Our children are truly a gift from the Lord. That is certainly in Scripture but in actual fact they are only "on loan" to us. The gift is a temporary one. We don't "own" them. We don't "create" them. We, as parents are "entrusted" with their care. To raise them in the ways of the Lord. Our love to them is to reflect the love that the Father has for us. We give our children the tools that will lead them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our love needs to be unconditional to them. No matter what they do or say, we are to love them. We are to lovingly correct them. We can't waste any of our earthly time with our children. Every moment has to count towards eternity, because our loan may be called in earlier than we think. Our children need us here on this earth.
I truly believe that many of the troubles in the world today could have been avoided if all parents would take their roles seriously and in fearful reverance of the Lord. That also includes the role of a husband or wife. All parts of the family need to work together in harmony centered on the cross of Christ.
But alas, we live in a fallen world. Things are not perfect. Days like this I long for heaven where there is no illness or tears. There has been plenty of that today.
Monday, May 30, 2005
That is so unfair!
I heard those words come from my mouth today. It isn't the first time and perhaps it won't be the last. We sometimes feel that life isn't fair. When children fall ill resulting in death in the prime of their life, we seem to feel justified in expressing that things like that aren't fair. Later while I was driving, I felt the Lord speak to my heart in that still small voice say, "I Am just".
He is just. He is fair. He knows what He is doing. He can change a situation with the speed of light. Often He doesn't. He knows what it will take to bring an eternal soul to salvation. He knows what it will take for us to give our total dependence on Him.
God has the panoramic view of eternity. I see today's snapshot and it isn't what I would like to see. When I whine and say that something isn't fair, I'm not trusting completely in Him. I have taken my eyes off of Him. I know that He knows I am human and I fall, whine and complain. He forgives myfaults. As long as I recognize them as such.
He is just. He is fair. He knows what He is doing. He can change a situation with the speed of light. Often He doesn't. He knows what it will take to bring an eternal soul to salvation. He knows what it will take for us to give our total dependence on Him.
God has the panoramic view of eternity. I see today's snapshot and it isn't what I would like to see. When I whine and say that something isn't fair, I'm not trusting completely in Him. I have taken my eyes off of Him. I know that He knows I am human and I fall, whine and complain. He forgives myfaults. As long as I recognize them as such.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
Personality Type
Your #1 Match: ESFJ |
The Caregiver You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first. A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change. You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project. You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people. You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher. |
Your #2 Match: ISFJ |
The Nurturer You have a strong need to belong, and you very loyal. A good listener, you excell at helping others in practical ways. In your spare time, you enjoy engaging your senses through art, cooking, and music. You find it easy to be devoted to one person, who you do special things for. You would make a good interior designer, chef, or child psychologist. |
Your #3 Match: ENFJ |
The Giver You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine. You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist. |
Your #4 Match: ESFP |
The Performer You are a natural performer and happiest when you're entertaining others. A great friend, you are generous, fun-loving and optimistic. You love to laugh - and you like almost all people equally. You accept life as it is, and you do your best to make each day fantastic. You would make a good actor, designer, or counselor. |
Your #5 Match: INFJ |
The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher. |
Live Long and Prosper!!
You Will Die at Age 85 |
85 Congratulations! You take good care of yourself. You're poised to live a long, healthy life. |
Monday, May 16, 2005
Understanding
Understanding
By Mike Rule
Someone once said to me, “People don’t understand me, but I don’t hate them. I pity them because they cannot understand anything beyond what they see with their own two eyes.”
What a powerful statement! I have a lot to ponder about this one. Being misunderstood is normal; and the further I walk down this road, the less I expect others to comprehend my journey. That does not make it hurt any less or make the accusations any less painful, but at least I am learning to expect the misunderstanding.
In certain situations the potential to be misunderstood, questioned, and accused is tremendous. Each instance is an attempt to pull my eyes off my Savior and put them onto myself. If I am walking by faith, how much can I realistically expect to see? When I can barely understand what He is asking of me, how can I possibly give someone details, facts, and something for them to see?
No matter how stirred up I am by others and my situation, it is my prayer that I never take my eyes from my Savior. May I always keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.
Verses for Reflection
Looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, "and sat down at the right" of the throne of God. (3) For consider Him who had endured such gainsaying of sinners against Himself, that you do not grow weary, fainting in your souls. Hebrews 12:2-3 LITV
And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This one receives sinners and eats with them. Luke 15:2 LITV
And their scribes and the Pharisees murmured at His disciples, saying, Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Luke 5:30 LITV
And many of them said, He has a demon and is insane. Why do you hear Him? John 10:20 LITV
A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above his lord. (25) It is enough for the disciple to become as his teacher, and the slave as his lord. If they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more those of his household? Matthew 10:24-25 LITV
And he defending himself with these things, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, You rave! Your many letters turned you into madness. Acts 26:24 LITV
We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we not honored. 1 Corinthians 4:10 LITV
(For we walk by faith, not by sight), 2 Corinthians 5:7 LITV
We not considering the things seen, but the things not being seen; for the things being seen are not lasting, but the things not being seen are everlasting. 2 Corinthians 4:18 LITV
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18 MKJV
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:7 LITV
Copyright 2005 Living Covenant Ministries International. All Rights ReservedPermission is granted to use for non-commercial (free) distribution only. Please include our copyright information to prevent mis-use. Thank you.
"Living Reflections" is a weekly e-mail discipleship ministry of Living Covenant Ministries International. To be added to our weekly mailing list send an e-mail to addme@livingcovenant.com
To be removed send an email to removeme@livingcovenant.com
You can visit our website @ http://www.livingcovenant.com
LCMI - Proclaiming the One True God is Trustworthy
By Mike Rule
Someone once said to me, “People don’t understand me, but I don’t hate them. I pity them because they cannot understand anything beyond what they see with their own two eyes.”
What a powerful statement! I have a lot to ponder about this one. Being misunderstood is normal; and the further I walk down this road, the less I expect others to comprehend my journey. That does not make it hurt any less or make the accusations any less painful, but at least I am learning to expect the misunderstanding.
In certain situations the potential to be misunderstood, questioned, and accused is tremendous. Each instance is an attempt to pull my eyes off my Savior and put them onto myself. If I am walking by faith, how much can I realistically expect to see? When I can barely understand what He is asking of me, how can I possibly give someone details, facts, and something for them to see?
No matter how stirred up I am by others and my situation, it is my prayer that I never take my eyes from my Savior. May I always keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.
Verses for Reflection
Looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, "and sat down at the right" of the throne of God. (3) For consider Him who had endured such gainsaying of sinners against Himself, that you do not grow weary, fainting in your souls. Hebrews 12:2-3 LITV
And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This one receives sinners and eats with them. Luke 15:2 LITV
And their scribes and the Pharisees murmured at His disciples, saying, Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Luke 5:30 LITV
And many of them said, He has a demon and is insane. Why do you hear Him? John 10:20 LITV
A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above his lord. (25) It is enough for the disciple to become as his teacher, and the slave as his lord. If they called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more those of his household? Matthew 10:24-25 LITV
And he defending himself with these things, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, You rave! Your many letters turned you into madness. Acts 26:24 LITV
We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we not honored. 1 Corinthians 4:10 LITV
(For we walk by faith, not by sight), 2 Corinthians 5:7 LITV
We not considering the things seen, but the things not being seen; for the things being seen are not lasting, but the things not being seen are everlasting. 2 Corinthians 4:18 LITV
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18 MKJV
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:7 LITV
Copyright 2005 Living Covenant Ministries International. All Rights ReservedPermission is granted to use for non-commercial (free) distribution only. Please include our copyright information to prevent mis-use. Thank you.
"Living Reflections" is a weekly e-mail discipleship ministry of Living Covenant Ministries International. To be added to our weekly mailing list send an e-mail to addme@livingcovenant.com
To be removed send an email to removeme@livingcovenant.com
You can visit our website @ http://www.livingcovenant.com
LCMI - Proclaiming the One True God is Trustworthy
Monday, May 09, 2005
Mother's Day
This is an email that I received from my Mother on Mother's Day. My Mom has just gone on line. The emails that I receive from her have actually had a lot of thought put into them. They are short but profound. Bless you Mom.
Dear Kim;
I am just sending a Mother’s day to one of Gods’ many Nannies. He has entrusted you with two of his greatest works.
This job will be most rewarding ;and will last a lifetime.
I’m sure at the end of your tenure; he will say it’s been a job well done.
Your Lifetime Mommy
Dear Kim;
I am just sending a Mother’s day to one of Gods’ many Nannies. He has entrusted you with two of his greatest works.
This job will be most rewarding ;and will last a lifetime.
I’m sure at the end of your tenure; he will say it’s been a job well done.
Your Lifetime Mommy
Saturday, May 07, 2005
God's Call
This has been an interesting week for me. I returned to work after a six week hiatus due to a minor surgical procedure. One of my clients that I went to visit was a palliative case. There were no parking spots available near the home near the local high school. I proceded to park in front of the house, half of my van in the "no parking" area and half in the "parking" area. I was in the home for about 30 minutes and low and behold I had a $30 parking ticket waiting for me. Part of me was actually expecting it. When I got out of the van I felt a "voice" try to tell me to ask my client if I their lane was where a white car was parked. There was ample room for me there. Once again I "ignored" the voice and went my own way. Of course the voice was the Holy Spirit. How many times do I ignore His voice and go my own way.
I felt that the Lord was calling me to a parish nurse ministry a couple of years ago. I have spent that time studying for this call and recently submitted a proposal to initiate that ministry in our church. I have received an unexpected "lukewarm" recepetion from the people that initiate new ministries. These roadblocks are unexpected. Did I hear the Lord's call correctly? Have I gone my own way because I felt empowered by my new wealth of "knowledge"? Have I refused to embrace the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in favor of man's knowledge. These are serious questions that I need to pray about and ask myself. Perhaps He is still calling me but the ministry may be something different from what I had envisioned. I did feel the vision was from the Lord but perhaps it was of "Kim". I need to be open to His leading and have faith that He knows what is best for me. This roadblock needs to be embraced not embittered.
I felt that the Lord was calling me to a parish nurse ministry a couple of years ago. I have spent that time studying for this call and recently submitted a proposal to initiate that ministry in our church. I have received an unexpected "lukewarm" recepetion from the people that initiate new ministries. These roadblocks are unexpected. Did I hear the Lord's call correctly? Have I gone my own way because I felt empowered by my new wealth of "knowledge"? Have I refused to embrace the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in favor of man's knowledge. These are serious questions that I need to pray about and ask myself. Perhaps He is still calling me but the ministry may be something different from what I had envisioned. I did feel the vision was from the Lord but perhaps it was of "Kim". I need to be open to His leading and have faith that He knows what is best for me. This roadblock needs to be embraced not embittered.
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