Z is for Zip

The month of April and the A-Z challenge is  zipping to a close. It has been quite a challenge indeed.  And it has been a pleasure zooming around the blogosphere and meeting new bloggers. Only wished I had more time to visit each of you. Congratulations to each of you on a job well done. Hope you enjoy some refreshing ZZZs this weekend.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out. (The Message)

Still Say Yes

After all the heartache and tears

After all the time waiting

After all the misunderstandings

After all the disappointments

After all the ups and downs

Even through the smiles and frowns

My answer remains the same

I still say YES to you Lord!

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

Xed Out

Thinking about the letter x brings to mind those dreaded red marks teachers would place all over your papers to signify you answered the question wrong. Being the studious type, I aimed for A’s so those x-mark were never a welcomed sight. And why did they need to make them in red? As if the big x wasn’t enough.

With the end of my formal education, the x’s didn’t stop following me. Why? Because I was still getting things wrong. Saying the wrong things, doing the wrong things, and saying the wrong things. Yep I did them and still find myself in the wrong. Of course there is no teacher following me around marking my paper but God sees all and knows all. All of the wrongs. Nothing hidden from Him even when others can’t see.

But over 2000 years ago He sent a remedy to x-out my sins. And wouldn’t you know it that the only thing strong enough to cross out my sins  and yours was the red shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Enough Said

 

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Psalms 17:27 NLT

Value in the Valley

© Copyright Keith Havercroft and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License

Several years ago I read a book by Iyanla Vanzant entitled The Value in the Valley. Couldn’t put my hands on the book today but as I thought about today’s letter V valley was one of the words that stuck out in my mind.

We all have had experiences of walking along various valleys in our life. Some times our stay in the valley extends much longer than we would naturally volunteer to abide. But even the low, depressed places of life have significant value. However, I am not always able to see that at first glance but when I change my view and remember that I am always in God’s omniscient view.

Some of the most profound, life-changing revelations I received have been in the midst of the dark valley. It was in the valley that I caught new glimpses of God.

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NLT

Thankful for Today

Thankful for today because tomorrow is never promised to any of us.

Thankful for today because I survived yesterday.

Thankful for today because through His grace I am able to stand even after it all.

All of what you may wonder. After all the disappointment, the hurt, the pain, the shame, the tears, and the sadness I’m still here.

Still here looking unto you. Thank you for keeping me when I was sure it was the end.

Thank you for protecting me when I didn’t have a clue how close danger really was.

Thank you for ears that are able to hear the melodious morning song of nature.

Thank for a sense of touch that can feel the whispering wind so gently graze my face.

Thank you for eyes which can behold the beauty of your creation.

And, thanks to each of you who continue to stop by The Watered Soul. Each of your visits are a refreshing drink. My prayer is that just as you have refreshed me that others may come along and be a refreshing for you. Have a wonderful weekend.

The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. Proverbs 11:25 NKJV

The Savior

Photo by Heartlight

Sun scorched, battered, and bruised

scorned, spit upon, and despised

one single man to bear the sins for us all

disciples confused and scattered

only heaven knew the full conclusion of the matter

tucked away beneath the earth

death proclaiming an triumphant end to his reign

yet the dress of death and doom could not hold its grip

for in three days time He arose silencing the victorious claims of his assailants

showing that His reign knows no end

He rose that day that I may live again

Wishing you a blessed Easter celebration!

 

He Already Paid the Price

Any day is perfect day to reflect upon God’s redemption plan but as we prepare to remember the burial and resurrection of Christ, it seems even more fitting. Dictionary.com defines redeemed as:

1. to buy or pay off; clear by payment: to redeem a mortgage.
2. to buy back, as after a tax sale or a mortgage foreclosure.
3. to recover (something pledged or mortgaged) by payment or other satisfaction: to redeem a pawned watch.
4. to exchange (bonds, trading stamps, etc.) for money or goods.
5. to convert (paper money) into specie.
6. to discharge or fulfill (a pledge, promise, etc.).
7. to make up for; make amends for; offset (some fault,shortcoming, etc.
8. to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom.
9. Theology . to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the sinner.

The debt that I owe is too great for me ever to repay. Through the shedding of Christ’s blood and subsequent resurrection, he released me from the chains my sins bought me.

But the LORD will redeem those who serve him. Everyone who trusts in him will be freely pardoned. Psalms 34:22 (NLT)

Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Psalms 49:7

 

Questions

Image Courtesy of Fotopedia 

Kids are some of the most curious creatures around. Their incessant questioning of why or what’s that can become a nuisance after about the 1000th(of course it’s never really that many times it just seems that way) time of answering such questions. Because they haven’t lived long enough to develop inhibitions, they quickly ask whatever comes to mind. Despite the place or time.

I’m not really sure when it happened but some where in the course of my life, I developed hatred for the word no. Of course later I discovered this is more aptly called a fear of rejection. Thus it left me refusing to ask some questions. Unasked questions led to unanswered questions.  There are a myriad of reasons why people can not or will not fulfill our requests but there is One who knows all things and stands willing and ready to hear our requests. God is no magic genie or Santa Claus and He should not be approached as such but we don’t have to be afraid to ask Him even the really though questions.

If you need wisdom -- if you want to know what God wants you to do -- ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. James 1:5 NLT

You want what you don't have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous for what others have, and you can't possess it, so you fight and quarrel to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. James 4:2 NLT

P is for Proverbs

Can’t believe its taken me this long to come up with a plausible p-letter word for my post. Especially when the book of Proverbs is by far one of my favorite books in the Bible.  I like it because it provides so many practical truths for our daily lives.

Chapter 1 of Proverbs outlines the purpose in which they were written, the Message describes it as

Written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it's going;  A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair;  To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.  There's something here also for seasoned men and women,  still a thing or two for the experienced to learn - Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women. Start with God

No matter our age there are some nuggets of truth to be pocketed from Proverbs.

Opportunity Knocks

Did you wake up this morning? Are you able to read this post? (Guess so huh) With the rising of the day came a brand new opportunity. Doesn’t matter if you are going to the same old job, coming home to the same family, or being challenged by the same old situation. You have been granted an opportunity. An opportunity to  grow, learn, think or act differently. Who knows if the opportunity will come to you again. What will you do with it?

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations” – Charles R. Swindoll

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more”- Anthony Robbins

“Most people don't recognize opportunity when it comes, because it's usually dressed in overalls and looks a lot like work.”-Thomas Alva Edison

"Four things come not back: The spoken word, The sped arrow, The past life, The neglected opportunity."Arabian Proverb

Could Never Really Be True?

I remember back in elementary school the teachers gave us a tip to help us identify the correct answer when faced with multiple choices. The rule of thumb was that you can eliminate answers containing never and always because there were rarely cases that this would be true.

I grew up hearing never say never and I can say that I found myself doing or saying some things I thought I would never do or say. Heard people say they would never leave, never betray, never stop loving only to have never arrive so soon. Despite their or my own lack of ability to live up to the never(s) we honestly wish never to do, there is one that speaks never and His word holds true.

But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. Psalms 33:11 (NLT)

For the LORD loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will perish. Psalm 37:28(NLT)

Left Behind

Death is not something I think about often. But I do place my hope in an eternal home with my Lord and Savior. Have you given much thought to what type of legacy you hope to leave behind?

I took a 30 day course(well I started it but didn’t actually finish it)  on journaling by Joseph Peck and the quote he gave from Jim Rohn led me to think about legacy in all new way. According to Rohn, you have three key treasures to leave the next generation:

• your journal-write out the ideas, inspirations, and revelations you have picked up on your life journey
• your library-pass on the books that were instrumental in shaping your life
• your photos- take the time to capture the moments of your life.

Are you incorporating each of these areas as part of your legacy? If you had to pick your top books to leave behind as a part of your legacy which would you pick?

The Danger of Knowledge

1 Corinthians 8:1b Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

No one really likes a know it all. Acquiring knowledge is important but we must be watchful of how we use it. How are you using what you know? Does it make you feel superior to others or are you sharing it love?

J is for Juice

Nothing quite like cup of OJ in the morning. And for me there is only one particular brand of juice I purchase. Despite its cost I’m willing to pay extra because it suits my taste. But sometimes it’s inevitable the juice runs out.

Just as the OJ runs out so does my creative juices at times. How do you keep your juices flowing?

Interruptions or Invitations?

The A-Z challenge resumes with the letter I today. Today I tackle the word interruptions.  I’m not one to operate from a written to-do list but on most days I have a mental idea of what things I hope to accomplish. Yet its rare to have a day without some form of interruption. Sometimes it’s a just a simple question someone needs to ask or an unexpected thing that needs to be added to the already burgeoning mental list. At times the interruption comes in the form of a slow moving car, road blocks, or unexpected visitors. Depending upon the way you look at them, interruptions can be set-backs or set-ups.

My mind goes back to various ones throughout the Bible whose ordinary lives were interrupted by the divine.

Mary’s marriage was interrupted by an unplanned pregnancy that led to her birthing out the Savior of the world.

Rebekah’s daily task of fetching water was interrupted by a servant on a mission. Which led to her being married.

Zacharias’ service in the temple was interrupted by the appearance of angel bringing good news.

Saul’s reign of terror was interrupted on the road to Damascus.

The woman at the well search for water was interrupted by the living water Himself.

Each of them no doubt had their own agenda that day. Perhaps expecting only to do what they always did but in the midst of their ordinary plans a life altering interruption occurred. At times the cleverly robed interruption is not really a nuisance but an invitation to a life beyond the confines of your own imagination.

 

 

The How(s)

How?

I must have asked the question a million times or more

How could it be? How is it that it it didn’t work for me?

I read your Word loaded with promises.

So many good things you promise

But my eyes do not see.

The clock keeps ticking away and it seems there is absolutely no way.

Shattered pieces, disappointment, broken trust fills my days.

Staring at my reality the chasm between the two seems to grow larger day after day.

I have got my eyes looking at the wrong places and faces.

The how doesn’t matter; it’s the who that makes all the difference

Because you are who you say, I can throw away all the  questions of how.

Not how but the question is who am looking unto?

 

When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19NLT

For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed. Proverbs 23:18 NLT

How does your garden grow?

 

Have you notice how easy it is to gripe rather than express gratitude? As I read The Message version of Colossians 3:15 ( Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.) one day, I kept been drawn to the word cultivate.  It made be think of gardening and how one has to work hard at breaking up the ground before planting seeds. But the work of gardening doesn’t just stop when the seeds are sown but it requires continuous care to keep the weeds from snuffing out the life of the good plants.

Thinking about gardening brings up memories of my grandmother, she meticulously tended and groomed her garden and kept her grounds free of leaves. I often wondered why she was so obsessed with raking the leaves. Back then it seemed like she was out picking up leaves daily even when you could easily count just 5 or 6 leaves floating around.  Persistent and consistent in her watch of the landscape, she did not allow the weeds or leaves to overtake her ground.

Like my grandmother or Big Mama as we called her, I need to be ever on the look out for things that would come to smother out gratitude in my life. It does not take much effort to think of something to complain about but I have to work at seeing the good and expresses thanks for it. Rather easy to take a peek at another person’s garden and get excited about the glitz and glam of their fruit but when is the last time you have examined the good fruit of your ground? Romans 12:6b says, in his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Have you thought about that grace? I always thought of grace from the perspective of underserved mercy and salvation and that certainly defines grace. But His grace also equips me with certain gifting. Can I be honest for a moment? I am guilty of looking at the gift of others and sizing myself up as coming up short. I so wish I had the gift of gab (as I call it) like my mom or the gift of encouragement like my sister but I was not graced with it. So I can either gripe about it while neglecting my own gifts or I can get about the business of cheering them on while cultivating my gifts.

Focus

What do you give the most focus? Wikipedia defines focus as selectively concentrating on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other things.  When we spend most of our time tuned into what is wrong in the world, we easily miss all the good things that surrounds us every day.

Entries & Exits

The letter of the day is E. Not a lot of E-words come to mind other than eyes, emotion, exude, emote, and excel. Rather than use any of those I have decided to focus on the e’s that keep coming up in my reading-entry and exit.

As the Israelites where traversing from Egypt in route to the place of promise, several warnings were issued about how to act when they finally entered the land. In summary, they were advised of three key areas:

1. Obedience

2. Temptation to Compromise

3. Keeping First Things First

Failure in these areas meant the difference in them just entering but only passing through and them entering in and being established. Are these not the exact challenges we each encounter today when faced with the opportunity to enter and occupy new places in our lives? Does not matter if the new place is a relationship, career, ministry endeavor, or hobby. We will have to fight tendencies to want to do things our own way rather than obey God’s voice. If we do not stay alert, areas of compromise will creep in. Seeing how others do it will have us venturing off the path set out for us. And, the busyness, pleasure, and perks of the good place can squeeze out our time for the one who made it all possible.

Entering into a place by nature means we are exiting out of another. Some places I have exited with regret and others with enthusiasm. Just as some places in life I have entered feeling elated but others with a bit of mixed emotions. Regardless of the emotions, I don’t want to be forced to exit the places of promise prematurely because I failed to keep the proper balance.