Spiritual Nourishment

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  

(Romans 10:17 KJV)

This week, I am sensing a need for a change of pace.  Therefore, I would like to encourage you to take the time to view one (or more of the videos) found on the right side bar under the heading "Spiritual Nourishment".  

While Pastor Richard is not my pastor, he is a dear brother in Christ.  I have found his messages to be meaningful and nourishing.  It will be worth your time.  

Please join with me in  prayer:

Dear Lord, Open our hearts to what You have to say to us through Your Word and from Your servants.  Thank You for the Truth that comes in reading, studying, and hearing Your Word.  Stir up within us a hunger for You and Your Word that cannot be satisfied.  Even in the midst of our struggles we seek You and Your face, simply desiring to know You more fully.  Thank you for those who capably preach Your Word and point us to Jesus.  In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Happy Father's Day!

*Note: This is an edited post from June 19, 2015*

 

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  (Ephesians 6:4 KJV)

This Sunday, June 19, 2016, is a special day.  A day we set aside to honor those special men in our lives who are fathers—biological and/or adoptive—as well as spiritual. 

It has been said that any man can be a father but few can be a daddy.  (Fathers create—and can leave, while daddies are there for their children—they nurture and help their children develop.)  They are the ones who discipline and love and protect.  It takes a special man to be a daddy.  

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1379JxsnhYhv_LoXJSK7WgR3m0VXjSbjYBKl8ubqlAzZ0aahEtHmw795fuTFoDVE8nsHtyCzcCWx_SAi75QKVm7nMm56MfZFtOiqq2ksKW6FxujHHTmXMQtnlKgSouiiUFKRAD793tfE/s320/God+in+Heart.png

At the outset, I realize some reading this post will have had a challenging relationship with their earthly dad, or perhaps a beloved dad has passed away, or a dad is no longer dad due to a variety of health issues and/or dementia. My prayer for you is that you will experience God’s comforting, healing presence in the days ahead.

Moreover, there are some reading this post who had a dad that passed away before they had a chance to know him; this is true for me.  Father’s Day can be challenging, yet it is possible to experience the loving presence of God.  

Thanksgiving 1971

I am thankful for some special men who the Lord brought into my life—some for a short season and others for a long season.  I am especially thankful for my spiritual dad who has mentored me in the faith and taught me so much about living for and serving the Lord over the last several years.  God knew that I needed a godly male role model and brought him into my life at just the right time. 

Who in your life is a spiritual father?  How can you be a spiritual father (or parent!) to someone in your life?

In the Scriptures we read that dads are to teach their children about the Lord and treat them with decency and respect, as we see in the above passage from Ephesians.  However, many times this does not happen; children end up hurting and lost, looking to others for the guidance they need.

Despite our relationship with our earthly fathers, we can have a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  He is an amazing, loving daddy.  For those of you who are not fathers, thank you for being spiritual fathers!  Spend some time thinking about how you can help the fatherless.

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5OQ3CPZ7tBGSJRVHV3SBz77KwhQpvJiLG2a-cib5qNBO9wkSH6yX9XAeRR1pquKxgOGKOcGHu-pRglA8kRivVYalZ7TXdf4pf7SWnUoAnEQwkB26qG4Qs6VC8oYysNmJD0-3vhDI5gY/s1600/Fathers-Day-Poems-002.gif

How can you reach out to those without fathers?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for the fathers who gave us life and love.  We thank You for those fathers who teach their children about You.  Encourage those men who are not fathers in society’s eyes—help them to see how they can be spiritual fathers.  Encourage fathers who only see their shortcomings and failures to see what they do well.  For those who do not have fathers or have a difficult relationship with their father, grant them comfort; help them to find spiritual fathers to guide and direct them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

More Scriptures for Times of Transition: New Testament

This week’s post is a continuation from last week.  Times of transition are inherently stressful; however, by turning to the Word of God we can find comfort, relief.  Here is the link to last week’s post: Scriptures for Times of Transition.  

The verses that follow are a selection and not meant to be exhaustive.

I encourage you to meditate on these verses—letting them sink into your heart and mind.

Personal photo

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.  

(Matthew 24:35 KJV)

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  

(Romans 15:13 KJV)

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  

(Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  

(Philippians 4:19 KJV)

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  

(Hebrews 6:19-20 KJV)

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.  

(Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  

(1 John 2:17 KJV)

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.  

(1 John 5:14-15 KJV)

My prayer is that these verses will speak to your heart and provide strength and encouragement on difficult days.  For those of us who have Jesus as Savior and Lord can see difficult days in the light of eternity.  While difficult days come; we have a glorious future awaiting us with our Savior!

Where do you find comfort in God’s Word during times of transition?

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1379JxsnhYhv_LoXJSK7WgR3m0VXjSbjYBKl8ubqlAzZ0aahEtHmw795fuTFoDVE8nsHtyCzcCWx_SAi75QKVm7nMm56MfZFtOiqq2ksKW6FxujHHTmXMQtnlKgSouiiUFKRAD793tfE/s320/God+in+Heart.png

Please join with me in prayer:

Precious Lord, thank You for Your Word that contains solid truth; as we mediate on it, open our spiritual eyes to understand what You are saying to us.  Direct our attention to the Scriptures You want us to meditate upon and apply to our daily lives.  Bring to our minds all the ways You walk with us through all the transitions of life.  Remind us to keep our minds focused on You, especially when things seem to be in constant flux and we struggle to find our footing.  Open our eyes to the new possibilities, the new horizons that come from times of transition.  Thank You for the benefits that come from being Your child; may we share the Good News with those around us who desperately need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim  

Scriptures for Times of Transition

Transition is defined as:  “noun transizh'on. [Latin transitio.] Passage from one place or state to another; change; as the transition of the weather form hot to cold. Sudden transitions are sometimes attended with evil effects.”[1] For the complete definition of transition, please see the link below.

For a variety of reasons, I have decided to look to the Scriptures to find comfort and direction for the future.  The Lord prompted me to do this due to my pastor retiring (his last Sunday is June 12), and the new pastor coming (June 26); a friend’s pastor is retiring, and another friend is experiencing a variety of life transitions.

The verses that follow are a selection and not meant to be exhaustive.

I encourage you to meditate on these verses—letting them sink into your heart and mind.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.  (Joshua 1:9 KJV)

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV)

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

(Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

(Proverbs 3:5 KJV)

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.  (Proverbs 16:3 KJV)

And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.  

(Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV)

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.  (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV)

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  (Isaiah 43:19 KJV)

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  

(Lamentations 3:21-23 KJV)

For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. 

(Malachi 3:6 KJV)

My prayer is that these verses will speak to your heart and provide strength and encouragement on difficult days.  For those of us who have Jesus as Savior and Lord can see difficult days in the light of eternity.  While difficult days come; we have a glorious future awaiting us with our Savior!

Where do you find comfort in God’s Word during times of transition?

Please join with me in prayer:

Precious Lord, thank You for Your Word that contains solid truth, as we mediate on it, open our spiritual eyes to understand what You are saying to us.  Direct our attention to the Scriptures You want us to meditate upon and apply to our daily lives.  Bring to our minds all the ways You walk with us through all the transitions of life.  Remind us to keep our minds focused on You, especially when things seem to be in constant flux and we struggle to find our footing.  Thank You for the benefits that come from being Your child; may we share the Good News with those around us who desperately need to hear it.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim  

---

[1] http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/transition

Memorials

Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer [Ebenezer means stone of help], saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.  (1Samuel 7:12 KJV)

In the United States of America it is Memorial Day weekend.  Originally, it was a time set aside to honor the men and women who gave their lives in various wars (as well as a time to decorate graves of loved ones who have passed away).  Sadly, this time has evolved into a huge party time—a time to kick off summer time. 

Many people will spend the weekend relaxing and hanging out with family and friends—not giving a second thought to what the day is really about.  However, there are places where those who have gone on are remembered.

Personal photo

In the United Methodist tradition, we honor those who have passed away since the previous Memorial Day by reading their names and lighting a candle.  In addition, memorials given to the church are used to buy items; such as, pictures, Bibles, and books—in memory of an individual—are dedicated.

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

With all of this in mind, I thought it would be interesting to look at memorials in the Scriptures.  In order to better grasp the idea of a memorial, let us consider the definition of memorial from Webster’s Dictionary of 1828: 

“1. Preservative of memory.  There high in air memorial of my name, Fix the smooth oar, and bid me live to fame.  2. Contained in memory as memorial possession.  MEMO'RIAL, noun That which preserves the memory of something; any thing that serves to keep in memory. A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event. The Lord's supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ.  Churches have names; some as memorials of peace, some of wisdom, some of the Trinity.  1. Any note or hint to assist the memory.  Memorials written with king Edward's hand shall be the ground of this history.  2. A written representation of facts, made to a legislative or other body as the ground of a petition, or a representation of facts accompanied with a petition.”[1]

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

We memorialize to honor; we honor people, we also honor God.  On the flip side, we also dishonor people and God by how we treat them and talk to and about them. 

Memorials have a long history; they have a solid biblical foundation.  Throughout God’s Word, we can find memorials to God’s power, might, help, and work on behalf of His people. 

In the Old Testament we see a memorial to the faithfulness of God being put up, by the prophet Samuel—the Ebenezer stone (1 Samuel 7:12). 

What does it mean to you to have a God Who helps? 

What can you do to help you remember how God helps you?

Photo Credit: P. Whitlach 

In the New Testament we see the establishment of Communion—a memorial to Jesus’ work on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:26-29).  (In the future, I plan to take a closer look at Communion.)

Obviously, there are many more memorials in the Scriptures, some will be considered later.

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord of All, Thank You for being our ever faithful “stone of help”.  We realize what a wretched state we would be in without You.  We praise and thank You for Your faithfulness towards us, especially when we have been less than faithful, at times, towards You.  We remember with gratitude all that You have done for Your children.  During this time, we lift up to You memories of loved ones who have died.  Thank You for the ways they have touched our lives.  We remember with gratitude, all that Jesus did for us.  Guide us to use this special time in a way that is honoring, rather than dishonoring.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim  

---

[1] From http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/memorial   

Commencement

*Note: I am re-posting this from last year (original post date:  May 29, 2015) with some editing. 

From http://www.clker.com/cliparts/C/R/m/z/8/q/graduate-md.png 

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)

Me on my high school graduation day (May 27, 1990)

Since commencement season is upon us once again; I thought it would be a good idea to revisit the imagery we can see in commencement ceremonies.

Commencement is defined as:  “an act, instance, or time of commencing; the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas”.  While commencement seems to indicate an end of something, such as high school or college, it really means a beginning of something, a new time of life.

My Uncle Carrol and me on my graduation day from William Penn (College) University (May 14 1995, Mother’s Day)

During our lives we have many beginnings and starts—the very first day of school, the first day of high school, the first day at a new job—the list is endless.  Many times a new beginning is the end of some thing that captured our attention for many years.  We grieve what we are leaving behind; while feeling a degree of anxiety and/or excitement about what our future holds.

What feelings did you experience at your high school and/or college graduation?

In what ways did your dreams come true after graduation?  If not, how were God’s plans and dreams different than yours?

My friend, Maud, and me after our college graduation ceremony

Have you ever considered how inviting Jesus into your heart is like a “commencement”?

We know there is much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7).  There is a turning from “idols” to the Lord (1Thessalonians 1:9); much like the turning of the tassel during the graduation ceremony, we have a new identity and a new set of responsibilities.  A totally new way of life is open to us.

To be sure, there is an adjustment period, not only for new graduates but also for those who receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.

What advice would you give to this year’s graduates?

What advice would you give to new Christians?

Me after graduate school graduation ceremonies at the University of Northern Iowa (May 8, 1999)

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing Your plans for us—plans that will bring about positive things for us.  Help us to trust in You and the plans You have for each one of us.  Clearly reveal Your presence those who are beginning new chapters in their lives, whether it is through graduation or starting life anew as a Christian.  We pray for our graduates that they will correctly discern the plans You have for them.  May each one seek You and discern the dreams You have for them.  In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

         

Pentecost

*Note: This is an edited post from last year (May 4, 2015).

From http://www.hprweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pentecost-Sunday-collage-2.jpg  

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4 KJV)

Sunday, May 15, is Pentecost, the day we celebrate the birth of the Church. It is a day of joy, a celebration of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to His children.  Without the Holy Spirit we could accomplish little—what little we did accomplish would be in our own power and/or strength. (As a side note: on May 15, 2005, I was water baptized. In the future, I will share more in a post dedicated to water baptism.)   

Pentecost is the fiftieth and last day of the Easter Season—when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the church (see Acts 2). The Holy Spirit came to those who had been waiting and praying for the One promised by Jesus before His ascension.

Likewise, we too, may have to wait for the Holy Spirit to baptize us, to empower us to live a Christian life and to do the ministry God has equipped us to do. (Many times this is separate from the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in us at the moment of our conversion. At some point in the future, I will address this in an additional blog post or series of posts.)  Receiving the Holy Spirit baptism changed things for me in a very positive way.  

The color red, symbolizing the tongues of fire that came down upon the apostles and those gathered together, is the color of the church at this point in the year.

What else does the symbol of fire represent to you?

What comes to mind?

What does fire do (cleanse, purify, destroy)?   

Yet, Pentecost is much more than this.  Pentecost is when Jesus’ promise (see John 14:15-17) to send a Counselor, a Comforter to be with and empower those He left behind was fulfilled. It was at this point that the apostles had the power to preach, to heal, to speak in tongues (unlearned languages and spiritual languages), and to cast out demons.

Without this gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would have remained fearful (and stayed in hiding) of the religious and political authorities. We, likewise, without the Holy Spirit are weak, yet when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can do great things! Consider the great men and women of faith who have done great things for the Lord (for some examples please see Believing God: Those Who Believed God).

I believe this gift—the baptism of the Holy Spirit—with the speaking of tongues and everything else received by those early followers of Jesus is still available to us today. It has not died out as some believe. Just because we do not see certain things much, if at all, today does not mean that the gift given at Pentecost is no longer available to us. More likely, it is due to us getting too smart for our own good! Fear gets in the way too. The Holy Spirit is not to be feared; He is a gentleman and will not come where He is not welcome, nor will He behave in ways that would cause fright.

From http://images.sharefaith.com/images/3/1241457364338_376/slide-02.jpg 

What experiences have you had with the Holy Spirit?

Have you experienced Pentecost in your life?

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”

(John 16:7-8 KJV)

From https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2087/5791934000_816bcc3b4d_b.jpg

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for fulfilling Your promise of sending the Holy Spirit to us. Thank You for the work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. We realize our need for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to live as a Christian and to walk as You walked, Lord. Without the Holy Spirit baptizing us, we will rely on our flesh to live as we are to live and to fulfill the ministry that You have called us to; something that we cannot do for the long haul. Come Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence and empower us to do what we cannot do on our own. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Come Holy Spirit, Come!