An airport is a place with a flurry of activity both day and night; planes and people coming and going from all over the world. Although it is simply considered a transportation center, it is often a place of great emotions.
I love to go to the airport when I am receiving a visit from those I love. An ordinary building becomes transformed into an exciting place, and I look forward to being there with great expectation. On the other hand when I have to part with and say goodbye to those I love, it becomes a totally different place. How can everything change so drastically at a place that stays the same? The explanation lies within us; it's we who change our outlook on the airport. The airport itself never changes.
Amazing as it is, sometimes we treat God just like we do the airport. When He gives to us in ways that are pleasing and we receive, we are thrilled and find it easy to give Him thanks. But what about when He takes away what He's given? Do we view Him as less than we did when He gave? Do we change our opinion of God because of our circumstances? God is good ALL the time and His goodness can never be based on what we perceive is good or bad. His goodness is solely based on who He is. God gives for His glory and our good, and God takes away for His glory and our good. We cannot begin to know the sovereign plans He has, but we can know and be assured of His faithful and unchanging character. God is the one and only constant in a constantly changing world. The longer I live, the more precious this truth becomes.
For Today: God is a Faithful Father; He is Tender Mercy; He is all Sufficient Grace; He is the Eternal Ruler and King. The list is truly endless and is so much greater than anything else in our lives. Although it isn't easy, we need to remember who He is when heartache and pain enter our lives. Circumstances or feelings won't ever change the God who cannot change. Who is He to you?
Psalm 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Light Wins by Maria Hartman
Darkness can be very scary, especially if we are in an unfamiliar place. Darkness prevents our eyes from seeing what is around us, and it greatly limits our function and productivity. But consider this: darkness is incapable of taking away the light. Our enemy is darkness but our God is Light.
Have you ever been driving at night when there is a bit of fog and light rain? I noticed recently how the headlights of my car just cut a path through, penetrating the darkness so that I could see. There was certainly more darkness than light, but the light dominated.
Often it seems like that is what is happening in our world; darkness is all around and it is prevailing. But as God has shown us in the physical world, he too has shown us in the spiritual realm. Light can always be seen in the darkness, even in the gloomiest of conditions. The same is true on an even grander scale with the Light of Christ. 1John 1:5 says, This is the message which we have heard form Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. His Light can and will be evident wherever there is darkness. Our cars have headlights, and we rely on them as the channel by which the light passes. We as believers in Him, ARE THE HEADLIGHTS, the channel He has chosen to bring the Living Light to those we encounter.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
For today: A child of God needs to never fear the darkness because the darkness has been overcome by the eternal light of Jesus Christ. And His Light has been given to and left with those who have called upon Him for salvation. In John 8:12 Jesus says, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
You and I have been given a very important job: go light your world!
Have you ever been driving at night when there is a bit of fog and light rain? I noticed recently how the headlights of my car just cut a path through, penetrating the darkness so that I could see. There was certainly more darkness than light, but the light dominated.
Often it seems like that is what is happening in our world; darkness is all around and it is prevailing. But as God has shown us in the physical world, he too has shown us in the spiritual realm. Light can always be seen in the darkness, even in the gloomiest of conditions. The same is true on an even grander scale with the Light of Christ. 1John 1:5 says, This is the message which we have heard form Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. His Light can and will be evident wherever there is darkness. Our cars have headlights, and we rely on them as the channel by which the light passes. We as believers in Him, ARE THE HEADLIGHTS, the channel He has chosen to bring the Living Light to those we encounter.
Ephesians 5:8 For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
For today: A child of God needs to never fear the darkness because the darkness has been overcome by the eternal light of Jesus Christ. And His Light has been given to and left with those who have called upon Him for salvation. In John 8:12 Jesus says, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.
You and I have been given a very important job: go light your world!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
You Are Loved by Maria Hartman
Psalm 139:17-18a How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand.
My mind just short circuits at the meaning of this passage, and it is not even speaking to humanity as a whole; it is directed to us as individuals! Picture if you would just one handful of sand. Now think about attempting to count the number of grains. There are probably hundreds of thousands of grains per handful. What if God took one cup of sand from every beach and said that all the grains represented one thought of His toward you. You may not believe even that, but wait; the verse says the number of God's thoughts toward us are more in number than the sand! He loves you so much that His thoughts toward you are endless. You are His beloved and there is never a time He is not thinking of you.
It is very ironic. We are really as insignificant as a grain of sand in the scheme of things, and in light of who God is. Yet He speaks to us through David to tell us we are worth everything to Him (notice the exclamation marks). As Christians we are always reminded of how Christ displayed His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins. But when I stopped and meditated on this part of the Psalm, I was truly overcome with such a deep sense of His all encompassing love every minute of every day. I know what it's like to think about those I love, but I've never considered that God would be thinking about me. This is a love totally undeserved and basically impossible to comprehend. He has bestowed it upon us nonetheless.
FOR TODAY: If you feel insignificant or unloved, don't. God has told us something which is completely contrary to that feeling. Lets live out this fantastic truth with a contagious joy and with thanksgiving overflowing in our hearts. Why? Because we are LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.
My mind just short circuits at the meaning of this passage, and it is not even speaking to humanity as a whole; it is directed to us as individuals! Picture if you would just one handful of sand. Now think about attempting to count the number of grains. There are probably hundreds of thousands of grains per handful. What if God took one cup of sand from every beach and said that all the grains represented one thought of His toward you. You may not believe even that, but wait; the verse says the number of God's thoughts toward us are more in number than the sand! He loves you so much that His thoughts toward you are endless. You are His beloved and there is never a time He is not thinking of you.
It is very ironic. We are really as insignificant as a grain of sand in the scheme of things, and in light of who God is. Yet He speaks to us through David to tell us we are worth everything to Him (notice the exclamation marks). As Christians we are always reminded of how Christ displayed His love for us by dying on the cross for our sins. But when I stopped and meditated on this part of the Psalm, I was truly overcome with such a deep sense of His all encompassing love every minute of every day. I know what it's like to think about those I love, but I've never considered that God would be thinking about me. This is a love totally undeserved and basically impossible to comprehend. He has bestowed it upon us nonetheless.
FOR TODAY: If you feel insignificant or unloved, don't. God has told us something which is completely contrary to that feeling. Lets live out this fantastic truth with a contagious joy and with thanksgiving overflowing in our hearts. Why? Because we are LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
No Substitute by Maria Hartman
John 14: 15-18
This is absolutely amazing! Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time when they will not see Him anymore. His sacrifice is fast approaching; the cross looms in the shadows. I can't imagine what it was like for the disciples. What did they think, what did they feel? Jesus knew.
He answered the cry of their hearts even if the words never made it to their lips.
In v. 15-17 He told them, "If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but you know him; for he dwelleth with you,and shall be in you.
If I was there, I believe I would have said, "Don't go Jesus; we don't want anyone else, it's YOU we need!" Maybe they felt something like that inside, for in v. 18 Jesus so lovingly tells them what they need to hear most. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
The astounding truth of this passage recently became clear to me: The Father knew that no substitute would do, therefore Christ would leave, but His Spirit would come. Not less of Him but more. They parted with Him physically, but they received Him in greater measure when His Spirit took up residence IN them. Although He was leaving, He was staying; permanently joined with each of them in a union which could never be broken.
Friends, you and I have been given what John and Peter and Luke were given; the Spirit of the Living God! We who are His have first hand knowledge of the Father because the Son left His Spirit for us. What provision!
God brought life out of death and accomplished this with such enormous magnitude so that His purposes would be fulfilled for all of eternity. He didn't take Christ from the disciples, instead He gave Him to the entire world! Praise God for His goodness to us!
For today: God left His Spirit on earth to accomplish many things, one of which is to reveal the will of the Father to all believers. Acts 26:18 reminds us of our mission, and the Spirit empowers us to carry it out . I now send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
This is absolutely amazing! Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time when they will not see Him anymore. His sacrifice is fast approaching; the cross looms in the shadows. I can't imagine what it was like for the disciples. What did they think, what did they feel? Jesus knew.
He answered the cry of their hearts even if the words never made it to their lips.
In v. 15-17 He told them, "If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but you know him; for he dwelleth with you,and shall be in you.
If I was there, I believe I would have said, "Don't go Jesus; we don't want anyone else, it's YOU we need!" Maybe they felt something like that inside, for in v. 18 Jesus so lovingly tells them what they need to hear most. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
The astounding truth of this passage recently became clear to me: The Father knew that no substitute would do, therefore Christ would leave, but His Spirit would come. Not less of Him but more. They parted with Him physically, but they received Him in greater measure when His Spirit took up residence IN them. Although He was leaving, He was staying; permanently joined with each of them in a union which could never be broken.
Friends, you and I have been given what John and Peter and Luke were given; the Spirit of the Living God! We who are His have first hand knowledge of the Father because the Son left His Spirit for us. What provision!
God brought life out of death and accomplished this with such enormous magnitude so that His purposes would be fulfilled for all of eternity. He didn't take Christ from the disciples, instead He gave Him to the entire world! Praise God for His goodness to us!
For today: God left His Spirit on earth to accomplish many things, one of which is to reveal the will of the Father to all believers. Acts 26:18 reminds us of our mission, and the Spirit empowers us to carry it out . I now send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Friday, February 13, 2009
DILIGENCE by Maria Hartman
I concluded my last posting with the verse from Hebrews 11:6. The second part of the verse says: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. I could not let this verse go. First and foremost we must KNOW that He is, but God tells us even more. He tells me who to seek, how to seek, and what the outcome will be.
God rewards those who seek Him one way only; diligently. Diligence is a noun that is defined as: "Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind." With that definition in mind, lets go on. The word seek also means much more than just a casual pursuit of something. And what we seek is of utmost importance. Three words that give us a clear picture of our instructions: we are to SEEK GOD DILIGENTLY.
What is something you have looked for in life with diligence; something you have searched for with all your heart? Think about it. Only one thing comes to mind when I answer this question. Once, for maybe 10 minutes when Joey was about 8, we got separated in an enormous store in Pa. called Cabela's. Along comes Kurt, without Joey, followed a minute or two later by Mark and Nathan without Joey. I panicked, yes I did. We found him eventually, gawking at the incredible display of real stuffed animals over at the side of the store. We were so thankful!
How I felt at this time isn't what I want to share, but rather the effort in which I sought him. I had a singular focus. I was not drawn in by the sights, sales, or displays set up all around me. Nothing in the store existed but only that my son was there; somewhere, and I needed to find him. I was consumed with the end result of having him back where he belonged. The reward for the diligence of my search was that he was found and no harm had come to him. (some harm may have come to my blood pressure, but....)
I believe that God wants that much effort in seeking Him. Everything around paling in comparison as we search fervently for just a glimpse of Him; stretching and straining for more of Him. My son is worth so much to me, but how much is my God worth to me? I wonder sometimes if we really understand the significance of the privilege we have been given to seek the Creator of Life, the Eternal God. Do we understand that a true and diligent search for God will literally yield HIM as the result? THAT I believe must be the great reward He promises; experiencing in some degree the unfathomable character of God.
When I couldn't find my son, it was because he had moved from where he was supposed to be. When I can't find my God, it is because I have moved from where I am supposed to be. But I am not left to wonder alone how I can find Him. In the Word of God I am given a road map to a treasure that all the riches in the world will never compare to. I am told who to seek (HIM), how to seek (DILIGENTLY), and what I'll get when I seek (a REWARD). Is there anything more amazing than that?
For today: What will you do on your search for God? Keep on hard and don't stop. He wants to be found.
God rewards those who seek Him one way only; diligently. Diligence is a noun that is defined as: "Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind." With that definition in mind, lets go on. The word seek also means much more than just a casual pursuit of something. And what we seek is of utmost importance. Three words that give us a clear picture of our instructions: we are to SEEK GOD DILIGENTLY.
What is something you have looked for in life with diligence; something you have searched for with all your heart? Think about it. Only one thing comes to mind when I answer this question. Once, for maybe 10 minutes when Joey was about 8, we got separated in an enormous store in Pa. called Cabela's. Along comes Kurt, without Joey, followed a minute or two later by Mark and Nathan without Joey. I panicked, yes I did. We found him eventually, gawking at the incredible display of real stuffed animals over at the side of the store. We were so thankful!
How I felt at this time isn't what I want to share, but rather the effort in which I sought him. I had a singular focus. I was not drawn in by the sights, sales, or displays set up all around me. Nothing in the store existed but only that my son was there; somewhere, and I needed to find him. I was consumed with the end result of having him back where he belonged. The reward for the diligence of my search was that he was found and no harm had come to him. (some harm may have come to my blood pressure, but....)
I believe that God wants that much effort in seeking Him. Everything around paling in comparison as we search fervently for just a glimpse of Him; stretching and straining for more of Him. My son is worth so much to me, but how much is my God worth to me? I wonder sometimes if we really understand the significance of the privilege we have been given to seek the Creator of Life, the Eternal God. Do we understand that a true and diligent search for God will literally yield HIM as the result? THAT I believe must be the great reward He promises; experiencing in some degree the unfathomable character of God.
When I couldn't find my son, it was because he had moved from where he was supposed to be. When I can't find my God, it is because I have moved from where I am supposed to be. But I am not left to wonder alone how I can find Him. In the Word of God I am given a road map to a treasure that all the riches in the world will never compare to. I am told who to seek (HIM), how to seek (DILIGENTLY), and what I'll get when I seek (a REWARD). Is there anything more amazing than that?
For today: What will you do on your search for God? Keep on hard and don't stop. He wants to be found.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What Do You Believe? by Maria Hartman
It's the way we live, not the way we talk that counts.
All of us live what we really believe.
We can't see so many things yet we believe they exist. None of us can 'see' germs but we believe they exist because we have been affected by them personally. We have gotten sick in one form or another and subsequently we take the action of washing our hands often.
What about the temperature? It's another fact of life we can't see with our eyes but we can certainly feel. At noon on a mid August day we act on our belief that it will be hot outside and we dress accordingly.
What do you believe about God? Do you know that what you and I really believe is evident for all to see even if we preferred it wasn't? We can say the right things to others and even to ourselves but unless we take THE WORD and allow it to change our heart, (which in turn will change our lives and actions), it isn't belief in God, it is instead empty words.
God's Word is 100% truth. Even if the entire world believed otherwise that would not change the truth that has been established since the beginning of time. If you believe that life isn't precious or sacred and that you were not divinely created for a great and mighty purpose, you are completely wrong.
What we hear and listen to is very important. Truth needs to fill our minds, and we need to be diligent to keep ourselves unstained by a world which is full of deceptive philosophy and false hope. But listening alone, and being taught great truths alone, is not going to determine our belief. We must take steps toward living that truth, one small step at a time, and thus do what God calls us to. That is real faith in more ways than one; it is real because it is based on truth, and it is real because we have taken it to heart personally and it can be seen by others.
I'll leave you today with something that I read to my daughter this morning. Before I do however, I challenge you to think carefully about what it is you believe about God, not what you'd like to think you believe. I am challenged with the same question as I look at my life.
This was taken from The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes by Kenneth N. Taylor.
Maybe all the other people laughed at Noah for believing that God would make it rain so hard, but Noah didn't care. He believed God and got into the boat. Then God sent the rain.
Yes, Noah did believe.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
All of us live what we really believe.
We can't see so many things yet we believe they exist. None of us can 'see' germs but we believe they exist because we have been affected by them personally. We have gotten sick in one form or another and subsequently we take the action of washing our hands often.
What about the temperature? It's another fact of life we can't see with our eyes but we can certainly feel. At noon on a mid August day we act on our belief that it will be hot outside and we dress accordingly.
What do you believe about God? Do you know that what you and I really believe is evident for all to see even if we preferred it wasn't? We can say the right things to others and even to ourselves but unless we take THE WORD and allow it to change our heart, (which in turn will change our lives and actions), it isn't belief in God, it is instead empty words.
God's Word is 100% truth. Even if the entire world believed otherwise that would not change the truth that has been established since the beginning of time. If you believe that life isn't precious or sacred and that you were not divinely created for a great and mighty purpose, you are completely wrong.
What we hear and listen to is very important. Truth needs to fill our minds, and we need to be diligent to keep ourselves unstained by a world which is full of deceptive philosophy and false hope. But listening alone, and being taught great truths alone, is not going to determine our belief. We must take steps toward living that truth, one small step at a time, and thus do what God calls us to. That is real faith in more ways than one; it is real because it is based on truth, and it is real because we have taken it to heart personally and it can be seen by others.
I'll leave you today with something that I read to my daughter this morning. Before I do however, I challenge you to think carefully about what it is you believe about God, not what you'd like to think you believe. I am challenged with the same question as I look at my life.
This was taken from The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes by Kenneth N. Taylor.
Maybe all the other people laughed at Noah for believing that God would make it rain so hard, but Noah didn't care. He believed God and got into the boat. Then God sent the rain.
Yes, Noah did believe.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Friday, February 6, 2009
'Mommy Jail' by Maria Hartman
When my son was small, I began something I never anticipated would become so meaningful. I would gather him tightly in my arms and smother him with kisses. I'd tell him he was in 'Mommy Jail'. The only possible way for him to get out was for mommy to get some kisses (this was the key). He would squirm and squeal with sounds of delight that still resonate in my mind. Oh what a sweet time that was! Of course I repeated this 'captivity' with my daughter when she came along.
The other day as I wrapped my arms around her and listened to her giggle, I noticed something that was exactly as it was with my son. Mommy jail was not a place she wanted out of. There, both of my children found tenderness wrapped in familiarity, held by a heart that loved them unconditionally. Who would want to leave a place like that, where love is lavished and joy is full?
God Himself provides something like this for His own children; a haven where unconditional love in its truest sense can be experienced form the One who IS love. Incredible as it is, we are personally invited to that intimate place near to His heart. He calls in Matthew 11:28 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. In these ever so capable arms, we are like the child who knows where he belongs no matter the circumstance. Words cannot describe the depth of what the Father is willing to offer to those who draw close and remain still. Who would want to leave a place like that, where perfect love is lavished and joy is full?
From just a silly game, God has graciously taught me something I have endeavored to implement daily. First, He's shown me the ongoing blessing of consciously choosing to put down what competes for my attention so that I can receive a gift. I chase after and grab my little ones as if nothing in the world mattered more. Nothing does. Next and most significant is that I know I must do the same myself. But this time I become the child who responds to the One who is pursuing. My Father doesn't 'chase' me around the house until He catches me, but Praise the Lord, He does pursue me. Again, I need to put down what is competing for my attention so that I can receive a great gift. I can unite my heart with the only One who makes me complete; the One who wants me there no matter the hour. In that refuge I too am instructed, grounded in truth, and reminded that I am here to serve Him with my life.
There will come a day when my little ones will be too old to play this game, but I am so thankful that I will never be too old to practice what He has taught me. Through something I could so easily identify with, He has whispered for me to come into His Everlasting Arms over and over again, and has led me to the truth that I am not the only one who loves the time there. This beautiful place is surely not jail, but a glimpse of heaven. It is my prayer and the longing of my heart that my children will desire to be intimately connected to the Giver of all that is good and worthy and that one day soon they will listen for His call to come. I pray that they will answer "Yes Lord" and run straight to Him for the love that will always surpass what their mother was able to give.
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Psalm 63: 1-3
The other day as I wrapped my arms around her and listened to her giggle, I noticed something that was exactly as it was with my son. Mommy jail was not a place she wanted out of. There, both of my children found tenderness wrapped in familiarity, held by a heart that loved them unconditionally. Who would want to leave a place like that, where love is lavished and joy is full?
God Himself provides something like this for His own children; a haven where unconditional love in its truest sense can be experienced form the One who IS love. Incredible as it is, we are personally invited to that intimate place near to His heart. He calls in Matthew 11:28 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. In these ever so capable arms, we are like the child who knows where he belongs no matter the circumstance. Words cannot describe the depth of what the Father is willing to offer to those who draw close and remain still. Who would want to leave a place like that, where perfect love is lavished and joy is full?
From just a silly game, God has graciously taught me something I have endeavored to implement daily. First, He's shown me the ongoing blessing of consciously choosing to put down what competes for my attention so that I can receive a gift. I chase after and grab my little ones as if nothing in the world mattered more. Nothing does. Next and most significant is that I know I must do the same myself. But this time I become the child who responds to the One who is pursuing. My Father doesn't 'chase' me around the house until He catches me, but Praise the Lord, He does pursue me. Again, I need to put down what is competing for my attention so that I can receive a great gift. I can unite my heart with the only One who makes me complete; the One who wants me there no matter the hour. In that refuge I too am instructed, grounded in truth, and reminded that I am here to serve Him with my life.
There will come a day when my little ones will be too old to play this game, but I am so thankful that I will never be too old to practice what He has taught me. Through something I could so easily identify with, He has whispered for me to come into His Everlasting Arms over and over again, and has led me to the truth that I am not the only one who loves the time there. This beautiful place is surely not jail, but a glimpse of heaven. It is my prayer and the longing of my heart that my children will desire to be intimately connected to the Giver of all that is good and worthy and that one day soon they will listen for His call to come. I pray that they will answer "Yes Lord" and run straight to Him for the love that will always surpass what their mother was able to give.
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Psalm 63: 1-3
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