Courageous Joy

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Elder Gherkins Update

Some days or seasons are just monumental for a family.

Big things are happening this week with our adult Gherkins and we love cheering them on. Here's a quick update!

Jamin placed first in both the 1 mile and 5K races at his first track meet of the season - 22 Feb.
Jared was hired by a San Angelo Law firm! Woot! He will have to continue working at his service job for a bit longer - but this is a step in the direction he wants to head. It should look good when he applies for law school.
BreZaak as well as CyBee love being married (just thought I'd throw that in).
Krista was nominated for "Classified of the Year" - this is through the school district. She says she won't win - it is nice to be recognized and nominated all the same!
Jamin is writing a thesis for his graduate studies with a working title of, "The Effect of Human Trafficking on National Security." He interviewed a former Ambassador to NATO yesterday. All went well and he may have help getting it shown around when he is done with it. We think this is a God thing as the topic is one which concerns us both as Christians and American citizens.
Krista is going on a mission's trip this summer and will spend approx 6 weeks living at an orphanage in a foreign country. Arielle will be joining her.

Jared is speaking at the above event on his college campus on the 5th of March. It's hard to believe it's been nearly 3 years.
Jamin broke the University's 10K record on the cross country course...today in workout he ran even faster. Since he graduated in December, and immediately enrolled in the University's masters program, he is allowed to race this last track season. Maybe he'll beat his record at a track event.

It's been a good week to be a Gherkin. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

I realize blessed, heavenly, normal days are slipping away as I don't make time to blog.

We are double timing on school for a couple of more weeks. That take significantly more time than normal.

We ARE making time to enjoy this for at least an hour most days of the week:

Yikes - need to call the optometrist for contacts

and This...

We all enjoy the park differently.

And....even when the weather is 70 degrees outside, and we are enjoying the bright sun...Japan is not far from our hearts and minds as evidenced by the sidewalk art I found.

Yes, even though we love and are content with the bright sun - we can't help missing this...

The snowiest air base in the world in Northern Japan.

We've had a couple of friends over to make logistics easier for their Mom and Dad.

Wednesdays are always full. Our day began with a shared ride to base with Michael so we could go to PWOC.....then we had lunch and a commissary run...and PICKED UP OUR VAN with a brand new fuel pump. Michael says the van is a work of art....wait for it....a Van GO.

Wednesday night we enjoyed Family Bible Study at the chapel. Well.....five us enjoyed the discussion of Romans 15 and one of us played quietly at the table with her band-a-loom - it works.

Late at night - finally home again - I remembered the clean sheets needed to be put back on the bed. This cracks me up - the lengths we go to try to make the sheets play nicely with the new mattress topper.

It is raining today! This makes me happy. We need to do lots of school today so we can visit the state capital tomorrow! ::grin:: We won't be tempted by the perfect weather.

Oh yes, we've had DMV issues this week - maybe that will be another post...or not...and great things are happening with the older Gherkins....that needs to be another post....but for now...time to hit the books...table school is over and it's time for couch school.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Temptation

Luke 4:1 - 13; I John 2:15 - 16

I have a few thoughts on temptation.

Temptation is not sin. My response to temptation may be sin.

I'm struck by a few facts in this passage.

Via Google Images

1. Jesus' fast was most likely over! It would not have been "sin" or breaking a fast for him to have turned a few stones into bread. It would have been indulging the cravings of His flesh, looking to another to provide His needs other than Abba, God.

2. Jesus knew the Word. He didn't argue with Satan. He simply quoted the Word.

3. Resist - and he'll leave you alone. The tempter leaves - but he'll be back. (4:13)

This reminded me of another passage. After warning about loving the world, John goes on to say this in I John 2:16, "For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust (cravings) of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but of the world." NIV.

While studying I John, I reached the conclusion that Satan often tempts us in three areas:

Cravings of our flesh
Cravings of our eyes - what looks good to me
Boasting - which tries to meet my needs outside of God's provision

I've watched this pattern as I come across other temptations in the Bible - Adam and Eve's Fall (Gen 3), David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11) and Jesus' temptation, here in Luke 4.

Satan appealed to the cravings of Jesus flesh (4:2-4). Just turn a few stones to bread. Satisfy the craving.
Satan appealed to Jesus' eyes (4:5-8). He attempted to lure Jesus with the world's glitter.
Satan attempted to get Jesus to do God's will outside of God's purpose and provision (4:9-12).

Since temptations will come - from my own flesh or from Satan's hand; since I see this pattern in several cases of Scripture; it is wise for me to be alert!

What appeals to my flesh? What looks good to me? Where and how do I try to meet my needs apart from God? I must deal ruthlessly with these areas in my life...to keep temptation from becoming full-blown sinful habits. Your areas of cravings and temptations will certainly be different than mine - but that's what I love about the gospel. It's about relationship. Walk with Him and He will show you where your areas of weakness are - and then you are wise to alert.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Picture of Jesus

Luke Chapter Four

I'm in search of an accurate picture of Jesus. If I am to be like Him, I need to see Him clearly. If I'm to follow him - to walk in abiding fellowship with Him - I need to recognize Him. I'm watching and observing Jesus - in daily life, in Scripture reading, in Bible studies, as we study the 7 "I Am" sayings of Jesus in John.... Who is this One who is fully God and man? Who is this One who has captured my heart?

As I read through the gospels, I am careful to observe Jesus. It is easy to gloss over stories we've heard before, pet doctrines, pet peeves.....but where is Jesus? What is Jesus doing? How does Jesus act? What difference does Jesus make in the story? How am I to act if I am a follower of Jesus. Where does Jesus lead?

In Matthew I see Jesus as a King. In Mark I see Him as a servant. In Luke?

Luke sets out to write a detailed and chronologically correct accounting of Jesus' days on earth (Luke 1:1-4). I suspect I will learn much of Jesus in this gospel. Luke chapter four is FULL of life lessons and great teachings....but I am captured by Jesus. I am captivated by the glimpses I catch of Jesus - here at the start of Luke's gospel.

Jesus is full of the Holy Spirit (1) - am I?
Jesus is led by the Spirit - even in the wilderness (1) - am I?
Jesus was led to temptation (much to say on this) 1 - do I assume temptation is due to my weakness or do I understand there are times when I am led by the Spirit to face a temptation - and I grow.
Jesus wasn't taken in by one quoting Scripture and "sounding" supportive of God's plans (9 - 12) - I have been.
Jesus functioned/lived under the power of the Holy Spirit (14) - do I? Or do I try to fulfill God's purpose with my power?
Jesus taught in synagogues (15-16, 31-33, 44). Often I picture Jesus railing on "the church" - ministering at mountains, seasides, meadows...but Jesus is often teaching in the church of His day.
Jesus' teaching was gracious (22) - Is mine?
Jesus' taught with authority and power (33- 36). Do I? Where would this authority and power come from? Am I dwelling with Him?

authority over demons
authority over disease

Jesus spent time in seclusion (1-2; 42) - do I value time alone with the Father?
Crowds did not distract Jesus from His God-given purpose (43). Am I allowing distractions to the purpose I know I'm called to live out?
Jesus KNEW His purpose (43) - Do I know my purpose?

I want so much to be like Him. This will only happen as I spend time with Him, as I listen to Him, as I surrender my will to His and obey Him. It will only happen as I follow Jesus. To follow I must recognize Him.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Monday, February 24, 2014

Role of Repentance

Thoughts from Luke chapter 3.

John fully embraced God's mission/path for his life
John was a man of courage
John faithfully delivered God's message (crowds, religious leaders, Herod) - he sought to please God and not people
John paid a price for faithfully declaring God's message (Luke 3:20; Mark 6:25)
John preached repentance AND forgiveness (Luke 3:3)
True repentance produces changed conduct (fruit) in our lives (Luke 3:8, 10-14) - Transformation!

I expected to go one way in my meditating, study and prayers...but God led me another.

Via Google Images

Repentance is an old fashioned word. I have heard enough sermons to know it means "to turn 180 degrees" to "go in the opposite direction," but this a.m. I took the time once again to look it up in some Bible dictionaries.

Metanoia (3341 - repentance) in its simplest form means - "change of mind/moral reflection". The verb tense used is imperative - making this a command. WE are expected to change as a result of God's call to repent. WE are expected to respond to His call. Some verses seems to say God GAVE repentance (Acts 5:32, 11:18) but scripture seems clear God will not force repentance on a person. I believe repentance is an act of man in response to God's call - only possible through a move of God's grace.

Faith is the final step of repentance. "As eternal life is unattainable without faith, faith is unattainable without repentance."

Repentance brings salvation to us, but it does not necessarily bring deliverance from the consequences of our wrong choices and sin (Esau Heb 12:17; Lot Gen 13:8-13, 2 Peter 2:7; Life of David). This is sobering. Repentance is not a magic eraser taking away all consequences and guaranteeing us only sunshine from this moment forward. Our choices matter. Choose well. I am compelled to point out, God's mercy walks with us through the consequences of our sins.

Repentance causes me to change from living a self-centered life; to living a God centered life.

Repentance is expected to create change in my actions. (Acts 26:20).

Why is this important?

Conviction leads to repentance. It is hard, unpleasant and painful to face our true selves...but if we gloss over this stage we run the risk of short circuiting the acceptance of true faith. In our concern for other's pain (or our own) we can rush past conviction and repentance to get to the good stuff - forgiveness, a clean slate, eternal life. Without repentance there is no faith. Faith requires a change in our thinking, our conduct, the center of our lives. Faith requires repentance.

We must not rush the work God is doing in ourselves or in another. We must let conviction lead to repentance, which leads to forgiveness and faith....it is HARD to stand by and watch God lead a loved one through these stages....but we dare not interfere unless God is clearly telling us to do so. We "travail" in prayer on their behalf. We let them wrestle with the One who will become their greatest Love.

I see many who actually believe they can "meet God," claim the name of Christ, and live unchanged six days of the week. Repentance makes this is impossible.

Are there counterfeits of repentance? Sure. Can the call for repentance become legalistic? Sure. Should we ignore repentance because of this? We dare not.

Definitions and quotes from Vines NT Dictionary, Strongs and Dr. Zodhiates' Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament.

Choosing Joy!

Fellowship and Breakdowns

I woke up at 0500 to have time to make a main dish, salad and spend time in the Word before leaving for Sunday School at 0830. Today was the start of our monthly Fellowship Sundays - and it was great! We enjoyed the opportunity to share a lunch and more leisurely conversations with those with whom we share Sunday worship. I took a couple of shots. (We also deemed it name tag Sunday, which is very helpful for new chaplain families.)

This room got full as folks made it through the line - we'll soon be able to have tables outside too

We had a great service, great lunch, helped clean up, got gas and decided to stop at the trailer to see if Michael's watch was there. It wasn't. The van wouldn't start when it was time to leave. We had to get this hunk of medal to the gate's censor before we could leave the lot.....

Yes, these are staged photos. I "drove." They pushed. I laughed when Michael shouted, "Faster, faster." I wasn't quite sure HOW to make it go faster...the concern was I would put the brakes on as we neared the gate.

We are VERY thankful to Scotty. He picked Michael up and drove him to the auto hobby shop. They were closed. He then drove us all HOME. We'll stay here today. The security forces are aware that big red is parked outside the trailer storage lot and that we are trying to get it towed.

What a blessing it is that this happened ON BASE, when Michael was WITH us and FRIENDS were nearby - and not on the side of the road or downtown when I was alone with kids. It hasn't been giving us trouble....but it certainly stopped cold.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...