HIS & HIS ALONE
By KP Yohannan
By the end of this message, I was broken. God really used this to teach some things to me. I am so thankful! I had to pass it on!! May the Gospel go forth, and may I sacrifice to make that happen. Lord, use me...
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
PROCESSING
There have been moments lately that I feel sort of "out there", if that makes any sense. Evan has even asked me, "You sure you're okay?" more often than normal.... Guess I just seem to be processing a lot lately.
"Processing what?" you ask. Ministry. Scripture. Finances. Homeschool. Children. Just wanting everything I think with my mind, touch with my hands and speak with my mouth to be honoring to Christ and weighing those things out to that standard. I feel I miss out on so much when I try to do things on my own, and frequently fail miserably.
Tonight I re-read some of my old stuff about Josiah. He is may baby that I lost at 15 weeks gestation 5 years ago on New Years Day. I was reading about trusting the Lord, and how through that horrible time, that's all God wanted to hear from me was that I trusted Him.
Tomorrow night, our women's Bible study is all about God's faithfulness, and how even when we don't SEE... we must trust. I have been pondering Jeremiah 17:5-8 all afternoon.
Comparing the man who trusts in himself (vs 5-6) and the man who trusts in God (vs 7-8).
The man who trusts in himself:
cursed; depends on himself for strength; heart departs from the Lord; dry; misses it when the good things come; alone; thirsty
-- There is no source of water connected to this tree, so it shrivels and dies. Sort of like a plant that you take from the sunlight and put in a dark closet. The farther you take it from the light, the more it withers. Or, if you cut a leaf off from a plant, so it is no longer connected to the vine (John 15), it's going to shrivel up and die!
The man who trusts in God:
blessed; growing; fearless, even in rough times; doesn't shrivel in the heat; doesn't fear drought; does not stop producing fruit
-- The roots receive water from the SOURCE of water, so it never dries up. It is constantly being fed by that source of water as well. It can't just get one dose of water and expect to live on that. It is a continual flowing of that water to keep that tree healthy & alive.
A quote I read tonight, that I thought was so fitting...
"God has never failed me. Even in my greatest difficulties, heaviest trials, deepest poverty and need, He has never failed me. Because I was enabled by God's grace to trust Him, He has always come to my aid. I delight in speaking well of His name." George Mueller
I couldn't have said it better.
There have been moments lately that I feel sort of "out there", if that makes any sense. Evan has even asked me, "You sure you're okay?" more often than normal.... Guess I just seem to be processing a lot lately.
"Processing what?" you ask. Ministry. Scripture. Finances. Homeschool. Children. Just wanting everything I think with my mind, touch with my hands and speak with my mouth to be honoring to Christ and weighing those things out to that standard. I feel I miss out on so much when I try to do things on my own, and frequently fail miserably.
Tonight I re-read some of my old stuff about Josiah. He is may baby that I lost at 15 weeks gestation 5 years ago on New Years Day. I was reading about trusting the Lord, and how through that horrible time, that's all God wanted to hear from me was that I trusted Him.
Tomorrow night, our women's Bible study is all about God's faithfulness, and how even when we don't SEE... we must trust. I have been pondering Jeremiah 17:5-8 all afternoon.
Comparing the man who trusts in himself (vs 5-6) and the man who trusts in God (vs 7-8).
The man who trusts in himself:
cursed; depends on himself for strength; heart departs from the Lord; dry; misses it when the good things come; alone; thirsty
-- There is no source of water connected to this tree, so it shrivels and dies. Sort of like a plant that you take from the sunlight and put in a dark closet. The farther you take it from the light, the more it withers. Or, if you cut a leaf off from a plant, so it is no longer connected to the vine (John 15), it's going to shrivel up and die!
The man who trusts in God:
blessed; growing; fearless, even in rough times; doesn't shrivel in the heat; doesn't fear drought; does not stop producing fruit
-- The roots receive water from the SOURCE of water, so it never dries up. It is constantly being fed by that source of water as well. It can't just get one dose of water and expect to live on that. It is a continual flowing of that water to keep that tree healthy & alive.
A quote I read tonight, that I thought was so fitting...
"God has never failed me. Even in my greatest difficulties, heaviest trials, deepest poverty and need, He has never failed me. Because I was enabled by God's grace to trust Him, He has always come to my aid. I delight in speaking well of His name." George Mueller
I couldn't have said it better.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Updated Barn Pics!
Do to a very mild December and January, we have been able to accomplish a lot of outdoor tasks. There were a few nights up on a ladder with yucky weather (rain/sleet), and much of the siding was hung by lights after it was dark. (The days are SO short!) God was gracious, blessed us with scaffolding to use on the high parts, and kept us (mainly Evan) safe! Since this picture was taken, I have even been able to paint more trim, but the doors will have to wait until spring, as the cold weather seems to have settled in finally.
Not sure when the inside will be able to be completely finished off, but there are beds/couches to sleep at least 10 comfortably, as long as the weather isn't too extreme. We still need insulation to help maintain comfortable temperatures regularly, and to have a wood stove installed. A bathroom is on the "someday" list as well. :)
Do to a very mild December and January, we have been able to accomplish a lot of outdoor tasks. There were a few nights up on a ladder with yucky weather (rain/sleet), and much of the siding was hung by lights after it was dark. (The days are SO short!) God was gracious, blessed us with scaffolding to use on the high parts, and kept us (mainly Evan) safe! Since this picture was taken, I have even been able to paint more trim, but the doors will have to wait until spring, as the cold weather seems to have settled in finally.
Not sure when the inside will be able to be completely finished off, but there are beds/couches to sleep at least 10 comfortably, as long as the weather isn't too extreme. We still need insulation to help maintain comfortable temperatures regularly, and to have a wood stove installed. A bathroom is on the "someday" list as well. :)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
FEEDING ON JESUS
I have been meditating on some Scriptures for several weeks now. This all started when my Bible reading plan took me through the book of John. Several Scriptures popped off the page at me the day we read chapters 5-6, but this verse in particular has stuck with me:
"He who feeds on Me will live because of Me." John 6:57
Prior to this particular day of reading, I had been pondering the words "believe" and "abide" and how so connected they are. Eternal life is found only in Christ. Along with repentance, we must "believe on Him" and we are saved, but what does that mean? Coming to Him and feeding demonstrates that we truly do believe in Him. Many people say they believe in Jesus, but have very little to do with "feeding on Him". I fear for them.
Think of it this way. To physically keep my strength up, I must eat food several times a day. The food is my nourishment and gives me physical strength to function. Our spiritual life is the same. We need to "feed on" Jesus. He is our source of strength! Feeding on Him is even more important than eating physical food! If I neglect this, I am spiritually weak. Think of John 15, abiding in the vine. If we are connected to the vine, we are getting our nourishment. If we are not, we will be cut off.
Are you spiritually feeding your soul? As John 6:68 says, "You (referring to Jesus) have the words of eternal life." If we are not filling ourselves with His words, we will not understand the truth about eternal life.
I think it was Spurgeon who once said, "We are never more alive than when we are dead at His feet."
Feeding on Him, is the only way to truly be full.
I have been meditating on some Scriptures for several weeks now. This all started when my Bible reading plan took me through the book of John. Several Scriptures popped off the page at me the day we read chapters 5-6, but this verse in particular has stuck with me:
"He who feeds on Me will live because of Me." John 6:57
Prior to this particular day of reading, I had been pondering the words "believe" and "abide" and how so connected they are. Eternal life is found only in Christ. Along with repentance, we must "believe on Him" and we are saved, but what does that mean? Coming to Him and feeding demonstrates that we truly do believe in Him. Many people say they believe in Jesus, but have very little to do with "feeding on Him". I fear for them.
Think of it this way. To physically keep my strength up, I must eat food several times a day. The food is my nourishment and gives me physical strength to function. Our spiritual life is the same. We need to "feed on" Jesus. He is our source of strength! Feeding on Him is even more important than eating physical food! If I neglect this, I am spiritually weak. Think of John 15, abiding in the vine. If we are connected to the vine, we are getting our nourishment. If we are not, we will be cut off.
Are you spiritually feeding your soul? As John 6:68 says, "You (referring to Jesus) have the words of eternal life." If we are not filling ourselves with His words, we will not understand the truth about eternal life.
I think it was Spurgeon who once said, "We are never more alive than when we are dead at His feet."
Feeding on Him, is the only way to truly be full.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
FOR YOUNG WOMEN WHO DREAM TO MARRY AND STAY HOME...
Today as I was hanging off a ladder painting, I was processing some things from a conversation I had with a friend today. (And yes, I know I haven't finished my last series of blog posts, and I've been gone a REALLY long time, so there's probably not many people reading this anymore, let alone young ladies.... but that's okay, this was on my heart....) A friend of mine mentioned that someone younger than her was struggling. As a young woman, she really didn't have any dreams of going to college, because her only REAL dream was to be happily married and have a family. She's kind of feeling stuck, and not sure what step to take next, as God hasn't yet put her husband in her path. People were encouraging her to go to college because, "you never really know WHEN you'll get married anyway..." I don't totally disagree, but...
These are my thoughts...
So, this is for any young woman out there, who desires to to be a godly wife and a stay-at-home mom, and are patiently waiting. Spend this time preparing yourself. No matter what profession a person is going into -- doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, etc., each one of them spends years preparing for that job. Why is it any different with being a wife and a mom?
First of all, pursue your relationship with Jesus. He needs to be EVERYTHING to you. He is your Savior, He is your source. Even after you are married, He will need to be first. Remember, your main goal in life should not be to get married, it should be to glorify God in all things. Spend as much time studying the Word and praying as you possibly can. Put this above all else in your life. Cling to Him & pursue holiness. Someday you will have toddlers running around your feet, and babies to nurse. You will be begging for time to just open your Bible, but it will be difficult because you will be exhausted! Take advantage of this season of your life. You will not regret it!
Secondly, pray. Specifically, pray for your future husband. Pray for him to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to flee temptations, to cling to Jesus. Pray for him to have wisdom and to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Pray for him to hear from the Lord. Pray Scripture over him. Pray that you will be the wife God wants you to be. Pray for him, and start now!
Thirdly, sacrifice. It's very easy to be selfish during this stage of your life. Pursuing your desires, outward beauty, fashion trends, etc. Do not compromise with the world. If you are a child of the King, you are called to live differently. Pray about how you should dress & how you should spend your time. Pursue righteousness in all things, and don't waste so much time on things that are fleeting.
Fourth, find godly women and cling to them. For a season, I had an amazing young 20something live with us 2 nights a week. She lived life with me. She learned what life was like for a family with 4 children -- a lot of work. She helped with the children, folded dozens of baskets of laundry, mopped my floors, learned some new things in the kitchen, even learned how to butcher a pig! Through the daily grind of life, we talked about the Lord. We talked about marriage, disciplining children, whatever we read in Scripture that day, etc. Not only do I hope she walked away with some helpful hints about what she hopes to do someday, but I was so overly blessed by her! She built relationships with my children that I hope will be forever. Maybe someday my girls can be to her what she was to me!
Now, in the midst of this, if God calls you to college, then go! I have a degree in education. I'm not opposed to college, but don't just go to pass the time if God isn't calling you to that. Use your time preparing yourself to be what God is calling you to be. Be patient for HIS timing, and go bless some exhausted mom by doing her laundry. She will be grateful... and you will be preparing yourself with hands on experience for your dream!
Today as I was hanging off a ladder painting, I was processing some things from a conversation I had with a friend today. (And yes, I know I haven't finished my last series of blog posts, and I've been gone a REALLY long time, so there's probably not many people reading this anymore, let alone young ladies.... but that's okay, this was on my heart....) A friend of mine mentioned that someone younger than her was struggling. As a young woman, she really didn't have any dreams of going to college, because her only REAL dream was to be happily married and have a family. She's kind of feeling stuck, and not sure what step to take next, as God hasn't yet put her husband in her path. People were encouraging her to go to college because, "you never really know WHEN you'll get married anyway..." I don't totally disagree, but...
These are my thoughts...
So, this is for any young woman out there, who desires to to be a godly wife and a stay-at-home mom, and are patiently waiting. Spend this time preparing yourself. No matter what profession a person is going into -- doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, etc., each one of them spends years preparing for that job. Why is it any different with being a wife and a mom?
First of all, pursue your relationship with Jesus. He needs to be EVERYTHING to you. He is your Savior, He is your source. Even after you are married, He will need to be first. Remember, your main goal in life should not be to get married, it should be to glorify God in all things. Spend as much time studying the Word and praying as you possibly can. Put this above all else in your life. Cling to Him & pursue holiness. Someday you will have toddlers running around your feet, and babies to nurse. You will be begging for time to just open your Bible, but it will be difficult because you will be exhausted! Take advantage of this season of your life. You will not regret it!
Secondly, pray. Specifically, pray for your future husband. Pray for him to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to flee temptations, to cling to Jesus. Pray for him to have wisdom and to grow in the knowledge of the Lord. Pray for him to hear from the Lord. Pray Scripture over him. Pray that you will be the wife God wants you to be. Pray for him, and start now!
Thirdly, sacrifice. It's very easy to be selfish during this stage of your life. Pursuing your desires, outward beauty, fashion trends, etc. Do not compromise with the world. If you are a child of the King, you are called to live differently. Pray about how you should dress & how you should spend your time. Pursue righteousness in all things, and don't waste so much time on things that are fleeting.
Fourth, find godly women and cling to them. For a season, I had an amazing young 20something live with us 2 nights a week. She lived life with me. She learned what life was like for a family with 4 children -- a lot of work. She helped with the children, folded dozens of baskets of laundry, mopped my floors, learned some new things in the kitchen, even learned how to butcher a pig! Through the daily grind of life, we talked about the Lord. We talked about marriage, disciplining children, whatever we read in Scripture that day, etc. Not only do I hope she walked away with some helpful hints about what she hopes to do someday, but I was so overly blessed by her! She built relationships with my children that I hope will be forever. Maybe someday my girls can be to her what she was to me!
Now, in the midst of this, if God calls you to college, then go! I have a degree in education. I'm not opposed to college, but don't just go to pass the time if God isn't calling you to that. Use your time preparing yourself to be what God is calling you to be. Be patient for HIS timing, and go bless some exhausted mom by doing her laundry. She will be grateful... and you will be preparing yourself with hands on experience for your dream!
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