Posts from — August 2009
To Be Richly Blessed
I remember a time when I was first beginning my walk with Christ. I became aware of a new and entire different way to live one’s life. A different way to approach the viewpoints and the happenings of the world around us. A different twist and perspective on traditions and lifestyles. My walk with Christ created a direct effect on my attitude and mindset of day to day events and toward people in general. What I had learned and came to understand about God, Life, and Man’s Purpose on earth changed me from the inside out.
When a person walks with Christ things have to change. Amos 3:3 states, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so.” Certain habits, thoughts, ideas, trends, and traditions had to go or be remedied. If I was going to be a Christian, I needed to put on the full armor of God. Not just the shirt or the shoes or the helmet or the shirt; but the full armor. This took some great undertaking and some doing to say the least.
Ephesians 6:10-18
My walk with Christ has effected every area and aspect of my life. From my husband, to my children, to my immediate family, to the extended family, friends, relationships, work place, social events, time and calendar events, right down to my paycheck. This was no small undertaking — this was the real thing — the real deal — and I was in for the long haul. One might ask, “Why didn’t you just back out?” “Take the high road or turn tail and run?” I could have at any time; but then where would I have gone? What would I have done? Once the mind has been opened to Christ and God’s Higher Realm of Life has been revealed; does one live as if it doesn’t exist? Does one force oneself to forget? Does one pretend to live an earthy way of life for the sake of earthly relationships and temporal goals? How does one go back to being a child once one becomes an adult? As I grew in Christ — His burden became light. Matthew 11:38-30
It is like baking a cake. One takes the ingredients mixes them together bakes it in the oven and there it is a cake. Would one be able to separate the eggs, the flour, the salt, the sugar, etc. back out of it once it has been baked? It would be literally impossible. God instructs us to be clay and to remain as clay so that we may be molded and remolded. We are not to become hardened and stiff-necked people. Hebrews 3:8 “Today, If you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts….. Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand.
I was 16 years old when I picked up the bible and began reading it. I was 23 when I made the commitment to walk and live a life serving and growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ. That was 30 to 35 years ago. One of my earliest lessons that I had learned was the lesson in tithing. To give God a tenth of everything earned back to Him; as it was all His in the first place and it will all be His when we are long gone from this earthly planet.
Tithing is a great lesson in trust and obedience; but the rewards are inconceivable. Tithing builds a strong and lasting relationship with God. Every week or two or so one is paid for their labor and work. Individuals plan out their budgets, their check books, their expenses, their vacations, their shopping, etc. However, if one is a tither, then every time one is paid that individual is conversing back and forth with God — for God becomes part of the budget list that needs to be made in order to run ones household smoothly or to keep ones finances in order. He, God, is right there on that list along with the utilities, the car payment, the mortgage, the rent, school loans, the tithe, etc. You get the picture.
If one tithes then there is no escaping God; He is either part of your everyday real life or He is not. I don’t drive a big fancy car, I don’t have lots of diamonds or jewels, I don’t even have a large bank account. But I do have God. I have a full and rich and abundant life. I have a wonderful husband, a growing and prosperous family, a loving home (which I may add is a safe haven), a Church filled with the Spirit of God, a good job, friends that are dear to me, more things and projects and hobbies to do than I would have room to write. I have love, joy, peace, contentment, and understanding. I am among women, “Most richly blessed.”
John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Till the next time, this is the Voice of Joyce signing off…….
August 21, 2009 No Comments
Do the Right Thing
Don’t do more things — Do the right thing.
The other week our Pastor gave a terrific sermon on being focused on what really matters. One area of the sermon has stayed with me throughout these past few weeks. With a full time job, a house to run, a spouse, and extended family members; it is difficult to keep things and life in perspective and/or to focus on what really matters.
I am (at times) finding myself challenged and pushed to the limit; however, when I remember the phrase “Don’t do more things — Do the right thing.” then life takes on a new perspective and I am able to focus and re-prioritize.
As I read Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.
Isaiah 1:17 states “Learn to do right!.” This makes me realize that one needs to stop, think, and focus. One needs to learn to do right; it does not just come or happen naturally. Busyness throughout the day comes naturally and doing more and more things comes naturally and in many instances one may even feel very good in regard to accomplishing many projects throughout the day. But, doing the right thing? I am catching myself these past few days during my busyness and I am giving more thought as to what I am doing with my time throughout the day.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.
If today were my last day on the earth and I am to meet my Maker, will He greet me with, “Oh, I see that you accomplished many things today and that you were able to check off your entire To-Do List today. Or will He greet me and say, “I see that you had made a new friend today or I see you visited a loved one today or I see that you took time out and spoke to a friend of Mine that was a little down-and-out.” Now with that being said, “What will be my choice today; will I do more things or will I do the right thing?”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
Have a great day today and Don’t do more things — Do the right thing!
Till the next time, this is the Voice of Joyce signing off…….
August 17, 2009 No Comments