"Now a man named Micah... said to his mother, "The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you... I have that silver with me; I took it."
When he returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, "I solemnly consecrate my silver to the LORD for my son to make a carved image and a cast idol."
...and she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who made them into the image and the idol. And they were put in Micah's house.
Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some idols and installed one of his sons as his priest.
In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit...
A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah, left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah's house in the hill country of Ephraim.
Micah asked him, "Where are you from?"
"I'm a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah," he said, "and I'm looking for a place to stay."
...then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house. And Micah said, "Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest."
~Judges 17
Our pastor preached on this passage this Sunday. Micah, the main character, is just one example of what happened when 'everyone did as he saw fit.' He stole a large sum of money from his mother and when he returned it, she "thanked" the Lord by creating an idol! Micah set up a shrine for the idol along with all the other gods he worshipped and then installed his son as a priest. When a Levite came along, he decided to appoint the Levite as his priest instead.
Then notice the last phrase... "I know that the Lord will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest."
Theft.
Greed.
Idol worship.
Utter disregard for the Word of the Lord.
And yet, because Micah has a Levite, he thinks God will bless him.
How foolish. How ridiculous!
But how often do I do the same thing?
My life is also full of sin. Full of false gods.
Security becomes more important than trust. Computer takes the place of spending time with God. "Having fun" overshadows stewardship of what God has given me. Pride interferes with a right relationship with Him.
And yet I think that because I read my Bible or go to church or donate money, God will bless me? How foolish. How ridiculous!
The blessing of God does not come because I have "a Levite in the house." His blessing is not given for the asking. It is not based on outward signs of obedience that serve only to disguise a prideful heart.
But "blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods." ~Psalm 40:4
Only when I humble myself and seek His face... Only when I completely forsake the false gods in my life--my pride, my security, my faith in myself... Only when I stop trusting the Levites in my house to bring blessing and turn wholly and completely to the God of the universe...
Only then will I find His blessing.
"Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory; that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" ~1 Chronicles 4:10
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Every day is a journal page. Every man holds a quill and ink.
And there's plenty of room for writing in. All we do is believe and think.
So will you compose a curse or will today bring the blessing?
Fill the page with rhyming verse or some random sketching?
Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.
Lead us in better ways that somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much... Life means so much... Life means so much.
Every day is a bank account and time is our currency.
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor; we get 24 hours each.
So how are you gonna spend? Will you invest or squander?
Try to get ahead or help someone who's under?
Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.
Lead us in better ways that somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much... Life means so much... Life means so much.
Has anybody ever lived who knew the value of a life?
And don't you think giving is all that proves the worth of yours and mine.
Life means so much...
Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.
Lead us in better ways that somehow our souls forgot.
Life means so much...
Every day is a gift you've been given. Make the most of the time, every minute you're living.
And there's plenty of room for writing in. All we do is believe and think.
So will you compose a curse or will today bring the blessing?
Fill the page with rhyming verse or some random sketching?
Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.
Lead us in better ways that somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much... Life means so much... Life means so much.
Every day is a bank account and time is our currency.
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor; we get 24 hours each.
So how are you gonna spend? Will you invest or squander?
Try to get ahead or help someone who's under?
Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.
Lead us in better ways that somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much... Life means so much... Life means so much.
Has anybody ever lived who knew the value of a life?
And don't you think giving is all that proves the worth of yours and mine.
Life means so much...Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count.
Lead us in better ways that somehow our souls forgot.
Life means so much...
Every day is a gift you've been given. Make the most of the time, every minute you're living.
Friday, March 5, 2010
You're not alone...
"You're not alone for I am here/Let me wipe away your every fear/My love, I've never left your side/I have seen you through the darkest night/and I'm the one who's loved you all your life." ~Meredith Andrews.
Will you please be there for a little one who is all alone? Please, demonstrate God's love to them, especially little Andrey this month. ReecesRainbow.com
Will you please be there for a little one who is all alone? Please, demonstrate God's love to them, especially little Andrey this month. ReecesRainbow.com
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Be a Warrior
Dear friends,
I just learned that March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. In preparation for that day, I am joining with many others to become a "warrior" for a precious little one with Down's Syndrome. I would like to invite you to join me.
Here is how it works.
First, please visit Reece's Rainbow's At Risk Page and look for Andrey, the child I have chosen to be a warrior for this month.
(Isn't he adorable??? Yet he is at high risk for being institutionalized in Eastern Europe. Once that happens, the chances of him being adopted are extremely small. For the sake of his future... will you please do something?)
Once you find him, please donate $21 (for the date of World Down Syndrome Day OR any amount that is possible for you) to go towards his adoption.
I know for some of us, $21 is quite a bit of money. But I am reminded of something I heard Ryan Dobson say recently; how much money is a life worth? How can you put a price tag on this little one's life? With that in mind, please give as generously as you can.
Now it's YOUR turn to be a warrior. Look through these pictures of precious children and choose one that you will fight for this month! Spread the word anyway you can and ask others to give $21 to bringing your child home. It's amazing... just by spending the last 20 or so minutes spreading the word about Andrey, I feel so connected to him; like I really am his voice to the world and his warrior. You can do the same for a little one.
Just so you know... Reece's Rainbow is a ministry that advocates for orphans with Down Syndrome. They collect grant money for specific children as well, in hopes of making the adoption expenses less of a burden on adopting their family. I have been aware of their ministry for some time and know they are worth supporting.
God bless you as you serve Him!
Love in Christ,
Brittany
P.S. Andrey currently has $240 towards his adoption. I am excited to see that amount grow!
I just learned that March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. In preparation for that day, I am joining with many others to become a "warrior" for a precious little one with Down's Syndrome. I would like to invite you to join me.
Here is how it works.
First, please visit Reece's Rainbow's At Risk Page and look for Andrey, the child I have chosen to be a warrior for this month.
(Isn't he adorable??? Yet he is at high risk for being institutionalized in Eastern Europe. Once that happens, the chances of him being adopted are extremely small. For the sake of his future... will you please do something?)
Once you find him, please donate $21 (for the date of World Down Syndrome Day OR any amount that is possible for you) to go towards his adoption.
I know for some of us, $21 is quite a bit of money. But I am reminded of something I heard Ryan Dobson say recently; how much money is a life worth? How can you put a price tag on this little one's life? With that in mind, please give as generously as you can.
Now it's YOUR turn to be a warrior. Look through these pictures of precious children and choose one that you will fight for this month! Spread the word anyway you can and ask others to give $21 to bringing your child home. It's amazing... just by spending the last 20 or so minutes spreading the word about Andrey, I feel so connected to him; like I really am his voice to the world and his warrior. You can do the same for a little one.
Just so you know... Reece's Rainbow is a ministry that advocates for orphans with Down Syndrome. They collect grant money for specific children as well, in hopes of making the adoption expenses less of a burden on adopting their family. I have been aware of their ministry for some time and know they are worth supporting.
God bless you as you serve Him!
Love in Christ,
Brittany
P.S. Andrey currently has $240 towards his adoption. I am excited to see that amount grow!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Anguish
"I will walk humbly all my years
because of this anguish of my soul.
Lord, by such things men live;
and my spirit finds life in them too."
~Isaiah 38:15b-16a
Anguish. It is not a pleasant thing to experience. In fact, that is quite the understatement. Anguish is painful. Horrible. Completely and utterly heartbreaking.
But I want more of it.
Something inside of me longs to truly understand the truth of our world. My heart wants to ache with God's heart at evil. Hurt when I see injustice. Break at the pain. Feel anger at sin.
Because when I experience anguish, I am forced to "walk humbly," knowing that God is in control and that I am completely incapable of accomplishing anything. I hurt and mourn and ache... but in the end, I must give it to God or else I couldn't survive the pain. In anguish, there is surrender.
When I experience anguish, I know things that are worth knowing. My mind isn't focused on clothes or money or friends or my selfish needs and wishes. It can't be. I know hard truths that move me from complacency to action; from fear to courage; from doubt to faith. I cannot stay where I am. In anguish, there is change.
When I experience anguish, I have purpose. Faced with hard truth, my focus moves from within to without. There is nothing so strong as a deep desire to change; change myself and change my world. "Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too." In anguish, there is life!
It is not easy. It is not fun. Sometimes, it hurts so bad I can barely breathe, much less act. But I would rather live in anguish than complacency. I would rather ache than feel nothing. I would rather follow God with all the ups and downs and twists and turns of life, knowing He is there, than face the world alone.
Anguish.
What brings you anguish? Here are just some of the things that cause anguish for me.
147 Million orphans living alone.
A young woman giving up her life to change lives.
An unthinkable evil that still exists today.
Precious children who live on "borrowed time."
47 million babies... dead.
What is God calling YOU to feel anguish for?
because of this anguish of my soul.
Lord, by such things men live;
and my spirit finds life in them too."
~Isaiah 38:15b-16a
Anguish. It is not a pleasant thing to experience. In fact, that is quite the understatement. Anguish is painful. Horrible. Completely and utterly heartbreaking.
But I want more of it.
Something inside of me longs to truly understand the truth of our world. My heart wants to ache with God's heart at evil. Hurt when I see injustice. Break at the pain. Feel anger at sin.
Because when I experience anguish, I am forced to "walk humbly," knowing that God is in control and that I am completely incapable of accomplishing anything. I hurt and mourn and ache... but in the end, I must give it to God or else I couldn't survive the pain. In anguish, there is surrender.
When I experience anguish, I know things that are worth knowing. My mind isn't focused on clothes or money or friends or my selfish needs and wishes. It can't be. I know hard truths that move me from complacency to action; from fear to courage; from doubt to faith. I cannot stay where I am. In anguish, there is change.
When I experience anguish, I have purpose. Faced with hard truth, my focus moves from within to without. There is nothing so strong as a deep desire to change; change myself and change my world. "Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too." In anguish, there is life!
It is not easy. It is not fun. Sometimes, it hurts so bad I can barely breathe, much less act. But I would rather live in anguish than complacency. I would rather ache than feel nothing. I would rather follow God with all the ups and downs and twists and turns of life, knowing He is there, than face the world alone.
Anguish.
What brings you anguish? Here are just some of the things that cause anguish for me.
147 Million orphans living alone.
A young woman giving up her life to change lives.
An unthinkable evil that still exists today.
Precious children who live on "borrowed time."
47 million babies... dead.
What is God calling YOU to feel anguish for?
Friday, February 19, 2010
As I sit here at my computer, I am drinking of mug of diluted Apple Cider Vinegar. Why, you are probably wondering in confusion. Well, I am sick and have no health insurance at the moment, so I am learning to cure things naturally. It did take away the pain last night... now I'm just waiting for the rest of me to recover!
On another note, I am contemplating a move to San Antonio. (Yes, Texas. I have never heard of another San Antonio, but with all the friends who ask me "Texas?" I thought I should clarify)! I just need to call about apartments/places to lives and find out how much it will cost to move before I make a final decision.
Your prayers would be appreciated for both of these matters.
One last thing... I found a blog by an absolutely amazing young woman of 21 who has lived for the last two years in Uganda and adopted 14 children! If you want to be convicted and inspired (or even if you don't), you have to check out her blog. http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
On another note, I am contemplating a move to San Antonio. (Yes, Texas. I have never heard of another San Antonio, but with all the friends who ask me "Texas?" I thought I should clarify)! I just need to call about apartments/places to lives and find out how much it will cost to move before I make a final decision.
Your prayers would be appreciated for both of these matters.
One last thing... I found a blog by an absolutely amazing young woman of 21 who has lived for the last two years in Uganda and adopted 14 children! If you want to be convicted and inspired (or even if you don't), you have to check out her blog. http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Taste and see that the Lord is GOOD.
This evening, I heard a question that spoke deeply to my soul.
How do I see God apart from His miracles and sovereign intervention in my life?
It seems easy to believe in God's goodness and love when I see Him at work. When I watch Him re-arrange events or send just the right person at just the right time, I know He is there. But what of those times when He seems invisible?
In the daily monotony of everyday life... do I still see Him?
In the pain and hurt caused by others... do I believe in His kindness?
In the sorrow and suffering surrounding me... do I still know that He is good?
Often in those times, I do not look for or see His present goodness. I cannot imagine how this could be 'good.' Instead, I look back to His past goodness and believe He will be good again.
But that is not right! Our God is good ALL the time! So what of His goodness now? Where is His goodness in the suffering or the failures or the boredom or the pain of life? What do I see today?
When it seems we are struggling just to survive, we must see God. And know...
In each breathe that I take, He is good.
In the sun that rises each day, He is kind.
In food we can eat and water we can drink, He is mercy.
In the rain and the wind, He is love.
In music and dance, He is joy.
In laughter and smiles, He is hope.
Even in pain and sorrow, He is there.
In all things, He is our very life.
And every moment, He is good.
How do I see God apart from His miracles and sovereign intervention in my life?
It seems easy to believe in God's goodness and love when I see Him at work. When I watch Him re-arrange events or send just the right person at just the right time, I know He is there. But what of those times when He seems invisible?
In the daily monotony of everyday life... do I still see Him?
In the pain and hurt caused by others... do I believe in His kindness?
In the sorrow and suffering surrounding me... do I still know that He is good?
Often in those times, I do not look for or see His present goodness. I cannot imagine how this could be 'good.' Instead, I look back to His past goodness and believe He will be good again.
But that is not right! Our God is good ALL the time! So what of His goodness now? Where is His goodness in the suffering or the failures or the boredom or the pain of life? What do I see today?
When it seems we are struggling just to survive, we must see God. And know...
In each breathe that I take, He is good.
In the sun that rises each day, He is kind.
In food we can eat and water we can drink, He is mercy.
In the rain and the wind, He is love.
In music and dance, He is joy.
In laughter and smiles, He is hope.
Even in pain and sorrow, He is there.
In all things, He is our very life.
And every moment, He is good.
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