Picture a vast canyon where we can yell and scream and shout at the top of our lungs. The echo of our voices comes back again and again. There is no different response to our echo, no answer to our voices. It's just the echo, again and again. Why do we expect an answer? When no response comes back, why are we disappointed?Sometimes our prayers seem to be just echoes. We cast them out to the Lord, and He seems silent and distant. In our pleas for an answer, all we get are the echoes of our voices: "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" (Psalm 13:1) David wrote this psalm about his plight, and it is comforting to know that even he struggled with the echoes of his voice and his waiting for a response."But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." (Psalm 13:5).
Yet David, in the midst of his depression, sees a glimpse of hope from God, even though He hasn't answered his plea. David's trust in God lifts him out of the depths of that canyon to remember how God saves, not destroys. And that very thought can sustain him and sustain us in the depths of our waiting for God's response. Our trust in God will sustain us, no matter how low we feel or how low we stoop. God never fails to love us and come to our rescue. It may not be our own timing or our expected plan of rescue, but God is good to us now and forever!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Friday, August 26, 2005
"Gnawing Doubt"
"Gnawing Doubt" by Pastor Ellen
Did you ever leave the house and forget if you really turned off the stove? Or have you ever run out of the house and can't remember if you locked it? You get this gnawing doubt at the pit of your stomach that you really didn't…And so it either bothers you until you go back to check it, or your house actually burns down! (just kidding).
Sometimes our faith can play tricks on us, and we get these gnawing doubts that can erode our confidence in our relationship with Jesus. We can doubt whether He really loves us. We can doubt whether or not we are actually chosen by Him. We get cold feet and feel like we don't really have the faith it takes to get through our next crisis!The disciples were just like us even on that first Easter! It says in Matthew 28:16-17, "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted." They were obedient -- they went where Jesus had told them to go. They worshiped Him, which was a good thing! But then it says, "Some doubted."
So even when we are obedient. Even when we worship Jesus. We can still doubt! Not always. Not all of us. But doubts appear.The solution? The Great Commission, which follow in the text tell us that even through the doubts, Jesus will be with us, "until the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20)!
So, when we hit the doubt button (and no doubt we do!), just like a panic button, we can recall that re-set button is right next to it: Jesus being with us, to the end of the age!
Until next time, make it a blessed day, Pastor Ellen
Did you ever leave the house and forget if you really turned off the stove? Or have you ever run out of the house and can't remember if you locked it? You get this gnawing doubt at the pit of your stomach that you really didn't…And so it either bothers you until you go back to check it, or your house actually burns down! (just kidding).
Sometimes our faith can play tricks on us, and we get these gnawing doubts that can erode our confidence in our relationship with Jesus. We can doubt whether He really loves us. We can doubt whether or not we are actually chosen by Him. We get cold feet and feel like we don't really have the faith it takes to get through our next crisis!The disciples were just like us even on that first Easter! It says in Matthew 28:16-17, "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted." They were obedient -- they went where Jesus had told them to go. They worshiped Him, which was a good thing! But then it says, "Some doubted."
So even when we are obedient. Even when we worship Jesus. We can still doubt! Not always. Not all of us. But doubts appear.The solution? The Great Commission, which follow in the text tell us that even through the doubts, Jesus will be with us, "until the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20)!
So, when we hit the doubt button (and no doubt we do!), just like a panic button, we can recall that re-set button is right next to it: Jesus being with us, to the end of the age!
Until next time, make it a blessed day, Pastor Ellen
Thursday, August 25, 2005
I was probably The One Jesus
Here is a poem written by Harry Fassett, a fellow blogger
I was probably The One Jesus
I was probably the one who shook you as violently as the storm was to wake you, and pleaded for you to calm it.
I was probably the one who sank into the ocean when you called me to come to you.
I was probably the one who scolded the women for washing your feet with precious oil, and wasting it.
I was probably the one who had forsaken you for 30 pieces of silver.
I was probably the one who denied you three times.
I was probably the one who took you away to be tortured.
I was probably the one who spit on you.
I was probably the one who nailed you to the cross.
I was probably the one who stuck the spear in your side.
I was probably the one who wagered for your garments.
I was probably the one who doubted you rose from the dead.
Then again, I was probably the one who judged you.
© June 2005 Harry Fassett
http://poemsbyharry.blogspot.com/
http://www.harryfassett.com
I was probably The One Jesus
I was probably the one who shook you as violently as the storm was to wake you, and pleaded for you to calm it.
I was probably the one who sank into the ocean when you called me to come to you.
I was probably the one who scolded the women for washing your feet with precious oil, and wasting it.
I was probably the one who had forsaken you for 30 pieces of silver.
I was probably the one who denied you three times.
I was probably the one who took you away to be tortured.
I was probably the one who spit on you.
I was probably the one who nailed you to the cross.
I was probably the one who stuck the spear in your side.
I was probably the one who wagered for your garments.
I was probably the one who doubted you rose from the dead.
Then again, I was probably the one who judged you.
© June 2005 Harry Fassett
http://poemsbyharry.blogspot.com/
http://www.harryfassett.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
What Kind of Lion Are You?
An Article by Connie Giordano
Can you wait patiently on the Lord for the right opportunity to present itself? Or are you very impulsive, headstrong, or hasty - always taking matters into your own hands?
Psalm 34:9-10 says - "O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger;but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing."
From what I read, young lions are very anxious and careless. Because of this, they oftentimes scare their prey and end up with nothing after the hunt. The older lions, on the other hand, are wiser and know how to wait patiently for the right opportunity to attack.
I wonder how God considers us today. Are we like the young lions - who are so restless and can't seem to wait for His timing - so we end up trying to help Him out in our situation -always losing out in the end? Or are we like the older lions - who can wait patiently on Him and get the Victory in His perfect time.
There is no want or lack to those who "fear the LORD." There is no want or lack to those who "seek the LORD." Perhaps the reason why we lack in many areas of our lives is because we fail to wait on the Lord for His Perfect Plan. It pays to seek Him. Wouldn't you agree?
May God Bless His Word. Connie
http://www.walkingintruth.org/
http://www.walkingintruth.org/donate.html
WALKING IN TRUTH MINISTRY P. O. Box 383016Duncanville, TX. 75138-3016
Copyright 2005 by Connie Giordano
Sunday, August 21, 2005
What is the Best Way to Change the World?
When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was
difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I
found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I
couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change
my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can
change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I
had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my
family. My family and I could have made an impact on our
town. Their impact could have changed the nation and
I could indeed have changed the world.
Unknown
difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I
found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I
couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change
my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can
change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I
had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my
family. My family and I could have made an impact on our
town. Their impact could have changed the nation and
I could indeed have changed the world.
Unknown
Thursday, August 18, 2005
God is Real No Matter How You Feel
Feelings -- we all have our share of them. They can be compared
to "drifting clouds" that momentarily appear and then fade away.
Sometimes they arrive unannounced, and other times they are welcomed
like an old familiar, stuffed chair.
In case you haven't noticed, our feelings can be very unpredictable.
On certain days, they can be very gentle and warm. On other days,
however, they can be like a howling wind, fierce and unceasing,
tossing us to and fro like a rag doll. They have often been
described as fickle, fleeting, superficial, shallow, deep, intense,
void, and empty. They are denied, stifled, and stuffed, and on some
occasions, encouraged to be expressed. Like clockwork, they will
show up… and other times they are nowhere to be found.
If we make the mistake of allowing them to go unchecked for any
length of time, we soon discover that we are no longer in the
driver's seat -- they are! God, acting as our heavenly highway
patrolman, will pull us over and write us a "love summons" that
jolts us back into reality. He reminds us that He has already given
us divine authority over our emotions and that we have every right
to call the shots. We can "make an arrest," if you will, by no
longer allowing our feelings to dictate the way our day should go.
The wonderful truth of the matter is, though our feelings fluctuate
from day to day, nothing can change the unmovable character of God.
Isn't that a reassuring promise? In Him, there is no shadow of
turning (James 1:17). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God can handle our misbehaving emotions. He can even handle our
hissy fits. He is a patient, loving Father who graciously looks past
the exterior noise of our reeling emotions, and seeks to develop
within us a solid foundation of faith and trust.
No matter what feelings may sweep over us, it is faith, not feeling,
that God is after.
As I dusted off my old family hymnal, I discovered the lyrics from a
rather famous song called "The Solid Rock" that seem to say it so
well:
When darkness seems to hide his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace,
W hen all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
A ll other ground is sinking sand.
By Missey Butler
to "drifting clouds" that momentarily appear and then fade away.
Sometimes they arrive unannounced, and other times they are welcomed
like an old familiar, stuffed chair.
In case you haven't noticed, our feelings can be very unpredictable.
On certain days, they can be very gentle and warm. On other days,
however, they can be like a howling wind, fierce and unceasing,
tossing us to and fro like a rag doll. They have often been
described as fickle, fleeting, superficial, shallow, deep, intense,
void, and empty. They are denied, stifled, and stuffed, and on some
occasions, encouraged to be expressed. Like clockwork, they will
show up… and other times they are nowhere to be found.
If we make the mistake of allowing them to go unchecked for any
length of time, we soon discover that we are no longer in the
driver's seat -- they are! God, acting as our heavenly highway
patrolman, will pull us over and write us a "love summons" that
jolts us back into reality. He reminds us that He has already given
us divine authority over our emotions and that we have every right
to call the shots. We can "make an arrest," if you will, by no
longer allowing our feelings to dictate the way our day should go.
The wonderful truth of the matter is, though our feelings fluctuate
from day to day, nothing can change the unmovable character of God.
Isn't that a reassuring promise? In Him, there is no shadow of
turning (James 1:17). He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God can handle our misbehaving emotions. He can even handle our
hissy fits. He is a patient, loving Father who graciously looks past
the exterior noise of our reeling emotions, and seeks to develop
within us a solid foundation of faith and trust.
No matter what feelings may sweep over us, it is faith, not feeling,
that God is after.
As I dusted off my old family hymnal, I discovered the lyrics from a
rather famous song called "The Solid Rock" that seem to say it so
well:
When darkness seems to hide his face,
I rest on his unchanging grace,
W hen all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
A ll other ground is sinking sand.
By Missey Butler
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Peace
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.
Thich Nhat Hahn
A peace deep within can survive the fiercest of the storms of life. That peace can be sensed by all we meet, without a word being spoken. Be relentless in your search for inner peace, and when you find it, guard it with all of your being.
God gives us peace, a peace we cannot understand that does not depend on our circumstances. It is a deep spiritual peace. A peace that comes through accepting and trusting our Creator. Sometimes we just have to let go of trying to make things happen, and let God. Be still and known that I am God, that I love you and will be there for you. Let go and let God flood you with his peace.
Thich Nhat Hahn
A peace deep within can survive the fiercest of the storms of life. That peace can be sensed by all we meet, without a word being spoken. Be relentless in your search for inner peace, and when you find it, guard it with all of your being.
God gives us peace, a peace we cannot understand that does not depend on our circumstances. It is a deep spiritual peace. A peace that comes through accepting and trusting our Creator. Sometimes we just have to let go of trying to make things happen, and let God. Be still and known that I am God, that I love you and will be there for you. Let go and let God flood you with his peace.
Monday, August 08, 2005
The Center of the Bible
Here are some interesting facts about the Bible
What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Answer - Psalms 117
What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Answer - Psalms 119
Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? Answer - Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up and you get 1188
What is the center verse in the Bible? Answer - Psalms 118:8
Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives? The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word!
Psalms 118:8 (NKJV) "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?
Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it
What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Answer - Psalms 117
What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Answer - Psalms 119
Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? Answer - Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118
Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118
Add these numbers up and you get 1188
What is the center verse in the Bible? Answer - Psalms 118:8
Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives? The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word!
Psalms 118:8 (NKJV) "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?
Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it
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