Ok, something I've been pondering on for a few days...movies! I love them! Most of us do, but are they ok for Christians? Here's why I ask: movies contain a lot of things that the Bible speaks against and yet we fill our minds and hearts with them.
Here's a few things to consider:
Murder-Exodus 20:13, Matthew 15:19
Sex- Premarital, outside of marriage, all kinds of sex and sexuality, seduction-Ephesians 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 5:9-12
Language-Cursing, foul, degrading, crude, God's name in vain or irreverence-Exodus 20:7, Leviticus 9:12, Colossians 3:8
Revenge, hatred-1John 3:9, Leviticus 19:18, 1John 2:9, Proverbs 10:12
Drunkenness-Ephesians 5:18, Proverbs 23:21
Disrespect towards each other, towards elders and parents, dishonor-Exodus 20:12, 1Peter 2:17, Romans 12:9-10, Ephesians 6:2
Lying, deceit, slander, gossip-Exodus 20: 16, Leviticus 19:11 & 16,Psalm 34:13, Titus 3:2, Proverbs 16:28, Galatians 6:7
Stealing and cheating-Exodus 20:15,Matthew 19:18
Adultery, fornication, infidelity, swapping partners, lust-Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:28, Proverbs 6:25, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:5, 1 John 2:15-17,Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 6:32-35
Divorce & remarriage-Malachi 2:13-17, Matthew 19:3-9, 1 Corinthians 7:10, 27, 1 Corinthians 7:39, Luke 16:18
Worshipping other gods, including satan, cults, witchcraft, idols(even money)-Exodus 20:3-4, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, 2 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 6:3-5
Homosexuality-1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:25-27, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, 1 Timothy 1:9-11, Genesis 2:18-25, 19:1-29, Psalm 81:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
Jealousy, covetousness-Exodus 20:17, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 5:19-20, Proverbs 27:4, 1 Samuel 18:8-11, Genesis 4-Jealousy caused murder, Deuteronomy 4:24, 1 Corinthians 3:3
Galatians 5:19-21, Romans Chapter 1 & 13-
This sounds an awful lot like the Ten Commandments right, Exodus 20?! Well we aren't acting in these ways! Aren't we? Are we being stumbling blocks and false leaders? I say yes, guilty! I can say personally that watching some of these things have affected my life and my thinking. It certainly gave me unrealistic expectations in my marriage. Has it become the ruler to measure our lives by? It has become that way rather than the Bible being our measuring stick. Now I'm not saying there aren't some good qualities in movies as well.
Sure, I've seen for instance:
Kindness-Galatians 5:22-26
Love-Romans 13:9- the whole Bible!
Forgiveness
Mercy
Grace
Hospitality
Giving
Worshipping God
Serving others
Laughter
Happiness
Truth
Respect and honor
I kind of feel it not necessary to list all the scripture for this list because these are the one's we know. We prefer to focus on these. Its the list above that we choose to ignore! I hope you will not just read over this, but as a true follower of God and truth seek out each verse and allow God to lead you through his infallible word. You decide with God in fervent prayer what is true about what we allow into our lives and I will do the same. These kind of changes once we've become accustomed and conditioned to them are not easy to change. It takes a great love for The Lord and His commands and obedience!
Now here's my question about the second list...In Christian or Bible based movies, there are still actors and actresses who are married to other people and yet in the movies because they play a specific role they are kissing another person. Or even wholesome movies that speak real life situations into existence such as rape, infidelity, etc and of course they have to act these parts out. Is this wrong for Christians to watch? Is it wrong for Christians to act out these roles? I don't know, I'm asking! My immediate reaction is Yes! But then that means I'm in the wrong. If God were to reveal to me that yes these things are wrong and I should not be watching any of them and then convict me to not watch movies I will be honest and say that that would be a really hard thing for me to be obedient in. I mean what life do we have without them? Would we spend more time in our Bibles or with our family? Books can bring us all the same things movies do, so again, we need to be careful what we fill our hearts and minds with. What do y'all think about this? I'm asking not accusing or judging!
Point to remember: Psalm 11:8 The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men. May we pray for each other as I know that as Christians we desire as it says in Hebrews 13:18 to live honorably in every way.
SG © 6/10/14
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Saturday, May 24, 2014
"Crumby Drops"
"Crumby Drops"
Do you see your cup as half full or half empty?
Depends on where I'm at in life.
Does your bread basket have half a loaf or none?
Depends on what life throws at me.
Maybe you've been told that the glass seems half empty because you're not grateful for what you do have! Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you just don't know what to do with the other half.
Have you ever felt like a drop is all that's left in your cup?
I have!
Have you ever looked in your basket only to find a crumb?
I have!
Do you have that one thing in your life that seems to be just a drop or just a crumb that you cannot surrender?
I do!
So what do we do?
We take that half empty glass, give thanks, quench our thirst with what's left and allow God to refill it with fresh water!
We take that half a loaf, give thanks and offer what's left to God so that he can give the increase!
What about that drop or that crumb? That struggle?
We take that "crumby drop" and in full surrender we offer it to Lord!
But what if my faith is weak? What if I'm not sure I can do what I "think" I know he wants me to do? What if a part of me doesn't want to? What if I want to hold onto that crumby drop because the future is way to scary without it? What if I don't think I'm strong enough?
We take "what drop of crumby if" we have and we wrap it up with trust, whisper over it a prayer that sounds like this, "Jesus"!
He will take that one drop and turn it into an everlasting well and he will cause that one crumb to soften and rise! His grace will deliver us and his mercy will renew us!
Doesn't that sound wonderful? Yes, Yes, Yes! But the truth is, it may be that hardest, most dry drop of crumbs we've ever swallowed! The longest half a cup we've ever drank and the shortest half a loaf we've ever offered!
But take courage, He has overcome the world and He can surely deliver you!
Are you like me and sometimes feel like Moses, "Lord, send someone else" or like Jonah, "anywhere but there" or like the rich man, "I'll give up anything, but that"? With the faith of a mustard seed...man shall not live by bread, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God, the living water.
Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles...Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! Psalm 55:2, 6
Can we pray for each other's "crumby drops"? Let's do!
I'll meet you on the other side of obedience!
Stephanie Goode © May 24, 2014
Do you see your cup as half full or half empty?
Depends on where I'm at in life.
Does your bread basket have half a loaf or none?
Depends on what life throws at me.
Maybe you've been told that the glass seems half empty because you're not grateful for what you do have! Maybe, maybe not. Maybe you just don't know what to do with the other half.
Have you ever felt like a drop is all that's left in your cup?
I have!
Have you ever looked in your basket only to find a crumb?
I have!
Do you have that one thing in your life that seems to be just a drop or just a crumb that you cannot surrender?
I do!
So what do we do?
We take that half empty glass, give thanks, quench our thirst with what's left and allow God to refill it with fresh water!
We take that half a loaf, give thanks and offer what's left to God so that he can give the increase!
What about that drop or that crumb? That struggle?
We take that "crumby drop" and in full surrender we offer it to Lord!
But what if my faith is weak? What if I'm not sure I can do what I "think" I know he wants me to do? What if a part of me doesn't want to? What if I want to hold onto that crumby drop because the future is way to scary without it? What if I don't think I'm strong enough?
We take "what drop of crumby if" we have and we wrap it up with trust, whisper over it a prayer that sounds like this, "Jesus"!
He will take that one drop and turn it into an everlasting well and he will cause that one crumb to soften and rise! His grace will deliver us and his mercy will renew us!
Doesn't that sound wonderful? Yes, Yes, Yes! But the truth is, it may be that hardest, most dry drop of crumbs we've ever swallowed! The longest half a cup we've ever drank and the shortest half a loaf we've ever offered!
But take courage, He has overcome the world and He can surely deliver you!
Are you like me and sometimes feel like Moses, "Lord, send someone else" or like Jonah, "anywhere but there" or like the rich man, "I'll give up anything, but that"? With the faith of a mustard seed...man shall not live by bread, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God, the living water.
Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles...Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! Psalm 55:2, 6
Can we pray for each other's "crumby drops"? Let's do!
I'll meet you on the other side of obedience!
Stephanie Goode © May 24, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Be Still! Know me! Know that I am God!
Be Still! Know me! Know that I am God!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient, I will renew your strength!
I do have a plan for you! I will give you hope and a future! I will prosper you, in my time.
You are never alone, I will never leave you! Just wait on me. Be hopeful! Hope in me, for
I am hope! Wait and see, I will give you wings like the eagle! You will soar in my strength.
When you seek me with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind you will find me.
In me you will find joy, full and complete! Bring me all your plans and I will align them with
my purpose. Give me the desires of your heart and I will fulfill them according to my great mercies!
Show me your dreams and I will compassionately give them life! Put your trust in me and you
will have enough hope for each day! For my love is unfailing! It never ceases, never dies!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient! Know that I love you! Know that I
have chosen you out of all the peoples on the earth to be my treasured possession! Be still!
I will fight for you! I know your enemies! I know your fears and doubts! None of these scare
me! They cannot stop me! I overcame death for you! I have promised you life! Live it abundantly!
Put your hand in mine! Trust in me! Hope is yours for I am hope! Success is yours, at times I
will carry you! I was broken for you, I bled for you. My blood covers your sins! You are forgiven!
In me, there is no condemnation against you! You will fall, but I will pick you up! You are made
in my image! I am mighty to save! Be strong and courageous! I sing love songs over you! I rejoice
over you! I adore you! How deep, how wide is my love for you!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient! Just wait! Your wings are coming!
Your strength renewed! My gracious, exciting plan for you revealed! Trust me! Be hopeful!
Live in the joy of your salvation! Laugh, be silly! Choose life! Rest peacefully in my grace and
mercy! I've blessed you with a unique gift. Seek it! Embrace it! Thank me for your gift!
It makes you who you are! You are mine! Crafted by my hand inside your mother's womb!
Fearfully and wonderfully made! A shining star you are! My sunshine! My child!
You my love, are a gift to me from my Father, who reigns in heaven; the creator of all things good!
Never forget, that nothing you do will ever make me stop loving you!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God!
Truly and forever yours,
Jesus!
Stephanie Goode © 4/25/2014
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient, I will renew your strength!
I do have a plan for you! I will give you hope and a future! I will prosper you, in my time.
You are never alone, I will never leave you! Just wait on me. Be hopeful! Hope in me, for
I am hope! Wait and see, I will give you wings like the eagle! You will soar in my strength.
When you seek me with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind you will find me.
In me you will find joy, full and complete! Bring me all your plans and I will align them with
my purpose. Give me the desires of your heart and I will fulfill them according to my great mercies!
Show me your dreams and I will compassionately give them life! Put your trust in me and you
will have enough hope for each day! For my love is unfailing! It never ceases, never dies!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient! Know that I love you! Know that I
have chosen you out of all the peoples on the earth to be my treasured possession! Be still!
I will fight for you! I know your enemies! I know your fears and doubts! None of these scare
me! They cannot stop me! I overcame death for you! I have promised you life! Live it abundantly!
Put your hand in mine! Trust in me! Hope is yours for I am hope! Success is yours, at times I
will carry you! I was broken for you, I bled for you. My blood covers your sins! You are forgiven!
In me, there is no condemnation against you! You will fall, but I will pick you up! You are made
in my image! I am mighty to save! Be strong and courageous! I sing love songs over you! I rejoice
over you! I adore you! How deep, how wide is my love for you!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God! Be patient! Just wait! Your wings are coming!
Your strength renewed! My gracious, exciting plan for you revealed! Trust me! Be hopeful!
Live in the joy of your salvation! Laugh, be silly! Choose life! Rest peacefully in my grace and
mercy! I've blessed you with a unique gift. Seek it! Embrace it! Thank me for your gift!
It makes you who you are! You are mine! Crafted by my hand inside your mother's womb!
Fearfully and wonderfully made! A shining star you are! My sunshine! My child!
You my love, are a gift to me from my Father, who reigns in heaven; the creator of all things good!
Never forget, that nothing you do will ever make me stop loving you!
Be still! Know me! Know that I am God!
Truly and forever yours,
Jesus!
Stephanie Goode © 4/25/2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
SLAVERY! WHO IS YOUR MASTER???
Stripes, lashes upon anyone's back is unthinkable and disgusting and wrong! What is the worth of a lash upon the back of a man, a woman, or child? Black or white? What is it's purpose? None! There is no good purpose except for a man to boast of his control or lack there of! To take advantage of a man's freedom, to be a master! The law gives such a right! To master over another human in any way he sees fit and that human is commanded to submit! Even God's word says to submit to your master. And I say with a loud voice, the voice as of a preacher behind the pulpit having great conviction and disparity, that I would make a terrible slave under the law! A slave that in times passed and of current I'm sure, was/is beaten! A woman slave who was and surely still today is used for a man's own pleasure! Sickening! I have a rebellious spirit and a stubborn countenance! I would rather die! Yes, all these things still happen today! It enrages me! It saddens me! All this stirs such tremendous, confusing, feelings within me!
Honestly, I hate watching movies about slavery because it evokes such contradicting feelings like hatred, love, compassion, rebellion, and murderous emotions. I have just watched 12 Years A Slave! If I were to act upon what I feel, I might go on a murderous rampage, but the sufferings of Jesus bring my wild thoughts and emotions in check. There was and is only one set of stripes, one lashing that has meaning and purpose! If it were not for the stripes on Jesus' back, I would not have the freedom I so often abuse today! So take courage if you are in someway a slave to man's inadequacies be it physical lashings or not. For in this way, if we are humble and obedient as Jesus was, we are like him! Jesus received his stripes under the cursed law and because of this we now have a new law, which I live under today! The difference is He brought with him the law of grace, mercy and freedom which no other law can claim! God didn't give us grace because he had to or so we could continue in sin, but because he loves us and he knew we would need it. Slavery has been around for over 2000 years! God's word instructs us in Ephesians 6:5-9 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving The Lord, not men, because you know that The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Sounds simple right? Truth is, we live in a fallen world, a cursed land. Man will always be bound to some kind of slavery whether by another man or of his own stronghold. As loudly as I shout "no man will ever enslave me and I will never bow to him", I also have just as quietly and secretly bowed to my own enslavement! Huh? Makes no sense! I have been mastered by sin! It has beaten me down, nearly to death! I have been pressed down under loads forced upon me as well as loads I've chosen to carry! We all either still are or have been a slave in some way! I give a resounding BUT...WE HAVE BEEN OFFERED FREEDOM! THE DEBT HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID! Here's where I get so frustrated, with myself as well as others. Why do I get so feverishly mad about this physical slavery and want to commit acts of justice/revenge, but yet when enslaved by my own shortcomings after a while I just give in? I decide to just do whatever sin tells me to do! I decide it's not worth it to fight! Have any of you ever done this? Let me tell you, that's who I used to be, but thank God because of his everlasting patience and continuously unfailing love I have fought the fight! With Jesus I have overcome and I want nothing more than to help others grab hold of this confidence and strength I have found in Jesus and overcome too! I hate seeing another brother or sister drowning in life's sorrow! I hate to see an unbeliever without hope! Being used as tools of Satan! In case you aren't hearing me right now let me remind you that I am not saying any of this with a soft spoken voice! I am shouting, screaming at you! Pounding my fist upon a table and stomping my feet till I am weary! It's time to get angry at sin in our lives! It's time for justice! It's time to abolish slavery! Let the only chains that bind you be the chains of freedom because of your slavery to God alone and even that is not slavery as we know it nor are the chains really chains! You can only serve one master, sin or the Savior! If you are a wounded slave to sin the key to your freedom lies at the foot of the cross! If you are a slave only to God then remember that the ways of this world, the things you used to be are gone! You are not to pick them back up and become a slave again! This does not mean you won't sin or mess up, it means that you should not again return to that lifestyle and continue in it, turning your back on the gift God gave you!
2 Peter 2:19-22. Friends, do not let the suffering of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ be in vain! Do not waste another day in chains when you have been offered FREEDOM! DO NOT! Dear Christian, be entangled again in your sin and be mastered by it! Do not let your hearts be hardened! Satan would love nothing more than to welcome you back! The banner's already hung, he's just awaiting your arrival! For those who have not yet given your life over to the Master, God, Satan doesn't want to lose you, he still has plans to use you against God and His children! You decide! What will you fight for? Who or what will you be a slave to? Galatians 5:1 It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery! Now I say this in a soft voice, full of love for you and me, that Christ died for us, unselfishly, not because he wanted to bear our painful sins, but out of obedience to his Father and sheer love for us, in order that we might be set free! He has broken the chains of sin and death! He became the curse so that we would not have to live under the curse of the law, but instead, so we can live by faith in Jesus Christ under the law of Grace! Start a rebellion in your life! A rebellion against sin! Get others to join you! If you were being freed physically as a slave wouldn't you want to take the others with you? Be a #lawbreaker not a #slavemaker!
I hate slavery! Period! Been there, done that! Have no intention of doing it again! I am a free woman in Jesus Christ! Thank you God for your Grace, thank you Jesus for your blood that cleanses me!
Ok, church is over! You can resume your daily activities! LOL! #gottapreach
Stephanie G. © 4/26/2014
Honestly, I hate watching movies about slavery because it evokes such contradicting feelings like hatred, love, compassion, rebellion, and murderous emotions. I have just watched 12 Years A Slave! If I were to act upon what I feel, I might go on a murderous rampage, but the sufferings of Jesus bring my wild thoughts and emotions in check. There was and is only one set of stripes, one lashing that has meaning and purpose! If it were not for the stripes on Jesus' back, I would not have the freedom I so often abuse today! So take courage if you are in someway a slave to man's inadequacies be it physical lashings or not. For in this way, if we are humble and obedient as Jesus was, we are like him! Jesus received his stripes under the cursed law and because of this we now have a new law, which I live under today! The difference is He brought with him the law of grace, mercy and freedom which no other law can claim! God didn't give us grace because he had to or so we could continue in sin, but because he loves us and he knew we would need it. Slavery has been around for over 2000 years! God's word instructs us in Ephesians 6:5-9 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving The Lord, not men, because you know that The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Sounds simple right? Truth is, we live in a fallen world, a cursed land. Man will always be bound to some kind of slavery whether by another man or of his own stronghold. As loudly as I shout "no man will ever enslave me and I will never bow to him", I also have just as quietly and secretly bowed to my own enslavement! Huh? Makes no sense! I have been mastered by sin! It has beaten me down, nearly to death! I have been pressed down under loads forced upon me as well as loads I've chosen to carry! We all either still are or have been a slave in some way! I give a resounding BUT...WE HAVE BEEN OFFERED FREEDOM! THE DEBT HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID! Here's where I get so frustrated, with myself as well as others. Why do I get so feverishly mad about this physical slavery and want to commit acts of justice/revenge, but yet when enslaved by my own shortcomings after a while I just give in? I decide to just do whatever sin tells me to do! I decide it's not worth it to fight! Have any of you ever done this? Let me tell you, that's who I used to be, but thank God because of his everlasting patience and continuously unfailing love I have fought the fight! With Jesus I have overcome and I want nothing more than to help others grab hold of this confidence and strength I have found in Jesus and overcome too! I hate seeing another brother or sister drowning in life's sorrow! I hate to see an unbeliever without hope! Being used as tools of Satan! In case you aren't hearing me right now let me remind you that I am not saying any of this with a soft spoken voice! I am shouting, screaming at you! Pounding my fist upon a table and stomping my feet till I am weary! It's time to get angry at sin in our lives! It's time for justice! It's time to abolish slavery! Let the only chains that bind you be the chains of freedom because of your slavery to God alone and even that is not slavery as we know it nor are the chains really chains! You can only serve one master, sin or the Savior! If you are a wounded slave to sin the key to your freedom lies at the foot of the cross! If you are a slave only to God then remember that the ways of this world, the things you used to be are gone! You are not to pick them back up and become a slave again! This does not mean you won't sin or mess up, it means that you should not again return to that lifestyle and continue in it, turning your back on the gift God gave you!
2 Peter 2:19-22. Friends, do not let the suffering of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ be in vain! Do not waste another day in chains when you have been offered FREEDOM! DO NOT! Dear Christian, be entangled again in your sin and be mastered by it! Do not let your hearts be hardened! Satan would love nothing more than to welcome you back! The banner's already hung, he's just awaiting your arrival! For those who have not yet given your life over to the Master, God, Satan doesn't want to lose you, he still has plans to use you against God and His children! You decide! What will you fight for? Who or what will you be a slave to? Galatians 5:1 It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery! Now I say this in a soft voice, full of love for you and me, that Christ died for us, unselfishly, not because he wanted to bear our painful sins, but out of obedience to his Father and sheer love for us, in order that we might be set free! He has broken the chains of sin and death! He became the curse so that we would not have to live under the curse of the law, but instead, so we can live by faith in Jesus Christ under the law of Grace! Start a rebellion in your life! A rebellion against sin! Get others to join you! If you were being freed physically as a slave wouldn't you want to take the others with you? Be a #lawbreaker not a #slavemaker!
I hate slavery! Period! Been there, done that! Have no intention of doing it again! I am a free woman in Jesus Christ! Thank you God for your Grace, thank you Jesus for your blood that cleanses me!
Ok, church is over! You can resume your daily activities! LOL! #gottapreach
Stephanie G. © 4/26/2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Normal! What's that?
Have you ever been in a time or place in your life when things just didn't seem normal? When you're not on a high? When you feel low? But what is normal really? And according to whom?
Let's define normal according to the dictionary: Usual, regular, common, typical; constituting a standard. Conforming to the conventions of one's group. Normal is not a place most of are used to. Let's also go ahead and look and high and low. High: Above; having a relatively great elevation. Of great importance! Lofty or exalted in quality or character; Euphoria. Low: Rising only slightly above surrounding surfaces. Lacking strength or vigor; weak. Humble in status or character. A low level, position, or degree.
There is a worldly and Godly level of high, normal and low. Unfortunately as humans we tend to define ourselves with a worldly view! It' s hard not to sometimes. Truth is, although we seek to be normal whether it be worldly or Godly or maybe both, most of are not used to normal. I'm not used to normal! In a world of performers we are told that if we aren't doing it big and always on that "high", then we aren't right! We aren't normal! In our desperateness to be "normal" our "highs" become "I's". Somehow though, we still don't measure up! Pitiful, we are! We then visit the "lows". They're very hospitable, but so depressing! The world says, "take some me time, it's all about you"! So our "lows" become about "me". Pitiful, pitiful me! "I just want to be normal", we cry! The world says, "well now that's a pitiful place to be!" There's not much glory there! So common, so usual. It's so confusing for it's views are so tangible!
A Godly view is just the opposite of the worldly view. I think we seek normalcy in God too! Is it normal to be "high" all the time? Should we ever be "low"? Is there a "normal" with God? Yes, yes and yes! I believe that being normal constitutes all three of these things. Being a christian is wonderful and hard all at the same time. I believe we can be "high" all the time! It is in our spirit that we find our "highs" and our "lows". Truly the state of our spirit dictates how we live and how we perceive. Here's the problem; when things seem "normal" we think something's wrong. Here's how God see's "high"...when we are on our knees. When we are praising HIM, thanking HIM, glorifying HIM. When our "I's" are not our "highs". Beautiful, are we! Oh, but our "lows" they seem so low, below the knee. That's because our "lows" are about the wrong "me". God says, "When you are lowly in spirit become even lower and humble yourselves before "ME" and "I" will lift you up! Let your "high" be only from your face so that it is "ME" you seek! Your Savior, your Friend, your King! Don't look at "me", see only "ME"!" God see's normal as extraordinary, for it is in those times when things seem the toughest. Not because He makes them tough, but because we have the wrong perception. If being normal feels wrong, it's then that we need to do as it says in Psalms 139:23-24 & Psalm 51:10 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In fact, what a great way to start each day! Start each day with an "extraordinary, normal, lowly high"! Don't make your "normal" times longer or harder than they need to be. Trust in His daily convictions and affirmations! Don't miss out on a blessing because you have confused a worldly and a Godly view and spun yourself into a web of turmoil during a "normal" time. A time when God wants you to be still while he prepares you for what's ahead or is maybe even protecting from what's ahead! God has a purpose for each life and your resistance or your insistence on pushing ahead of him will not thwart his plan! It may; however, cause you to do something outside of his will or ahead of his will. And now, we find ourselves asking Him to clean up our mess while we go through "if only", "I'm so stupid", "such and idiot", "I've ruined it", "He'll never use me again", and so on and so on! This my friend is condemnation straight from your worldly adversary, the devil! In Christ there is no more condemnation, but a sorrowful, repentant heart is of great worth!
There is a message here! Do you hear it? Be still, be still, be still! And know that He is God! Be still and let Him be your "high", your "low", and your "normal"! Let God grow you, mature you, and perfect you until the time in which He is ready to use you! The world is full of temptations of exalted "I's" and overly glorified "me's" and conforming "normals". Be no longer conformed to the world and let God create your "normal" with the right balance of knee bending and face lifting! So come down from that cloud of "I", get up out of that grave of "me" and finally, rest in the arms of Jesus, be still in "normalcy"!
GOD! He is the Norm!
Stephanie G. © 4/23/2014
Let's define normal according to the dictionary: Usual, regular, common, typical; constituting a standard. Conforming to the conventions of one's group. Normal is not a place most of are used to. Let's also go ahead and look and high and low. High: Above; having a relatively great elevation. Of great importance! Lofty or exalted in quality or character; Euphoria. Low: Rising only slightly above surrounding surfaces. Lacking strength or vigor; weak. Humble in status or character. A low level, position, or degree.
There is a worldly and Godly level of high, normal and low. Unfortunately as humans we tend to define ourselves with a worldly view! It' s hard not to sometimes. Truth is, although we seek to be normal whether it be worldly or Godly or maybe both, most of are not used to normal. I'm not used to normal! In a world of performers we are told that if we aren't doing it big and always on that "high", then we aren't right! We aren't normal! In our desperateness to be "normal" our "highs" become "I's". Somehow though, we still don't measure up! Pitiful, we are! We then visit the "lows". They're very hospitable, but so depressing! The world says, "take some me time, it's all about you"! So our "lows" become about "me". Pitiful, pitiful me! "I just want to be normal", we cry! The world says, "well now that's a pitiful place to be!" There's not much glory there! So common, so usual. It's so confusing for it's views are so tangible!
A Godly view is just the opposite of the worldly view. I think we seek normalcy in God too! Is it normal to be "high" all the time? Should we ever be "low"? Is there a "normal" with God? Yes, yes and yes! I believe that being normal constitutes all three of these things. Being a christian is wonderful and hard all at the same time. I believe we can be "high" all the time! It is in our spirit that we find our "highs" and our "lows". Truly the state of our spirit dictates how we live and how we perceive. Here's the problem; when things seem "normal" we think something's wrong. Here's how God see's "high"...when we are on our knees. When we are praising HIM, thanking HIM, glorifying HIM. When our "I's" are not our "highs". Beautiful, are we! Oh, but our "lows" they seem so low, below the knee. That's because our "lows" are about the wrong "me". God says, "When you are lowly in spirit become even lower and humble yourselves before "ME" and "I" will lift you up! Let your "high" be only from your face so that it is "ME" you seek! Your Savior, your Friend, your King! Don't look at "me", see only "ME"!" God see's normal as extraordinary, for it is in those times when things seem the toughest. Not because He makes them tough, but because we have the wrong perception. If being normal feels wrong, it's then that we need to do as it says in Psalms 139:23-24 & Psalm 51:10 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In fact, what a great way to start each day! Start each day with an "extraordinary, normal, lowly high"! Don't make your "normal" times longer or harder than they need to be. Trust in His daily convictions and affirmations! Don't miss out on a blessing because you have confused a worldly and a Godly view and spun yourself into a web of turmoil during a "normal" time. A time when God wants you to be still while he prepares you for what's ahead or is maybe even protecting from what's ahead! God has a purpose for each life and your resistance or your insistence on pushing ahead of him will not thwart his plan! It may; however, cause you to do something outside of his will or ahead of his will. And now, we find ourselves asking Him to clean up our mess while we go through "if only", "I'm so stupid", "such and idiot", "I've ruined it", "He'll never use me again", and so on and so on! This my friend is condemnation straight from your worldly adversary, the devil! In Christ there is no more condemnation, but a sorrowful, repentant heart is of great worth!
There is a message here! Do you hear it? Be still, be still, be still! And know that He is God! Be still and let Him be your "high", your "low", and your "normal"! Let God grow you, mature you, and perfect you until the time in which He is ready to use you! The world is full of temptations of exalted "I's" and overly glorified "me's" and conforming "normals". Be no longer conformed to the world and let God create your "normal" with the right balance of knee bending and face lifting! So come down from that cloud of "I", get up out of that grave of "me" and finally, rest in the arms of Jesus, be still in "normalcy"!
GOD! He is the Norm!
Stephanie G. © 4/23/2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
So let the sunshine in and face it with a grin, open up your heart and let the Son-shine in
On February 23 I was still trying to keep my head up and my eyes open while on this journey to wellness. On that extraordinarily beautiful, sunny day I was sitting on my deck soaking up some vitamin D and allowing the sun to infiltrate and penetrate my feverish skin when I realized something. It's just an analogy, but it makes sense to me. I found it hard to turn my face fully into the sun even though it felt so great. The sun hurt my eyes because they were so sensitive at that time from the fever. I wonder though, in our Christian walk, if we aren't like that as well sometimes. Maybe it's sin that keeps us from being able to look the Son full into his face and open our eyes. Maybe its feelings of no self-worth or shame or guilt. Maybe it's a lack of faith or trust. Maybe!
When life is blaring down on us, blinding us with its powerful rays, we start to squint and squirm, lower our heads to avoid the pain and close our eyes so as to not see the truth. We will even run for the shade when it feels to hot, afraid of sweating or maybe afraid of exhaustion.
Have you ever noticed though that when we look up into the sun we do one of three things, put on shades and then look up or even away, we cover our eyes with our hands and turn away or on a good day we close our eyes and look up gradually as our eyes adjust until our heads our flung back while we bask in the light! Right?! When we put our shades on it blocks some of those rays of glory. We are hesitant to fully trust, but we want it to seem as though we have our eyes fully on the sun/Son because after all, we do look the part with our cool shades on. Truth is we are blocking the full blessings of facing the Son! Why do we do that? Maybe it would mean that we would actually have to give up something we like or maybe it's too much pride-after all we do look rather stylish and the other guys/gals dig it! Not to mention the fact that our bare faces might scare someone! Geez, we for sure cannot let them see the real us! I know when I don't want to be seen or want to cover up my "ugly" as I call it or my greasy hair because I'm to lazy to wash it, I just put on a hat or bandana or something for goodness sake! I mean what if people saw the real me? No make up and greasy hair! Yikes! What if I lifted my veil and left my shades in the car? I mean what if I let folks see the REAL me and let the Son/sun shine completely in my face? What if we allowed our bare faces, and greasy heads to lift a step at a time towards the Son? Just let the ugly, greasy, pimply parts hang out! Would the Son disappear or cover his eyes in disgust? Would the sun refuse to shine and cause a black out? NO! NO! NO! The sun/Son will shine forever, even on a cloudy day! You just may not be able to see it/Him, but they're there! They have to be! Without them there is no day nor night! No light just darkness!
If we were to lift our faces always up to the Son, what would we see? What would others see? We would first of all see a love that is indescribable and uncontainable! We would see acceptance, patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, grace and hope! We would see a face that smiles at our beauty, eyes that brighten with adoration and a mouth that sings over you! Others would see the Son in you and the sun on you! Others would notice the changes-your sun-kissed skin and your highlighted hair, but they would bask in your Son-ny glow and experience your acceptance, your love, your kindness! Everything you see in the Son will be seen in you!
Won't you go with me to the Son and let's take off our shades, lift our veils and raise our eyes until we are relaxing fully into the face of the Son/sun!
Let the Son of God be your sun today! Go unveiled!
2 Corinthians 3:7-18 My paraphrase: Since we have this hope, let us be bold, nothing holding us back. We have nothing to hide! Don't be like Moses who wore a veil over his face so no one would see the glory fading away. Don't let the glory fade away! When anyone turns their face to The Lord, the veil is taken away and they are face to face with HIS Glory! 17. Now The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is FREEDOM. 18.And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from The Lord, who is the Spirit. My paraphrase based on The Message- When we recognize that God is a living, personal presence and when God is personally present, a living spirit, the old legislation is obsolete. We are free! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. We are transfigured into his likeness, our lives becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like him. So let the Sonshine in and face it with a grin, open up your heart and let the Son-shine in!
Letting the Son shine in!
Stephanie Goode
When life is blaring down on us, blinding us with its powerful rays, we start to squint and squirm, lower our heads to avoid the pain and close our eyes so as to not see the truth. We will even run for the shade when it feels to hot, afraid of sweating or maybe afraid of exhaustion.
Have you ever noticed though that when we look up into the sun we do one of three things, put on shades and then look up or even away, we cover our eyes with our hands and turn away or on a good day we close our eyes and look up gradually as our eyes adjust until our heads our flung back while we bask in the light! Right?! When we put our shades on it blocks some of those rays of glory. We are hesitant to fully trust, but we want it to seem as though we have our eyes fully on the sun/Son because after all, we do look the part with our cool shades on. Truth is we are blocking the full blessings of facing the Son! Why do we do that? Maybe it would mean that we would actually have to give up something we like or maybe it's too much pride-after all we do look rather stylish and the other guys/gals dig it! Not to mention the fact that our bare faces might scare someone! Geez, we for sure cannot let them see the real us! I know when I don't want to be seen or want to cover up my "ugly" as I call it or my greasy hair because I'm to lazy to wash it, I just put on a hat or bandana or something for goodness sake! I mean what if people saw the real me? No make up and greasy hair! Yikes! What if I lifted my veil and left my shades in the car? I mean what if I let folks see the REAL me and let the Son/sun shine completely in my face? What if we allowed our bare faces, and greasy heads to lift a step at a time towards the Son? Just let the ugly, greasy, pimply parts hang out! Would the Son disappear or cover his eyes in disgust? Would the sun refuse to shine and cause a black out? NO! NO! NO! The sun/Son will shine forever, even on a cloudy day! You just may not be able to see it/Him, but they're there! They have to be! Without them there is no day nor night! No light just darkness!
If we were to lift our faces always up to the Son, what would we see? What would others see? We would first of all see a love that is indescribable and uncontainable! We would see acceptance, patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, grace and hope! We would see a face that smiles at our beauty, eyes that brighten with adoration and a mouth that sings over you! Others would see the Son in you and the sun on you! Others would notice the changes-your sun-kissed skin and your highlighted hair, but they would bask in your Son-ny glow and experience your acceptance, your love, your kindness! Everything you see in the Son will be seen in you!
Won't you go with me to the Son and let's take off our shades, lift our veils and raise our eyes until we are relaxing fully into the face of the Son/sun!
Let the Son of God be your sun today! Go unveiled!
2 Corinthians 3:7-18 My paraphrase: Since we have this hope, let us be bold, nothing holding us back. We have nothing to hide! Don't be like Moses who wore a veil over his face so no one would see the glory fading away. Don't let the glory fade away! When anyone turns their face to The Lord, the veil is taken away and they are face to face with HIS Glory! 17. Now The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is FREEDOM. 18.And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from The Lord, who is the Spirit. My paraphrase based on The Message- When we recognize that God is a living, personal presence and when God is personally present, a living spirit, the old legislation is obsolete. We are free! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. We are transfigured into his likeness, our lives becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like him. So let the Sonshine in and face it with a grin, open up your heart and let the Son-shine in!
Letting the Son shine in!
Stephanie Goode
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Voices of the mind and the winds of change!
Have you ever been in a place in your life, a season, where you find yourself feeling out of place, lost, irritable, insecure, full of doubt, wanting to believe but somehow you just can't seem to move? If you're like me, you've been there! Maybe you are there...like me!
Look! Listen! Be alert! You have now found your place on a soft, shaky foundation! A place where walls of hurt and distrust are being resurrected around you and pictures of your past are being so cleverly hung for your reminiscing! This is a place where anger and sadness dwell within! It's so dark and dense in there! And oh, there's a stench! The stench of bitterness seeps in through the cracks in the mortar and the ferocious winds of worry and doubt rattle the windows and cause the frame to tremble. Insecurity beats at the door demanding that you answer. Don't answer it! Please! For the one who knocks is selling poison. A poison that will knock you down, obscure your defenses and will allow him to defeat you! There is an antidote, but this, he will not sell you! It's enough that you heard him knock and drew near. Now his poison is beginning to permeate your already weakened defenses! The room, your mind, is foggy now with the poison called SIN! It is slowly becoming a layer of dust upon your heart! Something within you tells you you need to knock the dust off and open the windows, but fear, guilt and shame have put a seal around the window frames and the sash from the curtain of free will has been fixed over your eyes, blinding you, and the ropes of discord have bound your wrists with lies. You cannot clear the fog! You've been compelled!
My friend, I tell you as I tell myself, in this cold, wintery season, just use your breath to push the fog from in front of you as you whisper the name, "Jesus! Worthy is the lamb who was slain for me! Son of God and Son of man! Jesus!" The darkness begins to lift! Something stirs within you! Do it again! Over and over again! Call upon his name until he answers with a mighty thunder! A thunder of Hope! A hope that begins to unsettle the dust that has been clogging up your chambers. Cry out! Rebuke the wind until it changes from a blustery storm of worry and doubt to a cleansing, summer rain of trust and belief! The darkness has lightened with just this one act. Your senses are changing too, there's a whiff of something sweet like the Lily of the Valley! The stench of bitterness dissipates as the cracked mortar is being chiseled away and is being filled instead with a sweet, Holy, Spirit!
There is another knock at the door only this time it is soft and inviting and the voice is gentle as it beckons, "Come to me! Open wide the door so that I may come in and abide with you!" The vibration from the comforting voice loosens the sash from about your eyes and unties the rope from around your wrists! You squint and blink in the brightness as your wrists fall loose beside you. It's your choice now, shake off your chains! Breathe in a deep breath and savor the fresh air of forgiveness! Let the breath of forgiveness dislodge and dispel the dust, the sin, that had enslaved you to darkness. Let your heart beat again!
Stability! Your feet are finding solid ground! The foundation is shifting! The soles of your feet are adjusting to the plush softness of grace and mercy and the joints of your soul are creaking as they burst with relief from the cold, stillness of despair! You're not completely free yet, there's still some work to do! Ah, no need to call a handy man. You have all you need. You have the carpenter of life already within you and he will help you to rebuild your beautiful, shattered temple! It's time now to come out of the corner where you've been hiding. You've made it this far! I know it's been painful and frightening and you're tired of the struggle, but your day of establishment is near!
A moment of indecision, your strength is wavering! Don't give up! Eat from the cookbook of love and drink from the fountain of life till you are full!
It is time now! Throw open the curtains! Let the sun come in so it can warm your heart and lift your spirits! Aahhh! Peace! Let peace release the tightness of the walls that are squeezing your chest like vice grips. Relax! Love is on the way! It's so soothing, like a river running through it! Oh spring, how I've missed you!
Don't be afraid of what's next! It's time to move ahead! The windows have been sealed shut for so long now because of fear, shame and guilt, but that's all gone now! The hinges have been anointed with the oil of joy and the seal of death removed. Rejoice and give thanks! Go ahead, lift them! Lift them high! The warm wind stirs the cool embers of your heart, awakening the gift of life! Your desires and dreams remembered and renewed! There's that enchanting, drawing scent again! The fragrance of Jesus undying love! The Lily of the Valley! It totally encompasses you! It seems you are floating now; you are floating...on the wings of compassion!
What's that sound? Is it the door again? Didn't I answer that already? No, no, not yet. You only heard the voice behind the door. A gentle rapping that again beckons me to answer. I don't tip toe, I don't walk slowly, I run without haste and I throw open the heavy door of insecurity! There he stands, so beautiful, with his arms stretch out before him! "Come to me!" Jesus! It's you! I leap into his embrace! You came for me! I was so scared and alone! "My child, do not be afraid! You were never alone! I have always been here, I will never leave you nor forsake you! You just couldn't hear me because you allowed the other voices to crowd your mind with their lies and empty promises! You were confused by the one who crouches around like a lion seeking to devour you. He came to steal, kill and destroy you, but I have fought for you! You are safe with me, for I have come that you may have joy and fullness of life! I am here now, rest your weary head! You have opened your eyes and unclogged your ears! You have been made new! Shiny like the stars and your scent once again is of the fragrance of Christ. You are a fragrant, beautiful offering to God! In you am well pleased! Go now and tell others what you've been through and what I have done for you! Share the good news! Give of the compassions that have been shown towards you!
You are mine! I have chosen you, my Wildflower, the most beautiful in all the fields! My most delightful piece of pottery! What a beautiful mosaic you are!
When it seems that all hope is gone reach out to the one hope, Jesus, who will always help you to press on!
In the wine of HIS blood
Stephanie Goode
Look! Listen! Be alert! You have now found your place on a soft, shaky foundation! A place where walls of hurt and distrust are being resurrected around you and pictures of your past are being so cleverly hung for your reminiscing! This is a place where anger and sadness dwell within! It's so dark and dense in there! And oh, there's a stench! The stench of bitterness seeps in through the cracks in the mortar and the ferocious winds of worry and doubt rattle the windows and cause the frame to tremble. Insecurity beats at the door demanding that you answer. Don't answer it! Please! For the one who knocks is selling poison. A poison that will knock you down, obscure your defenses and will allow him to defeat you! There is an antidote, but this, he will not sell you! It's enough that you heard him knock and drew near. Now his poison is beginning to permeate your already weakened defenses! The room, your mind, is foggy now with the poison called SIN! It is slowly becoming a layer of dust upon your heart! Something within you tells you you need to knock the dust off and open the windows, but fear, guilt and shame have put a seal around the window frames and the sash from the curtain of free will has been fixed over your eyes, blinding you, and the ropes of discord have bound your wrists with lies. You cannot clear the fog! You've been compelled!
My friend, I tell you as I tell myself, in this cold, wintery season, just use your breath to push the fog from in front of you as you whisper the name, "Jesus! Worthy is the lamb who was slain for me! Son of God and Son of man! Jesus!" The darkness begins to lift! Something stirs within you! Do it again! Over and over again! Call upon his name until he answers with a mighty thunder! A thunder of Hope! A hope that begins to unsettle the dust that has been clogging up your chambers. Cry out! Rebuke the wind until it changes from a blustery storm of worry and doubt to a cleansing, summer rain of trust and belief! The darkness has lightened with just this one act. Your senses are changing too, there's a whiff of something sweet like the Lily of the Valley! The stench of bitterness dissipates as the cracked mortar is being chiseled away and is being filled instead with a sweet, Holy, Spirit!
There is another knock at the door only this time it is soft and inviting and the voice is gentle as it beckons, "Come to me! Open wide the door so that I may come in and abide with you!" The vibration from the comforting voice loosens the sash from about your eyes and unties the rope from around your wrists! You squint and blink in the brightness as your wrists fall loose beside you. It's your choice now, shake off your chains! Breathe in a deep breath and savor the fresh air of forgiveness! Let the breath of forgiveness dislodge and dispel the dust, the sin, that had enslaved you to darkness. Let your heart beat again!
Stability! Your feet are finding solid ground! The foundation is shifting! The soles of your feet are adjusting to the plush softness of grace and mercy and the joints of your soul are creaking as they burst with relief from the cold, stillness of despair! You're not completely free yet, there's still some work to do! Ah, no need to call a handy man. You have all you need. You have the carpenter of life already within you and he will help you to rebuild your beautiful, shattered temple! It's time now to come out of the corner where you've been hiding. You've made it this far! I know it's been painful and frightening and you're tired of the struggle, but your day of establishment is near!
A moment of indecision, your strength is wavering! Don't give up! Eat from the cookbook of love and drink from the fountain of life till you are full!
It is time now! Throw open the curtains! Let the sun come in so it can warm your heart and lift your spirits! Aahhh! Peace! Let peace release the tightness of the walls that are squeezing your chest like vice grips. Relax! Love is on the way! It's so soothing, like a river running through it! Oh spring, how I've missed you!
Don't be afraid of what's next! It's time to move ahead! The windows have been sealed shut for so long now because of fear, shame and guilt, but that's all gone now! The hinges have been anointed with the oil of joy and the seal of death removed. Rejoice and give thanks! Go ahead, lift them! Lift them high! The warm wind stirs the cool embers of your heart, awakening the gift of life! Your desires and dreams remembered and renewed! There's that enchanting, drawing scent again! The fragrance of Jesus undying love! The Lily of the Valley! It totally encompasses you! It seems you are floating now; you are floating...on the wings of compassion!
What's that sound? Is it the door again? Didn't I answer that already? No, no, not yet. You only heard the voice behind the door. A gentle rapping that again beckons me to answer. I don't tip toe, I don't walk slowly, I run without haste and I throw open the heavy door of insecurity! There he stands, so beautiful, with his arms stretch out before him! "Come to me!" Jesus! It's you! I leap into his embrace! You came for me! I was so scared and alone! "My child, do not be afraid! You were never alone! I have always been here, I will never leave you nor forsake you! You just couldn't hear me because you allowed the other voices to crowd your mind with their lies and empty promises! You were confused by the one who crouches around like a lion seeking to devour you. He came to steal, kill and destroy you, but I have fought for you! You are safe with me, for I have come that you may have joy and fullness of life! I am here now, rest your weary head! You have opened your eyes and unclogged your ears! You have been made new! Shiny like the stars and your scent once again is of the fragrance of Christ. You are a fragrant, beautiful offering to God! In you am well pleased! Go now and tell others what you've been through and what I have done for you! Share the good news! Give of the compassions that have been shown towards you!
You are mine! I have chosen you, my Wildflower, the most beautiful in all the fields! My most delightful piece of pottery! What a beautiful mosaic you are!
When it seems that all hope is gone reach out to the one hope, Jesus, who will always help you to press on!
In the wine of HIS blood
Stephanie Goode
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