Monday, March 19, 2012

God's name in vain

Past teachings have given evidence the term conversation in the Bible refers to one’s lifestyle. It isn’t what is said alone, but rather your entire life that shows if you are a Christ follower. Likewise, when Scripture makes mention of using God’s name in vain, Scripture doesn’t mean just God’s name used inappropriately with words spoken.

Our lifestyle and choices made are also important when avoiding the use of God’s name in vain.

First, let’s lay down a foundation. Yes, it is wrong to take the Lord’s name in vain. Let’s notice Scripture says TAKE not the Lord’s name in vain not speaking the Lord’s name in vain, which encompasses more than our words. (Exodus 20:7) Also, the meaning of vain is of no purpose or in an improper or irrelevant manner.

So while the misuse of the Lord’s name with our words is not okay, there are other ways to misuse the Lord’s name.

Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

This tells where someone could deny God and steal taking His name in vain.

If we claim to represent God but do so in an improper manner, it is as though our efforts are in vain because we are not accurately representing who God is in the right light.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

This Scripture explains how a wicked community knew God but did not Glorify Him as God in their lives. Their imaginations were vain and their hearts darkened. This verse doesn’t say they said God’s name in vain with their words (though they may have). It focuses on their imaginations as being vain. The ideas they were conceiving were not Glorifying God. The vain imaginations this chapter in Romans is referring to is homosexual acts. Because we are created in God’s image for a purpose of being fruitful and multiplying within marriage, to know God and do the complete opposite is taking God’s name in vain. Whether words spoken are a reflection of the vain thoughts and actions or not, to withhold yourself from Glorifying God as who He is can be vain.

Taking the Lord’s name in vain is slandering His name or reputation by more than words alone and can lead to a darkening of your heart.

Now the good news, the great Gospel; God’s mercy and grace are not given in vain. The grace given to us is for a great and wonderful purpose. Our salvation is not meant to be taken in vain. Once we come to the knowledge of the Lord, we need to continue to resist vanity as we glorify God for who He is in our lives.

2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Bad Seed

Okay, I am going to be real. Yes, it’s true, I have a few faults. I bet you didn’t know. Ha ha, right.

These faults I carry can sometimes bring struggles in the midst of my blessed life, and it is my responsibility to be assertive enough to weed out the problems that tend to bloom up at any given time. For instance, yesterday, when I let anger consume me.
I’m sure you’re on the edge of your pew with anticipation about this anger issue, so I will explain.

I know, given my childhood, that I can become extremely angry at the thought of the man of the house putting his desires, especially work, before regarding the love and care he is to show his family. This situation can send a shock wave right through my mind bringing about some serious harsh comments and stress-building anger. When some time has passed without Brandon spending time with me and the girls, I become on edge with arrow-piercing words ready to spew from my mouth. Though Brandon is the most wonderful husband, he leans toward the workaholic side of life, making me on constant lookout for the unwanted neglectful situation.

The fault doesn’t set with his driven frame of mind, but the anger I let overtake our household when I perceive his hours away from home as his desire not to be with his family. Again, this is due to the life I led as a child and the role my dad played with my brother and me.

So, when I was reading the passage in Scripture where Jesus gives the parable of the Kingdom of God being like sowed seeds in a field, a new meaning hit me in the face.
Jesus explains the parable where there is good seed and then an enemy came and sowed tares. He is asked if the good seed should be pulled up with the bad, and Jesus says to let the seeds both grow together and at the time of harvest He will separate them. Jesus explains that the enemy is the devil and the bad seed are the wicked that he deceives. (Matthew Chapter 13)

When I read this chapter again last week, I began to think of this parable in a different way. Yes, I know that I want to be the good seed Jesus is able to allow into the Kingdom of Heaven. However, I began to imagine there could be good seed and bad seed sown into our lives we may need to weed out as it blooms to deter from allowing destruction.

One big seed placed in my life as a young child was one of a part-time dad and dysfunctional, unstable family. This seed grew alongside the seeds of my grandmother’s Christian influence, peer pressures and traditional education. While some seeds bloom positive outcomes, others show an ugly head of negativity.

Again, I am responsible for the reaction and actions I take as a result of these sown seeds. (It isn’t Brandon’s fault I grew up with a dad who came in and out of my life with father-daughter heart breaks along the way, and Brandon doesn’t deserve a quick lash of words when he is unaware of what he may have done to upset me.)

To make good choices pleasing to God in spite of the sown bad seeds or tares in my life, personally, I believe you have to be fully aware of who you are as a whole person.

I know myself well enough to know I have anger issues when dealing with certain situations. I know if someone is brave enough to ask for an honest opinion, I will be brave enough to tell them my thoughts and hope I don’t lack good tactics or a kind tone of voice. I know I tend to push others toward making decisions I would want them to rather than allowing room for lessons learned through fault.

I need to acknowledge my tendencies to be capable of being cautious of my attitude and actions. If I am unable learn my weaknesses and to hold on to God’s strengths through my life’s negative triggers, I won’t be watchful enough to keep from, in turn, planting bad seed in someone else’s life.

My desire is not to become an enemy tearing apart the good seeds God is seeking to plant for others. God will hold us accountable for the production or fruit in our garden and at the time of the harvest, He will make a separation between what is good and bad according to His standards.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Love Triumphs Education

I asked Autumn today if she knew Jesus loved her. I asked her if she knew Mommy and Daddy loved her. She said yes without hesitation.

While Autumn is only 3 years old and at this point may not fully comprehend the love others have for her, this love is important for her understanding and development.
It’s hard not to focus on the ABCs she refuses to sing or the big vocabulary words I would like her to know and pronounce, especially after working as a teacher for so long. I sometimes notice the children I’ve seen who have been more advanced than Autumn in their education, and I wonder if I’m not doing the mom job as well as I should.

Brandon, being a wonderful husband and dad, tells me not to worry. He says Autumn is smart and will pick up and report the knowledge she has in time. I know Autumn is very intelligent. I also know that she can be a reflection of the efforts I make as a mother, and I want to go beyond just enough and bless my child with all the knowledge I have to give her.

Of course, God has recently pointed out in order to reach my goal as a parent, I need to understand God’s love is more important than mathematics, and Christ’s gift of salvation is more important than meeting milestones at certain stages in life.
Reaching specific developmental skills at various ages should not take presidency over having a solid foundation with Christ when she reaches the age of accountability.

Yes, education is a valuable tool for this life, but Christ is of more worth for her eternal life.

So, Autumn may argue that every letter she sees is an E. She may say two, one, three when counting, not because she doesn’t know how to count, but because, her favorite number is two and insists on beginning with it anytime she works with numbers. And, she enjoys yelling out, “pancakes” when unsure of an answer to any question, no matter the topic.

However, Autumn also knows how to lift her hands to praise the Lord. She knows how to say her prayers with Mommy and Daddy before meals and bedtime. Most importantly, Mommy and Daddy will always work to make sure she knows the Lord’s love, and that triumphs any other basic fact we can teach her.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thank You Military service men and women!!

I wrote this letter a long time ago, but thought it would be good to post today with it being Veteran's Day.


Dear friend,

I will be honest, as I always am; I’m not sure what someone in the military would want to read. I’m not sure what words someone would want to be encouraged with, but I do know that God has asked me to make an effort.

I’m not a brilliant writer, but words are my world. I analyze and debate within myself as to what is the better way to communicate a message to another person. Of course, when I’m not sure what message I should be sending, I go to prayer.

It’s similar to the way you may feel approaching your daily tasks. You may not know exactly what detailed steps you need to take along your path, but you know you need to make a move. God is my anchor point, so when I’m unsure, I know I can get the confidence I need through prayer to make a move.

The road I move along may look much different than your road. Mine consists of struggling to roll out of bed, as I am not a morning person, and prying my 2-year-old from her blankets so we can venture out for another day that looks much like each previous day. Routine surrounds me in a pleasant way. Work, dinner, cleaning, and entertaining a 2-year-old is on the agenda before returning to bed.

I could not imagine a life without the comfort of my own bed in a home with my family, and it is this reason alone that I thank God for making us all so different. God leads us down different roads. Your road may look much different but as our roads interconnect we have the ability to make an impact on others even when we are unaware.

Some may be bound up in the debates and details of our government and its role in the military, but I drop all of it to be simply thankful. I am thankful that God has allowed our differences to lead us to varied destinations. I am thankful for the person strong enough to train and take a stand where ever they are led, so our enemies do not cause danger to our children within the proximity of this land.

While I may not have a clear view to the road you are traveling, I want you to know that there is someone thankful for the work you do along the way. Even when you feel you haven’t made a monumental impact, your willingness is enough to make a difference. With this letter I also am sending prayers, and I hope God has a special blessing for you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

With God’s love and a thankful heart,
Melissa

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Wow...deception is running wild.

So, just like any day when I got some free time I scurried up to the computer to see what was happening through Facebook. I stay up to date with friends and family this way and use it as an outlet for things on my mind occasionally. Well, today was slightly different. When looking at the home page, I was blown away by a post an old friend of mine had placed on her page.

She had posted an image from a homophobia page. The image on one side had two gay men leading up to a romantic kiss, while on the other side was orphans starving to death. The caption read: If the picture on the left (gay men) shocks you more than the picture on the right (orphans), you need to revise your views on immortality.

There is so much wrong with this logic, I don't even know where to begin. Hence the reason I am typing a blog about it rather than commenting on Facebook, especially since there are so many deceived people ready to argue.

My mind raced with several comments I might have injected. I don't believe either picture is shocking. We have gays living just as orphans are dying. This is a corrupt world after all. However, if both were to reach death the orphans would no longer have to suffer as they are swept away in the arms of Jesus, and the sadness for those deceived living homosexual lifestyles would be not having the same luxury. (Romans 1:25-32)

One group of people doesn't rank higher than the other. Jesus Christ died on a cross to bring salvation to everyone. However, He will let go those who turn to wicked ways of living. And yes, for those God has told to take care of the orphans and are not, they are also in disobedience. (James 1:27)

God is the judge of both, and we have Scripture to lead us in the right direction if we will heed to its instructions.

The other problem I have with posts and comments in regards to homosexuals is the word homophobia. Seriously, people act as if being a Christian automatically makes you scared of a gay or lesbian as if they are the Boogie Man. Just because I don't agree with their lifestyle, the same as a drug addict, does not mean I hate them (as a true Christian, I'm not suppose to let hate overtake my heart anyhow), and it does not mean I am scared because someone is gay. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Yes, arachnophobia, I am scared sometimes of a little spider crawling across the floor because I don't want to be touched or bit by the eight-legged creation. However, I'm not scared a gay or lesbian is going to touch or hurt me in anyway. (Matthew 10:28)

Those who take comments and ideals in regards to homosexuality without running it alongside Scripture(truth) are being deceived and I find that more shocking or sad in the whole scheme of things. Too bad there isn't an image I could post to counteract the fuel to the fire of deception.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

What we will endure for a child…

I’ve never been so exhausted. I feel as though my back has broken in half at my rib cage with every muscle requesting a vacation. I am continually told I shouldn’t be tackling certain daily tasks the way I do in my condition. My condition being that I am pregnant.

Aside from the physical strain on my body, the waves of nauseating moments and limitations (mostly bending over) I have faced throughout the last 9 months, I still have to embrace the thrill ride of delivering the child who currently wants to kick her way out my side. Sounds a bit crazy, right?

Well, women volunteer their bodies to the growth of children every day. They endure ridiculous morning sickness, or anytime sickness. Then they move on to never receiving rest from an average of 20 to 40 pounds of extra carriage. Lastly, labor can take hours spent with contractions, possibly pain medicine and pushing like no one has ever seen.

All of this for a little baby who usually cries the first time they see you. Of course, Mommy doesn’t care about all the pain and suffering she may have felt, she is looking at beautiful blue eyes, tiny hands and this small baby bundled ready for her arms.
Many have said this in past; I know I have, that a mother’s love is similar to God’s love for His children. To put a different spin on this love, I believe a mother’s love is similar to Christ’s love for God’s children.

Christ volunteered His body up for the growth of God’s children. He endured ridiculous ridicule and torture. Then he moved on to carrying the weight of our sin on His body. Lastly, hours were spent hanging from a cross.

All of this for a little child who usually runs the first time they are introduced to the love of Christ. Of course, Christ doesn’t mind all the pain and suffering He might have felt, because he is looking at a precious child of God ready to love with open arms.

Friday, September 30, 2011

They missed one…

While waiting at the doctor’s office, I scanned through a magazine and came across a collection of articles featuring fathers in the local area nominated as the best dads. Not one of the fathers was extra extraordinary with any super power except for taking their job as dad seriously and holding their children dear to their hearts.

I decided after reading through a few of these dad stories, the magazine missed one. Brandon, my husband, is the best dad I know. Our first daughter, Autumn, is 3-years-old and soon our second, Brooklyn, will be born.

The Lord wanted to bless Brandon with daddy’s little girls and he cherishes his time as a daddy. In the evening, you can find Brandon helping prepare dinner, sitting around the table with us, cleaning up the spaghetti-covered face and fingers of a toddler and then having pretend tea time in Autumn’s bedroom floor.

Of course, Autumn enjoys many of daddy’s interests as well. While Brandon enjoys making house plans on his computer, he and Autumn love to pull out the bag of blocks to construct a house or castle also.

As Autumn has grown in the past year, she has become a mini-Brandon. They both love music and will dance together. They love to be outside, so Autumn will follow daddy cleaning the yard or working on something before Brandon will help her ride her bike or bang on her drums.

Brandon works full-time and runs a small yard care business, so these moments in time with his little girl are very important to the both of us.

I am very proud our girls have such a great and wonderful father they can spend time with, love and learn from as they grow and mature.