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My verse for the week and my life right now is from James 1:2-4:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Perseverance has a few definitions in the dictionary "continued, patient effort", "persistence", and "in Calvinism, the continuance in grace of people elected to eternal salvation." The actual translation in the Greek is "endurance."
I love these verses for so many reasons. They are a source of comfort when the trials and hardships of my life get to be too much or too long. I am reminded of God's promise to me in these verses as in many other passages throughout Scripture. My time on earth is short-lived and temporary, as are my trials and sufferings in it. I rejoice in the fact that the Lord has given me something hard to deal with because in it He is PERFECTING my faith. I am one step closer to spiritual maturity and "completeness" when I endure a hardship. There is a groaning, cracking as the earth shifts in my soul, as I am broken before the Lord, but He is swift to mend me and put me back together, refined and closer to the woman and follower of Christ He would have me be. I am also reminded of what Paul said about his weakness in II Corinthians 12:9:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses , so that Christ's power may rest on me."
I love this. God is enough. He is all we need. He redeems our weaknesses with His strength, satisfies our deepest needs, gives us the power to carry on. I am resting assured in His promises.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Water
Our body is about 75% water, approximately 3/4 of the earth's surface is covered by water and all living organisms around us (on which our life depends) are mostly water.
Every single living cell is made up of water (intracellular fluid) - including our own body cells - and surrounded by water (extra cellular fluid). Every one of our body's tissues and organs, as well as every one of the body's sustaining process, such as thinking, nerve function, blood circulation, digestion, locomotion and elimination, requires water in order to function properly. Lack of water in the body tends to give rise to dehydration, thereby posing hurdles for the blood to circulate. The gravity of problem increases, as it causes the brain to become less active and your body feels tired and fatigued. Water keeps the digestive system in order and flushes out the waste products from your body.
I love word pictures and how Jesus taught…so I decided to do a little study on water and how it relates to the Living Water. I find it interesting that our very survival as human depends on the consumption of water; not only that, but it is in every cell…the majority of our being and the creatures around us are made up of water. Suffice to say that without it we would all cease to exist.
So how does that relate to the Living Water of Jesus Christ? Water is mentioned in the Bible 396 times in the KJV (485 in the NIV). Some are pure references to actual drinking water, some refer to bodies of water and yet others relate to this idea of living water.
John 4:10-14 "Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
The Greek word for “living” used in this context is "zao" and means:
1)to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)
2)to enjoy real life, to have true life and worthy of the name
3)to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting
4)living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul
5) to be fresh, strong, efficient
6) as adj. active, powerful, efficacious
When we drink water for our bodies, we give life to our cells. Immediately brain and nerve function are improved, we expel wastes and toxins, we are refreshed. However, as Jesus stated, we become thirsty again in our humanity.
When we drink the Living Water, we give life to our souls through the Holy Spirit. We are cleansed and expel the toxins of sin, have eternal refreshment, eternal life, and strength in life on Earth. We can become “active, powerful and efficacious” and “fresh, strong and efficient” when we go to the true source of Life each day…we can “enjoy real life”.
We can also give life to others by our example: "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” When we accept Jesus and believe in Him, we are filled with rivers of living water. I believe that the more we are filled, the more we “spill out” onto those around us.
We drink enough water to make sure our bodies are hydrated and running properly. I wonder if we have the same urgency to “drink” from the Word and hear from the Lord daily so our spiritual bodies are in tip top shape? Are we being filled? Drinking from other fountains? Or are we walking around dehydrated, weary, less than functional and dry from our lack of Living Water?
Every single living cell is made up of water (intracellular fluid) - including our own body cells - and surrounded by water (extra cellular fluid). Every one of our body's tissues and organs, as well as every one of the body's sustaining process, such as thinking, nerve function, blood circulation, digestion, locomotion and elimination, requires water in order to function properly. Lack of water in the body tends to give rise to dehydration, thereby posing hurdles for the blood to circulate. The gravity of problem increases, as it causes the brain to become less active and your body feels tired and fatigued. Water keeps the digestive system in order and flushes out the waste products from your body.
I love word pictures and how Jesus taught…so I decided to do a little study on water and how it relates to the Living Water. I find it interesting that our very survival as human depends on the consumption of water; not only that, but it is in every cell…the majority of our being and the creatures around us are made up of water. Suffice to say that without it we would all cease to exist.
So how does that relate to the Living Water of Jesus Christ? Water is mentioned in the Bible 396 times in the KJV (485 in the NIV). Some are pure references to actual drinking water, some refer to bodies of water and yet others relate to this idea of living water.
John 4:10-14 "Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
The Greek word for “living” used in this context is "zao" and means:
1)to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)
2)to enjoy real life, to have true life and worthy of the name
3)to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting
4)living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul
5) to be fresh, strong, efficient
6) as adj. active, powerful, efficacious
When we drink water for our bodies, we give life to our cells. Immediately brain and nerve function are improved, we expel wastes and toxins, we are refreshed. However, as Jesus stated, we become thirsty again in our humanity.
When we drink the Living Water, we give life to our souls through the Holy Spirit. We are cleansed and expel the toxins of sin, have eternal refreshment, eternal life, and strength in life on Earth. We can become “active, powerful and efficacious” and “fresh, strong and efficient” when we go to the true source of Life each day…we can “enjoy real life”.
We can also give life to others by our example: "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” When we accept Jesus and believe in Him, we are filled with rivers of living water. I believe that the more we are filled, the more we “spill out” onto those around us.
We drink enough water to make sure our bodies are hydrated and running properly. I wonder if we have the same urgency to “drink” from the Word and hear from the Lord daily so our spiritual bodies are in tip top shape? Are we being filled? Drinking from other fountains? Or are we walking around dehydrated, weary, less than functional and dry from our lack of Living Water?
Monday, November 23, 2009
My Company's Annual Sample Sale-Everyone's invited!
Everyone who wants to save some money this holiday season, come check out my company's annual sample sale. We offer everything at manufacturer's cost or below and you can get some incredible deals and inexpensive gifts. There will be a lot more samples of Home and Garden Decor (the category that I sell) this year-everything from glass hurricanes/apothecary jars to metal wall decor to outdoor decor, planters, etc.
Salesman’s Sample Sale
A Holiday Tradition!
Where: 335 Second Street - Lake Oswego
Same time, same place as last year . . .
Wizer’s Mall - Lower parking garage off 2nd St.
When: Friday December 4th 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday December 5th 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Everything . . . Gadgets to Giftware
Table -Top to Food Prep.
Kitchen Appliances & Cookware
Baby Products & Infant Accessories
Lawn & Garden & Home Decor and . . .
Lots of ALL-New Products & Categories
December 4th & 5th ONLY!
Wizer’s Mall, Lake Oswego - Lower parking garage off 2nd St.
Salesman’s Sample Sale
A Holiday Tradition!
Where: 335 Second Street - Lake Oswego
Same time, same place as last year . . .
Wizer’s Mall - Lower parking garage off 2nd St.
When: Friday December 4th 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday December 5th 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Everything . . . Gadgets to Giftware
Table -Top to Food Prep.
Kitchen Appliances & Cookware
Baby Products & Infant Accessories
Lawn & Garden & Home Decor and . . .
Lots of ALL-New Products & Categories
December 4th & 5th ONLY!
Wizer’s Mall, Lake Oswego - Lower parking garage off 2nd St.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Contentment
So the issue of contentment has been laying heavy on my heart for the past few weeks (really, for years since it's something I've always struggled with). I've been meditating on what it actually means to my Christian walk and example. The question of HOW keeps coming up as I consider the implications of being truly content.
In this world of "more" and "me" it seems almost impossible to rewire my brain to think "enough" and "thank you." Especially with a type A personality, it's hard to not always want to take my work, personal life, accomplishments, athletics, etc to the next level. It's not necessarily a monetary ambition, but more of a "I only have one life to live" kind of a motivation. There isn't anything wrong with living and enjoying life, per say, but when the reflection of your life seems to show that nothing is good enough, that's a problem.
I am learning a lot from Paul's example, who was in chains when he wrote the following to the Philippians: "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Phil 4:11-12
I think the key word in that verse is "learned." It is not always natural for us to be content in all situations, especially with the world we live in. It's always a challenge to be in this world but not have it rub off on us. Still, here is a man who was literally in chains praising God and rejoicing in his situation. I want to be more like that, since the struggles in my life shrink in comparison to Paul's (and Christ's) sufferings.
I was reading in John Courson's Commentary Bible in Colossians 4 last night and he was talking about disgruntled believers and what an oxymoron that is. We have everything to be thankful for so it should be pouring out of our mouths at every opportunity.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Phil. 2: 14-16
We have the gift of eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a Father that loves us and His Son that died for us. In addition to that, it's important that we don't compare our lives or blessings to those of others. In his words, "Don't look around." I think that is a part of what contentment means but it is also about knowing that our home is in heaven and the trials, struggles and wants we have here on earth are going to be more than insignifcant when we get there. Our challenge from the Word is to be "shining stars" to those around us and when trials come our way, may we not be knocked down and out like the world expects, but may we trust and thank the Lord for what we DO have.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." I Timothy 6:6-7
I guess the bottom line is I'm praying for more of Jesus and less of me, for an eternal perspective, to be "others" centered and thankful for the millions of blessings that God gives me each day.
Shanna
In this world of "more" and "me" it seems almost impossible to rewire my brain to think "enough" and "thank you." Especially with a type A personality, it's hard to not always want to take my work, personal life, accomplishments, athletics, etc to the next level. It's not necessarily a monetary ambition, but more of a "I only have one life to live" kind of a motivation. There isn't anything wrong with living and enjoying life, per say, but when the reflection of your life seems to show that nothing is good enough, that's a problem.
I am learning a lot from Paul's example, who was in chains when he wrote the following to the Philippians: "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Phil 4:11-12
I think the key word in that verse is "learned." It is not always natural for us to be content in all situations, especially with the world we live in. It's always a challenge to be in this world but not have it rub off on us. Still, here is a man who was literally in chains praising God and rejoicing in his situation. I want to be more like that, since the struggles in my life shrink in comparison to Paul's (and Christ's) sufferings.
I was reading in John Courson's Commentary Bible in Colossians 4 last night and he was talking about disgruntled believers and what an oxymoron that is. We have everything to be thankful for so it should be pouring out of our mouths at every opportunity.
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. Phil. 2: 14-16
We have the gift of eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a Father that loves us and His Son that died for us. In addition to that, it's important that we don't compare our lives or blessings to those of others. In his words, "Don't look around." I think that is a part of what contentment means but it is also about knowing that our home is in heaven and the trials, struggles and wants we have here on earth are going to be more than insignifcant when we get there. Our challenge from the Word is to be "shining stars" to those around us and when trials come our way, may we not be knocked down and out like the world expects, but may we trust and thank the Lord for what we DO have.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." I Timothy 6:6-7
I guess the bottom line is I'm praying for more of Jesus and less of me, for an eternal perspective, to be "others" centered and thankful for the millions of blessings that God gives me each day.
Shanna
Monday, November 9, 2009
Nursery Love Giveaway!
Check out this lovely Plum Infinity Scarf from BellaUrbana.etsy.com!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellaUrbana
Perfect for this season!
NurseryLove http://www.NurseryLove.etsy.com is giving it away at the end of this week.
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