Pardon the Interruption

Well, I am reading through 2 Chronicles~again! Reason number one, it really is an interesting book, with some ‘comical’, yet thought-provoking situations. Reason number two, as I read through the last time, I kept telling myself, “I’m going to remember that for my SS class”-and I did, as it fit into my Old Testament lessons right at the moment~or, to use in a LightThought or some other situation.  Yep, you guessed it, I couldn’t remember where all the different passages were! I should have marked them, journalled them or written them down somewhere! So, I am reading it again~and will do a better job. 

It just so happened, like it always does in God’s Word, something new popped out! I did not notice the impact and/or possible humor in 2 Chronicles 5:14 in previous readings. Of course it is only humorous if you take it to heart! 

Solomon had completed the new Temple, furnishings were being brought in, and the priests and the Levites were running around ‘like chickens with their heads cut off’ trying to prepare for the special dedication service. 

As you can read in the preceding verses, detailed plans were set in motion as the service began. Musicians, decked out in their finest clothing, starting the service in praise with cymbals, harps, and lyres.  A massive choir joined with 120 trumpeteers singing, “HE is good…HIS mercy endures forever”. Solomon was getting ready to address the nation and dedicate this glorious Temple to the LORD GOD.  

Everything was going along beautifully! I am sure everything was right on schedule! The worship leader and Solomon must have been extremely pleased with how things were going….THEN

(verse 14) the priests could no longer perform their duties (the service could not even continue) because the GLORY of the LORD filled the Temple of God!

Everything came to a standstill…Oh no! Now what do we do? We can’t see our music! The speaker is speechless! The congregation can’t see what’s going on up on stage! Disaster!  

Was it really?  We sometimes set out to worship our Lord whether it be in our church service or in our private devotion time~and things change. An unexpected death or accident occurs Saturday night, that completely changes the complexity of the Sunday morning service….the Pastor feels led of the Lord to change his message-which now in no way matches the song service (or so we think).  For some reason we find ourselves reading a different passage than what the ‘schedule’ says we should read on Tuesday. During our prayer time we find thoughts of a missionary family swarming our minds and ‘we can’t concentrate on’ what we SHOULD be praying about…and you can continue to add to the list.

We can’t fulfill our ‘duties’ because the Spirit of the Lord has interrupted our plans...

Psalms 46:10~Be still, and know that I am God…

We often use this verse to remind ourselves to slow down when we become overwhelmed with doing…

Let’s remember to consider this verse and allow God to be a part of our doing…to direct our doing!

Sometimes we just need to completely come to a standstill and appreciate the Spirit of the Lord in the circumstance.

There are no interruptions~~just opportunities!

He is good~His mercy endures forever!

Debbie

Beautiful YOU

Duh alert~

I was watching my grandson change his Mii on our Wii system the other morning (which he likes to do a lot). He asked me if I wanted to change mine. I said, “No, E, I like mine just the way it is.”

After our conversation, I continued that thought.  I said to myself, “I created that Mii just the way I wanted to and like her just as she is.” Then, I smacked myself on the forehead (theoretically, of course) and thought, “My goodness, that is exactly what God thinks”—and we, like my grandson, are always wishing we could change our appearance every chance we get!

Just a ShortThought today!

You are beautiful, just the way you are!

Enjoy your Mii,

 

Debbie

Sights and Sounds of College Move-in Day

I was able to witness a variety of scenes today as I greeted new students and families on Move-in Day at the college where my husband and I work.

There may not be any particular scripture to go along with this LightThought, but it definitely will bring a smile or two---or maybe even a cringe or two.

From my vantage point as greeter/door opener to Station One in the process, I was able to view a big portion of the campus and see families coming and going to and from the various stations along the ‘get everything taken care of before you get your key’ path!

I saw:

One dad sitting in a nice, shady area reading while his son went through the process on his own.

New students walking with their guide while mom and dad lagged slightly behind.

Mom and Dad walking with the guide while the student lagged slightly behind.

Mom walking with the guide while Dad and student lagged slightly behind.

Mom approach the table at Station One first and introducing her child to the volunteers.

Student approach the table at Station One first and initiating the process.

Mom carrying the black enrollment folder with THE checklist.

Student carrying the black enrollment folder with THE checklist.

Student looking frantically for mom and dad before proceeding to the next station.

Mom who asked student, “Did you ask where the bathroom was?”

Student arriving at Station One with mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and all the siblings.

Single, true Freshmen arriving on their own (without parents).

I laughed at some sights and shook my head at others, yet had to hold back some tears for the last group.  Yep, we can laugh at those ‘Helicopter Parents”, but at least they were there!

Prayers for our students,

Debbie

Crazy Driver?

A few weeks ago I posted a blog segment entitled, ‘Finishing the Race’-June 10, 2013. I was reminded of that segment when the following ‘thought’ came to my mind! 

As a disclaimer, my heart motive is pure, and I by no means want to come across as disrespectful!

A lot of changes have been taking place in my career and ministry this summer…unexpected changes! While trying to keep track, the following popped into my funny little creative mind! It kind of reminds me of driving in Springfield!

Envision this:

I am 'driving' along following ‘the car’ in front of me (God-laying out my lifepath) as carefully as I can. Things are moving along smoothly when all the sudden ‘the car’ in front of me makes an abrupt stop and a sharp left turn (without even signaling!). Right after I catch my breath from that ‘close call’, ‘he’ makes another abrupt stop and makes a sharp right turn—of course, without signaling! I am not sure if any more of those abrupt stops and turns lie ahead because this car in front of me is now driving very slowly and cautiously on a small Farm Road with signs posted every few miles that read, “Blind Curves Ahead”.  I guess I should trust ‘this guy’ in front of me and follow as closely and carefully as I can!

Does your life ever feel like you are driving in Springfield (or wherever you choose to complain about drivers!)?  Trust the One who paved the route, follow closely, and proceed cautiously!  Oh, and the car behind you…that’s the tow truck! (See Finishing the Race...)

Drive Safely~~

Debbie

But What About...?

It is so easy to skim through some of the Old Testament passages (chapters, and even books!) sometimes, isn’t it?

But I have discovered through several readings, that 2 Chronicles holds some of the most interesting narratives of God’s power, holiness, and justice~~and, yes, even His humor!

Today I was reading through chapter 25, and at one point it was like part of the words faded away, and a few keys words popped out and smacked me in the face---kind of like that antacid commercial when the food attacks!

Here is the scene.

King Amaziah (King of Judah) had mustered and paid thousands of troops to become a part of Judah’s army. He even paid 100,000 soldiers from his rival kingdom, Israel, to join forces (verses 5-6).

A prophet (man of God) warned King Amaziah that God would not be with him as long as he had troops from Israel fighting for him (verses 7-8). 

Now, notice Amaziah’s response in verse 9~~"But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?"

Be honest~~does that sound like you when God leads in a way you are not expecting, or particularly wanting?  How many times have we said, “BUT WHAT ABOUT……?  I mean after all, we have already made OUR plans and have started the process, and now God wants me to…..!  But what about…..?

The man of God answers Amaziah at the end of verse 9 with these glorious words, “The Lord can give you much more than that!”  At first I just paid attention to the first three words-“The Lord can…” That is a lesson in and of itself.  Don’t worry about it, ‘The Lord can…’. But as I was typing the entire sentence, I noticed something even greater, “The Lord can do MUCH MORE….”

When trying to justify your plans with the excuse, “But what about…”, remember the reply from the man of God, “The Lord can do much more”.

Don’t let a change of plans and/or direction concern you~~The Lord can do much more!

I wonder if the Apostle Paul was thinking about this when he wrote the following to the Church of Ephesus.

Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

The Lord CAN DO much more…Trust Him and don't worry about it!

Debbie