now we are adopted into the kingdom—we have a share of the inheritance!
Colossians 1:11-14 (English Standard Version)
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
And now I’ll continue my day humming the song “I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Filled with the Holy Ghost, I am. All my sins were washed away. I’ve been redeemed.”
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Son’s journey to the cross which redeemed me from the kingdom of darkness. Please strengthen all Your saints with Your Spirit to continue walking in the light of Your redeeming grace.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for all my sins. At the baptismal font, I received that gift of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit which covers all my sins with the robe of His righteousness.
We just started “The Apostles’ Creed” this morning in 7th grade Catechism class. I can’t think of redemption without hear the explanation of The Second Article in my head:
“I believe that Jesus Christ....has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death….”
And now we are adopted into the kingdom—we have a share of the inheritance!
Colossians 1:11-14 (English Standard Version)
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
And now I’ll continue my day humming the song “I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Filled with the Holy Ghost, I am. All my sins were washed away. I’ve been redeemed.”
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Son’s journey to the cross which redeemed me from the kingdom of darkness. Please strengthen all Your saints with Your Spirit to continue walking in the light of Your redeeming grace.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Integrity of Mind
Our Bible study for Wednesday Woman this week is entitled, “The Mind: A Terrible Thing to Waste.” It is based on several passages from Romans.
Romans 1:21 (English Standard Version)
21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
All of creation told them that God existed, but they refused to recognize Him. Once they failed in acknowledging that reality, other thoughts became misguided as well. And as they failed in their minds to recognize God, they also failed in their hearts. And the result is not a pretty picture. Sin never is.
King David, in an effort to be a man of integrity, made a vow before his people. When our boys were young, my husband would have this verse taped to the television as a gentle reminder. He used the New King James Version at that time.
Psalm 101:3 (New King James Version)
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
I also like the English Standard Version where it exchanges wicked for worthless.
Psalm 101:3 (English Standard Version)
3I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I like thinking about avoiding things that have no value. But we know that even King David failed in this promise. He did not avoid looking at the beautiful Bathsheba and succumbing to the other sins that followed.
Although, like King David, we, too, may fail miserably, we, too, like King David, can hold to the promise of the one who did live a life of perfect integrity—David’s descendant, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:10-11 (English Standard Version)
10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Dear Father in Heaven,
We acknowledge you as the creator of all good gifts. We ask that you forgive us for the many times that we fail in our efforts to do Your will. Thank you for the reconciliation we receive by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please bless our efforts to serve You with integrity.
In Jesus Name we pray.
Amen
Romans 1:21 (English Standard Version)
21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
All of creation told them that God existed, but they refused to recognize Him. Once they failed in acknowledging that reality, other thoughts became misguided as well. And as they failed in their minds to recognize God, they also failed in their hearts. And the result is not a pretty picture. Sin never is.
King David, in an effort to be a man of integrity, made a vow before his people. When our boys were young, my husband would have this verse taped to the television as a gentle reminder. He used the New King James Version at that time.
Psalm 101:3 (New King James Version)
3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
I also like the English Standard Version where it exchanges wicked for worthless.
Psalm 101:3 (English Standard Version)
3I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I like thinking about avoiding things that have no value. But we know that even King David failed in this promise. He did not avoid looking at the beautiful Bathsheba and succumbing to the other sins that followed.
Although, like King David, we, too, may fail miserably, we, too, like King David, can hold to the promise of the one who did live a life of perfect integrity—David’s descendant, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:10-11 (English Standard Version)
10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Dear Father in Heaven,
We acknowledge you as the creator of all good gifts. We ask that you forgive us for the many times that we fail in our efforts to do Your will. Thank you for the reconciliation we receive by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please bless our efforts to serve You with integrity.
In Jesus Name we pray.
Amen
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Wisdom
It’s a normal back to the office kind of day. Tuesdays are my LONG day. My daughter usually has piano lessons before school and choir after school. I teach a 7th grade Catechism class first thing in the morning and a religion class for public school students in the evening. I am usually in the building from until except for about an hour or two that we scrounge something for dinner!
One of the prep things on my Tuesday agenda is our Wednesday morning women’s Bible study. Our topic this week is on “Wisdom” and many of the Bible references come from Proverbs. When we think of wisdom and advice many of us immediately remember some of the advice that our parents gave us or a familiar saying of a grandparent. We couldn't leave my grandmother's house without her saying, "Buckle up and push the button." That meant, "Fasten your seat belt and lock your doors." That was back before electric locks and you locked your car doors by pushing down the little button on the door near the window! That was her way of saying, "I love you!"
One of the prep things on my Tuesday agenda is our Wednesday morning women’s Bible study. Our topic this week is on “Wisdom” and many of the Bible references come from Proverbs. When we think of wisdom and advice many of us immediately remember some of the advice that our parents gave us or a familiar saying of a grandparent. We couldn't leave my grandmother's house without her saying, "Buckle up and push the button." That meant, "Fasten your seat belt and lock your doors." That was back before electric locks and you locked your car doors by pushing down the little button on the door near the window! That was her way of saying, "I love you!"
Proverbs 4.1 states:
1 Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
King Solomon gives good advice to listen to your elders and to learn from their experience. We especially want to learn from those faithful followers of Christ.
Proverbs 1.7 tells us:
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Those who fear the Lord, who put him first above all things, are the ones with true wisdom. True wisdom is not the wisdom of the world. The world sees the wisdom of the cross and Christ crucified as foolishness but to the ones being saved it gives strength and power and life everlasting.
These words also serve as a reminder to parents who want their children to listen to them. Trust me, I am feeling very convicted! Are you grounded in the Word? Are you reflecting the “fear of the Lord” in your life and in your home?
I would like to close with the very simple prayer from the Lutheran Study Bible.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Book review: "Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids"
“Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids” by Sarah Young
“Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids” offers a short devotional for children to read on their own each day. Each page contains a Bible verse, a devotional written as if God is speaking to the child, and suggested additional Bible reading.
While it has some good thoughts in it I am uncomfortable with it being written as if Jesus is speaking. I would prefer to hear “God” and “Jesus” emphasized more. I am afraid a child might lose that focus. I also am disappointed that there are no prayers or suggestions to pray included in the devotional.
“BookSneeze” provided me with a copy of this book to review.
“Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids” offers a short devotional for children to read on their own each day. Each page contains a Bible verse, a devotional written as if God is speaking to the child, and suggested additional Bible reading.
While it has some good thoughts in it I am uncomfortable with it being written as if Jesus is speaking. I would prefer to hear “God” and “Jesus” emphasized more. I am afraid a child might lose that focus. I also am disappointed that there are no prayers or suggestions to pray included in the devotional.
“BookSneeze” provided me with a copy of this book to review.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Refreshment
The Southern Illinois District of the LCMS is holding their fall pastor’s conference at Pere Marquette Lodge in Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL. Besides having wonderful speakers, we have had beautiful fall weather—Crisp mornings with warm sunny days. My husband and I got up early this morning and went up a short hike to a look out point where the IL and MISS rivers meet to see the glow of the sunrise before heading back down for a different kind of mountain-top experience in divine worship. It is so refreshing to see and ponder God’s wonderful creation but it is also refreshing to worship and commune together with other Christians—and especially a room full of professional church workers and spouses. These are the times that we want to say like Peter said at Jesus’ transfiguration in Matt 17, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” And like Peter, the desire is strong to pitch our tents and stay! But like Peter and James and John, God calls us back down from the mountain to continue His work. The work is never done! There is always someone who still needs to hear about Jesus and His death and resurrection. For Christians, the work is never done!
For the pastors, much of their work involves ways to enable all Christians to experience this time of refreshment. Christians receive that refreshment and encouragement each week when we attend church and Bible Study. We receive the encouragement to return to our daily tasks—wherever and whatever they may be—and to see those tasks as a way to serve our neighbor and to give God glory.
Dear God,
Thanks you for the many opportunities that you provide to refresh and strengthen us in our faith. Give us the desire to always seek those opportunities to commune with you and to worship with fellow believers. Let Your Holy Spirit guide and encourage us as we return to our daily tasks.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
For the pastors, much of their work involves ways to enable all Christians to experience this time of refreshment. Christians receive that refreshment and encouragement each week when we attend church and Bible Study. We receive the encouragement to return to our daily tasks—wherever and whatever they may be—and to see those tasks as a way to serve our neighbor and to give God glory.
Dear God,
Thanks you for the many opportunities that you provide to refresh and strengthen us in our faith. Give us the desire to always seek those opportunities to commune with you and to worship with fellow believers. Let Your Holy Spirit guide and encourage us as we return to our daily tasks.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Good All Day
I had a wonderful conversation with a Kindergarten student this morning. I was walking down to the 7th grade classroom in preparation for Catechism class as one of my Sunday School students was arriving for the day. He saw me coming down the hall and stopped to say Hi. We had an interesting conversation.
“Hi, Miss Carol.”
“Hi, Blake. Are you ready for another day of Kindergarten?”
“Yes. And I’m going to be good all day today.”
“That’s good. Is that what you promised your mother?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Aren’t you always good?”
“Most of the time.”
Then we split into our separate paths.
I loved that conversation with Blake. It not only made me smile but made me appreciate the honesty of a 5 year old. If we were all that honest, we know that if someone had that same conversation with us, we would have the same answers.
“Are you ready for a new day?”
“Yes. And I’m going to be good all day.”
“Is that what you promised God?”
“Uh-Huh.”
“But aren’t you always good?”
“Not most of the time.”
Like Blake, I often fail in the promises that I make to God and to those around me. There is a chance that Blake’s mom might be disappointed tonight when she hears the report of Blake’s day, but I know that she will still give him hugs and kisses and let him know that she loves him. God does the same for me. He continues to love me and give me good things. He loved me and all of us sinful human beings so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Because of our faith in Jesus, we can say, “I’m sorry for the mess I made of this day.” And God will always offer us forgiveness and a fresh start for a new day. And tomorrow, because Blake loves his mother, he will again promise to be good all day. And out of thankfulness for that gift of forgiveness God gives us, we also will continually make that promise to try harder next time—with the help of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:19 (English Standard Version)
We love because he first loved us.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Son’s death and resurrection which paid the price for our sins. Thank you for the gift of faith that the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives. Thank you for the gift of eternal life that we receive through that faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Help us to show our love to You and to those around us out of thankfulness for the great love that You have shown us.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
“Hi, Miss Carol.”
“Hi, Blake. Are you ready for another day of Kindergarten?”
“Yes. And I’m going to be good all day today.”
“That’s good. Is that what you promised your mother?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Aren’t you always good?”
“Most of the time.”
Then we split into our separate paths.
I loved that conversation with Blake. It not only made me smile but made me appreciate the honesty of a 5 year old. If we were all that honest, we know that if someone had that same conversation with us, we would have the same answers.
“Are you ready for a new day?”
“Yes. And I’m going to be good all day.”
“Is that what you promised God?”
“Uh-Huh.”
“But aren’t you always good?”
“Not most of the time.”
Like Blake, I often fail in the promises that I make to God and to those around me. There is a chance that Blake’s mom might be disappointed tonight when she hears the report of Blake’s day, but I know that she will still give him hugs and kisses and let him know that she loves him. God does the same for me. He continues to love me and give me good things. He loved me and all of us sinful human beings so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Because of our faith in Jesus, we can say, “I’m sorry for the mess I made of this day.” And God will always offer us forgiveness and a fresh start for a new day. And tomorrow, because Blake loves his mother, he will again promise to be good all day. And out of thankfulness for that gift of forgiveness God gives us, we also will continually make that promise to try harder next time—with the help of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:19 (English Standard Version)
We love because he first loved us.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Son’s death and resurrection which paid the price for our sins. Thank you for the gift of faith that the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives. Thank you for the gift of eternal life that we receive through that faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Help us to show our love to You and to those around us out of thankfulness for the great love that You have shown us.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
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