Circumstances

I'm spending the evening working through my Bible study lesson for tomorrow. We've spent the last few weeks looking at individuals in the Bible who have gone through various trials, David, Ruth, Joseph and how they responded to their circumstances. I grew up in a Christian home, knowing all of these Biblical characters and their stories. I've always thought, well of course they had trials, they are characters in the Bible! Taking a closer look at them has made me realized that they were just regular people like you and me and their struggles, sins, joys, etc. are no different then ours. What makes them different is the response that they had. Look at David, running away from a King who wanted to kill him, still saying that God would take care of him. Joseph, being sold by his brothers into a foreign land, accused of something he didn't commit, and spending years in jail. He didn't become embittered, he still gave God credit for everything.
I'm reading through Philippians tonight. Paul wrote this book while in prison and throughout the book is encouraging these saints to be more like Christ, having His attitude. Phil 2:5. Paul still rejoiced even in his circumstances because he knew that his life was not about him, but about Christ. Phil. 1:12 My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel.

One thing I am learning, it really doesn't do any good to complain about the situation that I am in. Don't get me wrong, I can still complain quite well, but really, it won't solve anything. Instead I should, Do everything without grumbling or complaining, that I may prove myself to be blameless and innocent, a child of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom I appear as a light in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. Phil 2:14-16. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we don't see the big picture, only God does. I want to be the one that God can use as an example to others, a light to the world. I just hope that my response to the trials and circumstances that I go through are like the Davids, Josephs, Ruths, and Pauls of the Bible.

I'm doing ok this week. Kinda an up and down week so far. Tired, I don't always sleep the greatest, but sleep is overrated, right!? God is faithful to supply all my needs. I'm still amazed at the people that contact me with encouraging thoughts and prayers, and the people that still listen to me when I'm going through the bad moments. Thanks everyone!

Better get back to my lesson.

Fall....

What a beautiful Saturday in west Texas! I had to be out of the house by 7:45 am this morning. My church has a wonderful ministry to single moms and widows called the 'Car Care Clinic'. You can take your vehicle there and they change the oil, check fluid levels and just make sure everything is in proper running condition. Thanks so much to everyone who was giving up their Saturday to help, I appreciated it immensely!

I came home and decided since it was so nice I should get some yard work accomplished. Spent the next hour raking the yard and sweeping the driveway. I love all the trees in my front yard, but I'm beginning to realize this is going to be a weekly chore for many weeks to come. I did remember the gloves this time, so no blisters!! It was so nice to get out into God's creation, while enjoying a high school band playing somewhere near my house. Fall is such a beautiful time!

As I blog, I have the music of Hillsong playing in the background. Sometime this summer, someone sent me the link to the song "Desert Song", and it quickly became one of my favorite songs.

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm in His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

I've learned that when I keep my focus on God either by spending time reading His word, working through a Bible study or listening to worship music, my days are so much better!

Today is good, God still God, and I have reasons to sing!

Names

I had an interesting thing happen today. I was sitting in my Bible class, and the teacher was talking about Joseph. She mentioned the names of his children and that he selected their names because of the meanings. Manasseh which means "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." Ephraim which means "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." The next verse she talked about was Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. By Webster's definition, the word "consecrate" means "dedicated to a sacred purpose". The thing that I found amazing, was the name Elizabeth, my name, means "consecrated to God". I don't think that my parents chose my name because of the meaning as Joseph did, but it makes me smile anyway. It showed me that I need to be dedicated to God, but also if you look at that verse, God dedicated me to a certain purpose even before I was born! He knows everything He has planned for me. That statement then leads back to the other verse that is always in the forefront of my mind, Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope. What an amazing God!