This is our first grandchild Kaitlin. Her daddy and mommy came with her to visit for Christmas. They are watching a chalk talk by Grandpa Ken on Christmas morning about the wise men. She is a treasure!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Grandbaby time!
I have just learned the necessary "clicks" to make pictures and so I'm sharing my dear little Elisa with you. She is now about 2.5 months and 12#. She's a happy little girl that tugs at my heart strings each time I see her!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sifted for a purpose!
I finished my study in I Peter recently and was so taken back with some things I learned. I've had to sit back and really think about how to share them.
I Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
I think we all know and agree that we have an adversary. We're aware of his deceit, his subtleness and lies. But the apostle Peter had an encounter with the devil that causes him to urgently encourage us to be on the alert!
My study took me back to Luke 22:31,32 where the Lord says to Peter "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." This verse says that Satan asked (the word implies demanded) to have Peter for the purpose of sifting. Does this remind you of another passage? Yes, Job went through a refining process too.
What struck me was that the Lord allowed Satan to sift both Peter and Job. The Lord tells us of several processes He uses to shape or conform us. But this one I hadn't given much thought to. The potter uses pressure within and without while the clay is spinning on a wheel. I think I have felt this conforming process many times! Then, there is the intense heat that causes impurities to rise from metals so they can be removed, thus purifying and making the metal beautiful. This too I seem to have felt at times. But now to think that there are, or may be times when the Lord allows Satan to sift me or those I love is a little much!
My comfort comes in knowing that Satan has to ask for the right to sift and even then it's within the boundaries the Lord sets forth. The Lord Himself prays for us that our faith would not fail. Thereby insuring that this testing is only for a time and with a purpose of simply sifting. Not destroying, not rendering useless; but making us finer, more suitable for a - shall we say - lighter cake?
"And when you return, strengthen your brethren" This is important too! Not only should this sifting affect us, but it should affect others that we meet from then on! It should cause me to open up and share more, or to be more bold with each opportunity the Lord gives.
I look around and somehow think that there is more sifting going on than I ever imagined. Sifting of my fellow saints, family and friends. The Lord alone is wise enough to know just when and how much.
"Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." 1 Peter 4:19
I Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
I think we all know and agree that we have an adversary. We're aware of his deceit, his subtleness and lies. But the apostle Peter had an encounter with the devil that causes him to urgently encourage us to be on the alert!
My study took me back to Luke 22:31,32 where the Lord says to Peter "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." This verse says that Satan asked (the word implies demanded) to have Peter for the purpose of sifting. Does this remind you of another passage? Yes, Job went through a refining process too.
What struck me was that the Lord allowed Satan to sift both Peter and Job. The Lord tells us of several processes He uses to shape or conform us. But this one I hadn't given much thought to. The potter uses pressure within and without while the clay is spinning on a wheel. I think I have felt this conforming process many times! Then, there is the intense heat that causes impurities to rise from metals so they can be removed, thus purifying and making the metal beautiful. This too I seem to have felt at times. But now to think that there are, or may be times when the Lord allows Satan to sift me or those I love is a little much!
My comfort comes in knowing that Satan has to ask for the right to sift and even then it's within the boundaries the Lord sets forth. The Lord Himself prays for us that our faith would not fail. Thereby insuring that this testing is only for a time and with a purpose of simply sifting. Not destroying, not rendering useless; but making us finer, more suitable for a - shall we say - lighter cake?
"And when you return, strengthen your brethren" This is important too! Not only should this sifting affect us, but it should affect others that we meet from then on! It should cause me to open up and share more, or to be more bold with each opportunity the Lord gives.
I look around and somehow think that there is more sifting going on than I ever imagined. Sifting of my fellow saints, family and friends. The Lord alone is wise enough to know just when and how much.
"Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." 1 Peter 4:19
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
My Desire
I started this great study in I Peter this year. I wanted to study it because of what it says about suffering. I have learned so much. I am learning even more about relationships though. As I was going over my notes last night I realized that twice ( I Pet. 1:22 and 4:8) we are told to have fervent love for one another. The Greek word for fervent means "to stretch out". As I thought on this I realized that it is going beyond the norm of Sunday mornings, Wed. nights and ladies studies.
What is it to be stretched out? It is painful, uncomfortable, tiring, and even (heaven forbid) a nuisance. It means to go beyond the norm and go the extra mile!
I thought of how the Lord was quite literally stretched out for us. His hands and feet were pierced for us. He bore the penalty that was ours. This is the ultimate love! His is an example of how we ought to love. Giving our all -
My desire, to be like Jesus
My desire, to be like Him.
His Spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me;
In deed and word, to be like Him.
Lillian Plankenhorn
What is it to be stretched out? It is painful, uncomfortable, tiring, and even (heaven forbid) a nuisance. It means to go beyond the norm and go the extra mile!
I thought of how the Lord was quite literally stretched out for us. His hands and feet were pierced for us. He bore the penalty that was ours. This is the ultimate love! His is an example of how we ought to love. Giving our all -
My desire, to be like Jesus
My desire, to be like Him.
His Spirit fill me, His love o'er whelm me;
In deed and word, to be like Him.
Lillian Plankenhorn
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