Stop and look around

I wonder how often we stop and just take a look at our surroundings. It is so easy to just get on the go and get involved with this good thing and that good thing and before long, we are so wrapped up and intertwined in things that we do not have a moment to just stop and observe. I wrote a while back about what happened when I stopped to observe the condition of my house – it was pretty junky and in need of a deep clean. But, our spiritual lives and get that way too.

We spend time at this study and that study just taking in knowledge. We read this good book and that good book and store it all up for a rainy day or for that conversation that arises where we can share what we know.

But the problem with this is that there is no active change in us while we are gathering. Think of it this way – if all we ever did was gather food and never cooked it and never ate it, we would still be hungry. Some of us gather spiritual knowledge and never partake of it for our own lives.

There is nothing wrong with gathering knowledge. But joy is in the application of what we have learned. It is in that application of that knowledge that we have a true experience with God. That’s where we develop intimacy with Him.

So, on this day, when I look out my window and see the rain coming down, replenishing this drought-laden city, I rejoice at the hand of the almighty. He knows just how to send everything in its time. I rejoice and think of God because I’ve taken time, particularly this past week, to get to know Him a little better. I’m beginning to apply His word to my life in a brand new way.

It is my prayer today that you will stop and look around at your surrounds. Take it in for what it is. And, then dig deep into a rewarding fellowship with our God. It’s worth the effort!

Battle-ready

The war is raging. I’m not talking about the US involvement in Iraq - although the peace in Baghdad has been replaced with increased violence. I’m talking about a spiritual war. The spiritual war rages on. To see it, we have to look at the events of our times through the lens of the Holy Scripture.

Ephesians 6 tells us that we are in a war. We are battling the rulers of darkness. But, we do not have to fall – instead, these Scriptures record the keys to success. As Christians, we can defeat the adversary and stand against his attacks by putting on the whole armor of God.

I find that is where we mess up. Sometimes, we run out to attack the enemy with no battle gear. The result? We come back wounded. Sometimes, we run out to do battle with only one piece or two pieces of our battle gear on. The result? We come back wounded in the area we neglected to protect. So, you see where I am going.

God has provided for us everything that we need to stand against the fiery darts of our adversary. We have access to everything. But, we have to put it on. The war is a certainty. Our putting on our proper gear so that we are prepared is not guaranteed. We have to do better. We have to be the example for this sin-obsessed world.

When we put on the whole armor of God, we are able to stand. We are able to accurately use the sword – which is the Word of God and we are able to pray confidently knowing that the battle has already been won.

This is indeed a praying time. One has only to watch television to come to this conclusion. It is my prayer that as this war rages, that we, as Christians, will come to the place where we never leave home without our spiritual battle gear.

Trust = Peace

What's on your mind this morning? Is it the Lord or some other thing?

For the past week, I've gone to bed in prayer thinking about a certain situation. I've woken up in prayer to God about that same situation. And, while this would normally cause me much discomfort and anxiety, I have a certain peace about it. The ability to take all of my cares and concerns to the Lord comforts me. He cares about my every detail - and yours too.

Trusting in God floods me with peace. I'm not in this situation by myself. He is there too. His love and care for me is eternal. That's pretty amazing. I know this because I ran across it in Isaiah.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4

I hope that you find comfort in that passage of Scripture. I know that I have.

Blessings,
Sanya

Keep on Trusting

My pastor recently preached a sermon entitled “The Upside of Being Down.” It was as if that sermon was preached with my situation in mind. God has a way of speaking directly to your situation. I received that word of faith that Sunday morning and have determined to keep myself stayed on trusting in the Lord. Sometimes it is a lot easier to give up on God and return to our normal state of depending on ourselves which leads to worry and confusion. But, I am reminded early this morning to rely solely on the Lord. It does not much matter what the circumstances look like. It does matter that God is still in control. So, I trust Him this morning.

Whenever I get a little shaky and want to resort back to my normal state of trying to understand and analyze everything, I encourage myself with Scripture. I would like to share a few verses with you this morning. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged and reminded that there is nothing impossible with the Lord. He has a good plan for your life. If you stay connected to Him, even through the tough times, everything will be alright. It will all work out for your good.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

“”Ah Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you…” Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” – Jeremiah 32:17,26-27

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” – Psalm 37:7

The Choice is Yours

Have you been watching the news lately? It seems like there is an onslaught of high profile figures being caught with their pants down…. There was even a special on television that spoke about the women of the night – professional escorts and prostitutes. We are seeing the results of a sinful – lust-filled society.

If you flip the channel, we see game-show contestants willing to nationally air their laundry at their family members’ expense. The sought-after prize – money. We are seeing the results of a sinful – greed-filled society.

Flip the channel again. We see advertisements for food – all you can eat buffets for just one low price. And the next commercial is one for a quick-fix weight-loss program – yours for just one small fee if you call within the next 10 minutes. Gluttony anyone?

Our televisions, radios, newspapers and magazines are filled with the seven deadly sins: pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, gluttony and lust. Our society embraces and promotes living lives filled with all of this stuff. None of which is what God desires for us.

Thus, we are faced with a choice. As in all things, there is a decision that must be made. Will we continue to trudge along with society – embracing these things that God tells us to avoid or will we dare to be different. Will we dare to serve God and be holy? Will we then embrace consecration and allow the Lord to use us to positively impact a morally weak and sinful society?

That’s a personal choice. We have to decide if we will be filled with the seven deadly sins or if we will embrace the fruit of the Spirit. Will we turn:

Pride to kindness
Envy to joy
Anger to gentleness
Sloth to Faith
Greed to peace and goodness
Gluttony to Self-control
Lust to Patience and Self-Control (from Randy Rowlands’ Book, The Sins We Love)

With the aid of the Holy Spirit, you can do these things. Without the help of the Holy Spirit, you will find yourself always trying and always failing. But with Him, you can do all things.

Dare to be different from mainstream. Embrace the truth of the Bible. So, what choice will you make?

Is Sin Dead?

So, how did you spend your Easter? I spent much of my time in worship services and that was just fine by me.

On Thursday afternoon, I had an opportunity to get my car serviced. While I was waiting for the work to be done, I came across an article in USA Today that spoke on the subject of Good Friday and its meaning today. One pertinent thing that was mentioned was that we are not going to recognize the significance of Good Friday if we don’t first recognize our own sin. As a Christian, this article explained some of the frustration that I feel when trying to explain some of the choices that I’ve made in my life since becoming a Christian. What is more important, it has given me that much more “fire in my belly” to move forward in the things of God.

I hope that you will trot on over to USA Today and take a look at this article. Read it in its entirety. You will have spent your time well. To read the article, click here.

God IS Involved!

Hello Bloggy Friends!

Today is a great day! I'm alive. Yesterday, was a great day as well. I saw the hand of God move purposefully and directly in my life. Let me tell you what happened! It was awesome!

I had a presentation to make at my job. I didn't want to make the presentation for various reasons. I took my plee to God and He worked every single detail of my presentation out on my behalf. He did it all! To God be the glory! He is soooo very worthy! He didn't remove the trial but He gave me everything that I needed to endure it.

And, that's my testimony this morning. I wish you could have been there to see God moving on people and causing them to respond with favor towards me. It was excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I know that God is real and that He moves! He answered my prayers and the prayers of those that I asked to pray for me. What favor! What love!

I'm still thinking about it today. He causes everything to work out for our good. It's a Romans 8:28 kind of experience.

Anyway, I'm running behind schedule but since I didn't post yesterday, I wanted to get back on track and let you know that God is yet alive and very active in the affairs of His children.

God ahead and fully trust Him. Put your hope in Him. He cares for you!

A House of Prayer

When Jesus came into Jerusalem, He got straight to work. He did not bask in the fanfare of the cheers of Hosanna from the great multitude. Instead, He went to the temple. It was time for a cleansing!

Jesus went into the temple and "cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, 'It is written, MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED THE HOUSE OF PRAYER; but ye have made it a den of thieves.'" (Matthew 21:12-13)

Reading over this passage reminded me of just how HOLY our places of worship really are. I know that we like to gather there and catch up with one another - we love to fellowship with each other. But, Jesus says here that the temple is the house of PRAYER.

When we ENTER our local places of worship, do we pray? What's the first thing that we do when we walk in? Are we looking around for our favorite seat or looking for someone that we need to do business with? It seems to me the suggestion here is that prayer should be what we are about when we enter our places of worship. And, while it may seem ridiculous to ask this next question, I'm going to do it anyway. While we are there, do we pray? Is prayer a part of your worship experience. I know that prayer happens, but the question is - do you pray? Do you pray for the preacher? Do you pray for yourself? Do you pray for your loved ones while you are in your place of worship.

Does it not make you stop and think about your actions just two days ago (presuming you attend church on Sunday)? I think we could all stand to have a bit more reverence for the things of God. So, let us all work towards that end. It's something to PRAY about!

Palm Sunday


As Christians, we have now entered into our most sacred week – Holy Week, the annual celebration of the events that lead up to Resurrection Sunday (Easter). There is a certain stirring in my soul.

I begin this week excited - just as those that experienced this week were. Yesterday was Palm Sunday. And, although we did not wave palm branches around and create a processional, I still vividly see in my minds eye what it must have been like. My Jesus, riding into town on a donkey to the excited cheers and cries from the onlookers. In my mind, I am there amidst the crowd celebrating Him. Hosanna!

Palm Sunday is personally special to me. I gave my life to Christ on a Palm Sunday. So, each year that rolls around, I celebrate Palm Sunday with a little extra zeal. I thank God for the events that unfolded during Holy Week so many years ago. It still resonates with me today.

What about you? What does Palm Sunday mean to you?

Depend on God

It’s Friday! And, I must admit that it has been a very difficult week for me. But the interesting thing is, through it all, I’ve talked to God at every step and told Him exactly what I was going through. He made it alright for me. In my spirit I had peace.

Well, the enemy was none too pleased with that. So, yesterday, I was suddenly ill to the point where I had to leave work. That was an issue because I have a deadline that I’m working towards. Yesterday was not good timing for illness. But, once again, I ran to the Lord and told Him my concerns and the time constraints that I was working under. He told me to rest, so I rested. Then, I took care of everything that I had previously scheduled. And, as I kept talking to the Lord, I felt better. Last night, even though I stayed up late to get to a good stopping point for the evening with my deadline, I was not sleepy while doing the work and this morning, I feel refreshed on just a few hours of sleep.

So, you see where I am going. Our every dependence should be on God. I don’t know what kind of week you have had. But, I can assure you of this, when you lean wholly on God, He can make even the worst of weeks smell like fresh cut roses to your soul.

Have a great weekend!

Silent Tantrums

Have you ever found yourself in a silent tantrum? You know, the kind where you really want to just fall out because things are not going the way you want? The kind where you just want to flail your hands in the air, jump up and down or just lay out on the floor and kick your feet in your best imitation of a two-year old? Notice I said want to – because you refrained – that makes it a silent tantrum. Had you actually gone through with it, I’m sure someone would have escorted you to either one of two places: your pastor or your local mental institution for an evaluation.

That hardly seems fair, right? Life is tough sometimes. And, sometimes it gets the better of our emotions. But, there’s yet hope! When we feel a tantrum rising within us, we are faced with two choices and they both involve action. Inaction will result in the actions of the first paragraph. When you feel a silent tantrum rising, you must make a decision. Either you will take this thing directly to God in prayer or you will make a decision to step away from the situation and get a little perspective – silently. I would actually move that you do both. At least, I do. The one I do first depends on the severity of the situation.

If I am really bothered, and have perspective I go directly to God. If I am confused, I try to figure out what is going on with me and take those concerns to God as well. Notice my general direction? You must take the things that concern you to God. He’s the best parent. And, just like your earthly parents, He does not want you to feel like you need to throw a tantrum. Just take your cares and concerns to Him.

I wanted to have a tantrum last night and I was on the verge of a lengthy silent one. But, somewhere in the midst, I started talking to God. I told Him how I felt about something very near and dear to my heart that is not going the way that I’d like. But, I also told Him that I trusted Him. God can be trusted with my feelings. And, just as usual, upon detailing my concerns to Him, I felt better. Still don’t have things the way that I would desire, but I don’t need to throw a silent tantrum about it. I just chose to trust God to work out everything concerning me. I believe that He will. He will do it for me, and He will do it for you!

God is Always with Us

Well, I took my exam last evening. Boy, were those questions tough! Yet, somehow, because of the help of the Lord, I think I did alright. I’ll know for sure when I get my test results back. That usually takes a minute, but I’m trusting God that it will all work out.

While I was taking the test, I was reminded of a very simple truth. God is always with us. I began thinking this way because of one of the questions. Indeed, God is always with us. In good times, He is there. In not-so-good times, there He is. We can always locate Him. Yet, it would appear that sometimes we stray. Sometimes we move away from God. Never from His sight because He sees everything, and never out of His reach, but away from the fellowship that He makes available to us.

God always wants to commune with us and will send whomever He will to get that message across to us. He uses the Holy Bible to commune with us and He uses people, circumstances and situations to draw us to Himself. He is always desirous of our attention. He loves us that way.

But, what about us? Could it be said of you – of me – that we are desirous of His attention that way? God is always with us, but are we always with Him? That’s something to ponder today.

The Problem of Suffering

Tonight, I have to take a final exam for a course I’m taking on the Problem of Suffering. As I was reviewing my notes, I came across a statement that has intrigued me. The statement is that as Christians, we are to embrace suffering – we ought not to think that we are to be exempt from it if we truly want to identify with Christ.

Now, of course, there are many types of suffering. And, here lately, I feel as if I’ve been getting a sampler platter. Yet, this does not mean that I’ve been a bad Christian or that I’ve got some personal sin that needs to be confessed. It could be that this is a season of suffering for me. It could also be a time where I am being taught trust and dependence upon the Lord. And, it could also be that this is an opportunity where God can use my circumstances to bring glory to Himself. Whatever the case, I submit to the will of the Lord.

I submit to His will because I want to see Him glorified. I submit to His will because I want to identify with Christ. I submit to His will because He knows what is best for me.

Yes, suffering comes to all. The opportunity and challenge is for the Christian to accept the suffering and excel at it in a way that delivers glory to the feet of our Lord. Afterall, He suffered much when He was here – and He did it willingly, because of love. He excelled!

Today, no matter the circumstance that you encounter, no matter the suffering and/or pain, make a decision to be closer to Christ – submit to Him. And you will soon find that the problem of suffering is no problem at all – it’s an opportunity!

Because of Love

Michelle Swift sang a song entitled “Because of Love.” In it, she sings:


Because of love He left His throne
And made this earth His home
He did it willingly
For you and me
With Heaven left behind
He came to save mankind
From sin and shame
He could have walked away
But instead He chose to stay
Upon a tree and take
A crown of thorns for me
Because of love…

She then moves into the chorus. I really love that song – especially at this time of year. We are done with Valentine’s Day where proclamations of love were made and now we are steaming full-speed ahead towards to the time of year where we pause to celebrate and remember the resurrection of Christ. He did it all for us to be reconciled to the Father. He did it because of love. Genuine love.

As I look now at my life, I can see those “because of love” moments. I can see where His hand of protection has been in my life and where it is yet still. No one can love us like our Savior. And, no one has done as much to win our love as our Savior. He is our example of real love.

I pray today, that no matter what your situations and circumstances may be that you will pause and look at those “because of love” moments in your life. I guarantee that you will be humbled in His presence and even more thankful for His love.

Oreo Balls for All!

For those of you coming in from Lysa Terkeurst’s blog, welcome! Following is my recipe entry.

I love sweets! And, although I’m reaching muffin top status, I still can’t quite say no to a tasty looking dessert. In fact, you can ask my fellow co-workers and they will tell you the same – Sanya loves sweets.

One of my co-workers, Sandy, seems to cater to my weakness. She is always baking something yummy and bringing it in to share with everyone. I have long been a fan of her tasty chocolate-chip cookies yet Sandy switched it up on me one day and brought in something new…Oreo Balls!

They are out of this world delicious! And, as is my requirement, they are very easy to make. In fact, Sandy shared her recipe with me, although she takes no credit for the recipe itself. I made them for my family gathering at Thanksgiving. They were a hit! So, now I share this recipe with you. Have fun – enjoy the process of combining the ingredients and making the cookie balls! It’s a blast!

Oreo Ball Recipe:

1 pkg Oreo cookies
1 pkg cream cheese
1 pkg almond bark (from Wal-Mart – baking aisle)

Grind pkg of Oreo cookies until a fine consistency. Add pkg of cream cheese. Blend until you work into cookie ball. Make into small balls, set aside. Melt almond bark in microwave or double boiler. Dip balls in white chocolate (almond bark) with a fork and place on wax paper to dry.

I hope you enjoyed the post. Come back when you have the time. To get back to Lysa’s blog for other exciting recipes, click here!

Happy Baking,
Sanya

Resting in Him

It’s Friday and I’m pretty excited about that (again). I have something that I really want to do this weekend – rest! I told you all about my back injury in my other post. But, I thank God that there is power in prayer. I am feeling so much better – and I can move around a lot better now. It was looking like a snail may beat me at a race the other day! But, now I have something close to my normal gait and 100% recovery IS on the way. Thank you for the prayers and to God be the glory!

This weekend, I will not be walking around the city in my new found health. No, instead, I am going to take the time to really rest. I know you may think I mean watching television and spending quality time with my couch. But I mean rest in a different sense. I will be resting with my Lord. My spirit needs refreshing and so I am going to spend some extra time in His presence.

I am reminded that this is the time of year that He did all that was necessary to reconcile us back to the Father. He demonstrated His majesty, He taught, He took our sins upon Himself, He suffered, bled and died and rose from the grave. He did it all for you and me. So, yes, I am going to be resting with Him this weekend – in His presence – giving Him my time. He’s worthy to be praised!

I know that when I come out of this time with Him that I will be stronger and will be better able to carry out the tasks that He has assigned for me. I will be changed because I rested in Him. Won’t you rest in Him too?

Pain & Perspective

Hello Bloggy Friends!

Wow. What a morning. Last night, I managed to hurt my back - I had already done something to it on Monday and then last night was the knockout punch. So, this morning, I've been moving really slow... I'm in pain.

I spend my life in high gear always racing off to do one thing or another. But, having to slow down has given me a new perspective. For instance, I realized just how high the steps are when you are trying to climb them; I realized what a blessing hot water is when you're trying to soothe something, and don't let me forget about good ole electricity that powered my heating pad throughout the times I used it. I'm sure that is much more to discover as I heal.

I don't have anything "super spiritual" to say today. I'm just thankful to my God for allowing me a little pain to give me a better perspective on things. With God's help, this pain will pass and before long I will be back to my routine. But, I will remember this - that I should take time to stop (or at least slow down) and smell the proverbial roses.

Be blessed today!
Sanya

Big Storms, Wind and Rain

We had big storms to roll through the area last night. And, for a place that has been experiencing drought, we welcomed the wind and rain.

This morning, when I woke up, I thanked the Lord for the wind and rain He gave us last night. And, then it occured to me...

The storms bring the wind
The wind clears the way
The rain nourishes the soil
And well you know me, here's my take on all of that!!
In my yard, I have green grass again (from the Weeds post last year) but I also had some trash in the yard from my little neighbors (kids). God has blown away the trash in the yard and has provided a soaking rain so that my grass gets the nourishment it needs.

In my spiritual life, the storm winds have been blowing - maybe I need to say howling.... But, I have yielded to the winds knowing that God knows best and will purge me from all that needs to be removed and the things that He wants to stay will take root and grow.

I thank God for the storms last night. The way I see it, they've been beneficial all around. What about you? Can you think of times of storm in your life? If you would like to share, please post a comment. And remember, you don't have to sign your name. You can post anonymously. I am sure should you choose to post, you will bless those that read this blog and help to advance the Kingdom.

Because of Christ,
Sanya

Servant of All

Have you looked around the television pulpit lately? I don’t often get to catch many religious broadcasts but I keep hearing things from those that do catch these shows. Apparently, there is a big push for pomp and celebrity in some pulpits. The whole prosperity gospel is running wild in some circles. Big cars and big homes are being promoted as God’s will for the best giver.

That seems a little off-track to me. Everyone will not have the opportunity to own a big car and big home. Yet, everyone will have the opportunity to become a disciple of Christ.

As I began my study for the week, I was led to a particular Scripture that says to be a disciple we must take up our cross and follow Jesus. (Mark 8:34) To be great (Mark 9:34-35), you have to be last, AND, you have to be servant of all. So, now I guess you can see the disconnect. Big car and big home owners generally like to hire servants. They are generally not concerned with serving nor being servant of all.

While there is nothing wrong with enjoying the bounty of God’s blessings (He gives us everything – everything belongs to Him), we have to be mindful at all times that as followers of Christ, we are to be intentional about disciplining our flesh. Here are a few reminders:

  • We do not come first, our fellow man does
  • Riches are not for hoarding, but instead we are to put them to use to advance the kingdom, and bless others
  • All exaltation and praise belongs to God, not man!

We as believers and followers of Christ are to be servants of all!

The Safety of the Savior

I have been thinking about the safety of our Savior lately. I guess this whole experience is centered on my wanting to draw closer to God. In getting close, I recognize a certain safety in being with the Lord. He protects me and watches over me.

Can you imagine being in the embrace of someone much larger than you. You know how you feel utterly surrounded by that person? That’s what I mean. I feel surrounded and protected and nothing can get to me – no matter how hard it tries to – because I’ve made an intentional decision to stay close. I’m staying in the embrace of my Heavenly Father.

Within the safety of that embrace, I can rest. I can have peace. And, when I have peace, my body and spirit can get revived! Looks like it’s a win-win for me! And the good news is that it is available for you too!