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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/3/2009 1:47:42 PM
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BlessedAngel1983
Posts: 7871
Joined: 6/8/2007
From: South Carolina
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Hello Mama KJ! How are you?
_____________________________
Reflecting with Terri
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/4/2009 10:25:38 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: BlessedAngel1983
Hello Mama KJ! How are you?
I've been keeping busy, Miss Terri. But I see on FB you've been subbing. Good for you! How exciting is that???
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/4/2009 10:31:17 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Goodness Under Pressure
Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.
I didn't know it then, but before my husband's accident, God already had a plan to care for me. I was far along into my pregnancy with my first child when my dad approached Porter and me with a heartfelt concern. With a new baby on the way, Dad advised us to invest in life insurance. It was a great idea, but we just couldn't afford it. Under the circumstances, Dad felt compelled to pay the premium until we could pay it ourselves. Porter accepted. Little did we know what the future held. Just two short weeks later, Porter tragically died. What would my son and I do now that our sole provision for food, shelter, and clothing was gone? The pressure was on as I tried to make sense of it all.
Sometimes God allows us to become pressured - not to terrify us or cause us undue pain, but to purify our character. It's interesting that God uses pressure in our lives this way. In the same manner, pressure is what makes a diamond pretty, precious, and priceless. Diamonds are treasured stones that many desire. God wants you and me to become His treasured stones that shine with His glory. He uses the pressures in our lives to create in us a thing of rare beauty that many desire. When we allow the stress of life to purify our nature, we permit God to work for good and His glory.
Just when I thought I had to put my newborn son in daycare and find a job, it happened. It was nothing short of a miracle. It was God at His finest. Although the life insurance policy had only been signed two weeks before the accident and was still in the probation period, the company decided to honor it. Because of God's goodness, I was able to stay home with my son for a while longer. Sure, the pressure of my trail was hard, but learning to lean on God's goodness had its rewards. I saw a promise come to pass, my character and faith were sharpened, and I had the privilege of experiencing God at work in my life.
It may be different for you. God's goodness under pressure may show up in a job offer that you weren't expecting. It may be as simple as someone buying you dinner or offering to baby-sit so you can have some time to yourself. Whatever the form, it's His goodness showering you with care in your time of distress. Acknowledging these acts of kindness, which flow from God's heart, builds our character and our faith. Before we know it, our life shines with the brilliance of a diamond that draws others to our God. And that, my friend, is a good thing.
Lord, sometimes my stress feels so heavy I think I can't go on. I have no breath or life left in me. But Your Word says that You make me lie down in green pastures. And Your goodness and love will follow after me. Oh, how Your Word refreshes my soul and renews my spirit! Be my strength; be my rest; be my ever-present help under pressure. With You, I can make it through!! For I trust Your will...may Your will be done. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen. 
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/4/2009 1:23:04 PM
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BlessedAngel1983
Posts: 7871
Joined: 6/8/2007
From: South Carolina
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kj88il
quote:
ORIGINAL: BlessedAngel1983
Hello Mama KJ! How are you?
I've been keeping busy, Miss Terri. But I see on FB you've been subbing. Good for you! How exciting is that???
It'd be better if they called more often...LOL
_____________________________
Reflecting with Terri
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/4/2009 5:59:20 PM
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Tinkerbell_
Posts: 8033
Joined: 1/25/2008
From: NeverNeverLand
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kj88il
quote:
ORIGINAL: Tinkerbell_
I'm just reading yesterday's devotion, Kimberly and it really hit home.
Thanks, gf...keep praying for me; I feel like God and I need to have a nice loooong talk. I just need to get over my stoopid pride and just do it.
*huggles*
I understand that, gf. Sometimes I have to wait til I know I'm going to Him with the right heart. Until *I* know I'm not just spouting the right words, I just don't pray. But I also know He knows why...and is patient for me to come to Him in sincerity...even if it's angry or doubtful. At least He knows when I come to Him...I'm REAL!
That's exactly it! But sometimes I wonder if it's my heart or my head that isn't right. I know in my heart I can never truly be away from Him. He lives in me. How can I get away from myself? I know He'll welcome me back with open arms and bathe me in His love. I just have to be ready to accept it.
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When I've shown you that I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When I'm broken down and I can't stand
Will you be strong enough to be my man?
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/5/2009 9:57:09 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Peace-full
Isa 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace, [her] whose mind is steadfast, because [she] trusts in you.
One of my favorite things to see is a rocking chair on a front porch. Looking at it makes me feel peace-full. I don't have a rocking chair, or a front porch, but I sure would like to!
Worry is the opposite of peace-full. It leaves me peace-less!
There are times when I don't even realize I'm worried. My mind is wired to think a lot so I get used to the constant flurry of motion in my brain. Worry will start to slowly creep in, and then before I know it, there's a stirring in my heart, my neck is tense, my mind won't shift gears and little concerns have kicked into full-blown worry.
Author Linda Dillow says, "Worry is like a rocking chair: it will give you something to do but it won't get you anywhere!" So much for my image of peace-full! Oh, but she is right. Worry, like a rocking chair, gets me nowhere! And when I stop worrying, I realize I've wasted valuable time and mental energy thinking about something I can't change, when I should've been talking to God - since He's the only one who can change things.
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul tells us how we can find peace to replace our worries. He reminds us the Lord is near and tells us, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
In the NIV translation, verse 7 reads, "…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I love the promise that God's peace could transcend my need to understand! Sometimes that's my biggest problem; I wouldn't be so worried about what God is doing if He'd just explain why, so I could understand better.
But God doesn't say He'll give us understanding in this verse, He says He'll give us peace in the midst of not understanding. And that's what I want. I want God's nearness to be my good, and trusting His sovereignty to be my goal. According to the Word, all I have to do is:
1. Stop worrying – press the pause button on my consuming concerns.
2. Start praying – open my mouth and tell God what I need.
3. Start thanking God – remind my heart of God's faithfulness by thanking Him for what He's done.
Now that is doable! So why is it so hard to do? Why do we naturally do the opposite? I think it's because we listen to the enemy's whispers: Do not be calm about anything; instead worry about everything. Tell God what He should do, and take control if He doesn' t listen. Before we know it, our concerns are consuming us and our worries are robbing us of God's promised peace.
But we don't have to live that way. God promises to provide just what we need – to keep us in perfect peace, as we put our trust in Him and not in our worries. So, today when our concerns consume us, let's choose to stop and empty our hearts of our worries, talk to God about what we need and thank Him for His faithfulness and provision. It's amazing how "peace-full" comes when we stop worrying, start praying and begin thanking God for what He has done and will do.
Matt 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.
Lord, thank You for the promise of Your peace that comes when I put my trust in You! When worry or concern threaten to consume my thoughts, help me remember to stop, pray and thank You so that my heart will remember how faithful and capable You are of taking care of me. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/7/2009 10:57:24 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Be Mindful
Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
About a year ago, my husband and I, along with another couple, began moving forward with a dream of opening an indoor basketball/volleyball gym. We've prayed and taken steps on this path, and now our business has opened. In the midst of starting this new business, the economy began a downward slide that we never could have anticipated. So what was already a risky endeavor has become even riskier.
I watch the news, and it's easy to feel fearful and to think, "Are we crazy to continue to pursue this new business?!" People ask me if we're afraid, and just their questioning leads me down a road of thinking we should be more a fraid than we are. Others express their skepticism, and then it's easy to wonder, "Should we just bail out and cut our losses now?"
When I take my eyes off my circumstances or stop focusing on what others say, my perspective changes. Then I can say to myself and others, "We're walking in faith as we set our eyes on God. We're trusting Him each step of the way, and we're trusting Him with the outcome, whatever that may be."
As you read today's devotion, I'm sure you have some worries also. You worry about losing a job, paying bills, or medical problems. You may be worried about a wayward child, aging parents, or a crumbling marriage. It's so easy to let our circumstances determine our thoughts and feelings, isn't it? Today's verse tells us we have a choice about what we choose to think about. In other words, do we set our minds on our circumstances, or on God?
It's also easy to listen to the lies of this culture, lies that say that faith is really impractical. Don't be deceived by this wrong thinking. In the midst of a whole lot of uncertainty, set your mind on the one certainty in life: God loves you, and He is in control.
Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Isa 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Lord, thank You that in the midst of uncertain times, fearful times, and heart-aching times, You are the One I can be certain of. Thank You for being a "Sure Thing," for now and always. Let my mind be filled with You, and then I will know Your peace, which is supernatural. Lord, I pray that You will strengthen me in this trial, and during it I ask that You will cause my heart and my mind to continue to turn to You. Lord, don't let this hard time cause me to be bitter or despairing. Instead, let me come out of it on the other side, with a stronger trust in You. For I trust Your will...may Your will be done. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/9/2009 11:29:55 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Time To Pray
1 Thes 5:17 Keep on praying.
GUILT. Many Christians I've talked to equate this word with their prayer life, and I can relate.
I used to feel guilty because people would ask me to pray, or I would volunteer to when I heard they were going through something difficult. With a heart of compassion, I'd reply, "Oh, I'll pray for you!" And I fully intended to. But then I'd forget ... get busy ... say that to five other people in the meantime ... and often never get around to doing it, despite my good intentions. I'd put off praying in the moment, in favor of waiting until I had a big chunk of time to spend in prayer. Then life would happen and that chunk of time wouldn't materialize. By the time I carved some out, I couldn't remember all I'd intended to pray about.
One of the perceptions I had about prayer was that I needed to spend a lot of time in prayer in order to do it "right." I thought short prayers wouldn't have much power or impact. Then I noticed something that shifted my thinking. In Matthew chapter six, Jesus is teaching about prayer. He says, "When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don't be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask" (Matthew 6:7-8, CEV). Wow, so I don't have to talk for hours, coming up with many ways to phrase my petitions? It was so freeing to see this coming from Jesus' lips.
That was followed by another ah-ha! moment. In the next verse, Jesus said: "You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil " (Matthew 6:9-13, CEV). This is often called "The Lord's Prayer."
Pause, look at the clock, and then say the Lord's Prayer aloud. Now check the clock again. How long did that take? This was Jesus' illustration of how to pray - so what does that tell us about feeling we need to pray l-o-n-g prayers to be effective? Hear me on this, I do believe there are needs that call for extended time in prayer (see Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36-46 for instance). But many things can be prayed for in short prayers as we move throughout our day.
Now, when a friend sends me an email with a troubled story, I rarely respond by saying, "I will pray for you." Instead, I pause and pray for her before hitting reply to say, "I have prayed for you." If someone calls me on the phone, or tells me in person about their prayer need, more often than not I'll offer to pray with them right then. If I encounter a reason to pray while reading the newspaper, or reading scripture, I do it in the moment. My aim is not to be lengthy and elaborate with these prayers, but rather to do it while my mind is on it.
If I feel the need to pray for someone repeatedly or over time, I follow through with my carefully considered plan because I've gotten more intentional about this prayer thing. But deciding several years ago to pray short, in the moment prayers was key for me. It is very doable way of "praying continually" and it helped relieve a lot of feelings of failure, pressure and guilt. Most importantly, this ensures that people's needs are in fact being prayed for - which is the ultimate goal, right?
I'm convinced the Enemy often keeps us from praying by getting us to procrastinate until later, making us think we need more time or more words to do this thing "right." As I read the Bible, I see instructions to pray frequently, to pray with faith and persistence, and to pray over all our cares and concerns. But I do not see that we must talk for hours over each request for God to hear them. I hope that does for you what it did for me – replaces feelings of guilt with a renewed passion to pray.
Ps 66:20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer and did not withdraw His unfailing love from me.
Lord, thank You for helping me be disciplined in praying frequently and persistently with faith, in accordance with Your will. I like our little talks. But I know that even if You already know what I will be praying over, it's still important to take the time to bring it to You. Now maybe You can help me get better at actually leaving those requests at Your feet, instead of carrying them around with me...worrying and fretting over them. Help me to trust You more to handle everything in Your time, in what I know will be the best way. These things I pray, in Jesus' name...amen. 
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/9/2009 12:45:30 PM
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saraimay75
Posts: 8848
Joined: 5/11/2005
From: Wherever God plants me.
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I know what you mean about being mindful. I am going into Early Childhood Education. Preschools teachers don't get paid much. There are some that look at us as babysitters. It is what God had called me to do with my life.
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You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
~Dr. Seuss
http://forums.crosswalk.com/Saraimay75_Cruising_Around
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/12/2009 10:07:32 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion.
Time To Pray (Part 2)
Matt 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.
I hope many of you felt the sense of release that I did upon reading Jesus' instructions in Matthew chapter six yesterday on how to pray. I was so relieved when I realized Jesus didn't require me to hold a weekly all-night prayer vigil.
I confess, while I really wanted you to get that point, I feared giving you the impression that all we ever need to do is throw up 3-sentence prayers here and there. There is another component to a truly vibrant prayer life.
A common problem I see, and have experienced myself, is we're so busy each day that we don't pause to pray - for ourselves or others. We don't plug into God, until a crisis happens. Even then, sometimes we're so used to dealing with things without praying that it can take awhile for us to remember to turn the problem over to God. So developing a pray-as-I-go-through-my-day mindset is important.
Equally as important as taking God along with me through my day and my to-do list, is to set aside and spend time with Him. To commune with Him. To read scripture. To pray, and to listen for His response. To be still in His presence and worship Him. This kind of thing can't be done on the run.
Plus, some issues we face in life, for whatever reason in the spiritual realm, cannot be solved with one or two quick prayers. We have to persist in praying with faith. We may need to gather others to join us in praying, and to intercede on our behalf. It's always necessary too, to keep in mind that God may not answer in the way we expect.
EM Bounds writes, "We would not have anyone think that the value of prayer is to be measured by the clock." He also asserts, however, "The short prevailing prayer cannot be prayed by one who has not prevailed with God in a mightier struggle of long continuance." I believe what the good pastor is saying is that when we find God faithful in the issues of life that have required much prayer and faith, it provides a foundation of trust, experience and relationship on which our short daily prayers can rest.
When I look at the life of Jesus and His prayer practices, I see lots of brief prayers He prayed. I also see instances when He spent extended time praying and communing with God. For instance, in Mark 1:35 we find Jesus alone in a solitary place, very early in the morning, praying. And in Mark 6:46, after miraculously feeding 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus leaves His disciples and goes up on a mountainside to pray. Matthew adds to Mark's account that Jesus remained ther e alone until evening (Matthew 14:23).
So let's examine our prayer life for a moment. Could you benefit from learning to pray quickly during your day as needs arise? Is a set-apart time of leaning deeper into God with stillness and prayer what your soul is truly craving? Whichever it is, or both, decide to make it happen. We can start with a quick prayer for God to guide us in this.
Heb 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Lord, help me to stay connected with You through prayer through out my day. And show me how to also steal away alone with You and be refreshed through prayer. Lead me, hear me, fill me, Father. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/15/2009 9:35:26 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Jealous Much?
Deut 5:32-33 So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
"Do you ever get jealous?" my friend asked me. I could tell she was hesitant to ask me this. What if I said I don't struggle with jealousy, and she was left alone with her feelings spread out in front of us, vulnerable and exposed.
In that moment, I had a choice to make - be honest and vulnerable with her, or gloss over the truth with some spiritual platitude. To say out loud what I wish weren't true, or purport those feelings I wish were true. In a split second, I made the decision.
"Of course!" I responded. "I struggle with jealousy more than I wish I did." I watched her breathe a sigh of relief that she was not alone. And then we spent some time talking about the things we find ourselves being jealous of, how petty we feel about it, and how we keep our focus in the right place, redirecting our thoughts to where they need to be, instead of running off on a jealous tangent.
I wish I wasn't prone to those jealous feelings. Jealous that this person got a book contract by a company that turned me down. Jealous that this person got booked to speak at an event I really wanted to do. Jealous that this person gets waaay more blog comments and waaaay more hits than I ever dreamt of. Jealous at this person's true gift for writing, and that person's unique blend of humor and profundity. Jealous of houses, clothes, weight. It's so base, so silly...so human.
God has taught me much about jealousy - how to turn from it, how to guard myself against it. But unfortunately, knowing what to do and actually forcing my mind and my will to do it are sometimes two different things. Through the years, God has shown me "the rest of the story" when people I was jealous of in the past had terrible things happen to them. And I heard His whisper: "Still want her life?" Oh, how ashamed I was for wanting what was never mine to have, because I couldn't handle the burdens that accompanied that life. He knew it, why couldn't I accept it? Yes, the big green-eyed monster does rise up within me unbidden, too often for my taste. I want to slay him forever but he seems to have multiple lives, returning again and again to take up residence in a heart that isn't supposed to be his home.
Do I ever get jealous? Absolutely. Do I want to be jealous? Not at all. Each day I focus on who God created me to be (complete with gifts, as well as limits) and the situation He has placed me in. I re-situate my mental blinders so that I am not tempted to look to my right or my left. I keep my focus on Him, and Him alone. When I do that, jealousy has no place in my life. The trick is to keep doing that every day, learning to be content where He has me, and resting fully in that.
I Cor 3:3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?
Phil 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Prov 27:20 Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.
Lord, please help me not to be jealous of others. I know I can do this when I stay focused on You and trust Your will for my life. Please help me to keep blinders on, not looking to the right or to the left at the people around me, but constantly training my eyes to look to You and Your Word. Thank You Lord for Your perfect plan for me. I'm excited to see what You will bring about in the fullness of time. For I trust Your will...may Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray...amen.
Boyyyyyy...am I struggling with this right now! I recently learned that my best friend's SIL and her fairly-new boyfriend 'turned a corner' and things are going wonderfully. And I was instantly filled with jealousy! I'VE been struggling in the same relationship for years...and everything is working great for HER??? It's not fair!
But that doesn't matter, does it? "Fair" isn't the issue; God's will is. I don't know if I keep missing His plan because this is what I want...or if this is a lesson in the patience and perseverence of love. I just know it is sinful to wallow in jealousy of her situation...and doesn't help mine at all anyhow! So I will just keep praying that God show me what His will is for me in this situation...and for my heart to be open to obeying it...even if it hurts right now. And I will concentrate on the blessings He has given me...cuz I know there's more than I can count! I just have to trust my Father. I know He only wants the best for me.
< Message edited by kj88il -- 3/15/2009 9:50:35 AM >
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Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/16/2009 12:36:10 PM
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iwillfearnoevil
Posts: 3617
Joined: 11/6/2007
From: upstate NY
Status: offline
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that's awesome about job kimberly ... will be praying for your test ...
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Photoblogging My Life
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/17/2009 10:15:48 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Just Remove It
Matt 6:13 …lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
This past January, our close friends moved in with us for the weekend when temperatures dropped to the single digits. Frigid weather coupled with their mal-functioning heating system forced the family and their dog out of their house.
As a recent empty-nester, I welcomed the prospect of having children in my home again. And I love dogs. At one point, an opportunity presented itself to teach them a powerful spiritual lesson.
While talking with their mother, I heard the two little people collectively scream out, while giggling, "No! Bad dog." Their mother and I looked over to see their darling little cocker spaniel on my kitchen table. We removed her from the table. The kids explained, "She does that. We don't let her, but she does it anyway."
"Oh?" I walked around the table and pushed each of the chairs up under the table.
"What are you doing?" six year-old Morgan asked.
"I'm removing the temptation."
"What's that?" Her crinkled up expression gave away the fact that she was not familiar with my vocabulary.
But her older brother Terrelle was. "You know – like the apple in the garden. That's temptation."
Morgan nodded, remembering the story. I showed the children how a chair, left out, allowed their doggie to use it as a stepping stool to hop up on the table.
Temptations are like that, I explained – stepping stools to wrong choices…steps to sinful behavior.
Then I added, "Removing temptation helps us all make good choices."
It was a moment for learning spiritual truths. We discussed how removing temptations from our lives could be highly beneficial.
Their mother, who was dieting, chimed in saying, "I've removed cake mixes from my grocery list." Her children's eyes widened. They understood.
Terrelle immediately jumped in, pouting I might add, "Mommy and Daddy don't let me have a TV in my room." Yes, because televisions tempt children when they should be sleeping or studying.
"We can't take mommy's lap-top into our bedroom either," Morgan chimed in. Yes, there are many dangerous perils on the internet that threaten young minds.
I thought about my own house-rules set up for my boys as they grew up. Many of them were developed to spare them from temptation:
1. On school nights, quiet time began at the same time every night. Overly-stimulated children don't sleep well, and tired teens fall asleep in class and struggle with self-control.
2. My boys could visit friends only if their friend's parents were present. Unsupervised teens tend to find trouble.
3. There was no "hanging out" in malls and stores. Loitering leads to boredom, which may lead to overspending, vandalism or shoplifting.
I'm not naïve; I taught high school for years. I know my children faced temptations. As their Mom, setting these house-rules helped remove a good portion of the fuel from temptation's fire. Plus, studies prove children make better choices when parents make clear their expectations and set boundaries.
Keeping this in mind, I accept that no matter how well I tried to parent, my children are inherently sinful. Jesus said, "There is no one good, no not one" (Mark 10:18). But my sons are precious in Jesus' sight, and in mine too.
Just like that cute cocker spaniel, we face temptations to do what we've been taught not to. And we must learn to choose right from wrong. But if I can remove even one temptation that might cause me or my children to stumble, we're one step closer to victory!
James 1:14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.
Heb 4:15 For our High Priest [Jesus] is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.
Jesus, You asked the Father to "deliver us." Thank You for teaching me how to pray for help to fight temptation. Guide me in You path of righteousness. Give me wisdom and resolve to just remove the temptations that would distract me from Your narrow path. Remind me there IS a reward for resisting temptation...and that I'll be saving myself from pain and regret. Fill me instead with the desire to do Your will....for I can trust Your will. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
OYYYYYYY...this one really hit home today! And it's totally NOT what I wanted to hear. But usually that's a clear sign it's the right message, right? 
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/19/2009 10:18:59 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Venting
Prob 29:11 A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
Yesterday, I was just mindlessly looking out the window of an airport watching a few seagulls dart about overhead while airline workers were busy loading bags. Nothing about the scene outside the airport window spoke of danger. But then suddenly I remembered the flight from New York just a few weeks ago that was brought down by a few geese. That seagull that faded into the background just moments before became a point of extreme interest to me. What if?
It's amazing if you stop to think about it that a huge airplane could be brought down by just a few birds. Birds. Who would have thought? It makes me think about other seemingly small things that can cause great destruction as well … especially when it comes to my marriage.
Words vented in frustration can seem so small.
Slightly disrespectful attitudes can seem so small.
Complaining about lack of finances can seem so small.
Brushing off his desires can seem so small.
Making mental lists of things you wish were different about him can seem so small.
But each one of these seemingly small things can so easily and tragically wedge itself into the core of a marriage and send it screaming toward destruction. Entire families have been ripped apart by things that once seemed so small.
Listen to the heartbreak in this note that was anonymously posted on my blog the other day:
"Girls...I know this seems small...but, it's really not. Take it from someone who has blown it more times in marriage than not. Now I have blown it enough to make myself a single mom. It's too late for me. But, it's not for you. Please be aware of the little things. I wouldn't have you join me for anything in the world. Be on your guard and protect your marriage."
-Anonymous
I am challenged by this. I can't just mindlessly assume that my marriage is coasting along okay and that little problems can't topple even the most seemingly stable of legacies. I can't get complacent. I can't get prideful. I can't get lazy. I can't take the gift of my marriage for granted.
I have a great marriage, but sometimes I slip into automatic and stop getting as intentional as I should about investing richly and deeply into our relationship. So, I've decided to declare this my get intentional week. Today I'll focus on my words. I'm praying for God to interrupt my mouth at every turn today. I am going to hold my tongue against saying anything careless. I am going to intentionally use my words as gifts to my husband today and nothing else.
Not that one day of doing this can protect my marriage forever - but it sure is a good start. Care to join me? Oh, you know there will be challenges ahead, sweet sister, but I'm up for it. What about you?
Prov 15:1a A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Ps 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Lord, help me to realize that with each word I speak, I am making the choice to bless or to curse. Please help me to speak words that are pleasing to You - even when my emotions run high and my feelings beg me to betray this commitment. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/21/2009 10:11:51 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
What People Notice Most
1 Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?
My husband and I run an online store from home. On any given day, you'll find me wrapping file folders in bubble wrap or typing up a shipping label. I'm a stickler for customer service because I know the woman ordering online needs someone on the other end of the computer making sure she has a high quality product.
Even with the utmost care, every once in a while we make a mistake (like shipping the wrong product) or we overlook a small flaw. Such was the case with the woman who ordered a white wire bathroom shelf. When she opened it, apparently a small section was damaged. We must have missed it, otherwise we would never had shipped it. She called me and asked what she should do about it. I told her we'd ship a second one out to her immediately and not to worry about returning that one. If we didn't have another one in stock, I would credit her account.
The next morning she called and left a message saying the damage was so small that her husband was able to fix it and touch up the paint. Now that's going above and beyond what she should have done, in my book. But she did it. I didn't give the incident further thought until we received her feedback on the order.
It's part of our procedure to send every customer an email asking for feedback on our service. I was shocked when I read this woman's response. I wouldn't have been surprised to see some negative comments about shipping an inferior product, but that's not what happened. She responded giving us "excellent" ratings for everything. Then proceeded to comment on how we handled her problem and how impressed she was by the service. We were touched by the kindness and grace she showed us.
This isn't the first time something like this has happened. We can run our business smoothly, get everything out in a timely manner, ship product that's in perfect condition, and everyone is pleased, but not terribly surprised. But when we handle a problem in a manner that's respectful, prompt and shows we take responsibility, people sit up and take notice.
Making a mistake isn't the end of the world. In fact, I've noticed it's actually an opportunity to be a witness for God. People notice how you handle mistakes much more than how you manage success. Admitting mistakes is hard. It always takes me swallowing the pride that threatens to surface. But people are always watching to see what I do.
I'm so relieved I don't have to do everything right. I tried that life for many years, and ended up discouraged. This incident reminded me once again, that even in my weakness, God can still use me to touch another person's life, or reflect His character.
I will probably never meet this customer who purchased a wire bathroom shelf, but I pray she knows there is a God who stands for honesty and justice, and that there are people who are trying to follow Him, who stumble, yet keep pressing on.
Lord, I praise You for being perfect, and for sending us a perfect Savior. There are so many times I fall short and make mistakes. Thank You for loving me in spite of my weaknesses. And I thank You for calling me into Your service and seeing my potential, even when I don't see it in myself. Help me to remember people ARE watching, and to be mindful to let You be seen through me...flaws and all. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
< Message edited by kj88il -- 3/21/2009 10:18:24 AM >
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/23/2009 9:13:34 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
A Smashing Success
Jer 18:6b Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
The first time I spoke to a large group I was age 16. My knees knocked together with such force that I was sure no one could hear what I was saying. I was fresh in my knowledge of Jesus, but my youth pastor had faith in me. I decided to speak on Revelations. Not just about Heaven, but the whole book! About 45 minutes in, I saw the panicked look on the youth pastor's face. My audience's eyes were glazed over. When I was through I stumbled to my seat, making a promise: I would never, ever speak again.
Funny how promises like that can be broken!
Three years ago, I was with a team of women speaking across Europe. We spoke in Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria and were on our way to Germany to meet with military spouses to complete the 10-day tour. That night I sat in the small room snuggled in the high vineyards and I prayed, "Thank You God for what You did today in the hearts of these families, and women. I will always obey You. I will walk through the doors You open."
In the darkness I felt God. The words that rang inside of me were gentle, but a rebuke, "It is good that you obey, but when will you embrace who I made you to be with joy?"
I was a speaker because doors had opened for me to share my love for Him. I studied. I prepared. I prayed. I loved what God did every single time! But mentally, I showed God the error of His ways: Lord, can't You see her? I think she would be great at this. What about that woman, Father? She's creative and funny! Why don't You pick her?
I was a strong woman of faith, but in this one aspect I was still the young teen inside, my knees knocking, grateful but absolutely sure that God had made a massive mistake.
The Potter's plans were not deterred by a painful past, or how shy I once was, or who I thought might fit the call better. That night God smashed the clay down and with it, all my pre-conceived notions. The next day I spoke in Germany. Absolute joy filled my heart as I embraced what my Heavenly Father had allowed me to be. Not just as a speaker, but as a mom, as a wife, as a woman, and as His child.
What about you? Do you see yourself through the eyes of your past, or through the words of others? Do you point out the hurdles or obstacles to overcome rather than the Creator who personally created your DNA? He may not be calling you to speak, but there are certainly tasks He has for you. There are areas where He believes in you! Do you struggle to see it the same way? Are you willing to put it all in the hands of the Potter today?
Heavenly Father, success is not about the applause of people. It's in beautiful brokenness...as You re-mold us and re-make us into what You intended from the very beginning. If there is a pebble or a mar in me today, remove it and reshape me according to Your plan. I offer my life–every aspect of it—to You today. Help me to find joy in what You've created me to be. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
< Message edited by kj88il -- 3/23/2009 9:23:44 AM >
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/25/2009 9:42:28 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Scribbled-On Dreams
Ps 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You have planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Recently I learned that a book that I had given up on was miraculously going to be published after all. I was amazed at God's power and His timing. I was ecstatic that He opened doors that I thought were shut forever. As I dug out the original notebook I had once designated to hold the papers and notes I would need for this project, I was shocked to find that almost every page in that notebook was scribbled on by my youngest child. Her artwork made every page unusable! I chuckled to myself as I closed the notebook and went in search of another one to use instead.
Later I reflected on my decision to hand over that notebook to my child. What had made me do that? I knew that it was because the project was, in my estimation, worthless, forgotten. The notebook represented something that would never be. It epitomized the death of a dream. Why not let my daughter fill in the pages with her toddler scribbles? I must have reasoned that nothing else would ever fill those pages!
And yet we serve a God who can blow new life into a dead dream. I had forgotten all about the book I once yearned to write. I had moved on in search of a new dream. But God had not forgotten. His plan was different—and longer—than mine. His vision was further reaching. His outcome never consisted of me writing my dream off as worthless and unachievable. Instead, He wanted me to trust in Him even when the situation looked hopeless.
Do you have a dream that looks dead from where you are standing? Have you thrown in the towel, chalked your efforts up to experience and moved on? Just don't move so far that God can't bring you back to the dream when He is ready. Don't fill in the pages of your notebook with hopeless scribbles and not give Him room to fill the pages with His Word, words of life and hope and vision. Yes, surrender your dreams—holding onto them lightly and always keeping His plans as your purpose, ready to lay down anything He asks because no dream is more important than Him. But also remember that God loves to bring about the unexpected, throwing us little surprise parties that bring joy to His Father's heart.
My notebook now serves as a reminder—in childlike script—of God's ability to overcome the impossible and open doors that were once slammed shut. I wouldn't trade those scribbled-on pages for anything! Now I look forward to filling the pages of a new notebook with all new dreams. Dreams that were handed back to me when I least expected it.
Ps 75:1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds.
Ps 136:6 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Ps 105:4 Look to the Lord andHhis strength; seek His face always.
Lord, please help me to trust You when things don't work out and I have to surrender my dreams. Help me to rest in the fact that You see things from a much bigger vantage point than I ever could. Help me to know that You always have my best interests in mind, even when You close doors I wanted open. And help me Lord to be ever-mindful of Your power that is always at work—even when I can't see it. Remind me I can surrender...without giving up my dreams. And thank You for surprises! Help me to always be open to Your timing, Father. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/26/2009 10:10:40 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
Finding God's Purpose and Perspective
Gen 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
A few weeks ago, I shared a devotion about the day I wanted to quit being a mom. I spent time that afternoon writing in my journal, processing my emotions with God and asking Him to help me. Later that day I read something in Zig Ziglar's book, Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World, that God used to completely change my perspective as a mom and as His child. Here's what I read:
Andrew Carnegie was the wealthiest man in America in the early 1900s, so wealthy that he employed over 42 millionaires! One day a reporter who was intrigued by Carnegie's wealth asked how he developed these men to become so valuable that he would pay them that much money. Carnegie explained, "Men are developed the same way gold is mined. When gold is mined, several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold, but one doesn't go into the mine looking for dirt — one goes in looking for gold. And the more he looks for, the more he finds."
After this story, Ziglar challenged parents to look past their children's mistakes and mine for gold in them. I'd been buried in the dirt that day! My discouragement and feelings of failure as a mom left me so disappointed in myself. I was also convinced God felt the same way about me.
Pity set in and I started wishing I had a gold-miner in my life who could see beyond my mistakes and find the gold in me. That's when God whispered to my heart, "Renee, I am that gold-miner. You are the one who is so critical of yourself. You are the one who focuses on your faults. But I see the gold of My image in your heart, and I want to bring it to the surface so your kids can see Me in you."
As I sat there trying to process what God was whispering to my heart, stories and promises from the Bible started flooding my thoughts, helping me believe that God really does see beyond who I am to who I can become. It would take time for those truths to sink in, but that day God used His thoughts to give me a new perspective - of Himself and of myself. Then He challenged me to look for ways to transfer that perspective to my children.
It's easy to get buried in the dirt of discontentment, disobedience and discouragement. You may even be thinking, "Where's the gold in it all?" I wondered, too. But after reading Carnegie's story and hearing God speak to my heart, I wanted to become a gold-mining mom.
As I thought about the gold I'd like to find in my children, character traits like patience, kindness and contentment came to mind. I decided to make a list of golden attitudes and actions and look up Bible verses we could learn together. I even made gold nuggets by balling up foil and spray-painting them gold. I decided that each time my kids showed a golden attitude or action, I'd reward them. When they saved up enough nuggets, they'd get a special treat.
Each week we'd find a new character trait and Bible verse, write down ideas to live it out and make them part of our family devotions. God's Word became a part of our everyday lives as He taught me to take my eyes off of my children's habits and focus on their hearts. Not only did it change my kids' attitudes and actions, it changed me, too. For the first time in months, I was excited about my role as a parent. God had given me a new perspective, and a whole new sense of purpose as a mom!
Eph 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering to God.
Col 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Lord, thank You for not focusing on the dirt in my life, but seeing beyond who I am to who I can become. Help me believe that, receive that, and give it away to my kids, my husband and my friends. Help me look at their hearts and encourage the glimpses of You that I see in them. Thank-you for making each one of us 'gold-filled.' These things I pray...in Jesus' name..amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/27/2009 9:47:05 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
A Divine Love Note
John 21:17 He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to Him, 'Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'
Long before the current craze of texting messages back and forth on cell phones, in my junior high we had our own way of communicating with peers: it was called passing notes. When the teacher wasn't looking, we shot a simple, folded piece of lined notebook paper to our friend sitting a few rows back. We crossed our fingers and hoped the teacher's second set of eyes—the ones in the back of her head—were focused elsewhere. Otherwise, our note just might get read to the entire class!
While notes from our girlfriends were fun, what really got our excitement up was when the folded and scribbled message was from a boy. Usually it read something like this:
Do you like me? Check one: Yes ___ No ___ Just as a friend ___
Of course we would think long and hard before taking our pencil and marking our answer. Then it was passing time again; back to the boy who had posed the all-important question. It seems to me, in today's scripture, Jesus was sending a divine love note to Peter, quizzing him about the strength of his love for Him.
We pick up the story a few verses earlier when after breakfast, Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love Me?" Peter seems a bit surprised and says, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." Jesus then tells him to feed His lambs. No sooner had he finished talking than He asks Peter the same question again. Then, a third time. Each time it appears as if dear Peter answers the same way. In a nutshell, "Ah…yeah Lord. You know everything. You know I love You. Haven't I made that clear? Why the twenty questions?"
This passage of scripture used to puzzle me, until one day I discovered, with the help of my husband's old Greek textbook from college, that Peter and Jesus were using two different Greek words for love in this famous exchange.
The word rendered 'love' in our English Bibles here is really two distinct words. One is "phileo" and one is "agape." Phileo is defined as brotherly and tender affection; true friendship. It is based on common interests. Agape, on the other hand, is sacrificial and giving love; a love that can't stand being apart from the other. It isn't based on having a common interest with someone. It loves the other not for what they do, but for who they are. It is the laying-down-your-life-for-another kind of love.
It is helpful to know that the first two times Jesus posed the question to Peter, He asked him "Do you agape me?" Peter answered, "Of course I phileo you!" It was as if Jesus was asking, "…so you really, sacrificially love me, based on Who I am? And you'd gladly lay down your life for me?" And instead, Peter was checking the box that said "Just as a friend!"
The third time Jesus posed the question, He asked Peter, "Do you phileo me?" And Peter truthfully answered "yes." Now, before we are too hard on ole' Simon Peter, we must assume that He indeed did grow to love our Lord in the agape sense of the word. History tells us that Peter met his death by crucifixion. However, he did not feel worthy to be crucified in the same manner as the Lord, so he was crucified upside down!
What about us today, in 2009? If Jesus passed us a divine love note asking if we love (agape) Him, which box would we check? Undoubtedly, many people today would scoff and check the "No" box. There are millions who care nothing of Christ and His love. Others would check "Yes." They are fervent Christ followers who love until the end. I am reminded of many modern-day martyrs who have willingly given up their life for Christ.
I fear that many of us would check the "Just as a friend" box. We love, but just to a point. We aren't afraid to hang around Jesus, we just don't want to be asked to share in His sufferings! Oh, may God turn our temporal phileo fascination with Jesus into an all-out, agape, laying-down-our-life love for the Lord.
Pencils sharpened? He is asking us this question today!
John 14:23 Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
Lord, I don't want to be just Your casual friend. I want to love You sacrificially and passionately. Help me learn how. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 3/30/2009 10:47:23 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 1183
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
Status: offline
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today's devotion...
No Condemnation
Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Today's key verse is one of my favorites. It has comforted me many times in my life. It gives us freedom from the condemnation we often project on ourselves. If God promises freedom, then why is it so hard for us to believe, feel and grasp the fact that there is indeed "no condemnation" for Christians?
Self-condemnation just comes natural to me. If I didn't purposefully keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and remind myself of who I am in Christ, I'd beat myself to pieces with condemning thoughts and words.
The Lord has the neatest ways of reminding me there is no condemnation as His child. Just this morning God spoke to me directly through a devotion I read in Sarah Young's book, "Jesus Calling." I felt as if the author had been following me around and knew exactly what I needed to hear. Actually, I knew it was God Who knew exactly what I needed to hear. It read, "Do not listen to voices of accusation, for they are not from Me."
"Hello, Lord. Are you talking to me? You know that I often feel down and disappointed in myself and call myself names. You knew my feelings had been hurt by someone's comments. I hear You telling me not to listen to the voices of accusation. Thank you for that reminder right when I needed it."
The devotion continued, "Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me."
"Lord, is that You again? You know that I spoke unkind words to my husband last night and You reminded me to "pause before responding." Thank you Lord for bringing me these words as a reminder of what You want from me. I needed these today, right now."
I get so excited and amazed when this happens! It just affirms that God cares about me. He loves me. He is real in my life today. Have you ever had a "God moment" like this?
If left to defend myself from self-condemnation and condemnation from others, I'd be defeated every time. Fortunately we don't have to defend ourselves. In fact, "the Lord Himself will fight for you" (Exodus 14:13-14). We have the greatest defender in God and His Word. As we take the time to listen to Him, He can remind us that He is with us, He loves us, and it's true..."there is NO CONDEMNATION in Christ Jesus!"
Ex 14:13-14 Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
Lord, when I forget, please remind me that I am not condemned. Help me to see the difference between conviction and condemnation, and keep my eyes and thoughts on You. For I trust Your will...may Your will be done. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
_____________________________
Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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