Tag Archives: religion

Sep16

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on September 16, 2014 by lsgrlr

I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Judges 3. “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that He sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. But when they cried out to the Lord, He raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them.The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel” (Verses 7-12). Do you see the cycle? Israel sins, God sends a deliverer who saves them. They live in peace serving God until the Judge dies, and then they forget EVERYTHING. What?! After reading this chapter I had this thought: What is my faith based on? Israel’s faith it seemed was based on their leaders. When the leader was alive they followed God, but when he died they followed the god of whoever was closest. Their relationship with God was not RELATIONSHIP, but religion. They worshiped because that was what everyone else was doing. They served God because that was what the leader said to do. Therefore, because their faith didn’t run any deeper than that they were swayed by any and everything that caught their fancy. God does not want our religion, He wants our relationship. What’s the difference? Religion is performance based it is rules and regulations that you have to adhere to, less you be deemed less worthy. Relationship is a matter of the heart. It is not based on rules and regulation. Instead it is a desire to truly serve, to truly be a part of this friendship with God. It is a willing choice to move forward in intimate friendship. Friendship does not require the friend to always be right before your eyes for the it to last. See the difference? Israel followed rules, thus when the ruler died so did their faith. God is not looking for rule followers (although He does desire obedience), instead He is looking for heart followers. He wants relationship.

Mar4

Random ( hopefully inspired ) Thought

Posted on March 4, 2014 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Genesis 39. “And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance…But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper” (Verses 3-6, 21-23). Sold into slavery, the Lord was with him. Thrown into prison, the Lord was with him. Note both the master of the house and the keeper of the prison had so much faith in Joseph (because the Lord was with him), that the Bible says they had no clue about what was going on because they left it in Joseph’s care. Today’s goal…that God shines so bright in me that those around me see Him clearly. The lesson: No matter where we are (palace or prison) God is with us.

Dec22

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on December 22, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

2 John 1. “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love” (2 John 1). Walk in love. What is love from God’s perspective? Obedience. I don’t know about everyone else, but obedience is sometimes a struggle for me. Why? Because my flesh and my spirit are constantly at war. My flesh longs for the things of the world, while my spirit the things of God. At the end of the day it is a matter of who I love more. Do I love God enough to do what He says, or do I love the world and it’s temporary pleasures more? Today the choice is ours to make, my choice: God. Why? I’ll choose everlasting and real, over temporary and fake any day.

Dec15

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on December 15, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

1 Peter 3. “Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water…But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (Verses 3-5, 8-9). We forget who God is and render Him as limited as we are. We make God’s promises like ours limited in scope. Don’t forget that God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His grace is not our grace. Don’t assume that just because God’s promises haven’t come in the time we thought they should, that they won’t happen. God is patient and He is giving all people time to find the hope He has freely bestowed. He said clearly, “No man knows the day or time”. No amount of arguing will change God’s plans.

Dec7

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on December 7, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

James 5. ” Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (Verses 7-9). It’s hard to be patient. It is even harder to wait patiently. I would like to start a movement banning these two words from ever being used in the same sentence (wait and patiently). Why? I find this action so, so, so HARD to do. Yet, nothing that’s worthwhile ever comes quickly. All the really great blessings take time and preparations and begs the waiter to be patient. Example childbirth. Recently one of my friends gave birth to the most adorable baby girl on the planet, but she took nine month to get here. Her mother had to wait patiently. Don’t forget the call, don’t live life as though God does not exist and does not do what He says. He tarries not because He can’t get here, but because He is merciful. If He’d come 50 years ago, 20 years ago, how many of us would have missed out? Today don’t mistake mercy for forgetfulness. Wait patiently on the Lord.

Dec1

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on December 1, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Hebrews 12. “And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as his son.’ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!” (Verses 5-9). The misconception: I know God loves me if He says YES to everything I ask. Let me help clear some things up, it DOES NOT work like that. God’s love is reflected in that He teaches us and leads us in the right direction ALWAYS. even when that means we are not getting what we want. Love is not about getting our hearts desire (if so i would live in a chocolate house), it is about receiving exactly what we NEED. Don’t scoff at God’s disciple, know that it is for our good. Appreciate that He loves you enough to discipline you.

Nov23

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on November 23, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Hebrew 4. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Verses 12-13). We can hide our true nature and our true intents from others, but not from God. Let me take a moment to talk personally about how true these verses are. God often uses His word to reveal things in my life. The Bible is, for lack of a better word a cleansing tool. The truth of it penetrates even the dirtiest of areas, and if allowed to makes new the filthiest of offenders. It is painful to see your heart, and face your own depravity. But the freedom of knowing your are no longer bound is worth all the pain. So today if you haven’t opened up your bible, take the time to do so. Let God’s word free you from what holds you down.

Oct26

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on October 26, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Colossians 3. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Verses 15-17). Our perspective determines our outlook. God sent His only Son so that we could have peace. The same power that raised Christ is the same power available to us. Don’t look at the circumstance look at God, who has the power to change the circumstance. Focus on God’s love and peace today (even if you feel not peaceful), and He will walk with your through the storm, He will fill your heart with peace.

Sep3

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on September 3, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Romans 15. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Verse 13). This is such a great prayer. Such a wonderful thing to want for the people you love and care about. Paul prayed for hope, peace, and the overflowing of joy. I pray the same for every reader today, hope, peace, and joy so full it spills out and touches others.

Sep1

Random (hopefully inspired) Thought

Posted on September 1, 2013 by lsgrlr

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I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Romans 13. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Verse 1). I am not gonna lie I have trouble with this verse, not because I have a problem with authority, but because many times those in power abuse their authority. The thing though is our obedience to right, should not be based on the actions of another. We need to do what is right, even when we don’t like or agree with the authority we are subject to. Right is right. PERIOD. Don’t try to justify disobedience, do what is right in God’s sight and He’ll deal with the injustice.