Lord, I pray for my church. I pray for the community of believers that I belong to. I ask You to protect us, guide us, purify us, and fill us. Wash us with the water of Your Word. I pray that Your Spirit will be so free to work through us that many people will come to know You. I pray this in Your name. Amen.
I wanted to share this with all of you because I thought it was a quick comprehensive prayer that could be copied and taped to mirrors, cupboards, desktops, above the washer or on the fridge. It is from Denise Glenn's book Freedom for Mothers. ~Becca
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Footprints In The Sand - Gag!
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A “RAMBLING-LONG” PIECE. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! -Scott
My five-month-old son Titus and I had the opportunity to visit my grandparents this past weekend. They live in busy, beautiful San Diego. Though I’m never thrilled to travel, I was excited to introduce Titus to his great-grandparents. At age 80 and both very mobile and of sound mind, they too longed for the chance to visit with their current youngest great-grandchild. So he and I packed up and said good-bye to Mom and sister at the airport early on Friday morning and were on our way - me with a suitcase on wheels, car-seat rested against the pull-handle, a backpack over my shoulders and Titus against my chest in the infant carrier; facing outward, arms and legs spread wide and gumming what-ever he could reach with his mouth.
This would be his first plane flight and I was interested in how he would do. So we did the usual check-in, security-check, boarding, taxi and take-off. Then two and a half hours later we were on the ground in San Diego at our gate and quickly on our way to baggage claim. Aside from the brief greetings from complete strangers and flirtatious smiles from all kinds of people as we traveled, Titus was a complete stud and caused me no unwanted stress. Truthfully, he allowed me to manipulate him and his schedule without complaint. It was great fun. If he was old enough to talk, I think he’d agree (that it was fun)!
The following will seem like a very random shift. But hang with me.
Remember that old poem about footprints in the sand? Here’s the gist: Basically, when going through tough times in life, you look back to see a single set of footprints in the sand and think God left you all alone to trudge forward by yourself. The big reveal at the end of the poem is that Jesus looks at you and says those single set of footprints weren’t yours but his – that he in fact carried you through those times of challenge and hardship. Cue the orchestra, shed a tear, pass around the Kleenex and walk away inspired!…
…Hmmm…Not my initial response. I remember first reading this poem when I was a teen and just rolling my eyes; “Lame” is probably what I thought. Of course, the message of the poem hasn’t escaped me, but I have never been able to get over my initial reaction to the poem – “Laaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmme”. Now that I think about it, maybe it wasn’t the words within the poem or the message it conveyed, but the aesthetics of how it was displayed. For example, I’m pretty sensitive to how art is presented and I often wonder: Is this designed for the mass market or a select niche? How deep do I need to look for meaning or am I being spoon-fed a perspective? Am I being played for my dollar and a good feeling? – These type of questions will sometimes run through my head.
I suppose I could think up all sorts of other uncertainties to illustrate my point, but this is what I believe my issue was all those years ago. I hated the cheaply made frame the poem was housed in. I massively disliked the manipulative ocean and seashell picture - including the obligatory footprints - embossed on the matting under the clear plastic “glass”. And even back then, I couldn’t believe someone “made-a-buck” on this “garbage”. Even more, that someone would buy something so cheap. Even now I bristle a bit when I consider the fact that quality “source material” is often treated without respect, marketed and sold. It is especially irritating when people are unashamedly willing to tap the Christian sub-culture and peddle crappy spiritual goods. But now I’m beginning to really deviate.
Like the poem “Footprints” alludes to, I love the reality that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31: 6 & 8) and that he has given us His Holy Spirit as our comfort and guide (Acts 5:32). Theologically, regardless of where you stand, the Bible is clear that beyond guidance and comfort, the Holy Spirit has been given to us to help us love (Romans 5:5), give us joy, as well as peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). And it is through His power and blessing we are carried through life – Remember, His footprints, not ours. I get it!
So now, let’s head back to Titus, Grandma and Grandpa Box and me in San Diego this past weekend: I had the chance to introduce Titus to his great grandparents; “Titus Wilson Box, let me introduce you to your Great Granddad, Billie Wilson Box Jr. He loves you so much.” (My Grandpa is 6 foot 5 inches and weighed a good 225+ pounds most of his life, was a California Highway Patrolman and was the son of Billie Sr. – a Texas farm boy who had no issues spelling his name or his son’s like a girl! I love it.). How special that introduction was!!! I thank God for the strength and ability to travel so far so fast and to bless my family in such a wonderful way. I thank God for the blessing of my Grandparents. But most of all, I am grateful for the fact God has and does carry us through the wild tides and “stormy days at the beach” we all experience in the course of living. I’m amazed at how He has carried me, carried my parents, carried my grandparents and will even carry Titus in the days ahead; just like the poem “Footprints” talks about. Through the easy, low stress strolls along the beach, like my plane ride to San Diego with a five month-old; or the crazy-mad-house, stress filled nightmare of the high tides in life, like dark addictions, family heart-ache or health problems – God walks with, beside and occasionally carries us (like I carried Titus); arms and legs wide, drool everywhere as we gum whatever we get our hands on.
To be very clear, in the poem “Footprints” - its inspiration and grasp on Truth is the ultimate issue. The same is true for all art or works man creates. We must be a people who think critically and test all things; working to always recognize the diamond from the garbage.
Finally here’s my encouragement: Like me, like these young people, we must be careful not to scoff at artistic but wise, truthful, Godly and inspired source material. Obviously we must also be discerning! But I have to be honest; another non-flowery look at “Footprints” blasted me with fresh and inspirational meaning this week. I finally got over my apathy as well as my scowl inducing cynicism, looked past the frame and the matting I remember from my younger days, and heard God’s voice. Want to know what I heard?
Listen. Listen really closely. Like the introduction I made between Titus and my grandparents a couple days ago in San Diego, can’t you hear Jesus proudly declaring this introduction; “I gave my life as the perfect God-man, because of your sin, to pave the way for the possibility of this very moment! Scott Wilson Box, let me introduce you to your True Father, God almighty. He’s always been there for you and He always will be…”
“…Oh, and Scott, ‘during your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'”
My five-month-old son Titus and I had the opportunity to visit my grandparents this past weekend. They live in busy, beautiful San Diego. Though I’m never thrilled to travel, I was excited to introduce Titus to his great-grandparents. At age 80 and both very mobile and of sound mind, they too longed for the chance to visit with their current youngest great-grandchild. So he and I packed up and said good-bye to Mom and sister at the airport early on Friday morning and were on our way - me with a suitcase on wheels, car-seat rested against the pull-handle, a backpack over my shoulders and Titus against my chest in the infant carrier; facing outward, arms and legs spread wide and gumming what-ever he could reach with his mouth.
This would be his first plane flight and I was interested in how he would do. So we did the usual check-in, security-check, boarding, taxi and take-off. Then two and a half hours later we were on the ground in San Diego at our gate and quickly on our way to baggage claim. Aside from the brief greetings from complete strangers and flirtatious smiles from all kinds of people as we traveled, Titus was a complete stud and caused me no unwanted stress. Truthfully, he allowed me to manipulate him and his schedule without complaint. It was great fun. If he was old enough to talk, I think he’d agree (that it was fun)!
The following will seem like a very random shift. But hang with me.
Remember that old poem about footprints in the sand? Here’s the gist: Basically, when going through tough times in life, you look back to see a single set of footprints in the sand and think God left you all alone to trudge forward by yourself. The big reveal at the end of the poem is that Jesus looks at you and says those single set of footprints weren’t yours but his – that he in fact carried you through those times of challenge and hardship. Cue the orchestra, shed a tear, pass around the Kleenex and walk away inspired!…
…Hmmm…Not my initial response. I remember first reading this poem when I was a teen and just rolling my eyes; “Lame” is probably what I thought. Of course, the message of the poem hasn’t escaped me, but I have never been able to get over my initial reaction to the poem – “Laaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmme”. Now that I think about it, maybe it wasn’t the words within the poem or the message it conveyed, but the aesthetics of how it was displayed. For example, I’m pretty sensitive to how art is presented and I often wonder: Is this designed for the mass market or a select niche? How deep do I need to look for meaning or am I being spoon-fed a perspective? Am I being played for my dollar and a good feeling? – These type of questions will sometimes run through my head.I suppose I could think up all sorts of other uncertainties to illustrate my point, but this is what I believe my issue was all those years ago. I hated the cheaply made frame the poem was housed in. I massively disliked the manipulative ocean and seashell picture - including the obligatory footprints - embossed on the matting under the clear plastic “glass”. And even back then, I couldn’t believe someone “made-a-buck” on this “garbage”. Even more, that someone would buy something so cheap. Even now I bristle a bit when I consider the fact that quality “source material” is often treated without respect, marketed and sold. It is especially irritating when people are unashamedly willing to tap the Christian sub-culture and peddle crappy spiritual goods. But now I’m beginning to really deviate.
Like the poem “Footprints” alludes to, I love the reality that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31: 6 & 8) and that he has given us His Holy Spirit as our comfort and guide (Acts 5:32). Theologically, regardless of where you stand, the Bible is clear that beyond guidance and comfort, the Holy Spirit has been given to us to help us love (Romans 5:5), give us joy, as well as peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). And it is through His power and blessing we are carried through life – Remember, His footprints, not ours. I get it!
So now, let’s head back to Titus, Grandma and Grandpa Box and me in San Diego this past weekend: I had the chance to introduce Titus to his great grandparents; “Titus Wilson Box, let me introduce you to your Great Granddad, Billie Wilson Box Jr. He loves you so much.” (My Grandpa is 6 foot 5 inches and weighed a good 225+ pounds most of his life, was a California Highway Patrolman and was the son of Billie Sr. – a Texas farm boy who had no issues spelling his name or his son’s like a girl! I love it.). How special that introduction was!!! I thank God for the strength and ability to travel so far so fast and to bless my family in such a wonderful way. I thank God for the blessing of my Grandparents. But most of all, I am grateful for the fact God has and does carry us through the wild tides and “stormy days at the beach” we all experience in the course of living. I’m amazed at how He has carried me, carried my parents, carried my grandparents and will even carry Titus in the days ahead; just like the poem “Footprints” talks about. Through the easy, low stress strolls along the beach, like my plane ride to San Diego with a five month-old; or the crazy-mad-house, stress filled nightmare of the high tides in life, like dark addictions, family heart-ache or health problems – God walks with, beside and occasionally carries us (like I carried Titus); arms and legs wide, drool everywhere as we gum whatever we get our hands on.
To be very clear, in the poem “Footprints” - its inspiration and grasp on Truth is the ultimate issue. The same is true for all art or works man creates. We must be a people who think critically and test all things; working to always recognize the diamond from the garbage. Finally here’s my encouragement: Like me, like these young people, we must be careful not to scoff at artistic but wise, truthful, Godly and inspired source material. Obviously we must also be discerning! But I have to be honest; another non-flowery look at “Footprints” blasted me with fresh and inspirational meaning this week. I finally got over my apathy as well as my scowl inducing cynicism, looked past the frame and the matting I remember from my younger days, and heard God’s voice. Want to know what I heard?
Listen. Listen really closely. Like the introduction I made between Titus and my grandparents a couple days ago in San Diego, can’t you hear Jesus proudly declaring this introduction; “I gave my life as the perfect God-man, because of your sin, to pave the way for the possibility of this very moment! Scott Wilson Box, let me introduce you to your True Father, God almighty. He’s always been there for you and He always will be…”
“…Oh, and Scott, ‘during your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'”
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
My Utmost
I just read a great Utmost devotional, for tomorrow but it's a great reminder today. I love what Oswald Chambers has to say here. It's a great reminder today.
April 10, 2008
Complete and Effective Decision About Sin
. . . our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin —Romans 6:6
Co-Crucifixion. Have you made the following decision about sin— that it must be completely killed in you? It takes a long time to come to the point of making this complete and effective decision about sin. It is, however, the greatest moment in your life once you decide that sin must die in you-not simply be restrained, suppressed, or counteracted, but crucified— just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world. No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be mentally and spiritually convinced, but what we need to do is actually make the decision that Paul urged us to do in this passage.
Pull yourself up, take some time alone with God, and make this important decision, saying, "Lord, identify me with Your death until I know that sin is dead in me." Make the moral decision that sin in you must be put to death.
This was not some divine future expectation on the part of Paul, but was a very radical and definite experience in his life. Are you prepared to let the Spirit of God search you until you know what the level and nature of sin is in your life— to see the very things that struggle against God’s Spirit in you? If so, will you then agree with God’s verdict on the nature of sin— that it should be identified with the death of Jesus? You cannot "reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin" ( Romans 6:11 ) unless you have radically dealt with the issue of your will before God.
Have you entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ, until all that remains in your flesh and blood is His life? "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . ." ( Galatians 2:20 ).
IHS,
Cammie
April 10, 2008
Complete and Effective Decision About Sin
. . . our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin —Romans 6:6
Co-Crucifixion. Have you made the following decision about sin— that it must be completely killed in you? It takes a long time to come to the point of making this complete and effective decision about sin. It is, however, the greatest moment in your life once you decide that sin must die in you-not simply be restrained, suppressed, or counteracted, but crucified— just as Jesus Christ died for the sin of the world. No one can bring anyone else to this decision. We may be mentally and spiritually convinced, but what we need to do is actually make the decision that Paul urged us to do in this passage.
Pull yourself up, take some time alone with God, and make this important decision, saying, "Lord, identify me with Your death until I know that sin is dead in me." Make the moral decision that sin in you must be put to death.
This was not some divine future expectation on the part of Paul, but was a very radical and definite experience in his life. Are you prepared to let the Spirit of God search you until you know what the level and nature of sin is in your life— to see the very things that struggle against God’s Spirit in you? If so, will you then agree with God’s verdict on the nature of sin— that it should be identified with the death of Jesus? You cannot "reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin" ( Romans 6:11 ) unless you have radically dealt with the issue of your will before God.
Have you entered into the glorious privilege of being crucified with Christ, until all that remains in your flesh and blood is His life? "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . ." ( Galatians 2:20 ).
IHS,
Cammie
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
My favorite portions of Psalm 18NLT
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. [Y]our help has made me great. The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! ~Becca
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Comments Page
It looks like there are some comments on the last blog that might have viruses attached. Please do not click on them. I am not sure what they will do to your computer.
Thanks!
Cammie
Thanks!
Cammie
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Thank you Hillside!!
Today marked another successful backpack buddies drop. Thank you to all of you who helped! 40 kids, 2 meals = 80 meals! What a blessing! Let's pray that those lives are touched by the love coming from these churches. May Jesus be glorified. Thank you Hillside!
IHS,
Cammie
IHS,
Cammie
God's Name Be Ever Blessed...
Good morning Hillside,
I was sent this video this morning which is on You Tube. I hope you take the time to see it. For me, it was a wonderful reminder of God's love, his mercies, his kindness, his blessings and the life He has given us. I don't know these parents, nor do I know this baby. I know that our time here is short. God knows the day we will meet Him face to face. Until that day appears, may we glorify him with our lives, with our mouths, our hearts, our eyes, our thoughts. He is savior, he is king. He has given us everything. May there be peace today. I am praying that for the body at Hillside.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qILw1iFzmIE
Turn your eyes upon Jesus...
IHS,
Cammie
I was sent this video this morning which is on You Tube. I hope you take the time to see it. For me, it was a wonderful reminder of God's love, his mercies, his kindness, his blessings and the life He has given us. I don't know these parents, nor do I know this baby. I know that our time here is short. God knows the day we will meet Him face to face. Until that day appears, may we glorify him with our lives, with our mouths, our hearts, our eyes, our thoughts. He is savior, he is king. He has given us everything. May there be peace today. I am praying that for the body at Hillside.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qILw1iFzmIE
Turn your eyes upon Jesus...
IHS,
Cammie
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