tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42065350240031494692024-02-07T13:40:49.411-08:00Firmly GroundedFirmly Grounded is designed to tickle your tastebuds and energize your passion for Truth! Join me on a wonderful journey of spiritual growth through devotion, discussion, and personal testimony.
Start your morning with the aroma of firmly grounded faith and a latte of heaven!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-60272956306482798612013-08-04T12:33:00.002-07:002013-08-04T12:33:28.650-07:00A Word on Worship<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="line-height: 19px;">This is a message to all worship leaders. This includes the music director, choir members, praise band members and yes, even the lay person who has chosen to join the musicians in leading worship from your seat. The key word here is “leader”. If you are leading another in worship, you must keep in mind that your authentic worship is going to be contagious. However, since you are “leading” others, even your lack of authentic worship will also be contagious.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;" style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
I have been called out in the past because at times, my worship can seem to be a little much to some and I understand how they might think my freedom of worship is to draw attention to myself. There could be nothing further from the truth. I am convicted about my worship. If I want to raise my hands and I hold back then I am worshiping horizontally. What I mean by this is that I am worshiping the opinions of others. If I worship to gain the attention of others I am also worshiping horizontally. This is called idol worship. It is either worship of self or worship of others but it is not worshiping God.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
Whether I raise my hands or move or bow my head, or do nothing particularly noticeable at all - it must be done to bring glory, worship and attention to Almighty God.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
False humility is another thing to consider. It is difficult to get up and use your talents and gifts to honor God and not desire to receive praise or attention. However, to stand expressionless at the end of a song in order to not draw attention to you is just as noticeable (and perhaps even more noticeable) than taking a bow. It still draws attention to you instead of God. When I see worship leaders go from deep worship to blank stares or even sometimes looking bored or angry after a song, my heart sinks a bit. I wonder how a person can in just a moment; go from singing praises of the wonder of God’s majesty to standing there with no sign of joy on their face or in their countenance. Were they just performing or where they actually worshiping? Sometimes, they sing with an apparent lack of joy as well. They look as if they are there by force, or perhaps just wish they were someplace else (perhaps they are in their minds).</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
It’s a tough job being a worship leader because like it or not, you are being watched. The attention is on you even if the focus is on God. You will be seen. You will be an influence. You will influence the mood in some way. You will influence the level of worship that others will experience. That is why you are a worship leader. You have a gift from God to lead others (through the power of His Spirit) into a place of worship. So, don’t let a fear of drawing praise to yourself keep you from expressing the joy that comes when you praise God in your heart! God knows your heart and His approval is what you want to gain, and His glory that you want to project. It’s okay to smile! It’s okay to even clap or shout when you finish (or even while you are still singing) as long as you are doing it for the glory of God. It’s okay to smile and share the joy you are experiencing as a worship leader. If you say you are not wired that way, then perhaps you should seek to serve in another capacity. If you are called to be a worship leader…you will be wired to lead others in worship with your voice, your body, your mind, your face, your expressions, and your mannerisms. You will lead worship with all of you. How your worship comes forth paints a picture to others of what is in your heart and/or Who is Lord over your heart. If God is in His rightful place, you will know that false humility has no place. When the people clap and shout, you know that God has moved so it’s okay to clap and shout with them…For HIM! Others ARE watching and YOU can make that joy of worship contagious! You can clap and smile and still give all the glory to God at the same time.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.99147605895996px;">
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Amen.</div>
Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-20336960711657850452010-09-14T10:04:00.000-07:002010-09-14T10:05:54.711-07:00New BeginningsSoon I will be reading The Bible for Life. I will be journaling here as I go because it is only by being firmly grounded in His Word...that I can experience life to the fullest.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-21058989184646458742009-06-25T19:41:00.001-07:002009-06-25T19:46:32.909-07:00Identify the Enemy and Win Part II<span xmlns=""><p>In part one of this blog I shared how God spoke to me through creation and how I prayed for Him to show me the truth about my life and bring any lies into the light. He did and still is….<br /></p><p>Later that night, He showed me who the real enemy was and how I had been deceived for years. The battle was not between me and others. The "others" were on my side and the enemy was disguised as my advocate. I saw those who loved me as though they were out to destroy me and the one who sought to destroy me as my friend. I had been going through a time of heavy oppression and I didn't even know it! I was deceived into rebellion, isolation, loneliness, and heartbreak. What should have been a place I could run to for rest had become a polluted waste. It was a slow fade that happened without my detection over a long period of time.<br /></p><p> This was the great awakening that brought me to the other side of a long and difficult battle for freedom. It brought me to my knees in repentance and I let it all go. I handed it over to the only One who could carry my load…finally. God shined His light in the darkness, helping me to discern the truth from the lies. Now, with His help, I am cleaning up the mess and rebuilding from the ruins. Since that night of revelation, I have learned so much more and I am continuing to learn. That night, the scales fell from my eyes. I was able to identify the true enemy and it brought victory to a long and seemingly hopeless battle. <br /></p><p>Since then, there has been a well spring of joy flooding up and out of me! I am able to love those I once saw as my enemies..and see how much they have been loving me. Even better, I have put my dependence on God because I have realized that it is humanly impossible for people to fill me with joy. Circumstances cannot bring me joy. These things can bring moments of happiness but not lasting joy rooted deep within. My joy can only come from the Holy Spirit of God.<br /></p><p>Often we blame others and circumstances for the darkness we experience when really, we only need to take a closer look at the pollution we have allowed to seep within our own heart. God opened my eyes and brought His light into the darkness. He has exposed the pollution and cleaned the mess I made. What is even more amazing is that even when my heart was filthy...He did not leave. He sat in the midst of it all and waited for me to meet Him there...just like I left the peninsula at first, but was drawn to go back and seek Him in the midst of it all…and that is where I found Him. He is still changing me, growing me, and purifying me with His righteousness more and more every day. He is creating in me a clean heart and renewing a steadfast spirit within me daily (Psalm 51:10 NIV).<br /></p><p>This isn't much different than when God's people in Ezra turned from God and intermarried with those who would pollute their lives and turn them from God. It isn't much different than when Eve was deceived in the Garden of Eden. The same enemy who lived then still roams the earth seeking whom He will devour (I Peter 5:8). But when God's people humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear from Heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14). He is a God of new beginnings, of forgiveness and of love. He alone is the source of pure joy everlasting. I once again have placed my hope in God and God alone. He has made me clean. Now I can grow.<br /></p></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-57506423484508750912009-06-25T18:51:00.000-07:002009-06-25T18:52:19.709-07:00Identify the Enemy and Win Part IEzra 9:10-11<br />"But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands you gave through your servants and prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. by their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other.'"<br /><br />Who would ever think that I might actually receive revelation from the book of Ezra? This just goes to show that God's Word is truly alive and we have fellowship with Him when we study His Truth and are obedient to what we learn.<br /><br />A good friend and colleague said something to me recently that changed my life. It was in regards to the spiritual battle I have been fighting. He told me, "The battle is fought in prayer". Jesus didn't win the battle on the cross, the battle was already won by then. He won the battle in the garden when He prayed. This was a defining moment for me. I went home that night and surrendered to pray fervently until I reached the promised land of peace.<br /><br />My prayers began turning up the heat and the battle was becoming almost unbearable. Finally, one day, I took a day trip with Sue to go back to Pickwick, a place where we once found peace and joy in God's presence. My heart was broken and I felt like I was about to go under. God seemed so far away. Looking back, I do believe God brought us there that day.<br /><br />I fought the idea of going on this trip. I was too depressed. But, she talked me into it. In previous visits to this place, I had experienced so much joy and growth. But, this time, unknown to me, it was not going to be what I expected. My heart was heavy on this particular day. I felt as if life had beaten me to a pulp and I was running out of strength to go on. I needed strength that only God could give.<br /><br />We arrived at our favorite place on the peninsula to great disappointment. We began to make our way to the very end where many years ago, we would relax and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. As we made our way there, we began no notice a stench in the air. As we continued to walk, we found the source of the stench. First we observed a few feathers, then more and more as we continued on further (hoping things would improve). Sue commented that it looked like there was some kind of bird fight. It wasn't long before we had to turn around and go back. The area had been saturated with carcasses of dead animals, fish, and pollution. Our favorite spot had been severely neglected.<br /><br />From a distance it still looked beautiful. But as we took a deeper look, we began to see the filth and it was truly disgusting. We moved to a different area where it was nicer but I was drawn to go back and see if God was trying to tell me something in all of it.<br /><br />I walked along the shore to avoid the worst, made my way to the very end of the peninsula, sat on a rock and watched the waves roll in. I spent a very long time contemplating and praying about the things I was struggling with. My surroundings began to paint a picture of my life. I had no idea how God was about to move. He always speaks to me through His creation and I knew He had a message for me. So, I began to pray and ask Him what He wanted me to learn from this experience.<br /><br />He began with calling my attention again to the fact that once this place was once a beautiful place to find rest and peace. But neglect and carelessness transformed it into a polluted mess. Beneath all of that waste, however, there was still a beautiful place. It only needed some tender, loving care and attention to restore it to what it was before. It was then that I began to take a deeper look at a polluted mess within...the place in my heart where once I would run to and meet with God. I had let so many things in life pollute that place. I unknowingly carried baggage that was so old and it "smelled" as bad as the peninsula. I had let co-dependency, pride, selfishness, envy, and insecurity, create a mess not much unlike that which I was observing around me. This was the reason for my darkness...not people or circumstances. I had let circumstances determine my peace. I had been looking to people for joy, thinking that because God wasn't flesh, that He could not fill that need. When in reality, it's because he is not flesh that he can! I spent hours with God and very little time with Sue that day at the river. I prayed. I cried. I cried hard. I asked for wisdom. Eventually, I asked Him to show me the truth and bring darkness to light, no matter how painful it might be. This was the beginning of victory and the path that would lead me to joy.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-63220794278845956932008-10-10T08:47:00.000-07:002008-10-10T08:54:42.391-07:00Firmly Grounded ChangesThe normal type of discussion found here at Firmly Grounded will be changing for an indefinite period as my faith is being challenged in new ways. My son, Justin, has just entered Navy Basic and I will be focusing my journaling in that direction for now.<br /><br />So, to begin, this is Day 2 since he left. Yesterday was very difficult for me. I am currently in shock. To think that 2 days ago, my son was my dependant and now I can't even send him a letter. I won't hear from him at all for the next 2-3 weeks. I have no idea how he is doing and I miss him so much.<br /><br />My faith will have to be firmly grounded in the Word of Truth to get us through this. So many changes are taking place at home. We are now a military family. That changes a lot more than I realized...and it's a much bigger sacrifice than I ever understood before now.<br /><br />I have to adjust to him not being there when I say goodnight...and his empty room. I have to adjust to having only one child at home to look after and I have to learn how to help her cope with being an only child. She misses her brother too.<br /><br />I must stand firm on the promises of God.<br /><br />So, now, I need to be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet 1 Thessalonians 5:8<br /><br />Justin,<br /><br />We are in this together. We fight the greatest battle within. We are both warriors.<br /><br />Love,<br />MomKatiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-10448089325836623372008-09-26T09:02:00.001-07:002008-09-26T09:03:31.697-07:00ApologyThis is just a quick note to apologize to my "many" readers for not posting anything recently. I am just swamped these days with many life changes while trying to graduate from college and work full-time. I hope to have something new soon.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-75479537639810287572008-06-13T21:01:00.001-07:002008-06-16T12:43:38.991-07:00We Are Living in the Meantime<span xmlns=""><br /><p>I have been reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey. This was a required reading from my New Testament class. We were only required to read a portion of the book but it's so good that I have continued to read it. I highly recommend it!<br /></p><br /><p>Recently, in reading about the Ascension, my eyes were opened to yet another paradox of the Bible. According to Yancey, we are living in the <em>meantime.</em> This is the centuries long time that we currently live in…the time when God <em>appears</em> to be absent. (How's that for a play on words?) To the contrary, God is not absent at all. He is ever present in the unlikely disguise of the sick, the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and the prisoners. He is the single mom, the elderly in the nursing homes, the grieving daughter, the man dying with cancer, and so many more. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wRT_O_KGKq5tnNEDNK2A9vmAmbCjPsOdMmsSJ7gu1TGbCLMItZ8jo69EGFmPO4_6k4DmgF8-g0RfVm_uLG6u5OfNWQ-z_S6GTOVgqo0oJeJK3lSo89SyStb__oooxVsHj7y37LrL0V4/s1600-h/homelessChrist.jpg"></a><br /></p><br /><p>The one thing I found powerfully intriguing is when Yancey writes, "Since we cannot express our love by doing anything to profit God directly, God wants us to do something profitable for the poor, who have been delegated the task of receiving Christian love." ….Amazing Grace.<br /><p>I found it curious that he used the word "task" when referring to the receiving of Christian love. A task is defined as a definite piece of work assigned to, falling to, or expected of a person; duty. It is also defined as a matter of considerable labor or difficulty. So, according to Yancey, receiving Christian love is a duty of which involves considerable labor or difficulty.<br /><p>Here's the paradox. In the world we live it makes sense that giving would be the task and receiving would be the blessing, right? But, in the Christian realm, the blessing is the giving and the receiving is the difficult part.</p>Blessed are the meek, and the poor. I see this in a different light. <p></p>It is more blessed to give than to receive. I understand!<br /><p>To give sacrificially to the poor and needy is to encounter God's presence during the "meantime" while we wait for Christ's triumphant return. To receive is a blessing because the one who is receiving has been delegated that difficult task in order that God's presence might be known. It is an opportunity to allow others to receive the blessing of service to Christ. This sure sheds a new light to the question, "How can a loving God allow suffering?" It is our suffering that draws us to depend on Him. It is through reaching out through the hurting of others that Christians can have a personal encounter with God. Is this the good spoken of in Romans 8:28?<br /></p><br /><p>"God has designated the poor to be His receivers." – Philip Yancey<br /></p><br /><p><span style="COLOR: rgb(85,40,3)"><strong><em>Today's Shot of flavor:<br /></em></strong></span></p><br /><p><span style="COLOR: rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Lucida Sans Unicode;font-size:10;" ><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me" - Jesus</p></span><br /><br /></span><br /><p></p></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-1037998862658848022008-06-12T21:27:00.001-07:002008-06-13T12:44:30.685-07:00Peace Be Still<span xmlns=""><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;">I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I am seeking answers for many decisions that I need to make in this life. I am unsure of so many things right now. The only thing I'm really sure of is that God has placed me on this planet to worship Him and to be a witness to His glory so that the lost might come to know Him. It's my responsibility to go into the entire world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the "meantime" I am <em>supposed</em> to trust Him with the plans for my life. All of these things that I am unsure of, He knows the answers for. He has a plan and a purpose<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDqcPV_-14Hp1TUZiyGgW-atDCJTob62y01ED23Y6qfibZG3lh-yRhOMNhq3H4TV_NypD9h6p_ztotd4vHA4M8ca4PD7fcF8qM1XeAPAPKrgz57sWbtEqArMh7F1TU_6V1AhOdwnhmcM/s1600-h/Peace_Be_Still.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211441225988867714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 169px" height="127" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDqcPV_-14Hp1TUZiyGgW-atDCJTob62y01ED23Y6qfibZG3lh-yRhOMNhq3H4TV_NypD9h6p_ztotd4vHA4M8ca4PD7fcF8qM1XeAPAPKrgz57sWbtEqArMh7F1TU_6V1AhOdwnhmcM/s200/Peace_Be_Still.jpg" width="200" border="0" /></a> that will unfold in His time. So, while I wait…it's imperative that I be still and let go of my concerns…lifting them up to the only One who really knows what to do with them. His burden is light and mine is so heavy. He wants to carry that load for me. So, why is it so hard to let go and trust? Why do I focus on the waves in the storm instead of the peace resting in the bottom of the boat? He alone can speak peace into the chaos of life. In order to have peace, I must rely on the Peace Speaker. I have to stop watching the storm. I have to trust that He already knows the outcome of my circumstances and He is in control of it all.<br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(102,0,0); FONT-STYLE: italic">Today's shot of flavor</span><br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:100%;" >Known to God from eternity are all His works. –Acts 15:18<br /></span></span></p><br /><p>Here's an extra kick...in my next post, I will elaborate more on the "meantime"<br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0);font-size:100%;" ></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12;"><br /></span></p></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-4218650802449417632008-06-07T19:05:00.000-07:002008-06-10T14:09:12.979-07:00Unforgiveness<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This blog is one in which I risk being transparent. Recent events in my life have caused me to see a place in my heart that can become very dark very quickly. This is the place where I find jealousy, envy and selfishness that quickly turns bitter. It's the place that makes me see the reality of my humanness and my need for a merciful, loving Savior. I feel justified in my sin...even entitled to hold a grudge. I spend my days thinking of reasons why I have a right to feel this way...how I have been treated so thoughtlessly, carelessly, judgementally, or without any consideration at all. (I am not speaking of one particular incident here). I have been shafted, mistreated, treated unfairly, or rudely and I AM ENTITLED TO WALLOW AND HOLD A BITTER GRUDGE!!!! So there you have it....transparency. I am human. I am a sinner....and I am forgiven. So, why do I struggle to forgive?<br /><br />During my devotion time, I read a book called Power Prayers to Start Your Day by Donna K. Maltese. In it she writes, "It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the offender to die". I never looked at it like that before and it helped me see my attitude in a much different light.<br /><br />Unforgiveness does nothing to the offender and accomplishes nothing positive at all...ever. It only eats away at the human soul like a cancer. Normally I am quick to forgive those who offend me, but this one particular time I was really caught off guard and knocked for a loop! I was swallowed up by envy and jealousy so quickly that I didn't even see it coming and I'm still working hard to overcome. God is so patient and so good. I am so blessed that He still loves me and gently chastises me back into His grace.<br /><br />Maltese goes on futher to say, "When you release the wrongdoer from your wrath, you cut a malignant tumor out of your own life. You set a prisoner free...and discover that the prisoner you freed was yourself."<br /><br />There have been many times I have granted forgiveness to those who have offended me ...without batting an eye. I can let things go and give them to God. Why is this time so much harder? Is it because of the value of the treasure I stood to lose? Maybe that's what makes a difference. One thing I know I've learned is that any treasure I have been given is a gift from God. I need not worship the treasure over the Giver and that is what I have been doing. I am the one in need of forgiveness and grace. I have chosen to turn from God in my wasted efforts to hold tight to the gift He gave me and call it MINE MINE MINE! May He have mercy on me.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">For today's shot of flavor...I'm making this one a double:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)"><span style="font-size:100%;">And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins- Mark 11:25 NIV<br /></span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(153,0,0)">People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. - Proverbs 28:13 NLT</span></span></blockquote>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-56529801095459936182008-05-31T14:04:00.000-07:002008-05-31T15:17:59.269-07:00Amputation<p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 0, 0);" align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Flavor Shot for Today:</span></p><blockquote><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of His body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much would we? Romans 12:4-5 The Message</span></p></blockquote><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It is not uncommon to hear a message of encouragment geared towards those who don't feel like they have a significant part in the body. Some people think that because they don't have one of the "noticable" gifts or because they are not great theologians, they have no place in the body. Their function is not necessary and the church will survive just fine without them. The Word of God tells us that the body needs every part to function right. This is often a message preached to encourage those who feel insignificant to take their place no matter how "big" or "small" it may appear to be. It is necessary for God's purpose.</span></p><p align="justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When one part of the body is hurting, the rest of the body suffers. Our bodies react to injuries. It is part of the body's natural function for blood to rush to an injury. Blood cells and mucus to work together to fight off a cold. Nobody has to tell the body to do this. It just does. It's natural. Shouldn't it be that way in the body of Christ? Natural instinct to rush to the part that is sick or hurting...instead of cutting it off?<br /></span></p><p align="justify">Sometimes a part of the human body becomes amputated. For the rest of the life of that body, the rest of its parts will have to adjust. The body cannot heal the part that has been removed because it is severed and cannot function anymore.<br /></p><p align="justify">We learn in church that we are all needed in order for the body to funciton properly. What if that member of the body is sick and the body says, "You are too much work, I don't need you...go away"? </p><p align="justify">Are we, the body of Christ, inflicting further injury to already wounded body parts so that they don't function properly anymore? Are we chopping off our own fingers and toes?</p>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-89910678460407765202008-05-30T08:17:00.000-07:002008-05-31T15:13:55.514-07:00A Job Well DoneI read something interesting in my daily devotion today.<br /><br />"We are not saved <em>by</em> good works but <em><strong>for</strong></em> good works."<br /><br />It is common for Christians to point out to others that it is by grace we are saved through faith alone...not by anything we have done. If we are to boast, it should be in the One who deems us worthy...not in ourselves. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. Nothing. Mankind is and will always be unworthy of the grace of God bestowed on us by the sacrifice of His One and Only Begotten.<br /><br />So, since we don't have to do anything to receive the gift of salvation, then does that mean we can get saved and go back to a selfish lifestyle? Does it mean we can sin because we know that we are forgiven? I don't think so. There is evidence that a person has been saved and that's not it! The evidence I speak of is what the Bible refers to as fruit. The fruit is produced through how we work out our faith. Our good works bring forth the fruit of the Spirit for all the world to see.<br /><br />Good works produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. The motivation to do good works comes from God through the Holy Spirit. Our works are the visual display of an unseen faith. We are saved <strong><em>for</em></strong> good works, not by them. The work we do as Christians is a testimony to the world of Whose we are.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">Today's shot of flavor:</span></strong><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><blockquote><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus <em>for</em> good works. - Eph. 2:10</span><br /></blockquote></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-68023319582369242442008-05-05T16:54:00.000-07:002008-10-06T13:22:04.261-07:00The Least Likely to Succeed<span style="font-family:verdana;">Judges 6-7 is a great read! Lots can be learned from Gideon. I see God working in the lives of His people prior to the coming of Christ just like He did during Christ's life on Earth and even today! I see how little mankind has changed and how we repeat the same mistakes over and over. I also see God coming in His glory and empowering His chosen ones for victory against great odds!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Gideon was the weakest member of the weakest clan. Yet, God chose him and led him into battle with only 300 soldiers!!!! (He chooses the weak because when we are weak we are strong.)<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><blockquote>But he said to me, <span style="COLOR: rgb(255,0,0)">"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."</span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:9-10<br /></blockquote></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This is one of many incidences that supports my previous post regarding God's logic being so far beyond that of the human race! Three hundred soldiers faced an army that was as numerous as the grains of sand on the sea shore and they had victory! The one thing I found so intriguing about it all is that the enemy KNEW that the God of the Isrealites was all powerful and that they would be defeated by His army! And they were very much afraid!</span><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Wow!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">What if Christians were empowered like that today? What if God's power was so evident in us that even unbelievers knew that the Christian God was one that they need not mess around with? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I think the enemies in Gideon's time realized God's power more than many Christians of today....now that's convicting! What if we finally do get a clue? What if we all really and completely surrender to Him and let Him fight the battles for us? What kind of power would we have?<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">As believers, we have access to the same power that rose Christ from the dead! Problem is, most of us either don't believe it, don't understand it, don't know what to do with it, or we simply believe that it's just a metaphor and doesn't mean that we can actually do what God says we can do.</span><strong></strong><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(102,0,0); FONT-STYLE: italicfont-family:verdana;" >Flavor Shot for today:<br /><br /></span><strong></strong><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0);font-family:verdana;" >But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the </span><b style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0); FONT-FAMILY: verdana">weak</b><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0);font-family:verdana;" > things of the world to shame the strong. -1 Corinthians 1:27</span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-34873324121674573612008-05-05T16:02:00.000-07:002008-05-31T14:58:11.506-07:00Basic Truth<span style="font-family:verdana;">Broken dreams broken life, broken heart</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">No mending of her pain</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In a thread</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Three nails two hands two feet</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Stained wood</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" >Crimson red</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">How many nails does it take</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">To stop a man</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">From rising from the dead</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He can heal her pain</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He'll come back again</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Angry mob, accusations, stones in hand</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">First stone never thrown</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">'Cause there is no pure man</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Virgin girl, changed the world, birthed the Godman</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Born to die</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Life to you and I</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Looking down, sees the crowd</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Blind to their hate</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He dies to lift the veils</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">For those who pound the nails</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">How can I look into the face of an enemy</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And bless him as he spits at me</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">His love, His power, His strength</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I can do all things</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">My spirit sings</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">His love never ends, is never more nor ever less</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He gives me wings to fly</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">An eagle in the sky</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He set me free, now I can see</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">There is only One</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Who will always love me</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Flavor of the day:</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Love<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-for it is by grace you have been saved. -Ephesians 2:4-6</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><span id="en-NIV-29218" class="sup"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-66595872248640481492008-05-01T18:09:00.000-07:002008-05-31T14:51:39.542-07:00Happily Ever After<span style="font-family:verdana;">I know that Cinderella is just a fairy tale, but so much can be learned spiritually by pondering her story. The prince searches his entire kingdom for a bride. Then, he chooses the least expected. He doesn't choose somebody popular, wealthy, or proud. Instead, he chooses the one who is lowly, humble, gentle, and pure in heart. She runs from him in fear that if he sees who she really is and what she's really like, he will despise her. But, what she doesn't know is that he already does see who she really is in her heart. Then he meets up with her again...and her rags and filth do not even phase him because he can only see the beauty within and that they were meant to be together.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Isn't that something? So many spend their lives dreaming of that fairy tale happily ever after. We search the world over trying to find our dreams. We envy those who seem to be living out their dreams...but they are without the Prince who is Jesus Christ. They are living in a fantasy that only brings temporary satisfaction. Their earthly dreams will come to an end...but for the bride of Christ..happily ever after begins when life in this world is no longer where we live. What is being missed by those who do not take time to even meet <span style="font-weight: bold;">THE</span> Prince is the true, eternal happily ever after. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Prince of Peace is searching his Kingdom on Earth for His bride. Each of us has the opportunity for a happily ever after but many will miss out due to being caught up in the world's fantasy of happy endings. We don't see the glory in sacrifice and suffering...the glory of the cross.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">When I think about Cinderella's magical<span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" ><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">outward</span> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">transformation before the grand ball, it reminds me of the transformation that takes place when we are clothed in righteousness. The Fairy Godmother just brought to the surface the beauty that was <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">within</span>. Cinderella saw her inner beauty come to the surface for a brief time. But, then she remembered her rags. That makes me ponder how often as a Christian, I drag out my past sins and judge myself according to the deeds God has washed away.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I wonder what would have happened if Cinderella had stayed with the prince when she returned to her rags? Would the prince have loved her any less? Would he had even noticed any difference at all? She thought the prince loved her because of her outward appearance. But, his love for her was deeper than that. He would not stop searching until he found her...and so he did...in the midst of her ashes and soot. I'm willing to bet that in this fairy tale, what we don't know is that the prince knew the slipper would fit before he ever put it on her foot because he recognized the beauty that stood before him the night of the ball.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Christ knows His beloved. He has always known us. He has always loved us. When we accept Him, we are clothed in the perfect beauty of His righteousness. He finds us in our lowly state and loves us right where we are. There is only one true happily ever after and it begins with accepting the invitation of the Prince of Peace, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!!!!! I <span style="font-weight: bold;">AM</span> a princess!!!!!!!! I have found my Happily Ever After! Just call me Cindy!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" >Today's shot of flavor:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">What about you?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" >For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life! John 3:16.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Will you accept His invitation to believe?</span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-57043204012497529302008-05-01T17:55:00.000-07:002008-05-31T14:50:27.457-07:00For Tradition's Sake!Growing up I have been exposed to many traditions. Some are family traditions while others are cultural and/or religious. Recently I have found myself on a quest for truth regarding Christmas and Easter. Now, I'm not going into all the details of the discoveries I have made regarding pagan practices vs. God glorifying practices, but I do have a problem with the fact that Christians who know the Truth continue to celebrate traditions filled with flaws.<br /><br />For instance, how many kings were present at the stable when Jesus was a "babe in a manger"?<br /><br />Answer: None!<br /><br />There were no kings and no wisemen present when Jesus was born. Wisemen came to see King Jesus when he was a toddler and he wasn't in a manger! There is only one King who really stands out to me and he didn't come to present Jesus with gifts!<br /><br />This is just one simple example of many many stories that have been passed down through the ages amongst Christians...folklore presented as truth for the sake of tradition. For years...even now, I find myself guilty of falling into patterns of living for tradition's sake. Where does that leave God?<br /><br />I have to question....<br /><br />Is it harmless? What if Jesus came to visit a local church at Christmas time to see the portrayal of His birth? Would he sit silently or would he correct our misinterpretations?<br /><br />Where does this leave me? What will I do differently?<br /><br />I don't have an answer at this time. I only know that I will continue on my quest...while searching my heart and seeking God for answers.<br /><br />When asking religious leaders why Christians continue to practice things that are not true and teach them as if they are, they don't seem to think there is anything wrong with it. They think it's okay as long as the point is made.<br /><br />Is it okay to create confusion for a new believer right from the start?<br /><br />Lies, lies and more lies:<br /><br />A friend made an excellent point. He said that we indirectly teach our children to worship Santa, the Easter Bunny, even the Tooth Fairy...eventually they learn that it's all a lie. Then we tell them about Jesus and expect them to believe?<br /><br />My words are not written in judgement or accusation. Perhaps they are written from personal conviciton. Or perhaps they are simply the ponderings of my heart as I hunger for Truth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Today's Flavor Shot:</span><br /><br />Deuteronomy 13: 29-32<br />Don't worship the Lord your God the way pagan nations worship their Gods.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4206535024003149469.post-58691647594845865302008-04-23T20:49:00.000-07:002008-05-05T16:24:01.631-07:00Welcome<span style="font-family:verdana;">Welcome to Firmly Grounded, the blog that is designed to tickle your tastebuds and energize your passion for Truth! Join me on a wonderful journey of spiritual growth through devotion, discussion, and personal testimony. Often I will use quotes from something I have read, or I may just share something I receive during my personal quiet time.<br /><br />Start your morning with the aroma of firmly grounded faith and a latte of heaven!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Now for today's shot of flavor:</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />For my first post, I would like to quote something I read in the outline for the class which inspired this blog. I love how my professor gives us devotionals for each class.<br /><br /></span><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><blockquote><div style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Today's Scripture: Psalms 78-83<br /></div><blockquote><div style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to<br />give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11<br /><br /></div><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:arial;">One of the greatest hindrances to the people of God is longing for "the good old days." Why? Because in the midst of a faith journey, whenever we look back and long for the comfort and security of things gone by, we limit God. We see this in Psalm 78 where we read that in the desert the children of Israel "turned back and tempted [tested] God, and limited the Holy One of Israel" (78:41, KJV).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">How on earth could someone limit an all-powerful God? Could a person stand on a railroad track and limit the progress of an oncoming freight train by holding out his hand to stop it? Yet the psalmist tells us these people whom God was leading through the wilderness were actually able to limit Him. For one thing, they despised the food God gave them and longed for the leeks and garlic of Egypt. By that act,they claimed they knew better than God what was good for them. God was fulfilling His promise to feed them, but they wanted a more interesting menu.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Pride and rebellion became a way of life as they doubted God's power</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> and ridiculed His wisdom. They were constant grumblers because God did not always grant their desires. That was Israel's sin.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">One lesson from this passage comes forth loud and clear. We had better stop arguing with God, even if our argument seems more logical than what He has revealed. When God calls us to move ahead in faith, let us not hang back in fear, clinging to a comfortable memory of the past. ( Oliver Dossman, </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >Information Systems in the Workplace Student Guide)</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><span class="sup" id="en-NIV-23730" style="font-family:verdana;">One thing Professor Dossman mentions that really grabs my attention, is the part about our argument seeming more logical than what God has revealed. So often human logic out of balance with faith can stunt a Christian's growth. It can even keep the lost from accepting salvation which can only be received through faith (Romans 3:22, 5:1, Gal. 3:14, Eph. 2:8) ...like a child. </span><br /><span class="sup" style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span class="sup" style="font-family:verdana;">In Matthew 18:3 Jesus said, </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">He isn't saying we should be immature, but that our faith should be like a child...completely trusting. Faith is believing in what we cannot necessarily see, touch, taste, or feel. So the paradox here is that maturity requires that we trust as if we are children.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">There is only one sure way to understand the Truths written in the Holy Scriptures. They are inspired by God (2Tim. 3:16). Therefore, God reveals Himself to us through His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:4-6, John 14:26).</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Human logic is good and should be used</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> as long as it doesn't prevent Godly wisdom (which more often than not, appears illogical to the human mind) from moving us forward. Does fear of using "uncommon" sense keep you from moving forward in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ?</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="sup" id="en-NIV-23730"></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063158955096675582noreply@blogger.com0