Hebrews 6:11-12 ~ God of My Hopes

A little while ago my phone rang, and as I heard the ring I was filled with hope --- something I need right now.  The default ring tone on my phone is “God of This City.”  I love this song, both the words to the song and the story about how that song was written.

"God of This City" was written by a band called BlueTree.  Several years ago BlueTree (a band from Belfast, Ireland) was on a ministry trip to Pattaya, Thailand.  Somehow they ended up in the seedy part of town playing in a bar.  A bar that was filled with Christians, but never-the-less it was a bar at the base of a brothel.  The band members said that they had been sickened by all the perversity that they had witnessed while in Thailand.  As they played in the bar, they said they could look out into the city and see sin around them.  As they began playing God began giving them the words to sing ---- “You're the God of this City, You're the King of these people, You're the Lord of this nation, You are.  You're the Light in this darkness, You're the Hope to the hopeless You're the Peace to the restless, You are.”  In the middle of an area of town filled with prostitution and sin, God spoke these words of hope to the audience in the bar.  As the band continued to play, the words of hope continued to flow ---- “For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City. Greater thing have yet to come And greater things are still to be done here.”  What a promise was given that night to the people in Thailand.   I can’t hear that song without imagining the perversity must have been seen that night --- but God still said that HE was God of This City and HE WAS going to bring about great things.

I know that the situations I face aren’t vile or perverse, but to me, some days they still seems hopeless.  But just as God told those people in Thailand that night  --- I have God’s assurance that Greater things are still to come .... a hope and assurance that God has great things in store for me. 

That’s what Hebrews 6:11 – 12 reminds me --- to not be lazy, to give up too soon but through an unwavering faith receive what is promised to me!!! 

So, that’s the story about this verse.  In case you are interested and haven’t ever seen it, below are the links to the BlueTree band telling the story behind the song, of them performing the song in Thailand and the lyrics to this song.  (*side note, the video of them singing the song is banned in Burma!)  Not long after BlueTree wrote this song, they were playing in a concert in Ireland with Chris Tomlin.  After hearing the song, he also recorded it.  You will find versions of him singing the song on You Tube also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXh_tgjnYJw – story behind the song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-EzSzA61cE&feature=related – live in Thailand

God of This City

By BlueTree

You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our god
There is no one like our God

Psalm 34:8 and Galatians 5:13 – Finding the Joy of Learning God’s Word

 

Do you find trying to learn the Word is sometimes feels like work?  I know that at times I have felt that way.  But I don’t think that is what God intended.  In fact in Jeremiah 15:16 it says, “When your words came… they were my joy and my heart’s delight.” Not only should we find JOY in the actual Word of God, but learning His Word should also bring us joy.  I am afraid that too often we get bogged down in the process of learning, that dreaded thing called “memorizing”, that we forget that the Word should be our joy and heart’s delight.

So, today, I wanted to be playful about the Scripture Pages.  When you are looking for pictures to help aid in your learning of the word – you don’t have to always be so serious.  Try being playful!  What is more playful than using a picture of food that looks like it TASTES good for the scripture, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8.  Or a picture of a salad with SERVING UTENSILS for the scripture, “Serve one another humbly in love!” Galatians 5:13.  Sometimes it’s OK to take the literal meaning of a word (taste, serve, etc.) and create a fun page with that.  I have found that many of the verses that were the easiest for me to learn were the ones on the Scripture Pages that were funny or cute.

So, happy learning today!!!

Also, if you do not have a Scripture Page book and would like one – the free offer still stands.  For more information see the Make Your Own Scripture Page book link or email me at khart@gmail.com.

More Fun Scripture Pages

Here are some more Fun Scripture Pages I thought you might enjoy!

 

II Timothy 1:5 - Heritage

 

In II Timothy 1:5 Paul speaks fondly of Timothy and his family when he says, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.  And I know that same faith continues strong in you.”  It is obvious the love that Paul has for Timothy, but just as obvious that Timothy had been raised by some Godly women.  He had been given a Godly heritage.

When I read this passage I often think of my own grandmother, Inis Fields.  One of my fondest memories of her occurred when I was eight years old.  I had been really sick so my mother had taken me to the doctor.  He discovered that I had appendicitis and needed immediate surgery.  He told my mother that she was to take me straight to the hospital, not to even go home to pack me a bag.  I remember being frightened as we headed for the hospital, making a quick stop to tell my father what was going on.  I also remember the one thing I asked of my mother --- please call Grandma and ask her to pray.  At eight years old I KNEW that with one call my Grandmother would be on her knees in prayer.  I honestly don’t remember being frightened after I was assured that Grandma would be called.  In fact, I only remember three things from having my appendix taken out --- they burst while I was on the operating table, I had to stay in the hospital for over a week (which to an eight year old is very boring) and my Grandma prayed for me.

Lately I have been examining my life and the heritage that I am leaving my children and grandchildren.  Long after I am gone, how will I be remembered?  As the woman they could always call when they needed prayer?  Or as something different?

I want to be like Lois and Eunice were to Timothy.  Like Inis and Ruth have been to me.  I want to be a woman who provides her family with a Godly heritage.

Alternate Heritage Designs

After making the above Scripture Page several weeks ago, I had several friends request one for themselves of their family.  Below you will find 4 different blank Scripture Pages you can personalize.  Use pictures that remind you of your Godly heritage.  Or if you are a first generation Christian, then use pictures that show the Godly heritage you would like to leave behind, pictures of your children, your grandchildren.  I hope you enjoy these!

 

 

 

Luke 10:36-37 - It's Not About Me

This past Sunday, in Sunday School we talked about how often “It’s Not About Me” in relation to God and the way He works.  Then we walk into church and Mandy Gregg is leading worship and what does she say --- yep, you guessed it --- “It’s Not About Me.”  The concept of – It’s Not About Me – has been really been going over and over in my mind.  I have also been thinking about the Parable of the Good Samaritan and how Jesus instructed us to minister to others, to be a neighbor to everyone.  But, it got me to thinking …

What about the other two men who passed by the wounded man.  What were their reasons for passing by?  Were they pious and simply didn’t have time?  I know that is the mental picture I have always had.  But let me pose to you a different scenario.  Suppose that day, the thieves were targeting quite a few travelers on that lonely road.  Suppose the wounded man was actually the second man to be attacked?  Suppose that farther down the road, another man had also been attacked?  Maybe the Levite also had been attacked that day.  He too was wounded and hurting?  Scripture tells us in Luke 10:32, “Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.”  We don’t know why he simply looked and passed on.  But, what if he too were wounded?  Did he possibly look at the man on the ground and feel compassion for him, but thought, “I can’t stop and help you.  I too am hurt and have to take care of myself.”?  How often do we also do that?  Become so focused on the hurt we are going through, our own needs, on ME, that we don’t take time for others who are also hurting?

A year ago I fell and broke my neck.  For three and a half long months I had to wear a stiff, confining neck brace.  During that time I had many “Why Me?” days.  My focus was on Me, Me, Me.  It was ALL about Me (at least in my mind).  I now wonder how many people I came in contact with during that time, at the hospital, at one of my many doctors’ appointments, at church – who were also hurting.  But because I was so focused on Me, I failed to minister to their hurts. 

The truth is – God was taking care of ME.  I really didn’t need to focus on me.  As a woman of faith, I forgot that when we turn our needs, our cares over to Him – that should end it for us.  God does not need my help!  In Psalm 37:25 we are reminded that, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.”  And Philippians 4:19 tell us that, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  God had ME under control.  My focus should have been about who I could minister to, who needed to hear about God and His blessing.

So, I encourage you to remember – It’s Not About Me!  It’s about being a neighbor to those in need, ministering to others, worshipping Him and serving Him.

Philippians 4:19 - Eggplant Moments

 (Eggplant photo (c)Anna; at: farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5916955058_b3664358ed_z.jpg)

As I contemplated what I want my first blog to be about I knew that I wanted it to “set the tone” for my website.  To express how I feel about God, His Word and how that relates to me (and I hope to you, the reader).  As you will see from reading my posts (should you continue to follow me), I love the Word of God and strive to apply it to all aspects of my life.  So, today, I wanted to talk about Eggplant Moments.

You may think – Eggplant Moments??? – that doesn’t make sense to me (I mean really, does Kathy love eating eggplants or what?).  It isn’t about the eggplant so much as about the vibrant purple color of the eggplant.  So, as you read this feel free to insert a color that you think is vibrant and beautiful.

In Philippians 4:19 says, “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”  (new living translation).  I love this scripture and the knowledge that my Father in Heaven has all my needs taken care of, provided for, and met.  But, I will be honest and say that I have certain expectations as to “how” God will meet my needs and “what” He is going to “give” me.  But, I have found that most of the time my visual picture is based on my finite mind’s capacity to visualize that blessing – that my heart has faith in a means and fulfilling my needs as a black and white moment.   Something that is great and meets my needs, but it is black and white (Sorta like Kansas is at the beginning of The Wizard of Oz).  Then God steps in a fulfills my need and it is so far above the scope of what my finite mind hoped for  - it is an Eggplant Moment!  Because you see – even though I have served God for many years – I am still blown away when He answers my prayers.  I forget that while I think and dream with a finite mind, MY God is the God of infinite possibilities – He is the God of Eggplant Moments!!!!

I have also seen in recent weeks that sometimes those Eggplant Moments don’t happen in Kathy Time.  They happen in God Time.  While sometimes (ok, a lot of the time) it is so discouraging when things happen in God Time (because I am always so sure Kathy Time is the right time!), I have noticed that God sometimes uses mini-Eggplant Moments to give me assurance that He has the situation under control and that HIS Eggplant Moment is on the way.  Here is an example – I have a close friend, who I will call Martha.  Now Martha is the sweetest Christian lady you will ever meet, but she is facing a significant battle within her family that seems to have no end.  Martha is trusting God to meet her needs, but so far Martha Time and God Time aren’t the same.  Many days it is hard for Martha to remember that God is going to provide an answer to her need, much less a Eggplant Moment.  Then just yesterday, God gave Martha a mini-Eggplant Moment to provide her assurance that He DID indeed have a plan and that the plan would be fulfilled in His time, in God Time.  A friend of Martha’s surprised her with a gift, a beautiful Eggplant Purple Candle.  Funny thing, eggplant purple isn’t Martha’s favorite color, so there was no real reason for the friend to have purchased a candle in that specific color – but God knew that as soon as Martha saw that Eggplant Purple Candle that she (Martha) would know that He had heard her and that He had everything under control --- and most importantly --- that in God Time Martha would have her Eggplant Moment.  

So, today, I encourage you to trust God to not only supply your needs, but to supply them with Eggplant Moments.  And, if you are like Martha and you are trusting God for your needs to be met, but God Time hasn’t happened yet – then watch for a mini-Eggplant Moment, because God sends them to us all the time!