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Posts Tagged ‘Where did you find God today’

In a Bisquick Pie

Posted in Christian, Devotional, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , , on May 11, 2013| 1 Comment »

I spoke at women’s breakfast today. One of the dishes they served was taken from a recipe on the Bisquick box  – the Impossible Pie.  I had made it years ago for my family, back when I cooked meals on a budget and was always looking for a new way to dress up hamburger meat, leftovers or sausage.

What is incredible is that you pour all the ingredients into a pie pan, shove it in the oven, and as if by magic, the layers separate as it cooks  into a tasty quiche-like meal. It comes out perfectly  – crust on bottom, cheese on top and the eggs and other ingredients fluffed up in the center. Seems impossible.

You know this is going to turn into a devo- so here goes.

Our lives can be like the impossible pie. All the things that are happening to us can be mixed up and shuffled together. We just can’t see it all coming together in a right way. But with God in control, all things will come together and turn out in perfect order.

When you follow the instructions on the recipe, it seems as if the ingredients are a bit off kilter. How can so little dough make a crust, and will it come out okay when you don’t take the time to mix it, knead it, pat it down, roll it out and press it to the sides? If I was doing a pie, that’s what I’d do.

When we follow God’s instructions, everything is perfectly measured, even though we think., “Now,  how in the world can that turn into something good? That’s not how I’d do it.”   God’s fiery furnace will  bring it all together in a wonderful way. We just need to trust in that fact.

If you feel the heat turning up a bit in your life, take to heart what Peter wrote in his first letter –  “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”  1Peter 4:12

Let God work in your life and slowly, things will get in order. The end result will be incredible,  even though you thought it impossible at first.

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In the Saints

Posted in Christian, Devotional, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on May 8, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Last Sunday our youth minister honored all the high schoolers in a special way.  He took time to research each of the saints and match them with a teen’s personality, talent or interests.  It soon became a congregational guessing game as he described each saint- who was like that? There were giggles and finger-pointing in loving jest. Each student, one by one as they were identified, received a simple cross he had painted with our church’s name and the year. Yet, they received so much more.

normal_agkkyproyThese teenagers received recognition for being themselves – unique and precious in the eye’s of this minister, the congregation, and yes, in God’s eyes. They were applauded for their talents, their contribution to the youth group, and their individual worth.

This young minister made the effort to get to know each teen personally and to research which saint they resembled. That conveyed how much he valued them. He had spent time thinking of them. Each of them was important to him and the church. What a message!

Remember the old song? “I sing a song of the saints of God…. for the saints of God are folk just like me, Lord, help me to be one, too.”

Which saint to you resemble? My friend, you are uniquely and wonderfully made. You are a saint of God if you believe in Christ, have opened your heart to have Him come dwell in you, and are being changed by His presence. He qualifies you for sainthood.

Just like those teenagers, receive His cross and be thankful. You have worth in the kingdom of God.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:11-12, ESV)

 

 

 

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In a Tradition

Posted in Biblical, Christian, Devotional, tagged , , , , , , on May 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Rogation Sunday is, in the old English or Anglian tradition,  always the Sunday before Ascension Day. Ascension Day is always on a Thursday because it is 40 days after Resurrection Sunday. Actually, Rogation lasts three days.

The tradition is for the service to be a blessing of the agriculture. People would walk around the boundaries of their farms or villages and thank God for His provisions. Back in the day when a majority lived an agrarian lifestyle, it made perfect sense to praise God from whom all blessings flow and ask Him to continue to bless their livelihood.

 

Compton parish 2011

Compton parish 2011

In many churches throughout the world, this old tradition is practiced. 

The service  literally serves to connect the earthly to the Heavenly, the way Eden once was. Traditionally the service for that Sunday is held outdoors.

 

Why is it celebrated the Sunday before Our Lord ascended into Heaven?

“We frequently think of seedtime, planting, and prayers for an abundant harvest as the main emphasis for rogation, but the word “rogation” actually takes its meaning from the Latin word “rogare” which means “to beseech.

This comes from 5th century France: after horrible natural disasters, the Bishop required the people to make a solemn three-day observance in order to atone for their sin; the observance consisted of three main parts: 1. The people were to petition God for forgiveness of their sins. 2. The people were to petition God for protection from further calamities. 3. The people were to petition God for bountiful crops.

Over the years, rogation lost its penitential air and became festive. Present traditions include “blessing of the fields” with processions through local fields, a singing of the litany, and offering prayers for God’s protection and favor. The rogation service is to include a celebration of Holy Communion.

The spiritual lessons of rogation have also developed. God and humanity cooperate in the creative processes of agriculture. Tilling and care of the soil are tasks and privileges given by God. The life-giving power of the sown seed depends on God’s goodness. These relationships result in a bountiful harvest.” http://www.ruralministry.com/Resources/Rogation.htm

 

I believe God can bring new meaning and purpose to what He calls us to do. So, I affirm that the spirituality of Rogation Days can be argued.  It is connected to Jesus preparing His disciples to go into the fields as harvesters of souls.

 In the beginning, God gave Adam the responsibility of caring for Eden.

 

The Lord God took the man kand put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. (Genesis 2:15)

 

 The crucified and resurrected Jesus, as the New Adam, has restored the relationship God once had with mankind.  Before He ascended, Jesus gave the earth to His followers and put them in charge of it’s care… and that included the people as well.

 

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”  Luke 10:2 (Matthew 9:37)

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority iin heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:18-19, ESV)

 Jesus told Peter to feed and care for his sheep. We can take that to mean spiritually of course, but I believe that we are also called to care for the physical needs of others, and we need the fruit and grains of the earth in order to do that. 

 Rogation reminds us that our Lord was human. He ate the yields of the earth. He wandered the fields, mountains, villages, wilderness and seashores.  Though we are not of this world and this is not our home, it is leased to our care. To take care of the earth and it’s people is a commandment from our Lord. 

Maybe that is why we “plant new churches” and cultivate the “fruit of the Spirit”.

 

Rogation prayers:

For favorable weather, temperate rains and fruitful seasons, and that there may be food and drink for all your creatures,
let us pray to our God. 
God hear our prayer.

For your blessing upon the lands and waters,
and all who work upon them to bring forth food
and all things needful for your people,
let us pray to our God. 
God hear our prayer.

For all who care for the earth, the water and the air,
that the riches of your creation may abound from age to age,
let us pray to our God. 
God hear our prayer.

We ask your blessing as we walk into the future
that we may be united in your love with all creation
and that we ourselves be fertile soil,  producing abundant growth rich in the fruits of the Spirit.
In the Name of God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

                                               

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America – PRAY

Posted in Christian, tagged , , , , on May 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »

pray for our nation          National Day of Prayer

                    May 2, 2013

            and hereafter, pray every day.

Our country needs us on our knees – it is our best position of strength and our strongest defense.

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn:Grant that we and all people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.                                    Book of Common Prayer pg 142

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At a Bunco Game

Posted in Life Experiences, tagged , , , , on April 30, 2013| 1 Comment »

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Picture twelve women.  Old, young, widowed, married, jobless, executives.  Some in T-shirts, others in business casual. Some laden with jewelry, others bare wristed. Some knew one or two others, but no one knew everyone, except our  hostess. The only common denominator is that we know the hostess who invited them over for an evening of too much food and a friendly game of Bunco.

After all the tempting food aromas filled the room as people brought their dish to share, the initial chatting died down. Then our hostess asked us all to bow our heads for the blessing.

In the silence of twelve bowed heads, the Holy Spirit filled the room. By the time we said, “Amen”, He had threaded us together like pearls bound by and unbreakable bond of faith. All different denominations, all different walks of life, many different personalities and tastes.

But one in the Spirit.

A sneak peek of Heaven.

then I’ll give them a united heart, placing a new spirit within them… Ezekiel 11:19

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In the Waddle of Doves

Posted in Life Experiences, Nature, tagged , , , , on April 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????I hung a bird feeder on the little tree outside my apartment patio. The landscape beyond it slopes down towards the next unit of apartments below. Today, while my coffee is dripping, I watch as doves waddle up the knoll towards the feeder. No hurry. No worry.

Did they know the squirrel had been there picking through for the sunflower seeds, and in the process, had scattered enough seed on the ground for them to fill their little bellies?

Even though it was a cold, wet morning– up they came. I imagined them smacking their lips in anticipation, if they had lips. They were that sure there would be seed waiting for them.  Quietly and calmly they approached, as if knowing just what they needed to stave off the chill of the day lay on the ground–waiting only for them.

Am I that way with God’s blessings? Do I patiently approach the throne, trusting He has cast them in His perfect timing? Do I have the faith of the turtle doves, and the wisdom, to detect His favor towards me? Or am I rushing up the hill, panting, out of breath. Do I get there at the wrong time, become anxious, then ask God, “Where are You? Why haven’t You answered my prayer?”

He has – it may be in process, as a squirrel who has just leapt out of my sight to scatter the seeds of faith and hope I need to make it through the chill of the day. Manna to sustain me through whatever comes my way. God always provides.

Take a lesson from the doves. Watch today with calm anticipation to  see how He acts in your life. Then in faith, waddle peacefully towards it, confident it is there, especially for you.

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Saved a Place

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on April 18, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Fifty years later, it still crawls into the back of my emotions and stings me. Memories loom into my brain of being the last person to be picked on the team, or being shunned from the cafeteria table of giggling girls to eat alone. Being the brunt of cruel jokes in  junior high because I was smart, and the subject of gossip in the college dorm because I was a Christian who wouldn’t sleep around or drink. Never fitting in.

I was at a women’s conference manning a table for Women at Risk- the  missionaries for women rescued from human trafficking (see Help a Woman Find God tab). We were in a large meeting hall where rounds tables had been set for lunch. Everyone flowed in form the meeting, chatting and laughing. As I helped a few ladies buy jewelry and handbags made by the rescued women, I saw the tables were filling up. Women came up to them and said, “Come on. I saved you a place.”  They each scurried off giggling, showing their friends what they had purchased.  I was fully prepared to grab a plate and eat behind my booth – alone again.

Then, a  lady I hadn’t seen in a while came up. “We have saved you a place. Won’t you please sit with us?”  Those old feelings dispelled like a popped water balloon. When I got to the table, it was all smiles and “so good to see you”,”glad you joined us” responses.

Jesus told His disciples, and He tells us today, that He is preparing a place for us in Heaven. Each believer who confesses His name is accepted at the table of The Lamb.  One day we will all be allowed to feast on His presence for eternity.

dining togetherAt that meeting, I saw a glimpse of how glorious that will be. As a woman of God, I am accepted by my sisters in Christ. So are you. We are all foreigners in a strange land bound by a love the world cannot understand. There is a place for you right here beside us. Won’t you come join us?

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Worn Out Asking

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , on April 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Are you tired of praying?  Do you feel as if your  heart-felt requests are hitting the ceiling and shattering–tinkling back down upon you like millions of shimmery shards of crystal?

Listen to this awesome testimony behind Tenth Avenue North’s song, “I’m Worn”. Then hear the song.

GOD is there. He wants to give you rest if you would just trust…. find Him today right where He has always been–a breath away.

It is not so much that God is deaf to our requests, but that we are deaf to His answers.

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Kickin’ It for Jesus

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on April 7, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Today was our church’s annual Kick Ball Sunday. After church services,  young and old gathered on two teams – The Apostles and the Disciples – for some fun. It was not your average game. The ages ranged from 5 to 75.kickball_clipart_169213952_std

Both teams rooted each other on and applauded plays that were well done. They also consoled players who were struck out or missed a catch.

Adults slooowwwed down as little legs puttered as fast as they could to get to the base in time,  and then shook their hands or gave them a pat on the back for the effort.

Teens were more than understanding and kind to the senior players.

I’m not sure who won- wait! Yes,  I am. Everyone did.

The object was fellowship and sportsmanship, not who could beat who. It was all laughter and fun  with mild horsing around.  Sure, there was some competition and, for the most part, the rules of the game were not bent too out of shape. But all in all, everyone came away with heads held high.

Should that not be an example for the church in general? When it comes to our talents, we all are on the winning team. Each should be applauded for their efforts and consoled when they slip a bit or miss the ball. We are there to fellowship and bolster each other, and have a bit of laughs and fun as well. Yes, we should strive for excellence. But, there is enough hey-look at-me, whose-the-king- of-the-mountain competition out in the world. Let’s not bring it through the church doors. We are all precious in His sight.

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Philippians 3:12 God’s Word

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In the wisdom of foolishness

Posted in Biblical, Christian, tagged , , , on April 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. I Corinthians 4:10

 

 

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Happy April Fool’s Day.

Join me (and millions of others) in being foolish for Christ.

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