The Hebrew word for call means to "proclaim, name or summon". There is an action I need to take if I desire the Lord's nearness - and I do! The second part of that verse is "..to all who call on him in truth". To call on someone is to believe they are worth calling. It is a willingness to yield to them and a belief they have something you need. David, the psalmist, believed this promise!
Joe Stowell compares this yielding to obeyng a "yield" traffic sign. It is a smart thing to do, right? Stowell says:
"When I lay the baggage of my selfish and sinful choices at the base
of my yield sign and merge with His will and way, He knows that my
heart belongs to Him."
It is then that He draws near; He knows He is invited in.
This Christmas, when you read Matthew 1:18-25 or sing "Emmanuel" (God with us), be blessed as you celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus. Because of His life and death, we can have a personal and daily connectedness with our Almighty God. His nearness will bring you direction, comfort, joy, peace and all that you need. Will you call on Him today?
Merry Christmas, friends. May you be blessed by His nearness this holiday.
For further study: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 105:1, Isaiah 30:18, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 33:3, Matthew 1:18-25, John 15:4-8, Romans 10:12-13, Philippians 4:5, Hebrews 10:22, James 4:8.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
December 8, 2011
December 2, 2011
I'm so sorry...
I'm so sorry to Anonymous who is trying to order a JESUS LOVES ME pillow. Other than "comments", this blog is not equipped to take orders, but if you will email me at pillowholly@aol.com, I would love to take your order.
But since others of you might be reading this, I just have to tell you my "pillow of the day" scripture...it has only been embroidered, so a devotional will come later. As many of you know, my sweet husband had abdominal/hernia surgery last week and, by God's grace, he's doing wonderfully. But during the surgery, there was just a little apprehension about whether our precious surgeon would find returning cancer...and many were lifting prayers during that time. Praise the Lord, he did not find any cancer and we are thankful beyond words. But I knew whatever he did find, our Father in heaven was going to bless us in the midst of it. So my scripture for today is Psalm 145:18:
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all
who call on him in truth."
I am convinced that is the bottom line of life: He will be present in all areas that we allow Him to be...to all the places we invite Him to be Lord. Make Him the Lord of your life today...can you imagine any greater thing than calling on the name of the Lord and having Him be near? I am not worthy...He alone is worthy!
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
But since others of you might be reading this, I just have to tell you my "pillow of the day" scripture...it has only been embroidered, so a devotional will come later. As many of you know, my sweet husband had abdominal/hernia surgery last week and, by God's grace, he's doing wonderfully. But during the surgery, there was just a little apprehension about whether our precious surgeon would find returning cancer...and many were lifting prayers during that time. Praise the Lord, he did not find any cancer and we are thankful beyond words. But I knew whatever he did find, our Father in heaven was going to bless us in the midst of it. So my scripture for today is Psalm 145:18:
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all
who call on him in truth."
I am convinced that is the bottom line of life: He will be present in all areas that we allow Him to be...to all the places we invite Him to be Lord. Make Him the Lord of your life today...can you imagine any greater thing than calling on the name of the Lord and having Him be near? I am not worthy...He alone is worthy!
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
November 20, 2011
"In everything we give thanks to you, Lord"
I have to once again confess this isn't a scripture (although it's awfully close to 1 Thes. 5:18!) but a song by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir that always inspires me. This year - more than almost any other year - I have so much to GIVE THANKS for. On this Thanksgiving week, to whom do you GIVE THANKS? The clerk in the grocery store? The one who prepares your turkey? Yourself for the good work you've done?
Psalm 136 says:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good
his love endures forever."
When we GIVE THANKS to the Lord, we make Him our focus. Our thoughts are elevated from ourselves to Him. That pleases Him. It puts Him in the right place...and ourselves looking up to Him. Life is often hard. The Lord Jesus gave thanks even the night before he knew he was facing death (1 Cor. 11:24). Giving thanks takes our minds off what we want and puts them on what we do have. It takes such little effort to GIVE THANKS and gives such great pleasure. This day and every day, I want my heart to be very aware that "great is the Lord and most worthy of praise". These are a few of the things I GIVE THANKS for this Thanksgiving:
1. I GIVE THANKS for a hernia that Don will have surgery on tomorrow because he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer four years ago and we didn't think he would even be alive today. I also GIVE THANKS for a surgeon who loves the Lord and found the original cancer and knew what to do immediately.
2. I GIVE THANKS for our boys who are walking with the Lord and for two special young women who are walking with them. I also GIVE THANKS because they are both getting paychecks!
3. I GIVE THANKS for our church family that prays and cares for us and each other so beautifully.
4. I GIVE THANKS for my God who continues to chip away at my weaknesses and imperfections.
5. I GIVE THANKS for children in our church who are eager to love Jesus and sing about him.
6. I GIVE THANKS for a President who has a very difficult job but is not afraid to quote references from the Bible.
7. I GIVE THANKS that Jesus is our "better hope". I will not despair at the condition of our world or the people in it, because He is sufficient for our every need.
I agree with a prayer read in Bible study this week: "...my little vessel is as full as it can be"! I will GIVE THANKS to the One to whom it is rightfully due.
For further study: 1 Chronicles 16:8, Psalm 95:2, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 136, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thess. 5:18, Hebrews 12:29
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Love,
Holly
Psalm 136 says:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good
his love endures forever."
When we GIVE THANKS to the Lord, we make Him our focus. Our thoughts are elevated from ourselves to Him. That pleases Him. It puts Him in the right place...and ourselves looking up to Him. Life is often hard. The Lord Jesus gave thanks even the night before he knew he was facing death (1 Cor. 11:24). Giving thanks takes our minds off what we want and puts them on what we do have. It takes such little effort to GIVE THANKS and gives such great pleasure. This day and every day, I want my heart to be very aware that "great is the Lord and most worthy of praise". These are a few of the things I GIVE THANKS for this Thanksgiving:
1. I GIVE THANKS for a hernia that Don will have surgery on tomorrow because he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer four years ago and we didn't think he would even be alive today. I also GIVE THANKS for a surgeon who loves the Lord and found the original cancer and knew what to do immediately.
2. I GIVE THANKS for our boys who are walking with the Lord and for two special young women who are walking with them. I also GIVE THANKS because they are both getting paychecks!
3. I GIVE THANKS for our church family that prays and cares for us and each other so beautifully.
4. I GIVE THANKS for my God who continues to chip away at my weaknesses and imperfections.
5. I GIVE THANKS for children in our church who are eager to love Jesus and sing about him.
6. I GIVE THANKS for a President who has a very difficult job but is not afraid to quote references from the Bible.
7. I GIVE THANKS that Jesus is our "better hope". I will not despair at the condition of our world or the people in it, because He is sufficient for our every need.
I agree with a prayer read in Bible study this week: "...my little vessel is as full as it can be"! I will GIVE THANKS to the One to whom it is rightfully due.
For further study: 1 Chronicles 16:8, Psalm 95:2, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 136, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thess. 5:18, Hebrews 12:29
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Love,
Holly
November 16, 2011
"The peace of God...will guard your hearts" - Philippians 4:7
This verse was written by Paul to the church in Philippi. He was in prison as he wrote it and they had sent him a gift. They were precious to him - beloved brothers - and he wanted to encourage them in their Christian living. Unfortunately there were women in this church who seemed to be at odds with each other and it was causing disunity in the church. That can happen!(#?%) Paul used the military term of "mounting guard" to encourage these believers toward this peace that only God can produce. Roy Laurin says:
"...the peace of God is like God's sentry
which mounts guard and patrols the gates
of the mind and the outposts of the heart."
Is there peace in your mind or lots of anxious maneuverings going on? How about your heart? Is peace the reigning emotion there? Anxiety is the opposite of peace. Can you think of a single positive accomplisment of anxiety? This verse gives me the assurance that His peace is much more desirable than my worrying about every little thing.
I recently read a devotional by Cathy Jodeit about her 5 year old grandson and his first soccer game. The coach gave all the little players a chance at being the goalie - the guard who protected his team's net. She used it as an illustration of how we must be "on guard" in our own lives. We have to learn what to let in and what to keep out. We have to learn to block the kicks that come to our heart. The enemy wants to catch us "off guard" so he can score and get us off game. When we get distracted or off-balance, he invades and destroys. Jodeit says:
"...if we let God be our guard, then our game will
be played with integrity and honesty, and warfare
will be in the hands of a mighty warrior."
So how do we get this peace? Our own efforts to produce peace are futile. Peace is a fruit (product) of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and His work in us. Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ can that Holy Spirit indwell us. It is through that relationship that we can know and love God. The Captain of our team is the Lord Jesus. Why would we want to be on any other team?
For further study: Psalm 91:11, Psalm 141:3, Proverbs 4:13,23, Proverbs 21:23, Isaiah 52:12, John 14:6, 27, John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
"...the peace of God is like God's sentry
which mounts guard and patrols the gates
of the mind and the outposts of the heart."
Is there peace in your mind or lots of anxious maneuverings going on? How about your heart? Is peace the reigning emotion there? Anxiety is the opposite of peace. Can you think of a single positive accomplisment of anxiety? This verse gives me the assurance that His peace is much more desirable than my worrying about every little thing.
I recently read a devotional by Cathy Jodeit about her 5 year old grandson and his first soccer game. The coach gave all the little players a chance at being the goalie - the guard who protected his team's net. She used it as an illustration of how we must be "on guard" in our own lives. We have to learn what to let in and what to keep out. We have to learn to block the kicks that come to our heart. The enemy wants to catch us "off guard" so he can score and get us off game. When we get distracted or off-balance, he invades and destroys. Jodeit says:
"...if we let God be our guard, then our game will
be played with integrity and honesty, and warfare
will be in the hands of a mighty warrior."
So how do we get this peace? Our own efforts to produce peace are futile. Peace is a fruit (product) of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22) and His work in us. Only through a relationship with Jesus Christ can that Holy Spirit indwell us. It is through that relationship that we can know and love God. The Captain of our team is the Lord Jesus. Why would we want to be on any other team?
For further study: Psalm 91:11, Psalm 141:3, Proverbs 4:13,23, Proverbs 21:23, Isaiah 52:12, John 14:6, 27, John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 1:14.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
November 9, 2011
"A wise woman builds her home" - Part 4
This is the last message in the series taken from our church's October women's conference with Devi Titus on THE HOME EXPERIENCE. This last section, "The Table Principle" is probably the most important in terms of value in the family. Our homes have become such busy places; eating meals at a table has become a very rare thing. Devi says "mealtime is no longer an opportunity for families to build relationships".
Titus takes an interesting search through the Bible to see the importance of the table. Beginning in Exodus 25:8, we see the first table: the one prepared for the tabernacle to hold the bread of the Presence (face). The Lord gave Moses very specific instructions on how to build and use this table. Oddly enough the dimensions are very similar to many of our tables today. This table represented the presence of the Lord and His redemptive work.
Here is a listing of some of the benefits of eating at the table:
1. Restore confidence and personal value - 2 Samuel 9
2. Honor those you previously judged - 2 Kings 25:29
3. Share your table; then your faith - Acts 2:46-47
4. Restore family relationships - Luke 15:23
5. Invite the outcasts - Matthew 26:7
6. Negotiate your differences at the table - Psalm 23:5
Other important work: Love is expressed, character developed, learning sharing and serving, conversational skills practiced (look at each other eye-to-eye), praise for God and his work, manners and gratitude learned....
Satan has distracted us by redesigning our homes - bars instead of tables, game rooms instead of dining rooms, fast food in front of the TV, etc. Studies have shown the communication that happens at the table benefits everyone. Even our international leaders meet at a table!
Now a confession from Holly: currently my dining room table is filled with holiday/craft show preparation stuff! I resolve TODAY to prepare it for a special place to be used for meeting and ministry of the Lord. If this was His plan for His holy place, I want it to be the plan for mine! Bon appetite!
For further study: Psalm 128:3, Proverbs 9:2, Luke 22:14-20, Acts 2:42-47, Revelation 3:20
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!
Next week: new pillow, new fabric, new verse - "The peace of God...will guard your hearts." Phil.4.7
Love,
Holly
Titus takes an interesting search through the Bible to see the importance of the table. Beginning in Exodus 25:8, we see the first table: the one prepared for the tabernacle to hold the bread of the Presence (face). The Lord gave Moses very specific instructions on how to build and use this table. Oddly enough the dimensions are very similar to many of our tables today. This table represented the presence of the Lord and His redemptive work.
Here is a listing of some of the benefits of eating at the table:
1. Restore confidence and personal value - 2 Samuel 9
2. Honor those you previously judged - 2 Kings 25:29
3. Share your table; then your faith - Acts 2:46-47
4. Restore family relationships - Luke 15:23
5. Invite the outcasts - Matthew 26:7
6. Negotiate your differences at the table - Psalm 23:5
Other important work: Love is expressed, character developed, learning sharing and serving, conversational skills practiced (look at each other eye-to-eye), praise for God and his work, manners and gratitude learned....
Satan has distracted us by redesigning our homes - bars instead of tables, game rooms instead of dining rooms, fast food in front of the TV, etc. Studies have shown the communication that happens at the table benefits everyone. Even our international leaders meet at a table!
Now a confession from Holly: currently my dining room table is filled with holiday/craft show preparation stuff! I resolve TODAY to prepare it for a special place to be used for meeting and ministry of the Lord. If this was His plan for His holy place, I want it to be the plan for mine! Bon appetite!
For further study: Psalm 128:3, Proverbs 9:2, Luke 22:14-20, Acts 2:42-47, Revelation 3:20
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word!
Next week: new pillow, new fabric, new verse - "The peace of God...will guard your hearts." Phil.4.7
Love,
Holly
November 2, 2011
"The Use-What-You-Have Principle - Part 3
The third principle Devi Titus shares in her book, THE HOME EXPERIENCE, comes from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. This passage is about a master who goes on a journey and entrusts his money to 3 servants - 5 talents went to one, 3 talents to the next and 1 talent to the last. The one with 5 earned 5 more; the one with 3 earned 2 more and the one with 1 buried his talent because he was afraid to lose it. When the master returned, he was thrilled with the first 2 becuase they had used their talents to make more - "well done, good and faithful servant" he said to them. To the one who was afraid, he said "you wicked and lazy servant" because he didn't use what he had. Even his one was taken from him.
Devi stated three central truths from this passage:
1. Your quality of life is largely impacted by your attitude. The first two servants were eager and ready to go forward. The one who was afraid was ungrateful and defensive. Choosing to maintain a grateful attitude will motivate you to use what you have to bless others.
2. We are given "talents" according to our abilities. Our responsibility is to manage and use His gifts for Kingdom purposes. Are we multiplying His gifts or hoarding them?
3. What has been the end result of using your gifts? Is it fruitfulness? Devi says "you cannot rule that which you have not faithfully tended".
Devi said "if you use what you have, you'll always have what you need". The Lord has entrusted us as believers with something to use for His purposes. The choice is ours - what will you do with yours? What will I do with mine? Ask Him to show you and be willing to hear and adjust your ways.
For further study: Proverbs 15:6-9, Matthew 6:33, Luke 16:1-15, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 2 Cor 8:1-7, 2 Cor 9:6-15, Galatians 6:7-8, Ephesians 6:7
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
Devi stated three central truths from this passage:
1. Your quality of life is largely impacted by your attitude. The first two servants were eager and ready to go forward. The one who was afraid was ungrateful and defensive. Choosing to maintain a grateful attitude will motivate you to use what you have to bless others.
2. We are given "talents" according to our abilities. Our responsibility is to manage and use His gifts for Kingdom purposes. Are we multiplying His gifts or hoarding them?
3. What has been the end result of using your gifts? Is it fruitfulness? Devi says "you cannot rule that which you have not faithfully tended".
Devi said "if you use what you have, you'll always have what you need". The Lord has entrusted us as believers with something to use for His purposes. The choice is ours - what will you do with yours? What will I do with mine? Ask Him to show you and be willing to hear and adjust your ways.
For further study: Proverbs 15:6-9, Matthew 6:33, Luke 16:1-15, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 2 Cor 8:1-7, 2 Cor 9:6-15, Galatians 6:7-8, Ephesians 6:7
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
October 26, 2011
"A wise woman builds her home" - Part 2
This is Part 2 of my report on our church's recent women's conference with Devi Titus on THE HOME EXPERIENCE (by the way, I recommend your purchasing the book!). I believe it is an important message to share...this is not the message the world will teach, for sure!
This week's report is on Devi's topic "The Also Principle"...you might say, what in the world is that? Well, it comes from a Genesis passage when Abraham sent his servant out to find a wife for his son (my sons' biggest fear!). Abraham knew a wife could undermine the inheritance Isaac would receive, and he wanted this woman to come from the old country where they had similar values in life. He wanted Isaac's wife to be a blessing, not a curse. The servant prayed for guidance and set out to find this babe...he came upon a beautiful woman and asked her for a drink, which she gave him. Then, in Gen. 24:16, she said "I'll draw water for your camels ALSO". Do you get the idea? She didn't just do what was asked, she went above and beyond! Of course she was the one and they lived happily ever after!
Rebekah was: responsible, serving, industrious, courteous, charitable, willing to share, hospitable, finished what she started and submitted to the authority of her family. Does that sound like someone you would like your son to end up with? Does it sound like you? Oh, I am so not an "Also" person...I try to get by with minimum effort...I am famous for "that's good enough"...from cleaning my house to grocery shopping! I don't want to be that way any more!
The "Also Principle" is defined by a willing attitude to do more than is asked of you; our character is to "do more" in our work and relationships, not "do less". Devi said if you apply this principle you will grow your faith, turn provision into prosperity, deepen your obedience and cause you to desire a more intimate relationship with God (all things Abraham wanted to pass on to his son and his family).
Do this in your work habits (stay a little later than is expected), your home (be more creative than efficient), your relationships (speak a kind word rather than a quick one), the marketplace (speak to someone in need), and many other places. If you want to be blessed - even when it's inconvenient or undeserved - go the extra mile, do a little more, not a little less.
By the way, do you know what the opposite of the "Also Principle" is? Laziness! We must confront this major hindrance in our lives, and not let it be what robs us of our inheritance!
Devi suggested you make a list of the areas in your life that are like a "stone wall broken down" (Proverbs 24:31). In a second column, list the "also" that you can add to begin buildnig up the wall again.
I know where I'm going to start, how about you?
For further study: Gen. 24:10-26, Psalm 128:2, Proverbs 6:9-11, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 21:25-26, Matthew 5:38-48, Matthew 25:21, Colossians 3:23-24, Colossians 4:5-6.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
This week's report is on Devi's topic "The Also Principle"...you might say, what in the world is that? Well, it comes from a Genesis passage when Abraham sent his servant out to find a wife for his son (my sons' biggest fear!). Abraham knew a wife could undermine the inheritance Isaac would receive, and he wanted this woman to come from the old country where they had similar values in life. He wanted Isaac's wife to be a blessing, not a curse. The servant prayed for guidance and set out to find this babe...he came upon a beautiful woman and asked her for a drink, which she gave him. Then, in Gen. 24:16, she said "I'll draw water for your camels ALSO". Do you get the idea? She didn't just do what was asked, she went above and beyond! Of course she was the one and they lived happily ever after!
Rebekah was: responsible, serving, industrious, courteous, charitable, willing to share, hospitable, finished what she started and submitted to the authority of her family. Does that sound like someone you would like your son to end up with? Does it sound like you? Oh, I am so not an "Also" person...I try to get by with minimum effort...I am famous for "that's good enough"...from cleaning my house to grocery shopping! I don't want to be that way any more!
The "Also Principle" is defined by a willing attitude to do more than is asked of you; our character is to "do more" in our work and relationships, not "do less". Devi said if you apply this principle you will grow your faith, turn provision into prosperity, deepen your obedience and cause you to desire a more intimate relationship with God (all things Abraham wanted to pass on to his son and his family).
Do this in your work habits (stay a little later than is expected), your home (be more creative than efficient), your relationships (speak a kind word rather than a quick one), the marketplace (speak to someone in need), and many other places. If you want to be blessed - even when it's inconvenient or undeserved - go the extra mile, do a little more, not a little less.
By the way, do you know what the opposite of the "Also Principle" is? Laziness! We must confront this major hindrance in our lives, and not let it be what robs us of our inheritance!
Devi suggested you make a list of the areas in your life that are like a "stone wall broken down" (Proverbs 24:31). In a second column, list the "also" that you can add to begin buildnig up the wall again.
I know where I'm going to start, how about you?
For further study: Gen. 24:10-26, Psalm 128:2, Proverbs 6:9-11, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 21:25-26, Matthew 5:38-48, Matthew 25:21, Colossians 3:23-24, Colossians 4:5-6.
Be blessed in your understanding of God's word.
Love,
Holly
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