Fear Factor

Down

Fear Factor

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.  They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

                                                                                                                ...Psalm 20: 7-8

            Did you hear me shout when I typed out this verse?  I shouted just as much as I would have, watching Formula 1 races with Ayrton Senna in poll position.  I felt like I was his number one fan.  My husband and I would come home Sunday afternoon and eat lunch while watching the Formula 1 race, in Brazil.  Senna's untimely death kept us from really getting into the races after that.

            Today, if it is not Nascar races, big wheel monster trucks, speedboats, or even driving a Harley Davidson motor cycle, it's driving a Hummer (Humvy).  All of these stand for power in their proper field.  Mechanical power is what seems to be important.  The more expensive toy, for some, means intimidation and more power in the appearance of finances. 

How many go into debt to try to make every one think "he has the power." With this comes a false sense of security from the one that believes he is all-powerful, Satan.  Satan, I am sure, does not like the book of Revelations that reveals his end.  He will try to make you think you have power in yourself to do anything you desire, with no real consequences.  Satan is powerful, yes powerful enough to steal your soul if you let him.

The only power that really counts is the power of God.  All the rest is melted like wax, holding no form.  Those trusting in chariots and horses, says David, will be brought down and will fall. Heightened senses, adrenaline rushes are what many live for. Scars will be present to prove your bravery, as well as broken limbs and blood spilled on the tracks.  But wasting away your life, to hold on to an adrenaline rush for a few moments, is a high-ticket price to pay for an eternity without Christ. 

The power of God is the true power that holds the greatest thrill ever to exist. This thrill is eternity with Jesus, free, paid with the blood that was spilled, yes, the blood of Jesus on the Cross for you.  The blood loss in your power search is a far cry from the blood spilled on Calvary.

The View

In

The View

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

                                                                                                …2 Corinthians 5:17                                                  

            A beautiful double-wide trailer home, with the setting of thick trees behind it caught my eyes.  The trailer home was brightly new, as if just placed on the lot.  One would be impressed at the setting for sure.  Walking in through the door, the carpet is new, and window fixings are starched and fresh appearing.  New appliances lined the kitchen wall, with snuggly fit oak cabinets; even the scent of baked cookies filled the air.

            The bay window in the living area was a delight.  Glancing out the open view, one would expect to see beautiful trees lining the wooded area through the draped windows.  But instead, there stood still erect, the awful sight of their previously owned trailer.

            The disappointing view, took away from the present attraction I had first laid my eyes on.  The siding of the old trailer was off, insulation hung everywhere, and a burnt odor lingered unavoidably so close to the newly placed home. Nothing was done to clear the burnt out frame and the clutter.  Each day glancing out the window was a reminder of the past.

            The burnt trailer reminded me of my sinful condition before I came to know the Lord.  Praise Him for saving me! I But to have to view the old nature everyday would be reminding me of my sin, and the world ways I left behind, or thought I did.  I am a new creature, with a new heavenly home waiting for me, why would I want to see ruins of my life instead of the wonderful things God has for me?  Those past mistakes should have been torn down and given to the Lord, besides the giving of my future. 

            The old nature lingers near for many, like they’re still holding on to something they can’t seem to let go of.  Their whole life they have missed what God intended for them to enjoy.  The scenery from the new home would have been refreshing, but instead they choose to continue looking out at their past. 

            Tare down the old shell of a life, throw the piles of junk away, and look to the trees, the shimmer of sunlight on the leaves, and the birds chirping.  What a more pleasant sight, don’t you think?  Don’t you need a new view?  Begin by giving that past to the Lord, no matter what awful sight it holds.

Father,

I give you my past, the one I held on to when I asked you to come live in my heart. You forgave me, but I selfishly hung on to the memories of the world, the part I thought I enjoyed.  I now allow You room to work and start anew in me.  Thank You Holy Spirit, for continuing to work,convicting me of holding back on God. How could I have traded this view of You for an old painful past. I praise You, in the name of your Son Jesus

Heavenly Cruise Control

Under

Heavenly Cruise Control

...And there is no new thing under the sun.

                   --Ecclesiastes 1:9

While Bill and I were living in Brazil, we drove a stick shift, so you can imagine how we enjoyed driving a car with air-conditioning, power steering, and automatic transmission.  I especially liked the cruise control and was quite impressed the first time I used it.  I thought I was so cool!   

Cruise control, however, might not be feasible in Brazil because of the numerous pot- holes and speed bumps referred to as “lombadas.”

In Ecclesiastes 1:9, we see there is “nothing new under the sun.”  Just imagine Elijah!  God controlled his chariot, and it was cruising.  Can you imagine heavenly cruise control?  Try that if an officer stops you for speeding.  That is when he would have to see our heavenly license and make us pay a not so heavenly fine.  Just imagine being lifted into Heaven.  Of course, the way some of us drive that is easy to imagine.  

            I cannot wait to hear Elijah’s story from his own lips.  He’d probably tell me, “Practice the power of God in your life if you really want to fly high.

Moved Away

Moved Away

Grounded Firm

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

                                                                                    …Colossians 1:23

Most countries have a social barrier that exists between the rich and poor.  Rich can make anyone feel they have an “in” with God, as if their riches give them an open door to Him.  But I have also been around some very proud poor people with attitudes just as harmful.

Visiting homes of very poor Brazilians, they humbled at the fact a middle class American would visit them and they put out their best as I sat in un-intimidating surroundings. Coffee served in jelly jars seemed to taste extra “rich.” I felt privileged, like I was someone special. 

One Brazilian home I visited, the dirt floors were so packed and patted down, a natural shine appeared.  If the dirt floor became dusty, just a sprinkle of water would suffice. Too much water would make the floor muddy though. The woman swept the floors just as I swept my tiled floor. It was her home, dirt floor or not.

Dirt floor or speaking of your faith, they both must be established like a strong foundation, firm, and solid.  Paul speaks of dwelling and continuing in your faith, not being carried away from the hope of the gospel. Don’t let anything take you away from the hope and faith you have in Jesus Christ.  Be grounded firm!  No watering down and certainly no dust raised. Paul says to be settled, grounded, and firm. So settle in His Word, and firm in your trust and faith in God Almighty.

Father,

We are poor and needy especially in our showing our love to you.  Strengthen us, ground us in our trust and faith in you, when the world wants us to doubt you even exist.  Help us to not be moved away from the hope of your gospel.  In Jesus Name

Carol Levergood's blog: First blog

Carol Levergood's blog: First blog

Flat Tumbled Down

Flat Tumbled Down!

So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

                                                                                                …Joshua 6:20

            Living on campus can be lots of fun at times. Trumpets, air horns, plastic horns, or anything for a similar sound was used to re-enact a Bible story of Joshua, college student style. Bible college students of course would only come up with ideas like this. Six nights in a row at a specified time the group of guys from Smith dorm decided to try this competitive driven idea on Harper Hall dorm, also a men’s dorm. For those six nights they walked quietly around the four story building carrying their homemade ark, returning to their rooms once having accomplished their goal.

            The seventh night, yes you know the story, don’t you? The young men walked seven times around the building. On the seventh time around, the horns blew and the hope of the Smith guys, was that Harper Hall would fall! Of course it was not taken well by men of Harper Hall and the ark was destroyed.

            Some students thought it to be very sacrilegious, some found it humorous, but others viewed it to be another point of provocation between dorms. Yes, even Christian Colleges in different stages of maturity, have times when it is not easy to live with fellow believers.

Needless to say the building didn’t fall like the walls in Jericho because of course, God hadn’t sanctified the act. I am sure Harper Hall is glad of that!

            If plans we make don’t include God, know it won’t have God’s stamp of approval on it. Bad things may not happen because of your choice, but you won’t feel God’s blessings either. March if He says, march! Sing if He says sing, but if God says to only walk around the city for six nights, and you think it is stupid and choose not to do it, don’t expect God’s blessings.

            On the seventh day, blowing horns on the seventh time around the city, I can imagine really got them excited, hearts pumping waiting to see action. The moment for God to act was upon them, and when He did, it was exciting. I know, because I have seen Him act in my life. I have also seen walls stay put, and not budge at all because I did things my way.

            If you want God’s blessings on your life, follow instructions, God’s instructions and no matter what you will come out just fine.

Father,

You left many instructions for the people of Israel, very clear instructions and they followed them not.  I don’t want to go in the same direction. Help me to walk in your ways to know true happiness and contentment.  In Jesus I pray.