Throne Trip Tuesdays - My Word!

Lots of people make resolutions for the new year. Healthier eating. More exercise. Less of this. More of that. Stop doing this. Start doing that. Blah, blah, blah. How many of us actually stick with any of those? Really? I mean past the one month mark. By March those good intentions are long gone. Some of us are guilt ridden because we didn't stick with it.

Now don't get me wrong. I think purposing to make changes for the better is fabulous. Deems commendation. I do it. I was at the gym today. It's something that is part of my routine. I just changed my routine for a few weeks by not going. lol. One year I quit smoking. It wasn't a new year's resolution. I kicked the habit in July. Fourteen years ago this year. I'm a firm believer in making changes for the better any ole' time. Why wait?

One thing I've seen in the blog world the last couple years is a single word. Posts that are developed around the central theme of that one word. There have been many words I thought I would use for this year. Some of the options were: cherish, simplicity, joy, create, and grace. But one word kept repeating. Showing up. I tossed it around quite a bit. The word? Treasure.

I'm going to see how God reveals Himself as I dig for Treasure; how I can bless others with that Treasure; and how I can incorporate that Treasure in my daily life. Do you have a word for 2012?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Basic Information Before Leaving Earth (aka BIBLE)

A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, "I know what the Bible means!"
His father smiled and  replied, "What do you mean, you 'know' what the Bible means?
The son replied, "I do know!"
"Okay," said his father. "What does the Bible mean?"
"That's easy, Daddy..." the young  boy replied excitedly," It stands for 'Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.'
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There was a very  gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible  to her brother in another part of the  country.
"Is there anything breakable in here?"  asked the postal clerk.
"Only the Ten Commandments." answered the  lady.
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"Somebody has said  there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it's morning!"
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A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn't find a space with a meter.
Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: "I have circled the block 10 times. If I don't park here, I'll miss my appointment.  Forgive us our trespasses."
When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note "I've circled this block for 10 years. If I don't give you a ticket, I'll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation."
 
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There  is the story of a pastor who got up one Sunday and  announced to his congregation: "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."
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While driving in Pennsylvania , a family caught up to an Amish carriage.  The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign... "Energy efficient vehicle: Runs on oats and grass. Caution: Do not step in exhaust."
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A Sunday School  teacher began her lesson with a question, "Boys  and girls, what do we know about God?"
A hand  shot up in the air. "He is an artist!" said the  kindergarten boy.
"Really? How do you know?"  the teacher asked.
"You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... "
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A  minister waited in line to have his car filled  with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The  attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.
"Reverend," said the young man, "I'm so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip."
The minister chuckled,  "I know what you mean. It's the same in my business."
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People want the  front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention.
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Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about.
The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt."
Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed.  Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about.
He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."
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The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church  building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play."Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But, you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances."
During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up."
At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star  Spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular organist! 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Have a blessed week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 1:22 (NKJV) ²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Self Examination

Instead of saying that someone "gets cancer," cancer researchers now say that everyone "has cancer." In other words, there are always cancerous cells among the body's trillions of cells. Our health goal is to continually strengthen the body's immune system--our God-given shield of protection--so that rogue cells can be overcome and eliminated, removing their opportunity to multiply and spread.

Following the apostle Paul's practice of comparing the Body of Christ to the human body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31), we can apply the same strategy to maintain spiritual health: the spiritual body is only as healthy as its weakest part. Or, the local church is only as healthy as its weakest member. The admonition to the church at Sardis given by Jesus Christ applies: "Strengthen the things which remain." Physically and spiritually, we are on a lifelong quest to strengthen every cell of our body and every member of Christ's body.

The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God. A. W. Tozer

Make today a day of self-examination. Strengthen the Body of Christ by strengthening your walk with Him.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Revelation 3:2 (NKJV) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Kids Say the Darndest Things

A fourth grade teacher gave her students a fun assignment. The students were to provide original endings to some famous sayings.Here are some examples of what the students submitted.

- The grass is always greener when you leave the sprinkler on.

- A rolling stone plays the guitar.

- The grass is always greener when you remember to water it.

- A bird in the hand is a real mess.

- No news is no newspaper.

- It's better to light one candle than to waste electricity.

- It's always darkest just before I open my eyes.

- You have nothing to fear but homework.

- If you can't stand the heat, don't start the fireplace.

- If you can't stand the heat, go swimming.

- Never put off 'til tomorrow what you should have done yesterday.

- A penny saved is nothing in the real world.

- The squeaking wheel gets annoying.

- We have nothing to fear but our principal.

- To err is human. To eat a muskrat is not.

- I think, therefore I get a headache.

- Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry, and someone yells, "Shut up!"

- Better to light a candle than to light an explosive.

- It's always darkest before 9:30 p.m.

- Early to bed and early to rise is first in the bathroom.

- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a blister.

- There is nothing new under the bed.

- The grass is always greener when you put manure on it.

- Don't count your chickens -- it takes too long.

 Has one of your children said something funny you'd like to share? I'd love to hear it.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 19:14 (NKJV) But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Throne Trip Tuesdays - How to Get Along Better

Proven ways to get along better with EVERYONE:

1. Before you say anything to anyone, ask yourself 3 things:
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it necessary?

2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully.

3. Never miss the opportunity to compliment or say something encouraging to someone.

4. Refuse to talk negatively about others; don't gossip and don't listen to gossip.

5. Have a forgiving view of people. Believe that most people are doing the best they can.

6. Keep an open mind; discuss, but don't argue. (It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.)

7. Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before doing or saying anything that could make matters worse.

8. Let your virtues speak for themselves.

9. If someone criticizes you, see if there is any TRUTH to what he is saying; if so, make changes. If there is no truth to the criticism, ignore it and live so that no one will believe the negative remark.

10. Cultivate your sense of humor; laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

11. Do not seek so much to be consoled, as to console; do not seek so much to be understood, as to understand; do not seek so much to be loved as to love.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this list. Do you have a way to get along with others that is not listed here?


Thank you for stopping by and visiting.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV) Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Living Like a Billionare

Many people have suffered financial losses this past year. Even Bill Gates lost more than $18 billion dollars. Yet even with that loss, Gates' net worth for 2009 was still somewhere near $40 billion--allowing him to reclaim the title of richest man in the world.

It's helpful for believers to remember that we're billionaires, too--recipients of billions of blessings. Our wealth is infinite. We've been granted "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). The blessings of God don't lead to moral failure. The world's wealth, on the other hand, is deceptive; the love of money yields much evil. 

The church of Laodicea thought it was rich, wealthy, needing nothing. But it didn't realize it was really wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

None of us wants to face financial loss, but sometimes the loss of some of our material goods can remind us of our true wealth. It helps us focus afresh on the eternal riches that cannot be lost, stolen, or eaten by moths. What loss have you recently suffered? Let Christ turn it to gain.

How many have pulled down their souls to build up their estate. Thomas Watson, Puritan
Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:20 Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Death

~DEATH~ 
WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT ..  

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to 

Leave the examination room and said, 

'Doctor, I am afraid to die. 

Tell me what lies on the other side.' 

Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know..' 

'You don't know?  You're, a Christian man, 

and don't know what's on the other side?' 

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; 

On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, 

And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room 

And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. 

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, 

'Did you notice my dog? 

He's never been in this room before. 

He didn't know what was inside. 

He knew nothing except that his master was here, 

And when the door opened,  he sprang in without fear. 

I know little of what is on the other side of death, 

But I do know one thing... 

I know my Master is there and that is enough.'  

Do you know the Master? I encourage you to seek Him today, This Day!


Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NKJV) ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; ¹⁵ and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Underestimating God

Because God is infinite, we always underestimate Him. Logically speaking, it's an unavoidable inevitability. The Lord has no boundaries or barriers, no limits or restrictions. He is endless in direction and duration, in space and time. His unfathomable attributes are bottomless seas without shores. Our minds can't grasp the depths of His presence, majesty, power, glory, and grace. There's no ceiling to His love, wrath, wealth, and intelligence. Our minds are astonished with God, and we can no more fit Him into our thoughts than we could fit the ocean into a thimble.

There is no way for us to comprehend the fullness of His infinity. So it would seem logical to say: Because God is inestimable, we always underestimate Him.

Nothing is a surprise to God, for He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sees the past, the present, and the future in one glance. Whatever our thoughts are about the return of Christ and our eternal home with Him, the reality will be even better. We'll say with the Queen of Sheba that the half was not told.

In the midst of the street is life's river, clear as crystal and pure to behold; But not half of that's city's bright glory to mortals has ever been told. Jonathan B. Atchinson 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Chronicles 9:6 (NKJV) However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - En Route to Heaven

When evangelist Billy Graham turned 91, the Tennessean sent him some questions to answer. One involved the difficulties of aging. Graham said that the burdens of life remind us this world is not our final home. "My wife Ruth died almost two years ago," he said, "and every day I miss her very, very much. But someday soon we'll be together in Heaven--in God's presence forever, free from all the burdens of this life. If our hope is truly in Christ, we know we are only pilgrims on this earth, en route to our eternal home in Heaven. Old age should make us look forward with joy to heaven."¹

Heaven is real, Christ is coming, and we should discipline our thoughts accordingly. If we're pilgrims eager for an eternal city, we'll be happier, harder-working, more forward-thinking people on earth, whatever our age. Our permanence isn't on earth; we long for the city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). So let's work till Jesus comes, then we'll be gathered home.

Alas! How we forget that we are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth; that we are journeying to our eternal home, and will soon be there! Octavius Winslow

This seems extraordinarily appropriate for me.Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

¹Q&A: Billy Graham Shares Wisdom, Tells Why He Loves Nashville" in The Tennessean, November 7, 2009, at tennessean.com/article/20091107/NEWS06/911070318&SectionCat=NEWS16, accessed November 8, 2009.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Backdoor to Success

After thirty-six years in television journalism, Ernie Bjorkman lost his $250,000 per year job as an anchorman. So he decided to do what he'd always wanted to do as a young person: work with animals. He went back to school to become a "vet-tech"--a technician working for a veterinarian at an annual salary of around $30,000.*

The title of Dr. Erwin Lutzer's book on failure--Failure: The Backdoor to Success--accurately captures what many have discovered in life: that some of life's greatest blessings and opportunities arise out of demolished hopes and dreams. Take John Mark, for example. His dream of accompanying his cousin, Barnabas, and the apostle Paul on their first missionary trip ended in failure (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41) and adamant rejection by Paul. Yet, in due time, Mark became one of Paul's most trusted young coworkers (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24).

If you have suffered a setback in recent days, look to the future. Ask God to use this event to accomplish His perfect will in your life, to open new doors of opportunity for your good and His glory.

The man who is elated by success and cast down by failure is still a carnal man.  A. W. Tozer

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Perspective

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"

"It was great, Dad."

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yes, " said the son.

"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

May your eyes be opened to the Gift and the Giver for they are one and the same.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 2:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Throne Trip Tuesday - Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday was the Third Sunday of Advent. In Christian tradition, this Sunday is called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete means joy in Latin. We must all be glad and joyful as we await the coming of Christ into the world. He will come to bring us peace and contentment. He will come to restore all things unto him.

With Sunday’s celebration, we are also beginning the second phase of our Advent season which is to prepare ourselves for the commemoration of the coming of the Lord on Christmas Day. The pink candle will be lighted on Sunday symbolizing our eagerness to celebrate Christ’s coming on Christmas and our anticipation for his Second Coming.


The readings in Sunday’s liturgy give us reasons to rejoice. The First Reading taken from the book of the prophet Isaiah (35:1-6,10) foretells the coming of Christ. Isaiah says that with the coming of the Redeemer, “the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” (Is. 35: 5-6¬). This will give the people reason to rejoice for at last, the Savior has come to their aid – he has come to rescue them from what enslaves them.


The Second Reading urges us to be patient in waiting for the Lord. (James 5:7-10) There will be sufferings and trials on the way, but when the Lord comes, all of these will end and our sufferings will turn to joy for he comes to comfort us. The Gospel Reading presents to us another important figure as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. He is no less than John the Baptist. In the Gospel, John the Baptist tells us that the one who will come is greater than he. He is Jesus, the one who will bring sight to the blind, recovery to the ill, and good news to the poor. (Matthew 11:2-11)



As we continue our preparations for Christ’s coming, let us not forget that the coming of Christ is good news for us Christians. Therefore, even as we repent from our sins, we must be joyful and glad for the Lord has come and will come again to bring forth goodness, justice, and love. Rejoice!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 Chronicles 16:10 (NKJV)  ¹⁰ Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Prayer Warriors Needed

One of my dear blog friends, Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend, desperately needs our prayers. Her sweet husband suffered a major stroke over the weekend. I do not know all the details. What I do know is that this precious family is hurting. They have a bazillion questions that need answered. They love the Lord and are seeking Him for comfort. They need me and you to pray for them.


So our trip to the throne today, This Day, is for Teresa and her family. Thank you for your prayers. If you are so lead, please post this on your page. There is power in God's people praying one for another.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV) Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Who Is on the Throne?

We do not have to look far in our world to see evidence of Satan's activity: Prisons are filled to overflowing. Armies are stretched thin fighting multiple wars. Disease pathogens mutate in increasingly more virulent and resistant strains. Injustice and suffering abound. Sometimes it looks like Satan has free reign on earth.

According to the Scriptures, he does: "The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." Yes, Satan is on a leash that is held firmly in God's hand--but it is a long leash, extending over all the earth (Job 1:7; 2:2). We might apply to our experience the words Jesus used to describe the church in Pergamos: Satan has established his "throne" in our midst. And lest we be deceived or influenced by him, we must do what the Lord told those in Pergamos to do: "Repent." That is, change our minds. God is in control! God is on the throne! The stain of Satan's presence will one day be wiped clean!

Satan's presence is only for a season. The presence of Christ is for eternity for those who hold fast to His name.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  Helen H. Lemmel

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 5:19 (NIV) We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Just for Today....This Day!

Just for Today ...
.. smile at a stranger
.. listen to someone's heart
.. drop a coin where a child can find it
.. learn something new, then teach it to someone
.. tell someone you're thinking of them
.. hug a loved one
.. don't hold a grudge
.. don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"
.. look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are
.. don't kill that spider in your house, he's just lost so show him the way out
.. look beyond the face of a person into their heart
.. make a promise, and keep it
.. call someone, for no other reason than to just say "Hi"
.. show kindness to an animal
.. stand up for what you believe in
.. smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind
.. use all your senses to their fullest
.. cherish all your TODAYS ......This Day!

~ Author Unknown

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)  This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - A King's Highway

Once a king had a great highway built for the members of his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many as desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best.

On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food. Some young men came in their track clothes and ran along the highway. People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile of rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their way and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of gold. he explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it all. I want you to return it to its rightful owner."

The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine. I've never known such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my contest. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road smoother for those who will follow." ~ Author Unknown

Am I making the path smoother for those who follow? Or, am I too busy trying to get to the end of the road to see what needs to be done along the way? What challenges do I face that need to be cleared before I move forward?  Today, This Day I am seeking God to reveal these to me. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:32 (NKJV) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Throne Trip Tuesdays - The Greatest Paradox

Many things about the kingdom of God seem odd to those who are not its citizens. Kingdom citizens gain by giving, live by dying, and become great by becoming least. But perhaps the greatest oddity in the kingdom of God is when Christians find joy in pain and suffering. There is something unnatural about rejoicing in the midst of trials.

But a clarification must be made. The Bible says we are to give thanks "in everything," not "for everything." The Bible is transrational, not irrational; it represents thinking at a higher level, not a lower level. "In" the experience of trials and trouble, joy can still be found because we know that every experience has a purpose and place in God's plan for our lives. Who would not find joy in having his faith proved to be genuine? Peter writes that trials and suffering come for that very reason: to prove that the faith we cling to is the real thing (1 Peter 1:6-7). In such revelation and confirmation is found true joy.

If you are experiencing a painful moment in your life right now, you don't have to fake having joy "for" the pain. Your joy is to be in the knowledge that God is in control and your faith in Him is unshakeable.

It is the very joy of this earthly life to think that it will come to an end. Charles H. Spurgeon

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Romans 14:8 (NIV) If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Friendship

You gave me words of kindness
tied with a ribbon of gold,
hearing them was important
to heal my heart and soul.

Your gift of words made a difference
when I was down and blue,
questioning why I bother,
doing what I do.

Life can be a challenge
sometimes it seems unfair,
but when I was tired and struggling
it helped that you were there.

What can I give you in return
your friendship is so dear,
please know if you ever need me
I will always be here.

Kind words and time are needed
by people everywhere,
when wrapped with a smile or a hug
they're a gift that says I CARE!

- Author Unknown

I'm so grateful to have reconnected with a dear friend. I so appreciate you, K.D., and welcome you with open arms back into my life.  

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV) ⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Wrecker or Builder?

THE BUILDER

I saw them tearing a building down
A team of men in my hometown.
With a heave and a ho and a yes yes yell,
they swung a beam and a sidewall fell.

And I said to the foreman, "Are these men skilled?"
"Like the ones you'd use if you had to build?"
And he laughed and said, "Oh no, indeed...
the most common labor is all I need...
for I can destroy in a day or two
what takes a builder ten years to do."

So I thought to myself as I went on my way...
Which one of these roles am I willing to play?
Am I one who is tearing down as I carelessly make my way around?
Or am I one who builds with care, in order to make the world a
little better... because I was there? ~Unknown

I pray that today, This Day, I take care in building up those around me.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 13:10 (NIV) This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Romans 15:2 (NIV)  Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Throne Trip Tuesdays - Thinking About God

The American Heritage Dictionary says to meditate is to "reflect on; contemplate." How did such a simple idea become so scary to most Christians today? It's because of the influence of Eastern religions that use meditating on a specific word or thought as a way to empty the mind; to move beyond object-oriented thinking to a deeper state of awareness or reality. Ironically, in Scripture, meditation is always focused on something or Someone—a filling of the mind, not an emptying.

In the Old Testament we find Scripture to be the most consistent object of meditation (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 119:48). But Old Testament saints meditated on God (Psalm 63:6) and His majesty (Psalm 145:5), the works of God (Psalm 77:12), and God's name (Malachi 3:16). And in the New Testament we are exhorted to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8), as well as on sound doctrine and the spiritual gifts of God (1 Timothy 4:15-16). Psalm 1:1-3 perhaps says it best: the primary characteristic of a godly person is that he or she meditates "day and night" on "the law of the Lord."

The more we contemplate the truth of God, the more our lives will reflect the Author of that truth.

Mediate on the Word in the Word. John Owen

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 119:15 (NKJV)  I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.