Re-Thinking "Oh, Moanie Me!"

I've been dealing with a physical dilemma since July of 2008. Like quicksand, it's affected so many things in my life; my body, aches and pains, mobility, mood, and my livelihood (forcing early retirement). What's more, the sheer length of time involved has been an additional drag. Seems like everything I've always loved to do is in a holding pattern. Painful days have found me limping and gimping around the house and anywhere else. From some unknown somewhere, I picked up a little saying, "Oh, moanie me!" Believe me, it got frequent use.

Then, I realized the "Oh, moanie me's" I've immersed myself in are counter-productive. I'm all too aware of how long I've been in this case, but I'm seeing that dwelling on that aspect only hinders progress in other, more needful areas. All this came in the course of, and as a result of a couple of week's study and ponderfication on the Adult SS lesson I taught yesterday (March 25th) - "The Prayer of Moses." (Psalm 90).

Condensed; God is our Dwelling Place, our Refuge and Shelter, our Portion, and our Reward - there is no safer place to be - it is enough! HE is enough! Wow!

This may seem like no big revelation, sort of a "Duh!"; but when I applied it to my own situation it was like a light suddenly came on in a dark room. If my life exists, consists, and is wrapped up in HIM, I am rich beyond compare - my current (temporal) condition/situation has no bearing on that reality.

Think about it! HE is both Author and Finisher of our faith. "HE who began a good work in you will perform it until the day..." Seeing that in the abstract is way different than perceiving its specific application. It has nothing to do with so-called "eternal security." It has everything to do with Who and What HE is! My circumstances, uncomfortable and difficult though they may be, cannot deplete HIM. I needed to once again realize it never has been, isn't now, and never will be my own grace or strength... Thousands of years ago, Moses knew and fleshed this out in life and in his prayer - the 90th Psalm. Meditating on his perspective brought me to a need to re-commit my life, my health, my hopes, my aspirations - and wrap them all up in HIM.

And as to any current dilemma/s, HIS Word says, "MY grace is sufficient - MY strength is made perfect in [your] weakness," (Okay - I think I've got my part of that equation pretty well covered.)

P.S. I know I may be preaching to the choir on this. Still, it's been an exciting weekend - even had the opportunity to back up what I've said herein with a public declaration/testimony last night during service. Hmm... Here's a bonus thought: It appears there's something very important about making an open statement for which you can be held accountable. Here's a well-known example. After posting his 95 Thesis, Martin Luther was required to defend himself. During that trial, he said, "Here I stand, I can do no other."

Next time you commit or re-commit something to God, tell somebody about it. That's what I just did!

Great Givers

Great givers hold nothing back,
They go the extra mile -
Cheerfully.
Their motives are pure,
Their commitment is sure.

Sacrifice is not a stranger,
Nor is it a burden;
They gladly spend and are spent.
They've seen the end of the matter
And count that joy
Worth every investment.

The reward they seek
is an eternal
"Well Done!"

Great Givers:
JESUS
Stephen
Paul
Mary
(with her alabaster box)
Jonathan

Spring Gardening

It's spring in Michigan! Our normal windy March and rainy April didn't happen this year. But May is making up for the lack. Now and then, interspersed between the windy/rainy days, the sun peaks out and warms the ground, coaxing buds to blossom and lilacs to bloom. With clingy fingers, reluctant winter gives way to the inevitable. Those who've hunkered down indoors throughout Michigan's snowy beauty begin to venture forth, take leisurely walks, and enjoy the breath of spring. Seems everyone likes a Michigan spring.

The only complaints I've heard this year have to do with the rain delaying the planting of gardens and sprucing up the landscape. A number of friends plan to break ground for a garden; flowers, fruit trees, strawberries, tomatoes, onions, herbs, melons, and vegetables they've never tried to grow before. Some are opting for container gardens while others are devoting more space than ever before. All this waits on the promise of sunshine and frost-free days.

One friend has even braved the rain to get a head start on what can only be described as the most ambitious garden I've ever seen in a suburban lot. But then her garden is always something to see and to enjoy, for she is a master gardener. Her diligence is already evident. It's obvious when you drive up to her door, she's got everything under control - fruit, vegetables, shrubs, ground cover, wildflowers - you name it, it seems eager to thrive under her tutelage. Somehow, when visiting my friend on a summer evening, I can sense the presence of God in a special way in her garden.

Another friend is into flowers. Spring flowers come and go in waves; first the crocus and snowflowers, then daffodils, with tulips close behind. Pansies skirt their stems. She's planted impatiens among the pansies, knowing the pansies will be overtaken. A sacrifice, yes, but she's very fond of imaptiens. Iris flank to the right and left of all this color and they'll bloom all summer. Her house stands out in the neighborhood - evidence of her forethought and planning - and of the Creator of all things bright and beautiful.

Got to thinking about all this. Gardening is not easy. Muscles ache, knees and hands get dirty, shoveling and raking are back-breaking tasks. Pulling weeds is unpleasant but essential and fertilizing is a smelly job. Yet the satifaction I see on my friends' faces when they sit out in their garden, or cook up some tasty dish from their own fresh produce, lets me know they find the results well worth all the effort. I believe God smiles on gardeners and their endeavors to work with His creative genius.

One of my mom's friends, Anna, was also a master gardener. She lived on a little over an acre of ground and had a sizeable garden. As summer progressed, mom frequently brought home baskets of produce grown by Anna. Mom marvelled at her success and asked her how it was that she rarely saw weeds among the plants. Anna confided early each spring, before planting, she went out and sifted through the ground filtering out the weed seeds. As a result, her garden was a showplace with an abundance of good things to share with others. Anna's kindness and generosity came out of a willing heart and a love for God.

I've also posted a poem in conjunction with this little piece - hope it's a blessing to you!

[Note: See the next post above.]

~ mjkinnee

What's Ahead?

2010 - Here we come! No going back; no redoing any part of 2009. It's history, back there, the book is closed. Its joys, its pain, its heartaches, its victories, its defeats and failures - they're all tucked inside of the volume labeled 2009. There is only one way to deal with what's back there. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Get it under the blood!

If you've failed - repent. If you've been hurt - forgive. If you've won a great victory - celebrate - but keep pressing on. Consign all the messes and mix-ups to "back there." Not only is 2010 a new year, it's a gift of unused minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months. What's more, it's a golden opportunity to start fresh and get it right this time.

In each new year we find a reminder of the precious promise... "Come now, let us reason together saith the Lord, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be a white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) One of the most precious gifts God gives to men is a new heart to replace the old stony one, a transformed mind, a new creation, "a new man walking in my shoes." This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's Salvation's hope!

What's ahead? I don't know. I cannot tell anyone what 2010 will bring.

We see uncertainty all around us. Turmoil and questions abound. Humanity's best minds offer flawed and incomplete quick-fixes. Sin and sinful men run rampant. Insane busy-ness crowds our lives with competing demands, vying voices, persuading spirits and a constant push for more... but this one thing is sure. The Word of God contains promises that have the power to hold us in this chaotic world and these tumultuous days.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)

"Lord, keep my soul from day to day,

Under the blood, under the blood;

Keep doubt and fear and sin away,

Under the precious blood.

I'm under the blood, the precious blood,

Under the cleansing, healing flood;

Keep me Savior from day to day,

Under the precious blood!"

Check This Out!

I am posting a link to "We Declare" - a website I recently reviewed and agree with wholeheartedly. (Please see the right sidebar under the category, "Links I enjoy..." for a direct connection to the "We Declare" website.)

I believe it will be a blessing and strength to your faith . . .

~ mjk

I Am Determined...

Webster says determine is "to fix conclusively or authoritatively; having reached a decision, firmly resolved; settling and ending controversy; a firm or fixed intent to achieve a desired end." Another source says it’s "resolute, staunch, decided, settled, resolved," and synonyms are; "inflexible, unfaltering, unwavering."

In the Bible, when the word, determined is used, the thing is set. When God determines a thing, it will be accomplished. Every Bible prophecy confirms this truth.

Because God gave man a free will, when man determines to do an evil thing, he will do it, unless God intervenes. For instance, Saul was determined to kill David, but the God-inspired intervention of Jonathan spared David’s life. In so doing, Jonathan became an example of self-sacrifice and true friendship.

Immediately after Amnon’s assault on his sister, (Tamar,) Absalom determined to kill him and waited years for the chance to carry out his plan. For Amnon there was no intervention – the law of sowing and reaping was in full force.

It is also possible and praiseworthy to be determined to do good.

• Solomon determined to build a house for the Lord. (II Chronicles 2:1)
• Jesus was determined to go to Calvary. (Luke 9:51; 22:22)
• The church in Antioch determined to send relief to Judea. (Acts 11:29)
• The Apostle Paul was "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2)

This kind of determination caused Jonathan to recognize the anointing on David’s life and to deal with his own will and desires by blessing and helping David. This kind of determination helped Jesus ("the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame…") complete the course set before Him.

In the flesh, determination is dangerous. It can separate friends. Barnabas’ determination to take John Mark caused a long-term rift between himself and Paul. Unbridled determination easily crosses the line into self-will. Cain insisted his sacrifice was sufficient. His way led to stubbornness, rebellion, murder, insolence and banishment.

The Jews’ determination to see Jesus crucified was stronger than Pilate’s determination to let Him go. Their determination amounted to rebellion against God. Pilate’s determination was merely political. He knew their accusations were spawned from envy; yet, under their pressure and despite urgent warnings, Pilate traipsed out onto thin ice… It was only a matter of time before he caved in and was drying himself off, crying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just man."

By dropping an "e" and adding a "t", another word is formed... and determine becomes detriment, which is damage, harm or loss, or, something that causes damage, harm or loss. Without determination, one cannot achieve their goal. Thus, a lack of determination is a detriment and leads to defeat and failure.

When it comes to spiritual things, strong determination can make one bold and hold him steady. It can also thrust detrimental things out of the way. Daniel and the three Hebrew children purposed in their hearts (determined) not to defile themselves by eating the king’s food. Because of their determination, they proposed a ten-day trial. At the end of the ten days, when they were in better shape than those who were eating from the king’s table, all opposition evaporated.

We need the kind of determination that makes us stand fast, holding to the profession of our faith. It’s time to re-evaluate and re-commit ourselves. It is high time to say with Jonathan, Daniel, the three Hebrew children, the Apostle Paul, and the songwriter, "I am determined, I’ve made up my mind – I’ll serve the Lord!"

Will He Find Faith?

“Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Most of my adult life, I relegated this Scripture to the Rapture of the church. Considering it to be a revealing glimpse of the pathos and yearning in the heart of Jesus for a group of people who would believe and have faith in Him during this last and evil generation, I pledged in prayer that He would find faith on this earth, and by that I meant in me. But I’ve seen this verse in a new light; one that expands my horizons and brings fresh excitement and enthusiasm for His wonderful plan.

When Jesus came the first time, robbing Himself in flesh and exchanging His heavenly throne for an animal’s feeding trough – He found faith. There was Mary, who stepped out onto her faith, saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38) There was Elizabeth, who, pregnant herself, bore witness that Mary was “the mother of my Lord.” (Luke 1:43) There was Joseph, who listened to the word of the Lord and obeyed His commands to the letter. There were wise men from the east, who came seeking the newborn King. There were shepherds who believed the message of the angels and came to find the young child. There was Simeon, who believed the word of the Lord which said he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ and who had the faith to recognize Him in the temple. And there was Anna who was abiding in the temple and came to give glory and praise to God. Ah yes, when He came the first time – He found faith.

Furthermore, I have seen the church in action – I have watched the gospel message heal the broken-hearted and give sight to the blind, physically and spiritually. I have gazed in wonder at the Holy Ghost filling a life with joy, peace and His abiding presence. Every time I see or hear of a soul being baptized in His precious Name for the remission of their sins, I recognize that the seeds of faith are still alive and doing their holy work in the hearts of men all around the world. Ah yes, when He comes for His church – there will be faith on the earth.

But what about when He comes into your daily routine? What about when He passes by your pew as His Spirit moves in the sanctuary? Does He find a faith-filled response? What about when the Spirit is moving and a soul near you is reaching out to Jesus – do you allow them to struggle on alone, or are you sensitive enough to pray for and with them right then? What about when the hungry soul at school or on the job asks you a question about the Kingdom or about your faith, does He find a faith-filled response? Does your life focus all attention toward Jesus? Does your testimony ring true? Jesus cares about little children, the lost, the grieving, widows and orphans, the destitute, the lonely. Is your compassion like His compassion? Are your hands an extension of His hands?

I submit to you that He doesn’t only come on special occasions, like Christmas or the Rapture. He comes every day, in multiple ways – and He is always seeking a faith-filled response!

Abraham was called the father of the faithful because he stepped out of his routine and into the realm of promise. Mary’s faith was demonstrated by her submission to the Word. Simeon’s faith was revealed by his watchfulness. In each case, He came… Oh, may we hear His heart’s cry! When He comes to your earth [situation] will He find faith?

By Marjorie Kinnee