Fear of the Lord

Hi cyber-friends : )

Just a quick note to say, I've had some SERIOUS prodding from the Lord to explore the idea of the "Fear of the Lord". So, I am. I would just like to put it out there to all of you, though, first, for your own consideration, second, to ask you to share with me- what does that phrase mean to you? What Scriptures come to mind? Have you read any books or articles that dealt with the topic? Heard any sermons or other teachings? I have encountered it SEVERAL times in the last few weeks (hence the prodding)- but the first was in the teaching Bruce Van Natta (Sweet Bread Ministries) did at a healing service at Trinity. I have been trying and trying to get that teaching up in the sermon archives for Trinity. If I ever succeed, I'll post a link. (the video is very large and my computer has memory issues... and that's just the beginning- but I digress)

I appreciate your input! Don't be shy :D
Blessings,
Katherine
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P.S. Has anyone read the book "Fear of the Lord" by John Bevere or "The Joy of Fearing God" by Jerry Bridges? Both in my Amazon cart and would love to have feedback on which one to start with.

Undeserved Blessings

I am having a good reminder this week of how we don't deserve any of the blessings we have or receive- but our Father longs to give good gifts to His children (Luke 11:13) - He longs to be gracious to us (Isaiah 30:18). In fact, I've got to show you the whole context of that verse:
"18Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!"

It's always a bit of a surprise when Scripture is so graphic- but- you understand the point, right? Menstrual cloths or idols are not something you want to keep around. I am brought to the realization time and again, that the pet sins I let lurk around become idols-detestable to the Lord. I turn to them to get through the tough part of the day- I allow them to be my comfort, my escape. But, they need to by defiled and THROWN AWAY! And, Lord- may they become as detestable to ME as they are to you!

I am being blessed this week, with something I desperately need, but do NOT deserve. I have not earned it. I could only have dreamed of it. It reminds me of the verse from Romans 2:4, "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" His kindness to me this week, is leading me to repentance for being stuck- for allowing myself to live the UNinspired life for the last couple months. For allowing pet sins to hang around like a STENCH. But, I feel the cool breeze of renewal blowing. I hope that somehow this can be a reminder to you as well- that whether life is good or life is bad- it's not because we've earned it or deserve it. Well, sometimes bad choices do equal bad consequences- yes, from my gluttony I have put back on the few pounds I lost last year- that's a consequence- a direct result of MY actions. But what I mean is- we didn't earn the snowstorm, or our kids being sick. And, where ever we are... our Lord longs to be gracious to us. Take a moment, to ask Him to show you how He is being gracious to you- how He wants to give you more of His gift of the Holy Spirit- how He is being compassionate to you. He will. And allow His showing you, to woo you out the lull and slumber of a spiritual winter- if you're there- and feel the excitement and renewal of spring. If you need a way, like me, to show Him your gratitude, check out the song "I'm amazed by you" in the playlist on the right side of this page. It's a great song to worship Him with. Blessings, friends!

Be ministered to...

In response to John 13 where Jesus washes His disciple's feet, Beth Moore asks in the Bible study, A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place,

"How do you let Christ minister to you?"

I thought this an interesting question, and I'd like to hear how YOU would answer that question.

Practicing the Presence

Hey friends!
I've been a horrible blogger lately- :( Sorry about that! We have a birthday-a -month from Dec through March- (when we have 2 back to back!) And like everyone else, we were sick, passed it around and around, got secondary ear infections, and our latest was an allergic reaction to antibiotic. All that to say- life's been busy- sorry I haven't been blogging!

I'm leading a discipleship group at my house on Sunday mornings (are any of you reading?!?!) and we've been going through My Heart, Christ's Home- a tiny booklet I mentioned a few posts back. This week we were discussing the discipline of "Practicing the Presence of Christ"- in other words, reminding ourselves often that the reality is- HE, Jesus, is right here with me, whether I acknowledge Him or not. An author I have learned SO much from, Leanne Payne, refers to this as Incarnational Reality.

The Incarnation was when God became a man- "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." John 1:14 And though He ascended to heaven- He is with us through His Spirit- "Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ... 13 when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:8, 13) So, Incarnational Reality is acknowledging this "unseen real"- the spiritual dimension- the "Kingdom of God" that is all around us, yet, we are so frequently oblivious to it!

A few verses we talked about if you are interested in a little Bible study...
Psalm 139:7-12
Matthew 28:18-20
Deuteronomy 31:6-8
2 Corinthians 4:18
Ephesians 3:16-18

These are just the TIP of the iceberg- the Bible is basically the story of how God is with His people!

Hope that you are able to very practically discipline yourself to acknowledge the Presence of Christ with you- ALLLLLLLL the time! Right now! When you sleep! When you pray! When you go to the grocery story, talk on the phone, make dinner, etc. etc. etc!!! :) What a comfort- what a relief, what an amazing reality.

In wonder and gratitude,
Katherine

Talking with God

Hi friends :)

A few days ago, as I was praying by writing in my prayer journal, I had a conversation with the Lord that I felt He wanted me to share with you. I have hesitated in doing that for a few days- I've never shared from it before, except with my husband- but I know He wants me to share it. So... here goes! I hope you are blessed- imagine it's a conversation between YOU and Him!

March 3rd, 2009
Me: What's on your heart this morning?
the Lord: YOU are.
Me: I am? Why am I on Your heart this morning with all the people who need you? (I name several people I am regularly praying for)
the Lord: There is enough of Me to have them all AND you on on my heart. Just a reminder from Psalm 139
"I made all the delicate, inner parts of your body and knit you together in your mother's womb."
Me: "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is MARVELOUS and how well I know it!"
the Lord: "I watched you as you were being formed in utter seclusion, as you were woven together in the dark of the womb. I saw you before you were born. Ever day of your life was recorded in my book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed!"
Me: "How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God!"

When I woke up this morning- you were still with me! (v. 18b)

v. 23 Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out what in me offends You; and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Then I read Romans 4:5 and down to 5:17 and 6:11-12 all in New Living Translation. (If you've never tried it- do! It's not a study Bible- but a wonderfully conversational Bible- it brings things to light in a brand new way if you've always read another translation!)

The reason I believe I was to share all of this--- just to say that YOU are on God's heart- EVERY DAY!!! Sometimes I get to thinking that God is most interested in the people I know with serious struggles. He wanted to remind me on March 3rd- and I believe wants to remind You- not to put Him in a box. He is plenty big for all those we pray for AND US! YOU are on His heart- don't forget it!

My discipleship group is going to read My Heart- Christ's Home by Robert Boyd Munger. It's a tiny little booklet. If you've never read it- I highly recommend it. A wonderful illustration of Ephesians 3:16-17

NIV- ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

NLT-17 I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.

I pray that with Paul for each of you reading and for myself- may He be more and more at home in our hearts! Have a great night,
~Katherine

Discipling Your Kids

If you are a Christian parent- check out my new blog Discipling Your Kids. I've been thinking about this for a while now. I wanted to have a dedicated place to dialogue about discipling my children and now- I've taken action! Hope you'll join the conversation!
Blessings,
~Katherine