Being Prepared

Being Prepared Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass February 22, 2012

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. -Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT Each morning before I take our puppy for a walk, I check the weather and the temperature. I need to know whether to put a coat on both of us, carry an umbrella to shield us from any rain or grab the sunglasses and a hat on a sunny day. Even though I check the weather reports and predictions, I don’t know what to really expect until I actually walk out the door. I think I am fully equipped but many times the rain gives way to sun and vice versa and I realize I am not prepared at all! We are told to put on the full armor of God each day. What is the full armor? The belt of God’s truth. The breastplate of righteousness which protects our hearts and emotions. The shoes of peace. The shield of faith which helps us to see past our troubles and remain focused on God. The helmet of salvation to keep from doubting God and the sword of the spirit which is God’s Word, our offensive weapon when we are in battle against darkness. When we cloak ourselves in the full armor of God, we can be assured we have all we need to meet the day. Each day I specifically ask in prayer that God equips me with His full armor. But why is this so important? As in the weather, sudden storms come up, hurricanes can cut a swath through our geography and lives, snow surprises us wit a covering over the sand and so much more. You get the idea. In our life, how many times have we “planned” our day but things seemed to come out of nowhere. We were thrown off course, off balance. When we are outfitted with the whole armor of God we know we can rise up over our problems while keeping God at the center of our life. We know we won’t lose control of our emotions, that we will be able to see things as they really are because God’s truth resides in us. We have an abundant faith inside of us to make it through. We will not doubt God or His existence in our life or the situation we seek wisdom to deal with and we have God’s Word to back down the enemy when he tries to come against us. On the coldest day of winter you would automatically put on your heavy coat and when the rain comes, you’d seek an umbrella and maybe boots. You have trained yourself to do those things instinctively. So it goes with the full armor of God. We should make putting it on as an essential part of our morning until it becomes second nature to us. How could we even think of going through the day without Him?

Rudder

Rudder

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
February 15, 2012

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. -James 3:3-5a NIV The power of the tongue is awesome. Sometimes it is used for good and sometimes not. Think about it. If a small rudder can move a big ship, I suppose if we had a rudder, it would be our tongue. A prepared and experienced pilot will have his charts out and studied before he sets sail. Before he engages his rudder, he knows the places to avoid and charts a safe course for his ship. We aren’t always so prepared when it comes to what we say. Sometimes our mouth starts speaking and before long, we find ourselves in a heap of trouble after having offended someone, being curt, making assumptions and more. One thing for sure though, we have to go where our tongue takes us. How often do we have to clean up the messes we have made with our mouth! It has happened to all of us. So many tidbits of wisdom come to mind. “Think before you speak and if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” In our everyday life we are given a choice of how to react or speak in almost every situation. Just take a moment and think about what to say first. Some of our choices may have long lasting effects, so it is important to think things through and not speak or react in haste. Offenses are often carried around for years like old luggage and some even carry grudges to their death and it was all because of a few spoken words. So often a little prayer helps. Just saying, “Please God, give me the right words” is all that is needed to change a possible negative outcome into a positive one. Today, we have to try to use our mouths for good. To uplift, build, encourage, fortify and boost ourselves and one another. It is a good time to check our rudder to be sure we are heading in the right direction. God tries to nudge us when we get off course and it is up to us to remember Him in all we say and do.

Architecture

Architecture Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass February 09, 2012

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. -Psalm 127:1 NIV Many books have been written about the uniqueness of the architecture found on the Outer Banks. It is likely that you could see many different kinds of structures on the same street…older block homes with flat roofs, newer homes with exquisite detail and extraordinary windows or just a simple dwelling, known as the “beach box”. And the most talked about Outer Banks homes are located in Nags Head on Cottage Row. These homes are historic, grand in size, well constructed and sturdy. They have endured much. Many homebuilders today try to incorporate many of those architectural elements from the past, found in the old homes, on the newer ones being built now. That specific Old Nags Head appearance suggests homes with wraparound porches, gabled roofs, shingled exteriors and shutters . A homebuilder starts with a plan, literally. Before ground is broken, the blueprints have been studied, reviewed and approved by all. There is a pattern in which to build a home. First comes the foundation, then the framing, plumbing, and so on. Planning is also very important in our personal life but think about how often we do something without the proper preparation. I believe that it is important to also give our prayer time with God some structure, too. My blueprint for prayer is simple and is as follows: begin by first thanking God, praising Him and offering thanks for who He is and what He does for us. Next, seek forgiveness for our sins where we may have fallen short. Then ask God to send His holy angels to surround us and protect our families and us. Next, ask that He remove and bind anything in our life that is not of Him. Then I ask Him for the covering of His armor, followed by seeking the Holy Spirit to fill me completely. After saying The Lord’s Prayer, that is where I will pray for people by name and then I ask God to give me a scripture so I can spend time in the Word. The foundation to a Christian life begins with prayerful communication with God. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. Luke 6:49 NIV

Beacon

Beacon

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

-Matthew 21:22 NIV

The definition of a beacon is a flashing light, a lighthouse or signaling buoy that produces a flashing light to warn or guide ships. There is beauty and history in each lighthouse that dots the Outer Banks. Some coastal areas can only boast of one lighthouse, but from Corolla to Ocracoke, we have four! Each one is different from the other and most unique. Stories of past are told, to the next generation, to keep the history of these lighthouses alive and protected, for those yet to come. It is still a wonder to me how these magnificent beacons of light defy the storms, hurricanes and wind, but they do. These mighty structures deserve the recognition they have received, past and present.

If a lighthouse is so sturdy that it can withstand adversity and the test of time, how can we tap into that kind of strength? I have received a flood of emails this week from people, some I know and some I don’t, that are sick and are asking for prayer that God would heal them. Several years ago, I was treated successfully for breast cancer. I know firsthand that when we are stricken down, prayer can take on a whole new meaning and importance. We are pleading for our life. God allows things to happen to us sometimes to strengthen us where we are weak. If we have drifted from Him, He wants to draw us close again. He will use us in ways to help others, because of the new insight and understanding we have gained from our own illness. Anytime we are asked to pray for someone who is ill, we shouldn’t miss the opportunity to do so. This is called intercessory prayer. Making time to pray for others is something that God calls us all to do. I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for the many prayers that were lifted up on my behalf. God can change the results or outcome of any situation, if it is His Will. Never lose faith and hope. He hears all prayers. None are wasted. Prayers do make a difference. God is our beacon of light in those dark days of sickness and our strength to overcome it is in Him. "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. Isaiah 38:5 NIV.

 

Filters

Filters Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass January 24, 2012  For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them). Philippians 4:8 AMP

My camera has been a friend to me for many years. I don’t know of a better way to capture a moment, a sunrise or sunset or that perfect wave than with a snapshot. When the moment is gone, it is gone forever, only to live on in our minds. But if we capture it with a camera, the moment can live on for years. My picture taking wouldn’t be complete with the use of filters on my camera lens. There are books on the subject of filters because there are so many to choose from. The definition of a filter is this: “Camera filters are optical elements that alter the properties of light entering the lens for the purpose of improving the image being recorded.” My favorite is the polarizing filter. Many types of filters absorb light, but what I like so much about the polarizing filter is that it absorbs unwanted reflections, which reduces the glare. It is a “must-have” filter when photographing the water. The camera lens is not the only place a filter could be applied. With the world today and the choices we are exposed and have access to, it is almost necessary to put a filter on what gets into our heart, mind and spirit. A filter can reduce and eliminate negative and unwanted things. As I get closer to God, I find myself being more careful about what I read, view or listen to, especially in my own home where it is the most important. If we don’t exercise caution about this, there is the chance we can become deceived about what is good or not. That is what becoming “desensitized” means. I will behave myself wisely and give heed to the blameless way--O when will you come to me? I will walk within my house in integrity and with a blameless heart. I will set no base or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the work of them who turn aside [from the right path]; it shall not grasp hold of me. Psalm 101:2-3 AMP. We start by resisting anything we are not sure of. Our scripture today in Philippians shows us what things to think on. Now what things do we need to filter out?

Being Childlike

Being Childlike Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass January 18, 2012

How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. –Psalm 116:5-7 NLT January is a month of new beginnings. We are embarking on our new attitudes, plans and goals for the year and we are just a few weeks into it now. We’ve been talking about building faith and many people are coming to a relationship with God for the very first time. We are told to approach God with a childlike way and spirit. We can speak simply to Him, not using fancy words in our prayers. Our vocabulary isn’t nearly as important as our heart. A child’s heart is pure and innocent and that is what pleases God. A childlike faith is tender and young and while those just starting out don’t know a lot about the Bible, they know enough of what is important, because they have chosen to seek and follow God. Being childlike is sweet and genuine. Children listen to what is being told to them and they believe it. They view the world with eyes of love and kindness and a heart of wonder. Joy comes easy to them. Their demeanor is so precious. Some confuse childlike behavior and childishness. There is a big difference in the two. Some childish traits are acting spoiled, rebelling, pouting, and brooding. While we know better, we can’t resist giving in to our emotions and feelings and acting out these traits like a small child sometimes. Temper tantrums don’t glorify God! Thank heavens that God continuously perfects us and I am grateful He hasn’t given up on me! How merciful He is!! We are all a work in progress. We have choices. Be childlike or behave childishly when we act and react to things. What’s really important is how we choose to handle disappointments and difficult situations. Give it all to God. Release it. Let it go. And be sure to choose not to savor it in our mind and heart like cherished treasures because that keeps the feelings and emotion alive inside of us!! God is so good to us. He will save us from ourselves if we allow Him! Starting off 2012 with the desire to know God deeper also means we have to let Him do a work in us. We will begin to see our childlike faith develop into a foundation of strong spiritual maturity and the tendency to behave childishly will begin to disappear.

Feeding

 

Feeding Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass January 10, 2012

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. –Romans 10:17 NIV This is the time of year that I love to take a few loaves of bread to one of the piers to feed the seagulls. I guess I think they need a little extra nourishment on the cold days and I am more than happy to oblige. They seem to be waiting for me and their feeding frenzy begins at the first scattering of bread. Some gulls are patient and wait for me to throw bread directly to them. Others are aggressive and will catch the bread in mid-air practically taking it out of my hand. They are so hungry for it. Some are content to eat if there is any left over and then there are those that are simply uninterested. Isn’t it that way with us too? We know we should feed our faith. Some people are very hungry for the Word, others are lukewarm and then some simply don’t care to be bothered. You might be wondering, I’d like to feed my faith but how do you do that? Today’s scripture tells us that faith comes from hearing. Hearing what? Hearing the Word of God. Just by opening the Bible and beginning to read puts us on the right path. You might say that the Bible is big and I am not sure where to begin. I have heard it said by more than one person that Psalms is a great place to begin; Proverbs gives wisdom and in the New Testament, start reading the four gospels which are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. That is a terrific way to begin and a good plan. So, why the importance of feeding ones faith? What is the point? God’s Words and Instruction, His Promises are all things that will build our faith and provide a compass for our life. Knowing and learning God’s Word is the beginning and then we can boldly declare it as our faith builds and develops. When faith builds, we are then able to store these teachings in our heart for the day we are in need through circumstances or situations that comes against us. Psalm 51 talks about having a pure heart and a steadfast spirit within. Today could be a fresh start when we purposefully leave the past behind and set out on a new path to find deeper faith. Let’s imitate those hungry seagulls and feed on the Bread of Life non-stop.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass January 05, 2012

Behold, I am doing a new thing! Can you not perceive it? -Isaiah 43:19 With this New Year underway, there is much to consider in the way of new beginnings, changes, goals and plans. January is often a quiet time on the beach. With the tourists gone, the year- round residents are the ones that remain to weather the winter as they do each year. It is a way of life and no cold weather, storm or anything at all could lessen the loyalty and love of the area that is called “home”. While the days in January are cold and the nights quiet and everything appears to be still and dormant, there is more than meets the eye. The life inside many of us is full of hope and strives for deeper understanding of our purpose. This time of year is when pondering thoughts become action, plans are set in motion, or a new attitude or mindset is adopted. Our surroundings may be still, but the inside of us is stirring with a new vision and expectancy of what is to come and what the possibilities for us may be. What lies ahead for each of us in 2012? Are we full of expectant hope supported by our strong faith? Do we believe that God is going to do a “new thing” for us in the coming year? Yes, we have to latch on to Him believing that the past is behind us and He has new plans and opportunities to bless us. He has a customized plan just for us and He can turn things around from bad to good. We just have to be willing to let Him work in our life for that ‘new beginning’ we have been hoping, dreaming and praying about. Our new beginnings come from the seeds He plants and nurtures within us.