notes from lisa...

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. " (21st Century KJV) I am a "fan" of Dr. Phil (McGraw, that is). Occasionally, I get to watch his program; and see the celebrity psychologist, as he counsels. The thing that I like about him, and his brand of psychology is that, most of the time, it's just good old common sense . Now, there are times, that I don't agree with him--but there is one phrase he often uses, that I think we ALL could ask ourselves, in times of conflict. Many times, he will have people on that are at each other's throats, for one reason or another--and they will bicker back and forth (as they, undoubtedly, have been before they arrived on his stage, too!). After they go on for awhile, he will ask them a pointed question. "How's that working for you?", he will say. It seems obvious--and it is ; if their way was working, they wouldn't be sitting in front of the doctor, w...

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels EVERY trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. (1 John 4:18, TAB) WOW!!! We usually quote this verse in the King's English (KJV)--we say, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." Sometimes, we shorten it, and just say "Perfect love casts out fear!" Somehow, though, the point gets lost , in the quote. If we really take it to heart, there would be a greater benefit to loving, as Christ loved (and taught us to). Actually, it is a little selfish when you think about it-- this benefit to love, is only for the "lover", not the one being loved. It is the fear that the one who has learned ...

Whenever I think of freedom and it's meaning, I focus on the magnitude of being delivered from some type of slavery. Sometimes, I think of the Israelites, being delivered from their captivity in Egypt (Exodus 18:10; Psalm 107:1-16). I may be thinking of African-Americans, and our early history in America; enslaved and not considered "full" men and women, but property. My mind may be turned towards the systems of Apartheid, in South Africa, the Caste systems of India (which by the way, we are told they no longer exist), or the struggles that "colored" people endured to obtain the freedoms that many of us enjoy, today. Most often, though, my mind is focused on the true freedom-- that comes only through my relationship with Jesus Christ (John 8:36; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1) . Knowing Christ, means that no matter what chains may exist on my body-- I am truly free . We all have some "chains", in our lives--whether they exist permanently (throughout th...

Today, we live in a time in which everything is supposed to be fast--if not instantaneous. We have microwaves, convection ovens, cellular phones ( we can't possibly wait until we get home, to make that "important" call!), the left lane of the highway is used for driving--rather than passing , and we live in a push-button society. Believe this, when we push the button, we EXPECT something to happen--NOW!!! This isn't really a criticism, as much as it is an observation. I want it NOW, too. We just hate delays! Notice how people drive; they weave in and out of traffic, putting lives (including their own) in jeopardy, only to rush to a red light . We can be a little silly in our efforts to speed everything up. This "Hurry-Up Mentality", has spread everywhere-- including our churches, and into the spiritual lives of the people of God. We are results-focused, and we dismiss the blessings of the process. We may think about it--once it's over; but while we a...