A few weeks ago, I wrote about a couple of girls who had been giving my daughter a hard time at school all year. Well, I am glad that I stayed out of it and let the Lord handle things. I almost called one girl's mother and told her about everything. The Spirit said, "Be still."
The leader, Danielle, has been suspended twice since I wrote about the situation, one was an in-school suspension for a week, now she has been suspended out-of-school for three days. Also, she wrote something very nasty about two of the after school care staff and has been expelled from that program. The girl who followed after Danielle and went along with her schemes is named Taylor. Taylor's mom is the one I was going to call but no need. After what Danielle wrote, Taylor was told that she is not to speak to Danielle any longer.
I told Gabrielle that we will not rejoice, but we will pray for Danielle. She is a tool of satan. I ask that you pray for her as well and for all the school staff: they need more discernment. This behavior is not a surprise to me. The staff, however, seem to be oblivious sometimes.
I am still looking for another school, but I don't know. It's hard being a single mom and trying to keep Brie out of public school. I am finding out that Christian school is not much better than public school, though. These kids are being exposed to so much of the world and it is a constant battle to combat that lure to be like everyone else. I don't know many believers with girls her age. So I am also praying that the Lord will bring some true believers into our lives who have girls with whom she can be friends.
Thanks for your encouragement. The Lord is faithful!!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Truthseeker or Critic?
I always ask myself if I am being critical. I was told today that I am always criticizing. Maybe its because I’m always asking questions and asking if what we do is found in scripture. I can say that I am always teaching and making comparisons to what is done and what God’s word says about it.
At the church I grew up in which is located in DC (Baptist), there are many traditions. One of which is for Black History Month. Every year, they dedicate the last Sunday of the month to honoring the founding pastor (the anniversary of his death), singing a Negro spiritual, and dressing up in African attire. I guess some may see nothing wrong with it. But is it really necessary? Is it something that the founding pastor would approve of? Is it holding up a man instead of just recognizing that he was a vessel God used?
My problem with it is that it I don’t believe we should be remembering the anniversary or celebrating the life of anyone except the Lord. I believe it is an idol. I’m not perfect in any way. I have faults and I have issues that have to be dealt with by the Lord. I commented on it because it sat wrong in my heart and my mom accused me of criticizing. I shut up and didn’t say anything else. But it hurts when you point out things that are unbiblical and your own family accuses you of criticizing. I didn’t just speak about it as if it were my own opinion. I don’t have an opinion about it except what the Lord has said. If I were to look at it apart from God’s word, I would have no problem with it. I had attended for years and probably would visit on special occasions like this, because I loved Pastor King, too. He’s been dead for over 10 years and I haven’t forgotten him. I don’t expect any of the others to forget him, either. But the need for continuing this tradition seems to be more for the people to tell stories and be recognized as being the first members rather than magnifying what God has done in their lives or in the lives of those in the community.
It is the little things like this that are the little foxes that spoil the vine. It is the little things that are the leaven that leavens the whole lump. I think we have gotten so far from scripture that we do and accept everything. Maybe I am being critical. But is criticizing, assessing, comparing, weeding out, etc. a bad thing?
I want Truth and God’s word is Truth. I want my life to be ruled by the Word. I want the same for my mom, my daughter and my siblings. But maybe I want too much. I am resolved to pray and examine my own heart. Sometimes I think that I should just keep my mouth shut and nobody will get hurt…
At the church I grew up in which is located in DC (Baptist), there are many traditions. One of which is for Black History Month. Every year, they dedicate the last Sunday of the month to honoring the founding pastor (the anniversary of his death), singing a Negro spiritual, and dressing up in African attire. I guess some may see nothing wrong with it. But is it really necessary? Is it something that the founding pastor would approve of? Is it holding up a man instead of just recognizing that he was a vessel God used?
My problem with it is that it I don’t believe we should be remembering the anniversary or celebrating the life of anyone except the Lord. I believe it is an idol. I’m not perfect in any way. I have faults and I have issues that have to be dealt with by the Lord. I commented on it because it sat wrong in my heart and my mom accused me of criticizing. I shut up and didn’t say anything else. But it hurts when you point out things that are unbiblical and your own family accuses you of criticizing. I didn’t just speak about it as if it were my own opinion. I don’t have an opinion about it except what the Lord has said. If I were to look at it apart from God’s word, I would have no problem with it. I had attended for years and probably would visit on special occasions like this, because I loved Pastor King, too. He’s been dead for over 10 years and I haven’t forgotten him. I don’t expect any of the others to forget him, either. But the need for continuing this tradition seems to be more for the people to tell stories and be recognized as being the first members rather than magnifying what God has done in their lives or in the lives of those in the community.
It is the little things like this that are the little foxes that spoil the vine. It is the little things that are the leaven that leavens the whole lump. I think we have gotten so far from scripture that we do and accept everything. Maybe I am being critical. But is criticizing, assessing, comparing, weeding out, etc. a bad thing?
I want Truth and God’s word is Truth. I want my life to be ruled by the Word. I want the same for my mom, my daughter and my siblings. But maybe I want too much. I am resolved to pray and examine my own heart. Sometimes I think that I should just keep my mouth shut and nobody will get hurt…
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Is Your Light Ablaze?
“Be of good comfort, brother Ridley, and play the man,” Latimer called. “We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” - Hugh Latimer
Mike Ratliff has an account of Ridley and Latimer's martyrdom during the reign of Queen Mary (Bloody Mary). It has made a deep impression this morning. How many of us have truly denied ourselves? What is it that we are still holding onto that the Lord wold have us loose? There are things that I know of in my own life and as I read this today, all I can think is that nothing is worth more than my Lord. I pray that as the Lord brings His true Church to unity in the faith that He will continue to complete the perfect work He began in us and that He will give us His eyes to see that all that we hold dear is nothing compared to Him.
Read Mike's post here.
Mike Ratliff has an account of Ridley and Latimer's martyrdom during the reign of Queen Mary (Bloody Mary). It has made a deep impression this morning. How many of us have truly denied ourselves? What is it that we are still holding onto that the Lord wold have us loose? There are things that I know of in my own life and as I read this today, all I can think is that nothing is worth more than my Lord. I pray that as the Lord brings His true Church to unity in the faith that He will continue to complete the perfect work He began in us and that He will give us His eyes to see that all that we hold dear is nothing compared to Him.
Read Mike's post here.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The last few weeks have been a little hard off and on. I have come to a revelation of my own wicked heart in an area and it is not like I don’t know the truth about the matter, but it is that I didn’t want to see my daughter hurt. My daughter (10 years old) has come up against some persecution from a couple of girls in her class. From the beginning of the school year, these girls have shown themselves to be tools of satan, poking and pricking at my little girl’s emotions and confidence.
We all know that children without Christ can be as bad as adults when it comes to jealousy, anger, and all forms of rebellion. I remember this fact from childhood and I am seeing it at my daughter’s school. It is supposed to be a “Christian” school but that is really not the case. When you allow unbelievers to send their children to your school, then it is not a school that is doing a service for Christian families. They believe, wrongly, that by allowing the wicked to attend, they will be able to influence the children and possibly the parents with Christian principles. Maybe some of them will believe on Jesus. I have found, however, that it would be hard to believe on Jesus if there is a mixture of the world and the bible in the school and if the true gospel is not preached.
Back to the issue…
To make a long story very short, Brie has not been in physical danger or conflict with either of these girls who have been bothering her. It is more of a constant irritation and emotional unsettledness. Brie is different from them and they know it. She is of the Lord and they are not. Also, as a fact, God has given her physical beauty which breeds jealousy. She is beautiful inside and out and her teachers recognize her graciousness and helpfulness. I say this not to boast in anything I did, but to say that the Lord is doing a work in her even as a young girl. It is an awesome thing to see and to know that without God’s grace, I could mess her up big time.
In various times when Brie has spoken about these girls, I have wanted (in the flesh) to go and snatch them up and tell them to leave my daughter alone. Sometimes, I don’t see the things as being that serious, but they are to Brie so I want to take it seriously. It has been a struggle to allow her to handle things passively. She, at 10 years old, has been doing what Christ would have her to do and I, at 33 years old, have wanted to fight!
Needless to say, I have had to repent of my anger and I am learning so much from how Brie is reacting to these girls. I know she is doing the right thing by being a peacemaker and showing these girls grace. Every time something has happened the Lord has given me words to encourage her (after I get through the anger) and then He confirms His word in some other way to her. He is showing Himself strong in her life so that she is able to get to know Him intimately. He wants her to turn to Him for everything, as He wants us all to do. I thank God for what she has had to face, if it means that we will both be more conformed into the image of Christ.
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” -2 Timothy 3:12
We all know that children without Christ can be as bad as adults when it comes to jealousy, anger, and all forms of rebellion. I remember this fact from childhood and I am seeing it at my daughter’s school. It is supposed to be a “Christian” school but that is really not the case. When you allow unbelievers to send their children to your school, then it is not a school that is doing a service for Christian families. They believe, wrongly, that by allowing the wicked to attend, they will be able to influence the children and possibly the parents with Christian principles. Maybe some of them will believe on Jesus. I have found, however, that it would be hard to believe on Jesus if there is a mixture of the world and the bible in the school and if the true gospel is not preached.
Back to the issue…
To make a long story very short, Brie has not been in physical danger or conflict with either of these girls who have been bothering her. It is more of a constant irritation and emotional unsettledness. Brie is different from them and they know it. She is of the Lord and they are not. Also, as a fact, God has given her physical beauty which breeds jealousy. She is beautiful inside and out and her teachers recognize her graciousness and helpfulness. I say this not to boast in anything I did, but to say that the Lord is doing a work in her even as a young girl. It is an awesome thing to see and to know that without God’s grace, I could mess her up big time.
In various times when Brie has spoken about these girls, I have wanted (in the flesh) to go and snatch them up and tell them to leave my daughter alone. Sometimes, I don’t see the things as being that serious, but they are to Brie so I want to take it seriously. It has been a struggle to allow her to handle things passively. She, at 10 years old, has been doing what Christ would have her to do and I, at 33 years old, have wanted to fight!
Needless to say, I have had to repent of my anger and I am learning so much from how Brie is reacting to these girls. I know she is doing the right thing by being a peacemaker and showing these girls grace. Every time something has happened the Lord has given me words to encourage her (after I get through the anger) and then He confirms His word in some other way to her. He is showing Himself strong in her life so that she is able to get to know Him intimately. He wants her to turn to Him for everything, as He wants us all to do. I thank God for what she has had to face, if it means that we will both be more conformed into the image of Christ.
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” -2 Timothy 3:12
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Encouragement
On Sunday, a couple of friends of mine, my daughter, and I got together at their apartment. We ate dinner, worshipped the Lord and fellowshipped with one another and we had communion. It was a joyous occasion and we just thanked God for allowing us to be together in Him. There was no ceremony and no prescribed things to do. We wanted to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and to teach and that was what happened.
Everyone shared and all were edified, even my 10 yr-old daughter. If anything was unclear, she asked a question. She told me later and yesterday, even, that she was so glad that we went. We are not trying to start a church or anything, our goal is to edify one another, use our gifts to build the body, and stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24; Ephesians 4:11-16).
The fellowship was outstanding and we had actually started encouraging one another earlier in the week. I look back on it now and see how the Lord was preparing our hearts for when we came together. The love of Christ was evident and they encouraged me so much both directly and in prayer. I saw that the seeds of the Word that had been sown during the week were taking root. We have committed to meeting more often for fellowship and edification in a way that is not like “church” where only one person uses his “gift” (I won't get into those who use a natural talent). I cannot express how glad I am that we came together like that.
As I was encouraged, let me encourage you. There are so many things that are currently happening – prominent “leaders" whose sin is exposed, financial troubles, lies, hypocrisy, false teaching, etc., etc., etc. But Believer, remember your God Who is Sovereign. He is the one true God Who reigns forever and Who knew you before time began. He knows your end from your beginning and He knows every hair upon your head. He has told us to give no thought to our life, what we will eat, drink, clothing. He says to seek Him first (His kingdom and His righteousness) and those things will be added (Matt. 6:33). He also says that if we delight in Him He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4).
He tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) and that if we ask according to His will then we can be confident that He hears us and that we have the petitions that we ask of Him (1 John 5:14-15). Continue to persevere and endure hardship as a good soldier in Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3). Keep your eyes focused on the cross of Christ, because He is the first born of many brethren (Rom 8:29) and He is the Author and the finisher of our faith Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebr. 12:2).
Our goal is to worship the Lord in spirit and truth (John 4:24); to do justly to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8); to love the Lord with all our heart, soul mind and strength (Mark 12:30); to deny ourselves take up our crosses and follow Christ (Matt. 16:24, Luke 9:23); to love the brethren and care for one another (John 13:34-35, 15:12,17; Romans 12:10); to abide in Him (John 15)…I could go on and on but I won’t, except to say:
1 Peter 1:4-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1 John 3:1-2
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Amen...
Everyone shared and all were edified, even my 10 yr-old daughter. If anything was unclear, she asked a question. She told me later and yesterday, even, that she was so glad that we went. We are not trying to start a church or anything, our goal is to edify one another, use our gifts to build the body, and stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24; Ephesians 4:11-16).
The fellowship was outstanding and we had actually started encouraging one another earlier in the week. I look back on it now and see how the Lord was preparing our hearts for when we came together. The love of Christ was evident and they encouraged me so much both directly and in prayer. I saw that the seeds of the Word that had been sown during the week were taking root. We have committed to meeting more often for fellowship and edification in a way that is not like “church” where only one person uses his “gift” (I won't get into those who use a natural talent). I cannot express how glad I am that we came together like that.
As I was encouraged, let me encourage you. There are so many things that are currently happening – prominent “leaders" whose sin is exposed, financial troubles, lies, hypocrisy, false teaching, etc., etc., etc. But Believer, remember your God Who is Sovereign. He is the one true God Who reigns forever and Who knew you before time began. He knows your end from your beginning and He knows every hair upon your head. He has told us to give no thought to our life, what we will eat, drink, clothing. He says to seek Him first (His kingdom and His righteousness) and those things will be added (Matt. 6:33). He also says that if we delight in Him He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4).
He tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) and that if we ask according to His will then we can be confident that He hears us and that we have the petitions that we ask of Him (1 John 5:14-15). Continue to persevere and endure hardship as a good soldier in Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3). Keep your eyes focused on the cross of Christ, because He is the first born of many brethren (Rom 8:29) and He is the Author and the finisher of our faith Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebr. 12:2).
Our goal is to worship the Lord in spirit and truth (John 4:24); to do justly to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8); to love the Lord with all our heart, soul mind and strength (Mark 12:30); to deny ourselves take up our crosses and follow Christ (Matt. 16:24, Luke 9:23); to love the brethren and care for one another (John 13:34-35, 15:12,17; Romans 12:10); to abide in Him (John 15)…I could go on and on but I won’t, except to say:
1 Peter 1:4-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.
1 John 3:1-2
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Amen...
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
New York Post Article on Joel Osteen
You may have read this article elsewhere, but it shows that unbelievers can see the truth where so-called "Christians" cannot. I like the part about the "deranged flash-frozen-smile."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01062008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/words_of_the_profit_860344.htm
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01062008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/words_of_the_profit_860344.htm
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