Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
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The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week 42 Archives
Year 5; Day 289 Extra-ordinary
Yesterday I went into my bookmarked items. I saw the site for World Challenge. It had been months since I looked at anything there. So I went in, browsed around and clicked on sermons. There were several available to watch by nobody I recognized. I was drawn to one entitled "Extra-ordinary:. Strength from 2 Places (The Life of Samson) by Tim Dilena. There wasn't much on Samson but there was plenty of other food for thought. So much so, that I watched it twice. The first thing Dilena did was to define extraordinary. He said it was ordinary with one extra thing. Extra thing + ordinary = extraordinary. He then gave a a quote, "Successful people do consistently what normal people do occasionally." (Craig Groeschel) He referenced Daniel who "...possessed an extraordinary spirit...(Daniel 6:3 NASB) that caused him to rise through the ranks and find favor with the king quickly. As humans we need to attend to the physical, mental, spiritual, and relational aspects of our lives. As believers we are given instructions: "But he who is spiritual appraises all things..." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NASB) So the challenge was to appraise those four aspects of our lives and change/do/add one extra thing to go from ordinary (in respect to our own lives) to extra-ordinary. This particular message dealt with the physical (there are more to come that deal with the other aspects). Just one change. What one change could I make and stick to until it became a habit? That will raise my ordinary to one extra-ordinary? I need to do some serious appraising. Today is Monday. "Jesus grew in body (physical) and in wisdom (mental) gaining favor with God (spiritual) and people (relational)." (Luke 2:52 NASB; ( ) are from me)
Yesterday I went into my bookmarked items. I saw the site for World Challenge. It had been months since I looked at anything there. So I went in, browsed around and clicked on sermons. There were several available to watch by nobody I recognized. I was drawn to one entitled "Extra-ordinary:. Strength from 2 Places (The Life of Samson) by Tim Dilena. There wasn't much on Samson but there was plenty of other food for thought. So much so, that I watched it twice. The first thing Dilena did was to define extraordinary. He said it was ordinary with one extra thing. Extra thing + ordinary = extraordinary. He then gave a a quote, "Successful people do consistently what normal people do occasionally." (Craig Groeschel) He referenced Daniel who "...possessed an extraordinary spirit...(Daniel 6:3 NASB) that caused him to rise through the ranks and find favor with the king quickly. As humans we need to attend to the physical, mental, spiritual, and relational aspects of our lives. As believers we are given instructions: "But he who is spiritual appraises all things..." (1 Corinthians 2:15 NASB) So the challenge was to appraise those four aspects of our lives and change/do/add one extra thing to go from ordinary (in respect to our own lives) to extra-ordinary. This particular message dealt with the physical (there are more to come that deal with the other aspects). Just one change. What one change could I make and stick to until it became a habit? That will raise my ordinary to one extra-ordinary? I need to do some serious appraising. Today is Monday. "Jesus grew in body (physical) and in wisdom (mental) gaining favor with God (spiritual) and people (relational)." (Luke 2:52 NASB; ( ) are from me)
Year 5; Day 290 Appraising All Things
I have been thinking about yesterday's post based on a message by Tim Dilena called "Extra-ordinary..." He quoted a verse from I Corinthians 2:15 which says, "But he who is spiritual appraises all things..." Appraises, weighs, evaluates. Dilena used the definition, "is it worth the cost it is demanding of me?" And we are to appraise not just some things...all things. So that would cover all aspects of my life...physical, mental, spiritual, relational. Several examples came to mind. When Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt and they were journeying to the Promised Land, he would "hold court" every day. The people would come to him with their problems and disputes and Moses would listen and render a verdict. When his father-in-law witnessed this, he spoke to Moses and told him it was too much for him to do alone. He would burn-out. In this case, someone else appraised the situation and Moses listened. He appointed capable men to listen to cases and only the most difficult were brought to him. Samson took one look at Delilah and all spiritual discernment went out the window. He appraised her most incorrectly. The rich young ruler who came to Jesus looking for eternal life appraised the cost and found it too high. The prodigal son appraised his working conditions and headed home. Some made wise appraisals and some didn't. The key word is "spiritual". To make wise appraisals we need a spiritual relationship with our heavenly Father through Christ. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need the foundation of God's Word. Today is Tuesday. When it comes to appraising, I am finding there are some things I would rather keep in the drawer, under the bed, or hidden in the closet.
I have been thinking about yesterday's post based on a message by Tim Dilena called "Extra-ordinary..." He quoted a verse from I Corinthians 2:15 which says, "But he who is spiritual appraises all things..." Appraises, weighs, evaluates. Dilena used the definition, "is it worth the cost it is demanding of me?" And we are to appraise not just some things...all things. So that would cover all aspects of my life...physical, mental, spiritual, relational. Several examples came to mind. When Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt and they were journeying to the Promised Land, he would "hold court" every day. The people would come to him with their problems and disputes and Moses would listen and render a verdict. When his father-in-law witnessed this, he spoke to Moses and told him it was too much for him to do alone. He would burn-out. In this case, someone else appraised the situation and Moses listened. He appointed capable men to listen to cases and only the most difficult were brought to him. Samson took one look at Delilah and all spiritual discernment went out the window. He appraised her most incorrectly. The rich young ruler who came to Jesus looking for eternal life appraised the cost and found it too high. The prodigal son appraised his working conditions and headed home. Some made wise appraisals and some didn't. The key word is "spiritual". To make wise appraisals we need a spiritual relationship with our heavenly Father through Christ. We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need the foundation of God's Word. Today is Tuesday. When it comes to appraising, I am finding there are some things I would rather keep in the drawer, under the bed, or hidden in the closet.
Year 5; Day 291 An Unfolding"
"The unfolding of your word gives light;..." (Psalm 119:130) I love the word "unfolding". It implies that there is more to come. That you don't get everything at once. Like a sunrise or a blossom coming into full bloom. And it gives you time to think and meditate and figure out how to apply it to your own life. My mind is still dwelling on the verse, "But he who is spiritual appraises all things..." (1 Corinthians 2:15) That isn't something you can do in one sitting...this appraising "all things". And appraising "all things" may not be easy...or comfortable...or easy...or fun...or easy. But gradually, if you allow it, God's word sheds light not only on the obvious, but also under the bed, in the drawer, and in the back part of the closet. I can feel it. Some things I can appraise immediately. Some things are not hard to add that one extra thing to go from ordinary to extra-ordinary. But I have sensed these last few days a gradual awareness...an unfolding...a shedding of light...in a particular area of my life. Nothing dramatic. No radical, overnight changes. But I can sense a soft light on a subject that needs some appraising. Some rearranging. Some re-prioritizing. Not immediately...but it is coming. I am grateful for the Word of God and its ability to light the way. Today is Wednesday. And I have no doubt that the light of His Word can intensify in brightness if I don't heed what I see.
"The unfolding of your word gives light;..." (Psalm 119:130) I love the word "unfolding". It implies that there is more to come. That you don't get everything at once. Like a sunrise or a blossom coming into full bloom. And it gives you time to think and meditate and figure out how to apply it to your own life. My mind is still dwelling on the verse, "But he who is spiritual appraises all things..." (1 Corinthians 2:15) That isn't something you can do in one sitting...this appraising "all things". And appraising "all things" may not be easy...or comfortable...or easy...or fun...or easy. But gradually, if you allow it, God's word sheds light not only on the obvious, but also under the bed, in the drawer, and in the back part of the closet. I can feel it. Some things I can appraise immediately. Some things are not hard to add that one extra thing to go from ordinary to extra-ordinary. But I have sensed these last few days a gradual awareness...an unfolding...a shedding of light...in a particular area of my life. Nothing dramatic. No radical, overnight changes. But I can sense a soft light on a subject that needs some appraising. Some rearranging. Some re-prioritizing. Not immediately...but it is coming. I am grateful for the Word of God and its ability to light the way. Today is Wednesday. And I have no doubt that the light of His Word can intensify in brightness if I don't heed what I see.
Year 5; Day 292 God's Word Is ...
In yesterday's post I commented on Psalm 119:130; "The unfolding of your words gives light..." I love the use of the word "unfolding" and its implications of growth and gradually change. And also how God's Word is a light...gives light...sheds light...illuminates. Kind of all warm and fuzzy. And then I read a shared post yesterday on Facebook that quoted from "Experiencing God" by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. "People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem." Ouch! Not very warm and fuzzy. No gentle unfolding. Just a neat, sharp stab...right in the conscience. I wouldn't say I struggle. I do spend time with God...sort of...mostly. But sometimes (as they say in Newfoundland, "a scattered time") I fall into bed and realize my God time never came...I got too busy. Something unexpected came up. Quilting took longer than I expected. But I do love God and I tell Him...often. But we all know words are hollow if they aren't supported by actions. And our relationship with God is not exempt. God's Word is an "unfolding that gives light" but that is not all it is. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates..." (Hebrews 4:12) Sometimes the light of God's Word is not always a soft glow from the lamp-post. Sometimes it's a penetrating searchlight. We need both. Today is Thursday. My time spent with God needs some "appraising".
In yesterday's post I commented on Psalm 119:130; "The unfolding of your words gives light..." I love the use of the word "unfolding" and its implications of growth and gradually change. And also how God's Word is a light...gives light...sheds light...illuminates. Kind of all warm and fuzzy. And then I read a shared post yesterday on Facebook that quoted from "Experiencing God" by Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. "People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem." Ouch! Not very warm and fuzzy. No gentle unfolding. Just a neat, sharp stab...right in the conscience. I wouldn't say I struggle. I do spend time with God...sort of...mostly. But sometimes (as they say in Newfoundland, "a scattered time") I fall into bed and realize my God time never came...I got too busy. Something unexpected came up. Quilting took longer than I expected. But I do love God and I tell Him...often. But we all know words are hollow if they aren't supported by actions. And our relationship with God is not exempt. God's Word is an "unfolding that gives light" but that is not all it is. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates..." (Hebrews 4:12) Sometimes the light of God's Word is not always a soft glow from the lamp-post. Sometimes it's a penetrating searchlight. We need both. Today is Thursday. My time spent with God needs some "appraising".
Year 5; Day 293 No Coincidence
It is sort of funny, not haha funny but more amazing funny, how God works. Last Sunday I just "happened" to click on my bookmarked items on my tablet. And there was World Challenge which I "decided" to click on even though I have not done so for months. And of the choices on the site, I "randomly" clicked on sermons. And of the sermon titles, I "picked" "Extra-ordinary...The Life of Samson" (by Tim Dilena) for no other reason than Samson was son's favourite Bible story when he was little. And that one message has given me nearly a week's worth of thinking, reflecting, and "appraising". I don't believe in coincidences...especially in the life of a believer. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." (Romans 8:28) "All things". That really doesn't leave room for "coincidence" or "chance" or "random". What "all things" leaves room for is God's timing, God's orchestrating, and God's instruction. That was His part. Now comes my part. Do I listen? Do I "appraise"? Do I add one extra thing (consistently) to go from ordinary to extra-ordinary? Do I actually make a change in behavior to reflect the change in heart? There was a good quote (several, actually) from Dilena's message by a Dr. Benny Tate; "Whenever you say "yes" to anything, there is "less" of you for something else. Just make sure your "yes" is worth the "less"." Good advice, I think. A good tool when "appraising". As 2017 winds down, I feel that I have been encouraged to do some serious evaluating and re-evaluating. And I have been given some guidelines and tools with which to do it. Whether it all makes a difference is really up to me. Today is Friday. I am not done with all this...I can feel it.
It is sort of funny, not haha funny but more amazing funny, how God works. Last Sunday I just "happened" to click on my bookmarked items on my tablet. And there was World Challenge which I "decided" to click on even though I have not done so for months. And of the choices on the site, I "randomly" clicked on sermons. And of the sermon titles, I "picked" "Extra-ordinary...The Life of Samson" (by Tim Dilena) for no other reason than Samson was son's favourite Bible story when he was little. And that one message has given me nearly a week's worth of thinking, reflecting, and "appraising". I don't believe in coincidences...especially in the life of a believer. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." (Romans 8:28) "All things". That really doesn't leave room for "coincidence" or "chance" or "random". What "all things" leaves room for is God's timing, God's orchestrating, and God's instruction. That was His part. Now comes my part. Do I listen? Do I "appraise"? Do I add one extra thing (consistently) to go from ordinary to extra-ordinary? Do I actually make a change in behavior to reflect the change in heart? There was a good quote (several, actually) from Dilena's message by a Dr. Benny Tate; "Whenever you say "yes" to anything, there is "less" of you for something else. Just make sure your "yes" is worth the "less"." Good advice, I think. A good tool when "appraising". As 2017 winds down, I feel that I have been encouraged to do some serious evaluating and re-evaluating. And I have been given some guidelines and tools with which to do it. Whether it all makes a difference is really up to me. Today is Friday. I am not done with all this...I can feel it.
Year 5; Day 294 Our Eternal Passport
Sometimes even something from a fictional television show can catch your ear and make you think. I was watching a rerun of "Lost Letter Mysteries" the other day. The main character was giving a eulogy for a beloved co-worker who worked in the passport division. And he said something to the effect that her passport was eternally valid and she was ready to go. Many of us have passports now. Not all that long ago a birth certificate was all that was needed to verify your citizenship and to go back and forth between the US and Canada. Not anymore. And they don't recommend you cross with a passport that is only months away from expiring. If you intend to travel, a current passport is a must. I liked the thought of a spiritual passport. We get one the moment we ask Christ to be our Lord and Savior. It is just as important to keep it valid and up-to-date as the earthly one. We do that by having a relationship with the Lord. Current. On-going. Not something to be stuck away and never seen again. Paul reminds us of who we are and where we belong in Philippians 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." I haven't been called to make that final trip...yet. But when I am, my eternal passport is ready and marked "citizenship---heaven". Today is Saturday. What citizenship is listed on your spiritual (and eternal) passport?
Sometimes even something from a fictional television show can catch your ear and make you think. I was watching a rerun of "Lost Letter Mysteries" the other day. The main character was giving a eulogy for a beloved co-worker who worked in the passport division. And he said something to the effect that her passport was eternally valid and she was ready to go. Many of us have passports now. Not all that long ago a birth certificate was all that was needed to verify your citizenship and to go back and forth between the US and Canada. Not anymore. And they don't recommend you cross with a passport that is only months away from expiring. If you intend to travel, a current passport is a must. I liked the thought of a spiritual passport. We get one the moment we ask Christ to be our Lord and Savior. It is just as important to keep it valid and up-to-date as the earthly one. We do that by having a relationship with the Lord. Current. On-going. Not something to be stuck away and never seen again. Paul reminds us of who we are and where we belong in Philippians 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." I haven't been called to make that final trip...yet. But when I am, my eternal passport is ready and marked "citizenship---heaven". Today is Saturday. What citizenship is listed on your spiritual (and eternal) passport?
Year 5; Day 295 No Mysteries
Last week the quilting guild had its monthly meeting. One of the members demonstrated how to make a particular style of table topper. I had seen the pattern before but did not know how to make it. It looked complicated with a number of pieces and corners. Come to find out it wasn't so hard after all. I didn't know how it was constructed and now I do. In fact, I can see all kinds of possibilities using different fabrics now that I understand how the design works. As I looked at my finished piece last night, I thought about how a few days earlier, had I seen one like it, it would have been a mystery to me. But now I understand how to do it. Life is full of mysteries...things I don't understand. How did this happen? Why did this happen? What is the point of this? How am I going to get through this? Some things do become clearer with time, experience, and living. Sometimes we can have a "light bulb moment" that brings clarity and understanding to our thinking and situation. And sometimes what didn't make sense twenty years ago still doesn't today. What comforts me is that while there are some mysteries, some explanations, some reasons, that may remain unknown to me, they are not unknown to God. Nothing is too dark or deep or hidden for Him. And when the time is right, I will be given understanding...whether here or there. "...Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:20,22) Today is Sunday. How wonderful to be loved by One to which there are no mysteries, no unknowns, no lack of understanding...in and towards and about anything.
Last week the quilting guild had its monthly meeting. One of the members demonstrated how to make a particular style of table topper. I had seen the pattern before but did not know how to make it. It looked complicated with a number of pieces and corners. Come to find out it wasn't so hard after all. I didn't know how it was constructed and now I do. In fact, I can see all kinds of possibilities using different fabrics now that I understand how the design works. As I looked at my finished piece last night, I thought about how a few days earlier, had I seen one like it, it would have been a mystery to me. But now I understand how to do it. Life is full of mysteries...things I don't understand. How did this happen? Why did this happen? What is the point of this? How am I going to get through this? Some things do become clearer with time, experience, and living. Sometimes we can have a "light bulb moment" that brings clarity and understanding to our thinking and situation. And sometimes what didn't make sense twenty years ago still doesn't today. What comforts me is that while there are some mysteries, some explanations, some reasons, that may remain unknown to me, they are not unknown to God. Nothing is too dark or deep or hidden for Him. And when the time is right, I will be given understanding...whether here or there. "...Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:20,22) Today is Sunday. How wonderful to be loved by One to which there are no mysteries, no unknowns, no lack of understanding...in and towards and about anything.