KellyStewart.org » the journey

Technology at its finest

Kelly — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:22:00 +0000

I think the Lord may be trying to teach me something!

A few weeks ago, Bradley’s sippy cup leaked out and drowned my cell phone. I let it dry out for a few days and still it was a no go. Jason has been debating on switching providers so he can get the fancy Iphone from Apple in June, so we did not want to sink a lot of money in a brand new cell phone. He ordered one from Ebay and then I had to wait 5 days for it to arrive. So, over a week without a cell phone was a reminder of how much I talk while I am driving. I talk to my mom and sister mostly, but also check in regularly with Jason. Not to mention the fact that I want the kid’s teachers at MDO to be able to reach me. I would reach for it and then remember it was not there. I began seeing my dependency!

Next, we sold our computer armoire right before the sickness hit. I finally got a new desk but our Internet has been down for some crazy reason. Beginning last week, I have not had Internet access during the day, which is when I usually log on! The next layer is that our home phone goes through the Internet, so no Internet, no home phone. I have really limited my cell phone use so I don’t go over in minutes!

We are still having Internet issues, but there have been some bright sides to this technology fast. I have spent more time reading to the kids. I have taken a few naps, to try and get over the last remains of my illness. I have read more. I have spent time in my Bible and in study.

He uses all kinds of things to get my attention and remind me where my true focus should be-on Him and serving my family. Some lessons are learned in an unconventional way!

Food Sacridiced to Idols, Part 1

Kelly — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:38:00 +0000

Now, about food sacrificed to idols: We know that
we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
2 The man who thinks he knows something does not yet
know as he ought to know. 3 But the man who loves God is known
by God.
1 Corinthians 8:1-3

I must admit that there have been many times in my life that my knowledge of God caused me to think I was something. I could recite all the books of the Bible, I could quote verses of Scripture, I could tell you what so and so theologian had to say about a particular subject and for goodness sake, I have a seminary degree, so of course, I am a part of the Spiritual Elite. I can tell you what TULIP stands for and how many points I believe. I can defend creationism, break down a word into the Greek or Hebrew (using computer software!), write a devotional, teach a class, and speak in front of a group about the Word. I had a quiet time at the same time everyday and read one chapter and prayed the ACTS (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) prayer.

Yeah for Me!

When my knowledge of God, outweighs my love for Him and others, then I have my priorities in the wrong place. When my adherence to my theology negates my love for Jesus and seeing His Glory made known to the nations, then I am nothing more than a puffed up follower of one man’s idea of God. God has given us a glimpse of Who He is and any understanding we have is through His divine ordination,His Word and through the working of the Holy Spirit. But what good does a lot of head knowledge do me, if I am not living it out? I have seen way to many people and churches who are so inward focused in their beliefs. I even know of one man who did not want to reach the community because, “They’ll come in wearing flip-flops and shorts.” Unless you forgot, God has a dress code to enter the gates of Heaven. Evidently, I missed the Scripture reference where Jesus died for a suit and tie.

Knowledge of God will never compare to a love of God. I will never settle for just knowing about God. I want to know Him. Some of the most godly people I have ever known didn’t have a middle school education, couldn’t debate the merits of pre and post millennialism, had no clue who Calvin or Wesley were, but they loved Jesus. He oozed from their pores. They couldn’t stop talking about Him. They quoted the Word and they love Jesus fiercely. He changed them and how they lived their life. Bottom line.

I also know some of the most godly men and women have an amazing knowledge of God. He has gifted them with the ability to learn and understand. He gave it to them to bring Him Glory. These people defend the name of Christ in many public and private arenas. Their knowledge has led many to a greater understanding of Jesus. Their love for Him is never questioned. Their knowledge flows out of their love for Him and their love is expanded due to their knowledge of Him.

I understand the desire to know more and more of God. I want to understand as much as I can about the God I serve and His Word. Yet, having this knowledge without it changing my life and how I live, in nothing more than puffed up spirituality.

Something in the air

Kelly — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:59:00 +0000

Have you ever felt a sense of anticipation that you can’t truly explain? A sense of excitement about what God is doing or may do? I have had that feeling lately. I know we are entering a time in our famliy where we are making decisions about education and moving due to that education, but it seems to go deeper. I almost feel like God is saying to sit back and watch Him move. I love that He never ceases to stop working in me and around me. I can only identify a few times in my walk with Him that I have had this same feeling. One was when Jason and I got married. Another was when we sought God on a decision about seminary or being missionaries in Africa. Another was moving to our church, now.
I feel so humbled to serve Him. He changed my life and gave me purpose. He gave me the man I didn’t deserve. He gave me three healthy children. He has led us to a wonderful place of ministry. We are living our dreams in so many ways.
So, what could it be? I don’t know. I just know I want to be faithful to Him. To believe Him for the big it could be or for the mustard seed it may be.