Thursday, July 29, 2010

IRONMEN and IRONWOMEN

Proverbs 27:17" As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."



In Bible study Monday night we were discussing David and Bathsheba, and the consequences of their sins. We discussed how Nathan spoke with King David and told him a parable. (found in 2 Samuel 12:1-13.) It went something like this: There was a rich man and a poor man. The rich man owned many sheep and cattle. The poor man worked very hard to buy the one thing he owned, a lamb. The poor man loved his lamb and let it eat from his table and grow up with his children. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. Instead of killing one of his sheep, he took and killed the poor man's lamb and served it to his guest. After hearing the parable, King David told Nathan whoever did this deserves to die. Then Nathan told David, "You are that man."

Wow!! Pointing out King David's sins must have been scary. What if Nathan had decided to let that situation just slide? But he didn't. Nathan could have lost his head for his bold statements! But because Nathan loved David enough to be honest with him, King David repented of his sins and was forgiven. His relationship with God was restored.

Psalm 139:23-24 says "Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."

Then I started thinking, what if I was the kind of friend Nathan was to King David? Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

I want to be that kind of friend! The kind of friend that makes others stronger. I am so blessed to be surrounded by IRONMEN and IRONWOMEN that make me stronger each and every day. Thank you! I am working to become that kind of friend.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

What's in a name?

"Princess Lucy"~ yes, that's me. "Lucy" was my nickname, or at least I think that's what you call it. My mom has called me "Lucy" for as long as I can remember, and I kinda like it!
But the "Princess" part is kinda strange, especially if you know me. I'm not prissy, frilly, or girly. I have always preferred to wear hats rather than fix my hair, play outside rather than stay indoors, even mow the grass over clean the house. In fact, I've only been called a princess once, but that's a story for another day. But I am a princess! I don't have a crown, but I'm a princess. I don't wear beautiful gowns and dine in fancy rooms. But, I'm a princess. You see, I am the daughter of the King of Kings. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He died on the cross for my sins (John 3:16) and loves me with an everlasting love. ("I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jer. 31:3) And if you know him personally, that makes you a princess (or prince) too!

*I know, you thought I married a prince. (I did! But I was already a princess!)