"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men," Matthew 5:13.
While speaking to a little girl today in the baptismal waters, my husband - the pastor - mentioned to her that as a Believer, she is the salt of the earth. Trying to further explain, he mentioned how salt flavors everything it touches. He added, "like your French fries." In other words, as a Believer, that little one is to allow Christ to use her to make a difference in the lives around her. Her life was to not only exhibit change, but to ENACT change.
I guess my stomach was growling, because my thought processes went further with the fries. So, you know how your French fries taste WITH salt, right? Okay, so how do your French fries taste WITHOUT? Pretty bland, huh? There's not much worse than a soggy, unsalted, tasteless French fry.
Do you get the analogy? You and I - as Believers - are the salt of the earth, and as true Believers, we change people and things around us, just by being who Christ created us to be. However, if we choose to lose our saltiness through allowing sin into our lives, then we will not be effective for Christ. We will not ENACT change. Our life is good for nothing. Empty.
I don't want to be unfruitful with my life. Do you? I didn't think so. What do you say that you and I simply BE who we were created to be - salt - without additives, without dirt, without the gunk of sin.
Now, who's ready for some French fries!
Thank You Father. Help me to allow You to ENACT change in the lives of others around me through my faith in Jesus Christ.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Sunday, December 4, 2016
The "Other" Christmas Gift
"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord'" Luke 2:10-11.
That passage is read more this time of year than probably any other time. However, the older I get, the more I think it should be read all throughout the year and not just at Christmas.
You see, Luke 2:10-11 speak not just of the salvation provided by Christ through His birth, but also of another amazing gift afforded to us who live far to the right side of the timeline.
I'll give you a hint. What else does the angel say, apart from the actual birth announcement? Look closely. It's two little words at the very beginning.
You got it, didn't you? That's right; Fear not.
Because Christ came in the fullness of time, we have nothing to fear. Nothing. No doubt. No struggle. No person. No cancer. Nothing. Christ's birth not only brought us salvation, but it brought us "fear-less-ness."
"But Belinda, you don't know what I'm facing. You don't know how I am being bombarded - even now - at a time when I should be excited about Christmas. You have no idea. How can I NOT fear?"
Well, you're right. I don't know what you are facing. I'm sure it is scary. If it helps at all, we all have those things in our lives that grip our heart and make our blood pump so fast our head spins. Yet, I have found that when I focus on those things, nothing gets any better. Instead, it only gets worse.
So in those times of fear in my own life, when I don't feel very "fear-less," I need to remember to "fear not."
Care to join me?
Father, help me to truly realize You are WITH me...that You will never leave me or forsake me...that nothing can touch me that doesn't come through Your hand and is in Your control. Please replace my anxiety and fearfulness with peace and fearlessness. In Your Name...Jesus.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Thankful Reminders
Reminders...I like them. The ones that come by way of sticky notes are my favorites. Most people use their phones these days, but a good a pen and piece of paper are my ultimate choice.
One of these "reminders" beckons me spiritually higher each morning as I enter my bathroom. Written on a tiny strip of blue paper months ago, the color directs my eyes upward toward the top of the mirror and the Scripture, my heart upwards towards the Lord: "Give thanks in all things for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" - I Thessalonians 5:18.
Sometimes, I'd like to NOT see it. Know what I mean? Sometimes, I'd rather NOT see the Words of the Lord that convict me of thanklessness and take away my justification for my sinful actions.
Let's face it. Sometimes it's just hard. It's hard to give thanks when I am grumpy and angry at family members. It's hard to give thanks, when I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. It's hard to give thanks, when I have so much to do in a day that I'm afraid it won't all get done.
Sometimes it's hard...but not impossible.
You see, when God chose to draw us to Himself through Jesus Christ, He gave us more than just the gift of exchanging our sinfulness for His righteousness. Scripture says that "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness, (II Peter 1:3).
In other words, we have the power to be thankful, even when we don't FEEL thankful. For instance, when I am angry at someone, I can be thankful that God has put that person in my life to teach me. I can be thankful that God has given me the grace to handle the situation and possibly draw the offending person and myself closer to Himself. I can be thankful that God doesn't treat me the way I would like to treat that person, in that moment!
See what I mean? God, through His Spirit, supplies us with the ability to be thankful, even in seemingly thankless situations.
So with that in mind, what is that hard circumstance that you need to be thankful for today? God may have already brought it to mind - to mine and to yours. So, choose thankfulness. Figure out how to be thankful in it...and then thank Him for IT or for the outcome of IT.
God, You have told me to be thankful in all things. Sometimes, Lord, I really don't want to. Yet, you have said that it is Your will for me in Christ. Therefore, I will choose thankfulness...even in this. I praise You, Lord.
One of these "reminders" beckons me spiritually higher each morning as I enter my bathroom. Written on a tiny strip of blue paper months ago, the color directs my eyes upward toward the top of the mirror and the Scripture, my heart upwards towards the Lord: "Give thanks in all things for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" - I Thessalonians 5:18.
Sometimes, I'd like to NOT see it. Know what I mean? Sometimes, I'd rather NOT see the Words of the Lord that convict me of thanklessness and take away my justification for my sinful actions.
Let's face it. Sometimes it's just hard. It's hard to give thanks when I am grumpy and angry at family members. It's hard to give thanks, when I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. It's hard to give thanks, when I have so much to do in a day that I'm afraid it won't all get done.
Sometimes it's hard...but not impossible.
You see, when God chose to draw us to Himself through Jesus Christ, He gave us more than just the gift of exchanging our sinfulness for His righteousness. Scripture says that "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness, (II Peter 1:3).
In other words, we have the power to be thankful, even when we don't FEEL thankful. For instance, when I am angry at someone, I can be thankful that God has put that person in my life to teach me. I can be thankful that God has given me the grace to handle the situation and possibly draw the offending person and myself closer to Himself. I can be thankful that God doesn't treat me the way I would like to treat that person, in that moment!
See what I mean? God, through His Spirit, supplies us with the ability to be thankful, even in seemingly thankless situations.
So with that in mind, what is that hard circumstance that you need to be thankful for today? God may have already brought it to mind - to mine and to yours. So, choose thankfulness. Figure out how to be thankful in it...and then thank Him for IT or for the outcome of IT.
God, You have told me to be thankful in all things. Sometimes, Lord, I really don't want to. Yet, you have said that it is Your will for me in Christ. Therefore, I will choose thankfulness...even in this. I praise You, Lord.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Hot Wheels' Cars and Big Brown Eyes
As I watched, I begin to feel a tightness build in my throat. Then, it happened. The tears began to fill my eyes. I hadn't expected to cry while watching this video, but I couldn't help it.
This Operation Christmas Child video flashed pictures of children from other countries opening their gift boxes. The excitement and joy on their faces did this old country girl's heart good. I was actually smiling at the faces of the children, until the face of one little boy caught my attention.
He was a normal child. He didn't seem poor or malnourished. He seemed content and happy. I guess he was about the age of my youngest son, which of course, drew me in a little deeper.
His eyes, though, told a story I will never forget. I can't tell you the last time I saw pure astonishment in the eyes of a child. It was precious. His eyes were huge disks that covered most of his face. He sat there, holding one of the little toys in his shoe box, staring at it as if it were his most prized possession. As he tilted it back and forth, his eyes became bigger and bigger. He was truly in awe...at a Hot Wheels car. It wasn't even one of the fancy ones with all the bells and whistles. I don't even know if it was a true "Hot Wheels" brand. It was one color. It was simple. And yet, to this little boy, it was the most valuable thing he'd ever had in his life.
I immediately began to think of the multiple Hot Wheel's vehicles my sons have had over the years and how they now are stored in a bin somewhere, remaining untouched for an untold amount of time. I thought of all the other "things" in my life that would create eyes of astonishment in the faces of so many other people. And I began to be really convicted about "My Shoeboxes." You know, the ones that I will be sending out to children all over the world this year.
I thought about how I needed to pray over the boxes and the items before I buy them. I have done that before, but I will pray more specifically and intentionally now. I will ask that God show me the exact items needing to be placed in those boxes...no matter the cost. I will pray that He uses those items - even though they are just things - to reach some child or some Mom and Dad for Jesus. I will pray that God blesses that child's family above and beyond all that they could ever ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). And I will thank God that as I give...as we give as a family...that He will do something within the lives of my own children to draw them to Himself and astonish them with Himself.
I challenge you...if you have never put together a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child, make this the year that you do. Go online to SamaritansPurse.org and watch a few of these videos yourself. You might see my little friend with the Hot Wheel's car.
Make sure to check out the information about the box contents, as well, to assure that all your items make it into the arms of a child. Then, pray. Pray as I have said, or pray for other things as God directs. Whatever the case, if you are able, fill a shoe box for Jesus...and for the astonishment of a child.
Thank You, Father for allowing me this simple opportunity to give. Thank You that You delight in my gift and so does the child that will receive it. Thank You, Father.
This Operation Christmas Child video flashed pictures of children from other countries opening their gift boxes. The excitement and joy on their faces did this old country girl's heart good. I was actually smiling at the faces of the children, until the face of one little boy caught my attention.
He was a normal child. He didn't seem poor or malnourished. He seemed content and happy. I guess he was about the age of my youngest son, which of course, drew me in a little deeper.
His eyes, though, told a story I will never forget. I can't tell you the last time I saw pure astonishment in the eyes of a child. It was precious. His eyes were huge disks that covered most of his face. He sat there, holding one of the little toys in his shoe box, staring at it as if it were his most prized possession. As he tilted it back and forth, his eyes became bigger and bigger. He was truly in awe...at a Hot Wheels car. It wasn't even one of the fancy ones with all the bells and whistles. I don't even know if it was a true "Hot Wheels" brand. It was one color. It was simple. And yet, to this little boy, it was the most valuable thing he'd ever had in his life.
I immediately began to think of the multiple Hot Wheel's vehicles my sons have had over the years and how they now are stored in a bin somewhere, remaining untouched for an untold amount of time. I thought of all the other "things" in my life that would create eyes of astonishment in the faces of so many other people. And I began to be really convicted about "My Shoeboxes." You know, the ones that I will be sending out to children all over the world this year.
I thought about how I needed to pray over the boxes and the items before I buy them. I have done that before, but I will pray more specifically and intentionally now. I will ask that God show me the exact items needing to be placed in those boxes...no matter the cost. I will pray that He uses those items - even though they are just things - to reach some child or some Mom and Dad for Jesus. I will pray that God blesses that child's family above and beyond all that they could ever ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). And I will thank God that as I give...as we give as a family...that He will do something within the lives of my own children to draw them to Himself and astonish them with Himself.
I challenge you...if you have never put together a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child, make this the year that you do. Go online to SamaritansPurse.org and watch a few of these videos yourself. You might see my little friend with the Hot Wheel's car.
Make sure to check out the information about the box contents, as well, to assure that all your items make it into the arms of a child. Then, pray. Pray as I have said, or pray for other things as God directs. Whatever the case, if you are able, fill a shoe box for Jesus...and for the astonishment of a child.
Thank You, Father for allowing me this simple opportunity to give. Thank You that You delight in my gift and so does the child that will receive it. Thank You, Father.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Doing Good
"I wish I was rich," said my ten year old. We were gazing at a Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift magazine while gobbling down some freshly cooked chicken nuggets and french fries. As I turned the pages, he asked questions. "Why would they need chickens?" "How much does it cost to feed the baby?" On and on the questions continued. I saw his little mind's wheels turning. "I don't have any money, " he said. To which I reminded him that he could do jobs around the house to make a few dollars.
Finally, he announced, "I wish I was rich." Curious, I asked why. His answer was warming. He replied, "Because if I was rich, I could buy 30 of all those things in that magazine."
Now, as you can imagine, he wasn't saying that he would buy baby chicks, goats and food for himself. Instead, if he were rich, he would utilize his money to supply necessities to the faces of women, men and children he saw on those pages - 30x over.
I think we all feel that way, don't we? At least, I think we should. As Believers, we want to help. Sometimes, we just don't know how to do it, who to contact, or where to go. Samaritan's Purse, I'm sure, would be THRILLED to send you a magazine, to help give you ideas and ways that you can help elsewhere in the world.
Yet, right now in Eastern NC, we need help. Johnston County has been hit hard with flooding. People in our cities are living desperate, moment-by-moment lives. Many can't return to their homes because of the damage. Others have lost everything, due to no flood insurance...and we don't need a magazine to see pictures. All we have to do is ride around and glance out the windows of our cars.
Because of this, I am asking for your help. We received an e-mail from Sandy Wood of the Johnston County Emergency Services. She asked that we get the word out to people who are affected by Hurricane Matthew. She said many don't even know they can receive assistance through FEMA representatives right now. The address is 912 N Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield, and the hours of operation are Monday - Saturday, 9am -7pm and Sunday 12-5. Here, victims can pick up food, cleaning supplies, water and other items, and YOU can donate those items at this same address.
Another way to help is through the Baptist Men of North Carolina. They need volunteers to assist with cleanup over the long term. They ask that you continue to pray, go and give.
In this ministry, mud-out and tear-out volunteers are needed in the Lumberton area, Fayetteville area, Warsaw area, Windsor Area, Red Springs, Goldsboro, Greenville, Hope Mills and Kings area. Other locations will be open soon. For more information, visit www.baptistsonmission.org/HurricaneMatthew and click on the "volunteer now" button.
If you would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to N.C. Baptist men/Baptists on Mission and designate the check to Hurricane Matthew Disaster Relief. Mail to : NCBM, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.
In light of these opportunities, let's not just "wish" we were rich. Let's instead, reach out as the arms and Jesus and utilize the supplies and strengths He's given us to make a difference.
Galatians 6:9-10 says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially the household of faith.
Jesus, there are so many people with so many needs and yet, You know them. You know what they really need and how to provide that for them. Please use me to relieve the burdens of those around me. May You receive the glory.
Finally, he announced, "I wish I was rich." Curious, I asked why. His answer was warming. He replied, "Because if I was rich, I could buy 30 of all those things in that magazine."
Now, as you can imagine, he wasn't saying that he would buy baby chicks, goats and food for himself. Instead, if he were rich, he would utilize his money to supply necessities to the faces of women, men and children he saw on those pages - 30x over.
I think we all feel that way, don't we? At least, I think we should. As Believers, we want to help. Sometimes, we just don't know how to do it, who to contact, or where to go. Samaritan's Purse, I'm sure, would be THRILLED to send you a magazine, to help give you ideas and ways that you can help elsewhere in the world.
Yet, right now in Eastern NC, we need help. Johnston County has been hit hard with flooding. People in our cities are living desperate, moment-by-moment lives. Many can't return to their homes because of the damage. Others have lost everything, due to no flood insurance...and we don't need a magazine to see pictures. All we have to do is ride around and glance out the windows of our cars.
Because of this, I am asking for your help. We received an e-mail from Sandy Wood of the Johnston County Emergency Services. She asked that we get the word out to people who are affected by Hurricane Matthew. She said many don't even know they can receive assistance through FEMA representatives right now. The address is 912 N Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield, and the hours of operation are Monday - Saturday, 9am -7pm and Sunday 12-5. Here, victims can pick up food, cleaning supplies, water and other items, and YOU can donate those items at this same address.
Another way to help is through the Baptist Men of North Carolina. They need volunteers to assist with cleanup over the long term. They ask that you continue to pray, go and give.
In this ministry, mud-out and tear-out volunteers are needed in the Lumberton area, Fayetteville area, Warsaw area, Windsor Area, Red Springs, Goldsboro, Greenville, Hope Mills and Kings area. Other locations will be open soon. For more information, visit www.baptistsonmission.org/HurricaneMatthew and click on the "volunteer now" button.
If you would like to make a contribution, please make your check payable to N.C. Baptist men/Baptists on Mission and designate the check to Hurricane Matthew Disaster Relief. Mail to : NCBM, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512.
In light of these opportunities, let's not just "wish" we were rich. Let's instead, reach out as the arms and Jesus and utilize the supplies and strengths He's given us to make a difference.
Galatians 6:9-10 says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially the household of faith.
Jesus, there are so many people with so many needs and yet, You know them. You know what they really need and how to provide that for them. Please use me to relieve the burdens of those around me. May You receive the glory.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
The Meantime
In all my "free time," I am currently reading a book...which is why it has taken me approximately 2 years to get half-way through! Yet, God's timing is perfect. He didn't want me to read past this particular section until the time was right. And the other night, the time was right.
I needed to hear what this author had to say about waiting. The book is called Wednesday's Were Pretty Normal by Michael Kelley. You really should read it, if you get a chance...and even if you don't. Make "a chance."
Kelley's very young son had cancer. This book is about the battle through the cancer, plus what happens in the "waiting." At least that's what I call it. He uses a different word:
"Meantime."
I think I like this better.
As the book progresses, the reader notices that Kelley's battle isn't just with the cancer that is invading the body of his child. It isn't just with the financial strain and emotional strain that come from switching jobs and living in and out of a hospital. It's a record of his spiritual battle, and the beautiful things that come from his "meantime."
One of the things that ministered to me the other night was his chapter on "Hope." Kelley writes of needing more "hope" than just for the future health of his son. He felt there must be hope in the "meantime." You know, the time between disease and ultimate healing. That's when God led him to Jeremiah 29:11-13: "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans to give you a future and a hope.'"
God showed Kelley that in the "meantime," there was indeed, lots of hope, for even though he was waiting, God was NOT. Instead, God was busy...very busy. The Creator of these once perfect, but now sin-damaged, frail bodies was in the process of weaving a tapestry of beautiful patterns and threads into something that would scream His name when it was all over. God was active...while Kelley waited.
Maybe that's good new for you today. Maybe that's a good reminder, as it was for me the other night. God isn't waiting, as you are. He isn't sitting twiddling His thumbs while you suffer patiently. God is busy. He's working. He's actively involved in your situation. He hasn't forgotten you exist, nor has He ever taken His hand off your life.
He's busy in your meantime, my friend...and in mine, too.
Thank You, God, for the reminder that You aren't watching me wait. You are busy orchestrating a beautiful plan out of my life that will bring You glory...and that's what I want...Your glory. Thank You, Father. Thank You.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Simply Put: Be Holy
I heard it again this morning...be holy. It seems those words are every where I turn. Maybe God is trying to tell me something...hmm....
This isn't the first time He's called a people to be holy. He called Israel to be holy from the very beginning.
God intentionally desired Israel to be different. They were to be "set apart." For example, Israel's government didn't even include a king. That was unheard of in Old Testament times. Instead, God was their King, and they were to follow His reign. He gave them judges like Gideon and Samson to protect them and take them into battle. He gave them priests like Samuel to lead them. He gave them rules for their health - ways of living to keep bacteria and disease at bay - many of which we still use today. He provided for their every need. After all, that's what a good King does.
And He did so, so that Israel would be "set apart." They would be holy. They would be intentionally different. Of course, because of this, the other nations would have looked at Israel and seen that their God was the one true God. They would be amazed at how this massive group of people could not only survive, but thrive in the Middle East.
Yet, Israel wasn't satisfied with God as their King. As a matter of fact, they chose to disregard Him completely. They wanted someone physical...someone they could see...someone who would make them be "like all the other nations," (I Sam. 8:20).
They didn't want the holiness of God. They wanted the comradery of man.
I don't blame them. We do the same thing today, don't we? We choose to be like the world around us, instead of standing up and standing out for God's holiness. We don't want to ruffle someone's feathers by not agreeing with them. We'd rather blend in with the rest of the crowd and NOT be seen. We'd rather soothe their minds with apologetic phraseology, than live according to the principles found in the Word of God.
This should not be. We, as Believers, must be so careful NOT to lose our identity with God. We must be careful to protect His holiness with our lives, and not apologize for His Words and who He has called us to be.
I Peter 1:16 says we are to be holy as God is holy. Imagine that...the children of God are to look like and act like, well, their Father. And do you know why...because it stands to reason that when we emulate the Father, people are drawn to Him. "Other nations" - our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends and family members are in wonder at our lives, but not because of us. They know that no human could handle life with such grace. It must come from somewhere else...from someONE else...someONE they need to know.
Father, help me to be holy. Help me emulate Your behavior in every situation...Your love...Your compassion...Your mercy...Your Truth...so that others will KNOW that You are my King. Thank You, Father. Thank You.
This isn't the first time He's called a people to be holy. He called Israel to be holy from the very beginning.
God intentionally desired Israel to be different. They were to be "set apart." For example, Israel's government didn't even include a king. That was unheard of in Old Testament times. Instead, God was their King, and they were to follow His reign. He gave them judges like Gideon and Samson to protect them and take them into battle. He gave them priests like Samuel to lead them. He gave them rules for their health - ways of living to keep bacteria and disease at bay - many of which we still use today. He provided for their every need. After all, that's what a good King does.
And He did so, so that Israel would be "set apart." They would be holy. They would be intentionally different. Of course, because of this, the other nations would have looked at Israel and seen that their God was the one true God. They would be amazed at how this massive group of people could not only survive, but thrive in the Middle East.
Yet, Israel wasn't satisfied with God as their King. As a matter of fact, they chose to disregard Him completely. They wanted someone physical...someone they could see...someone who would make them be "like all the other nations," (I Sam. 8:20).
They didn't want the holiness of God. They wanted the comradery of man.
I don't blame them. We do the same thing today, don't we? We choose to be like the world around us, instead of standing up and standing out for God's holiness. We don't want to ruffle someone's feathers by not agreeing with them. We'd rather blend in with the rest of the crowd and NOT be seen. We'd rather soothe their minds with apologetic phraseology, than live according to the principles found in the Word of God.
This should not be. We, as Believers, must be so careful NOT to lose our identity with God. We must be careful to protect His holiness with our lives, and not apologize for His Words and who He has called us to be.
I Peter 1:16 says we are to be holy as God is holy. Imagine that...the children of God are to look like and act like, well, their Father. And do you know why...because it stands to reason that when we emulate the Father, people are drawn to Him. "Other nations" - our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends and family members are in wonder at our lives, but not because of us. They know that no human could handle life with such grace. It must come from somewhere else...from someONE else...someONE they need to know.
Father, help me to be holy. Help me emulate Your behavior in every situation...Your love...Your compassion...Your mercy...Your Truth...so that others will KNOW that You are my King. Thank You, Father. Thank You.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
TAKE IT OFF!
My
children tell me that when someone texts in all caps, it means
they're screaming the statement. So, here's my best shot: TAKE
IT OFF! Can you hear me? I'm screaming...mostly at
myself. If you would like to join me in screaming at yourself, go
right ahead. It might be a great idea, and here's why.
I
was quite convicted this morning as I read I Peter 2:1-2. It
says, "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit,
hypocrisy, envy and all evil speaking...." So, what does
that have to do with screaming, “TAKE IT OFF?” Well, that's
what "laying aside" actually means - the "taking off"
of things. In this case, the things are well, nasty things.
Picture
yourself coming in from a hard day of physical labor. Your are
SO dirty that your spouse takes one look at you, grabs his/her nose
in disgust and points towards the shower. You gingerly remove
the filthy garments, trying not to disturb any loose dirt or dust,
hopefully keeping the grit and grime on the clothing and not on the
floor. You get cleaned up and are ready to emerge as the new
and improved version of yourself. Your spouse gives you a
thumbs-up signal, and you are once again allowed to join your family.
The
next day, though, you begin to miss those clothes. That shirt
was your favorite and those pants...well, they fit so well. Maybe
the dirt magically disappeared overnight. You return to the
bathroom, collect the filth-covered garments and sneak into your
room. Little by little, you slide into the clothes. Hmm...they
don't smell THAT bad (notice the all caps...that should tell you
something). They aren't THAT dirty. So, you ignore the
winces and grimaces of your family as you pass and head to work.
That's
ridiculous, isn't it? Who would be crazy enough to put those
nasty, dirty, stinking, disgusting clothes back on their nice, clean
frame? Who would do that kind of a thing?!?
I'll
tell you "who." It's anyone who isn't careful NOT
to re-clothe themselves in filth.
Peter
is telling Believers to make sure that they take off
those nasty "clothes" of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy
and evil speaking, never to put them on again. For clarification,
let me give you a little definition of each. Malice
is any ungodly act with the idea in mind that you are trying to get
revenge...to cause someone harm. Deceit
is anything that looks like a lie, including "little white
lies." There is no such thing. It's a lie. Hypocrisy
is pretending you are someone you are not, including a happy-go lucky
Christian. Envy
is deep-seated desire of something that belongs to someone else.
Finally,
evil speaking
is another word for slander. It's gossip, which is just a prettier
word for slander.
Now
do you see why Peter is saying these things MUST GO! We must TAKE
THEM OFF, if we are to look like the children of God - if we are to
be holy, as He is holy. We must take them off, fighting to never
pick them up again.
So,
when we feel that harsh word about to erupt from our mouths, if we
picture ourselves re-clothing ourselves in filth, we might be less
likely to allow that word to spew forth. If when we are tempted to
want what the Jones' have, we picture the look on our family's faces
as we walk around wearing the disgusting clothes, just maybe we'll
repent and lay the nasty things down. If when we want others to
think we are someone we are not, then, maybe we should take a
spiritual whiff of hypocrisy. That should do it.
Thank
You, Lord that You are patient with me. Convict me of the sins
of my mouth and the depravity of my heart. Convict, so that I
might repent and take those things off, leaving them for good.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Setting Things Aright
I looked out in dismay at the damage. Hurricaine Hermine had wreaked a little havoc on my backyard. I had a good-sized Dogwood branch covering my back deck, but that wasn't my main concern. No. My main concern was my garden.
Peering out my kitchen window, I saw a large clump of vegetation where my rows used to exist. I picked my chin up off the floor and headed out back. It was just as I had suspected. The winds had knocked down the posts holding the tomatoes, so they were a jumbled mess. The peppers were a mess, too. The stalks had collapsed under the pressure of the large fruit, strong winds and heavy rains. Most of the branches were touching the ground - too heavy to pull themselves aright.
So, I set to work, staking and gently persuading the plants back into an upright position. Now, the garden is back to normal. All it took was a little nudge here and there, as well as a little know-how to turn it all around. I didn't lose a thing.
However, on occasions in the past, I have lost plants after a storm. It wasn't through any real fault of my own. It was simply because they refused to be set aright. The stalks broke at the base, unwillingly to yield to my hand.
All through the Proverbs, Scripture talks about that very thing - "correction" - setting things aright. It has some pretty hard and direct words for those who choose NOT to heed correction (or discipline), and yet, it has some wonderful words to encourage those who do! For instance, Proverbs 12:1 states: "Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 13:18 states: "He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." Let's do one more - Proverbs 15:32 states: "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding."
Now, based on those verses, who do you want to be - someone who listens to correction or someone who does not? Of course, according to the Word of God, it would be foolish to say that we don't want discipline. That would be like saying, "Sure, I want to be poor...and shameful...and stupid...and hate myself."
And yet, that's exactly how we respond to correction many times, isn't it? We respond in anger and resentment with a "how dare you" attitude? We choose not to thank the bearer of correction for seeing into our situation and caring enough to try and "stand aright" our behavior. We don't even see the need for our own admonishment. I hate to say it, but I am afraid we'd rather have a pat on the back, rather than a lift out of the dirt.
How ridiculous would it be for my pepper plants to look at me with disgust as I try to rescue them from the mud. I'm sure it's not the most comfortable thing for them. It stretches them and moves them in ways they are not accustomed. However, it is the BEST thing for them.
So the next time someone tries to lift you or me "back up" or "correct" us, may we remember that Godly correction is not a terrible thing. It's much the opposite. Plus, if we choose to listen to what's being said and yield to it, our lives will be blessed beyond what we deserve.
Father, correction is difficult. I don't always like to experience it. But Your Word tells me that Godly correction is necessary and needed. Help me to listen to Your voice and yield to Your hand. Amen.
Peering out my kitchen window, I saw a large clump of vegetation where my rows used to exist. I picked my chin up off the floor and headed out back. It was just as I had suspected. The winds had knocked down the posts holding the tomatoes, so they were a jumbled mess. The peppers were a mess, too. The stalks had collapsed under the pressure of the large fruit, strong winds and heavy rains. Most of the branches were touching the ground - too heavy to pull themselves aright.
So, I set to work, staking and gently persuading the plants back into an upright position. Now, the garden is back to normal. All it took was a little nudge here and there, as well as a little know-how to turn it all around. I didn't lose a thing.
However, on occasions in the past, I have lost plants after a storm. It wasn't through any real fault of my own. It was simply because they refused to be set aright. The stalks broke at the base, unwillingly to yield to my hand.
All through the Proverbs, Scripture talks about that very thing - "correction" - setting things aright. It has some pretty hard and direct words for those who choose NOT to heed correction (or discipline), and yet, it has some wonderful words to encourage those who do! For instance, Proverbs 12:1 states: "Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 13:18 states: "He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." Let's do one more - Proverbs 15:32 states: "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding."
Now, based on those verses, who do you want to be - someone who listens to correction or someone who does not? Of course, according to the Word of God, it would be foolish to say that we don't want discipline. That would be like saying, "Sure, I want to be poor...and shameful...and stupid...and hate myself."
And yet, that's exactly how we respond to correction many times, isn't it? We respond in anger and resentment with a "how dare you" attitude? We choose not to thank the bearer of correction for seeing into our situation and caring enough to try and "stand aright" our behavior. We don't even see the need for our own admonishment. I hate to say it, but I am afraid we'd rather have a pat on the back, rather than a lift out of the dirt.
How ridiculous would it be for my pepper plants to look at me with disgust as I try to rescue them from the mud. I'm sure it's not the most comfortable thing for them. It stretches them and moves them in ways they are not accustomed. However, it is the BEST thing for them.
So the next time someone tries to lift you or me "back up" or "correct" us, may we remember that Godly correction is not a terrible thing. It's much the opposite. Plus, if we choose to listen to what's being said and yield to it, our lives will be blessed beyond what we deserve.
Father, correction is difficult. I don't always like to experience it. But Your Word tells me that Godly correction is necessary and needed. Help me to listen to Your voice and yield to Your hand. Amen.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Wait on the Lord
I looked up this morning - as I do each morning - to quite a sight. There, a relatively small, short-haired, light brown body stood, twitching fervently back and forth. I wish you could see it. There's not a lot of things more entertaining or more endearing to my heart.
She - "Sugar" - sits at our back door in the morning. She patiently and expectantly waits to catch a glimpse of someone - anyone - stirring. At the first sighting, immediately her long legs pull her frame into the air, and her tail tosses her petite body into an almost convulsion-like behavior. In Sugar's case, the tail truly does wag the dog.
But the excitement doesn't end there. Nope. To her utter joy, Sugar is rewarded for her "waiting." After all, how could you pass up saying "Good Morning" to someone or "some-dog" who is so excited to see you? It's as if she cannot contain her joy at being in our presence, and we, in hers.
That, my friends, is the same type of "waiting" that David encouraged us to do in Psalm 27. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
One way Scripture emphasizes something in the Word is by reiterating the same phrase over and over again. Did you see something in that verse that was repeated? Yep, "Wait on the Lord." So, in other words, when you get tired of waiting for the Lord...wait some more!
Oh, and it's not a drudgery to wait for Him. It's an exciting, stirring anticipation that builds and builds until we see Him appear on the scene. Then, the coolest thing happens. We are rewarded by His presence, and He is THRILLED with ours.
Beautiful, if I do say so myself.
So, along with Sugar and King David, I encourage you, my sisters and brothers. Wait on the Lord. Wait expectantly for Him. Wait with anticipation, anxious to see what God will do.
Wait for the Lord...again, I say...wait for the Lord.
Thank You, Father, that You never leave me or forsake me, but rather walk along side me in this journey. Help me to wait with expectation to see what You are going to do for me, through me, and in me.
She - "Sugar" - sits at our back door in the morning. She patiently and expectantly waits to catch a glimpse of someone - anyone - stirring. At the first sighting, immediately her long legs pull her frame into the air, and her tail tosses her petite body into an almost convulsion-like behavior. In Sugar's case, the tail truly does wag the dog.
But the excitement doesn't end there. Nope. To her utter joy, Sugar is rewarded for her "waiting." After all, how could you pass up saying "Good Morning" to someone or "some-dog" who is so excited to see you? It's as if she cannot contain her joy at being in our presence, and we, in hers.
That, my friends, is the same type of "waiting" that David encouraged us to do in Psalm 27. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
One way Scripture emphasizes something in the Word is by reiterating the same phrase over and over again. Did you see something in that verse that was repeated? Yep, "Wait on the Lord." So, in other words, when you get tired of waiting for the Lord...wait some more!
Oh, and it's not a drudgery to wait for Him. It's an exciting, stirring anticipation that builds and builds until we see Him appear on the scene. Then, the coolest thing happens. We are rewarded by His presence, and He is THRILLED with ours.
Beautiful, if I do say so myself.
So, along with Sugar and King David, I encourage you, my sisters and brothers. Wait on the Lord. Wait expectantly for Him. Wait with anticipation, anxious to see what God will do.
Wait for the Lord...again, I say...wait for the Lord.
Thank You, Father, that You never leave me or forsake me, but rather walk along side me in this journey. Help me to wait with expectation to see what You are going to do for me, through me, and in me.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
A Servant and Yet, A Child
He doesn't owe us a thing...not one thing. God doesn't owe any of us...anything.
Sounds harsh, doesn't it? But read on...the good stuff is to come.
The other day, while searching for verses about faith, I came across Luke 17, and what I read there, shocked me. Verse seven begins, "Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down and eat'? Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Now I know that servant-hood or slavery is not a part of our society today - at least legally - but for the people in Christ's day, it was commonplace. People understood what it meant to be a slave, as well as "own" a slave.
Jesus uses this particular relationship to show His disciples what their relationship to God (and ours) actually looks like. In reality, He is the Master. We are His slaves.
These verses explain that while the Master eats, the slave waits and actually serves Him. He is not invited to dine with the Master, nor does the Master tell him "thank you" for his service in the field or his efficient service during dinner. Why? Is it because of a lack of gratitude on the Master's part. No. It's just the servant's job. He's merely doing what he was expected to do. As hard as it sounds, THAT is the reality of our relationship with God.
He owes us nothing.
He isn't required as our God to make our lives peaceful, nor happy. He's not required to do anything for us at all. He is God. Period. We are merely to obey what He commands and do what He expects of us.
That hit me like a ton of bricks. You see, I "know" that God isn't required to "bless" me, but I really don't believe it wholeheartedly. Instead, down deep, I tend to think that if I am obedient to His leading, then He MUST reward me with some sort of compensation in my life. I should be content and happy and cheerful and able to help others and speak well and write well without run-on sentences and be blessed.
Period.
Yet as my Master, He isn't required to do any of those things for me...AT ALL. Instead, my relationship with Him is one of obedience without question, not expecting anything in return...not even a "thank you" or a pat on the back.
God is my Master.
I am His servant.
That humbled me greatly, and at the same time, made me incredibly thankful. Sounds kinda strange, huh? What I mean is that I realized that everything I have, didn't come to me because I was a good servant. Fortunately for me AND you, the Master/slave relationship isn't the only reality that exists. There's another.
You see, we are His servants and rightly so. He is God. However, we are ALSO His kids - the very apples of His eyes. He delights in us, as Zephaniah 3:17 states, and dances over us with joy. So the blessings that come from obedience, don't come because "I" did the right thing. Instead, they originate because He is good, and He's my Dad...my Father.
Yes, I am a servant...
...and yet thankfully, because of Christ, so much more.
I thank You, God. I thank You for filling my life with abundant blessings, because You are who You are...not because of me or anything I have done or will ever do. I praise You, Lord. Praise You.
Sounds harsh, doesn't it? But read on...the good stuff is to come.
The other day, while searching for verses about faith, I came across Luke 17, and what I read there, shocked me. Verse seven begins, "Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down and eat'? Won't he rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Now I know that servant-hood or slavery is not a part of our society today - at least legally - but for the people in Christ's day, it was commonplace. People understood what it meant to be a slave, as well as "own" a slave.
Jesus uses this particular relationship to show His disciples what their relationship to God (and ours) actually looks like. In reality, He is the Master. We are His slaves.
These verses explain that while the Master eats, the slave waits and actually serves Him. He is not invited to dine with the Master, nor does the Master tell him "thank you" for his service in the field or his efficient service during dinner. Why? Is it because of a lack of gratitude on the Master's part. No. It's just the servant's job. He's merely doing what he was expected to do. As hard as it sounds, THAT is the reality of our relationship with God.
He owes us nothing.
He isn't required as our God to make our lives peaceful, nor happy. He's not required to do anything for us at all. He is God. Period. We are merely to obey what He commands and do what He expects of us.
That hit me like a ton of bricks. You see, I "know" that God isn't required to "bless" me, but I really don't believe it wholeheartedly. Instead, down deep, I tend to think that if I am obedient to His leading, then He MUST reward me with some sort of compensation in my life. I should be content and happy and cheerful and able to help others and speak well and write well without run-on sentences and be blessed.
Period.
Yet as my Master, He isn't required to do any of those things for me...AT ALL. Instead, my relationship with Him is one of obedience without question, not expecting anything in return...not even a "thank you" or a pat on the back.
God is my Master.
I am His servant.
That humbled me greatly, and at the same time, made me incredibly thankful. Sounds kinda strange, huh? What I mean is that I realized that everything I have, didn't come to me because I was a good servant. Fortunately for me AND you, the Master/slave relationship isn't the only reality that exists. There's another.
You see, we are His servants and rightly so. He is God. However, we are ALSO His kids - the very apples of His eyes. He delights in us, as Zephaniah 3:17 states, and dances over us with joy. So the blessings that come from obedience, don't come because "I" did the right thing. Instead, they originate because He is good, and He's my Dad...my Father.
Yes, I am a servant...
...and yet thankfully, because of Christ, so much more.
I thank You, God. I thank You for filling my life with abundant blessings, because You are who You are...not because of me or anything I have done or will ever do. I praise You, Lord. Praise You.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
To Be or Not to Be?
I want you to think about something this week. It's something that might just change your life, as it has mine...or at least, it's in the process of changing me.
It's just a few words, but the Words are from the very mouth of God, Himself. That's what makes it life-changing. His Word alters us. It changes us. At least, it always should.
Proverbs 29:11 states: "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." Now, let me ask you. How many times have you been labeled "foolish" according to this verse? I'm afraid I've been labeled more times than I would like.
Sometimes, it's as if I can't help it. My mouth opens and the more I rant, the more easily the words seem to flow. Oh, and they sound SO good to my ears. Each morsel reaching its intended target with velocity and fervency, growing more and more intense as I go. Stressful relief happens, as the torrent continues and the feelings flow freely and fully...that is...
...until it's over. Then, my heart is heavy with my foolish behavior and my relationship, damaged with hurtful words. The weight of my sin and the words that I have uttered in anger take away my joy and my ability to smile. My relationship with God grows quiet and still...and not in a good way.
One way to describe this "freely flowing landfall of feelings" is to use honey as an analogy. Think about it. When you first attempt to pour the sweet concoction, the thick syrup pours forth slowly. It feels like it takes FOREVER, especially when you are waiting for it to sweeten your first cup of coffee in the morning. Once it starts, however, it's incredibly difficult to stop. Before you know it, your "touch of honey" has become a whole handful, and your morning cup of coffee is ruined - too sweet to even put to your lips.
What happened? The honey "got away from you." It became its own entity, pouring forth with its own will and going its own way. A similar thing happens when we "vent all our feelings." Our words become an entity of their own, pouring forth with their own will and going their own way - often much further than we ever intended them to go.
So, if you contrast the foolish behavior with that of the wise man, the fool vents all his feelings, but the wise man holds them back. Now, holding back isn't illustrative of the quiet little mouse in the corner that never says anything. That in NO way is characteristic of Christ. Instead, the wise man has the same feelings as the foolish man, even with the same intensity. Yet, the wise man doesn't let all the honey out of the jar at one time. Instead, he purchases one of those syrup containers that cuts off the flow of syrup with the click of a finger. You know the one I'm talking about? Yes, that's it. We just purchased one this week, as a matter of fact, for the very reason that we always get way too much honey in our morning drinks!
I digress! No, it's not that the wise man doesn't "feel" the same as the foolish man - with the same intensity or passion. It's just that the wise man is continually aware those feelings don't all need to pour forth from his mouth, especially when he is feeling vulnerable and a little out of control.
"To be or not to be - that is the question." Better still...to be wise or not to be wise - that is REALLY the question.
Hmmm...how will we respond?
Oh, Jesus, help me with my words today. Help me become wise by holding back my feelings, instead of venting them all. Thank You for doing this in my life and changing me into Your image.
It's just a few words, but the Words are from the very mouth of God, Himself. That's what makes it life-changing. His Word alters us. It changes us. At least, it always should.
Proverbs 29:11 states: "A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back." Now, let me ask you. How many times have you been labeled "foolish" according to this verse? I'm afraid I've been labeled more times than I would like.
Sometimes, it's as if I can't help it. My mouth opens and the more I rant, the more easily the words seem to flow. Oh, and they sound SO good to my ears. Each morsel reaching its intended target with velocity and fervency, growing more and more intense as I go. Stressful relief happens, as the torrent continues and the feelings flow freely and fully...that is...
...until it's over. Then, my heart is heavy with my foolish behavior and my relationship, damaged with hurtful words. The weight of my sin and the words that I have uttered in anger take away my joy and my ability to smile. My relationship with God grows quiet and still...and not in a good way.
One way to describe this "freely flowing landfall of feelings" is to use honey as an analogy. Think about it. When you first attempt to pour the sweet concoction, the thick syrup pours forth slowly. It feels like it takes FOREVER, especially when you are waiting for it to sweeten your first cup of coffee in the morning. Once it starts, however, it's incredibly difficult to stop. Before you know it, your "touch of honey" has become a whole handful, and your morning cup of coffee is ruined - too sweet to even put to your lips.
What happened? The honey "got away from you." It became its own entity, pouring forth with its own will and going its own way. A similar thing happens when we "vent all our feelings." Our words become an entity of their own, pouring forth with their own will and going their own way - often much further than we ever intended them to go.
So, if you contrast the foolish behavior with that of the wise man, the fool vents all his feelings, but the wise man holds them back. Now, holding back isn't illustrative of the quiet little mouse in the corner that never says anything. That in NO way is characteristic of Christ. Instead, the wise man has the same feelings as the foolish man, even with the same intensity. Yet, the wise man doesn't let all the honey out of the jar at one time. Instead, he purchases one of those syrup containers that cuts off the flow of syrup with the click of a finger. You know the one I'm talking about? Yes, that's it. We just purchased one this week, as a matter of fact, for the very reason that we always get way too much honey in our morning drinks!
I digress! No, it's not that the wise man doesn't "feel" the same as the foolish man - with the same intensity or passion. It's just that the wise man is continually aware those feelings don't all need to pour forth from his mouth, especially when he is feeling vulnerable and a little out of control.
"To be or not to be - that is the question." Better still...to be wise or not to be wise - that is REALLY the question.
Hmmm...how will we respond?
Oh, Jesus, help me with my words today. Help me become wise by holding back my feelings, instead of venting them all. Thank You for doing this in my life and changing me into Your image.
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Waiting, Not Worrying
Each morning, I walk into my backyard thinking, "Maybe this will be the day!" As I approach the tilled ground, I peek underneath and around and over the plants covered in big, beautiful, succulent peppers. Anyone in their right mind would be elated to see so much glorious green fruit weighing the plants down. That is, unless they were waiting for those green globules to turn yellow or red...and that's what I'm doing...waiting.
I have been waiting for a really long time. At least it seems that way. Sometimes, I get impatient and just go ahead and pick a pepper that I think MIGHT be turning. I know I need to be patient and that patience will pay off, but it sure is difficult on my mental state and my stomach!
Gardening reminds me of life. Sometimes things don't always move along as quickly as I desire. I must wait. But in that waiting, I can choose to grow anxious and pick the fruit early, or be patient and wait for the sweetness of maturity.
Ps. 37:7-8 says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret - it only causes harm."
God's perspective on this issue of waiting is to do so, patiently and without worry. After all, worry only causes harm (v. 8).
So how in the world do we "not fret" while we wait? The answer is probably something that you and I already know, but doesn't come to us very easily. We are to rest in the Lord - trusting He knows best.
I feel like I write that phrase a lot, and I probably do. However, I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of this phrase...and reminded a lot! "Do not worry Belinda - Trust Me. Believe ME when I tell you that I have it under My care and My control, even when it looks futile. Don't get angry at Me for being slow in your eyes or angry at anyone else, either. Those emotions only hurt, not help. They cause no good thing to happen. Trust me, Belinda...I've got this."
I don't know about you, but those verses make me want to have a "hands off" policy regarding my life and my peppers. I will trust and not worry. I will wait and be patient, confident that God can not only handle my every day frustrations and cares, but also the color my peppers.
Thanks God. Thanks for reminding me to trust You in all things...to rest in Your will...to not worry over what You already have in Your hands. Thank You, Father.
I have been waiting for a really long time. At least it seems that way. Sometimes, I get impatient and just go ahead and pick a pepper that I think MIGHT be turning. I know I need to be patient and that patience will pay off, but it sure is difficult on my mental state and my stomach!
Gardening reminds me of life. Sometimes things don't always move along as quickly as I desire. I must wait. But in that waiting, I can choose to grow anxious and pick the fruit early, or be patient and wait for the sweetness of maturity.
Ps. 37:7-8 says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him, Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret - it only causes harm."
God's perspective on this issue of waiting is to do so, patiently and without worry. After all, worry only causes harm (v. 8).
So how in the world do we "not fret" while we wait? The answer is probably something that you and I already know, but doesn't come to us very easily. We are to rest in the Lord - trusting He knows best.
I feel like I write that phrase a lot, and I probably do. However, I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded of this phrase...and reminded a lot! "Do not worry Belinda - Trust Me. Believe ME when I tell you that I have it under My care and My control, even when it looks futile. Don't get angry at Me for being slow in your eyes or angry at anyone else, either. Those emotions only hurt, not help. They cause no good thing to happen. Trust me, Belinda...I've got this."
I don't know about you, but those verses make me want to have a "hands off" policy regarding my life and my peppers. I will trust and not worry. I will wait and be patient, confident that God can not only handle my every day frustrations and cares, but also the color my peppers.
Thanks God. Thanks for reminding me to trust You in all things...to rest in Your will...to not worry over what You already have in Your hands. Thank You, Father.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Leanness
The uncomfortable scenes are meant to grab our attention, forcing us to fumble for our checkbooks and move into action. And for the most part, these pictures of malnourished children, waiting in long lines for a tiny bowl of rice, do just that.
Some of these children are dying. Some of them are simply lying in their mother's laps, with tears falling down their cheeks, waiting for relief...relief that may or may not come.
They're starving - extremely malnourished - not able to function as normal children. Their bodies won't let them. Instead, these little people who should be spending their days full of energy and life are resigned to a life of misery - stricken with their physical leanness.
You can see it, too. There's no way to hide it. No amount of clothing can hide the sunken eyes, tiny limbs, and protruding, bloated belly. It's truly heart wrenching.
There is another type of leanness, too. Like its counterpart, it can affect large groups of people at one time. It can't be hidden with clothes, and it is indeed, deadly. It steals energy and vitality and those affected by it, simply lose their effectiveness.
However, this type of leanness (starvation) cannot be cured with a checkbook. Simply throwing food and money at a telephone number on the screen won't make this go away...for this leanness is not physical. It's spiritual.
Psalm 106:15 says, "And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." This passage speaks about what happened to the Israelites as they griped and complained before God. They accused Him of NOT giving them what they needed, while traveling through the wilderness. On the contrary, God gave them everything they "needed." He gave them a wafer called "manna," which daily supplied all their dietary needs.
However, they got tired of it. They didn't want manna. They wanted meat - something of substance to sustain them. Basically, they decided what God had for them, wasn't good enough for them.
So, IN their selfishness, God supplied with them meat. But BECAUSE of their selfishness, He sent leanness to their souls.
You know, sometimes, we are pretty pitiful. We stamp our feet at God like three year old's, demanding He give us what we want. We tell Him that what He has for us, isn't good enough. We want more.
And that's when it begins - the wasting disease - the leanness. Before we know it, our spiritual bodies begin to look like and exhibit the characteristics of those with the physical malady. We become powerless. We become unable to perform the tasks that God created us for. We become hopeless and unable to help ourselves. In our desperation, we may even want to hide our starvation from those around us, but to no avail. They see it. It's obvious. It's evident. It's unavoidable, when we choose to turn our eyes away from Him and focus on ourselves.
I cringe at the thought of my spiritual life emulating the graphic pictures of starving children. And yet, it does, when what I WANT, becomes more important to me, than what He wants.
So how do we fix this? How do we "fatten up" again?
We choose to truly follow Christ - to be satisfied with Him, and Him alone. We immerse ourselves daily in His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, so that we can actually find out what He desires, instead of assuming that our wants are His. We must be content with the outcome of His choices for us...whatever those may be.
And as we begin to become spiritually healthy again, all of those lean characteristics begin to disappear. We gain energy and stamina to be who God created us to be. Our thoughts become more aligned with His thoughts, restoring our relationship. We begin to see what went wrong and how to avoid the leanness again.
Praise be to the Lord, Who knows what is best for us and will give it to us, if we but ask.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
God's Love Doesn't Depend on Us
It never fails. My Ladies II Sunday School Class always inspires me to write.
This week, we have been reading and talking about the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines in I Samuel 3-6. These two enemy groups battle many times throughout the book, but in this particular battle, something horrible happened. The Ark of the Covenant was captured. Now, that may not sound like much, but when you realize the Ark of the Covenant illustrated God's presence, the horrific reality becomes apparent.
It all started when Israel lost their first fight with the Philistines. They got the "bright idea" to take the Ark of the Covenant into the next battle with them - using it like a small child would use a rabbit's foot. They just knew they couldn't lose with God's presence on their side.
The problem is, they had NO business moving the Ark without God's permission. They were doing something totally on their own, apart from Him. So, they moved the Ark, and severe consequences erupted...for them and for the Philistines.
You see, while the Ark of the Covenant remained in Philistine territory, a plague flourished. Rats, which carried disease (probably the Bubonic Plague) overran the territories, causing the spread of numerous tumors and death. After seven months, the Philistines had had enough. They wanted the Ark GONE from their territory...literally.
It's interesting to note that in all that time, there was no evidence that the Israelites tried even ONCE to win the Ark of the Covenant back. You would think the people who were saddened by its loss would be desperate to retrieve it anyway they could. After all, it housed the very presence of God. So, what happened? Why didn't they rally all the people they had left to attack the Philistines and take the presence of God back from their enemies?
Could it be that maybe, just maybe, they realized their sin. They realized how they had come to mistreat God - how they had come to use Him as a superstitious "Gimme-God," instead of the holy, powerful, jealous God, He is. Maybe they realized the depth of their sin and decided that they were beyond saving...that God couldn't use them anymore, and so He left them.
Imagine their surprise then, when the Ark of the Covenant - the very presence of God, Himself - appeared in the midst of the Levite camp. It came home on the backs of cows sent from the Philistine territory. I know that sounds strange, but the Philistines didn't want to just get rid of the Ark. Instead, they wanted to make sure that all this - the plagues, the rats, the tumors - wasn't just a coincidence. They didn't want to just hand over their war trophy without a reason.
So their diviners and prophets hatched a plan to make sure that it was indeed the God of the Israelites who was causing their distress. The trip home for the Ark would have to be an impossible one, apart from the miraculous.
Suffice it to say, the miraculous happened. You can read all about it in chapter 6. The Ark returned home. That, was enough evidence for the Philistines.
It was also evidence for the Israelites - evidence that no matter what, God's covenant cannot be broken. No matter what they did, no matter how they treated Him, God's covenant of love with the Israelite people would not change. He would always be there. He would never leave them, nor forsake them. They would always be His people - period.
Imagine the joyous celebration - to know that God came back to them, even when they didn't seek Him. Instead, He sought them.
That's an incredible thought, isn't it - that God's presence in our lives - isn't dependent upon us. Even when we don't seek Him, He still seeks us. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us...no matter the sin, no matter the fear. He will remain with us...always.
Thanks, Ladies II. I cherish the reminder.
I love You, Father, and am humbled that You would love me, even when I am apathetic towards you. Thank You that You will always seek Your own...me. I love You, Lord.
This week, we have been reading and talking about the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines in I Samuel 3-6. These two enemy groups battle many times throughout the book, but in this particular battle, something horrible happened. The Ark of the Covenant was captured. Now, that may not sound like much, but when you realize the Ark of the Covenant illustrated God's presence, the horrific reality becomes apparent.
It all started when Israel lost their first fight with the Philistines. They got the "bright idea" to take the Ark of the Covenant into the next battle with them - using it like a small child would use a rabbit's foot. They just knew they couldn't lose with God's presence on their side.
The problem is, they had NO business moving the Ark without God's permission. They were doing something totally on their own, apart from Him. So, they moved the Ark, and severe consequences erupted...for them and for the Philistines.
You see, while the Ark of the Covenant remained in Philistine territory, a plague flourished. Rats, which carried disease (probably the Bubonic Plague) overran the territories, causing the spread of numerous tumors and death. After seven months, the Philistines had had enough. They wanted the Ark GONE from their territory...literally.
It's interesting to note that in all that time, there was no evidence that the Israelites tried even ONCE to win the Ark of the Covenant back. You would think the people who were saddened by its loss would be desperate to retrieve it anyway they could. After all, it housed the very presence of God. So, what happened? Why didn't they rally all the people they had left to attack the Philistines and take the presence of God back from their enemies?
Could it be that maybe, just maybe, they realized their sin. They realized how they had come to mistreat God - how they had come to use Him as a superstitious "Gimme-God," instead of the holy, powerful, jealous God, He is. Maybe they realized the depth of their sin and decided that they were beyond saving...that God couldn't use them anymore, and so He left them.
Imagine their surprise then, when the Ark of the Covenant - the very presence of God, Himself - appeared in the midst of the Levite camp. It came home on the backs of cows sent from the Philistine territory. I know that sounds strange, but the Philistines didn't want to just get rid of the Ark. Instead, they wanted to make sure that all this - the plagues, the rats, the tumors - wasn't just a coincidence. They didn't want to just hand over their war trophy without a reason.
So their diviners and prophets hatched a plan to make sure that it was indeed the God of the Israelites who was causing their distress. The trip home for the Ark would have to be an impossible one, apart from the miraculous.
Suffice it to say, the miraculous happened. You can read all about it in chapter 6. The Ark returned home. That, was enough evidence for the Philistines.
It was also evidence for the Israelites - evidence that no matter what, God's covenant cannot be broken. No matter what they did, no matter how they treated Him, God's covenant of love with the Israelite people would not change. He would always be there. He would never leave them, nor forsake them. They would always be His people - period.
Imagine the joyous celebration - to know that God came back to them, even when they didn't seek Him. Instead, He sought them.
That's an incredible thought, isn't it - that God's presence in our lives - isn't dependent upon us. Even when we don't seek Him, He still seeks us. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us...no matter the sin, no matter the fear. He will remain with us...always.
Thanks, Ladies II. I cherish the reminder.
I love You, Father, and am humbled that You would love me, even when I am apathetic towards you. Thank You that You will always seek Your own...me. I love You, Lord.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Here I Am
How many times have you called your kids only to hear silence? For whatever reason, they don't respond. They might not hear you. They might be distracted from your request. They might even be ignoring you. But then, how many times have you called them and heard the beautiful response, "Here I am."
Well, over and over again in Scripture, this phrase is repeated by God's kids. God calls, and people reply with these three simple words. Moses said it, when God called him from the burning bush. Jacob said it, when God was telling him how to deal with his stubborn father-in-law. Isaiah said it when God put forth the question, "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?"
I have often wondered what is so special about this particular phrase. What does it mean?
In Biblical times, it was phrase of humility. It let the person requesting your presence, know that you were ready and willing to participate in their request. It let them know that you were there - available - that you were "all-in."
I wonder what would happen if I used that phrase more often in my relationship with the Lord? I wonder how much deeper my spiritual life would be...how much more I would know Him...how much more He would speak, if I humbled myself. I wonder.
I think I'll try it. I think I'll try speaking the words, "Here I am," the next time I enter my "prayer closet," with my mouth and my heart. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Here I am, Lord. I am willing and ready to hear from You and follow Your leading wherever that might be. I love You, Lord.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Sleeping Soundly
Let me ask you a question. If you knew you would die the next day, how well would you sleep? Would your eyes close in deep, restful slumber or would you toss and turn, watching the clock, anxiously awaiting the arrival of morning?
Now, let's make the deal a little more intense. Add to that mournful thought a couple of soldiers chained to either of your wrists and see if that makes a difference. Maybe their snores would keep you awake, but I don't think that's all that would be holding your eyes open.
Then tell me, how in the world did the Apostle Peter close his eyes in SLEEP the night before he was probably going to be executed by Herod? The king had already killed James for preaching the Gospel - a horrid action which pleased the Jewish leaders of the day. Yes, Peter's head was on the proverbial chopping block, and yet, he slept - hard. As a matter of fact, when the angel appeared to free Peter from his chains, the holy light that filled the room didn't rouse him at all. Instead, the angel had to poke Peter to stir him back into reality. What could make his sleep so sound? What could make Peter sleep like a baby on THIS particular night?
I think I know. You see, Peter would have had access to the Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah...Isaiah 26:3 for instance: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Peter knew. He knew that God was still in control, shackles or no shackles. He knew that whatever happened, it would be okay, whether that meant he was freed or whether he became a martyr. Peter found that "perfect peace," and therefore, sleep came easily for the apostle - even in the midst of serious circumstances.
Now, back to the first question: If you knew you would die the next day, how well would you sleep? Would your eyes close in deep, restful slumber or would you toss and turn, watching the clock, anxiously awaiting the arrival of morning? Something to think about, isn't it...in light of what we've just read.
It all boils down to trust. Do we really, really, really trust Him? Do we believe that God wants us to be at peace...to be able to sleep, even in the most dire of times? Our overwhelming response should be "YES, He does." He is our Heavenly Father, and the One who would never do anything other than what is best. So, whatever He does, is good...whatever He does is right...and whatever He does is worth our trust.
So, keep your mind upon Jesus and sleep well, my friend.
Dearest Jesus, thank You that I can trust You. Thank You that as I keep my mind on You, I find perfect peace.
Now, let's make the deal a little more intense. Add to that mournful thought a couple of soldiers chained to either of your wrists and see if that makes a difference. Maybe their snores would keep you awake, but I don't think that's all that would be holding your eyes open.
Then tell me, how in the world did the Apostle Peter close his eyes in SLEEP the night before he was probably going to be executed by Herod? The king had already killed James for preaching the Gospel - a horrid action which pleased the Jewish leaders of the day. Yes, Peter's head was on the proverbial chopping block, and yet, he slept - hard. As a matter of fact, when the angel appeared to free Peter from his chains, the holy light that filled the room didn't rouse him at all. Instead, the angel had to poke Peter to stir him back into reality. What could make his sleep so sound? What could make Peter sleep like a baby on THIS particular night?
I think I know. You see, Peter would have had access to the Old Testament, especially the book of Isaiah...Isaiah 26:3 for instance: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Peter knew. He knew that God was still in control, shackles or no shackles. He knew that whatever happened, it would be okay, whether that meant he was freed or whether he became a martyr. Peter found that "perfect peace," and therefore, sleep came easily for the apostle - even in the midst of serious circumstances.
Now, back to the first question: If you knew you would die the next day, how well would you sleep? Would your eyes close in deep, restful slumber or would you toss and turn, watching the clock, anxiously awaiting the arrival of morning? Something to think about, isn't it...in light of what we've just read.
It all boils down to trust. Do we really, really, really trust Him? Do we believe that God wants us to be at peace...to be able to sleep, even in the most dire of times? Our overwhelming response should be "YES, He does." He is our Heavenly Father, and the One who would never do anything other than what is best. So, whatever He does, is good...whatever He does is right...and whatever He does is worth our trust.
So, keep your mind upon Jesus and sleep well, my friend.
Dearest Jesus, thank You that I can trust You. Thank You that as I keep my mind on You, I find perfect peace.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Shadows of Things to Come
That spider was huge! My
husband and I sat in the car and watched as this gargantuan-looking
creature built its web outside our garage. Normally, I would be
horrified. Spiders and I are not on speaking terms...screaming
terms, but definitely not speaking terms. This night, however, I
wasn't concerned.
First of all, we were in
the car. It wasn't like this giant creature could penetrate the
windshield of our vehicle to reach its mortified occupant. Secondly,
I was with my husband. Surely, he would take care of me...jumping in
harm's way to protect me from that creepy, eight-legged,
horrifyingly-ugly thing...surely. Lastly, I wasn't concerned,
because the spider's size was a little more than exaggerated. You
see, we were seeing just an enlarged shadow of a rather normal-sized
creature. He was building a web directly in front of our garage
light, so the shadow being cast on the garage was daunting, but
nothing of which to be afraid.
Merriam
Webster gives us this definition of the
word “shadow”: An
area of darkness created when a source of light is blocked. So
really, there's nothing to be afraid of with a shadow. It might look
scary and mysterious, but it's simply an area of darkness, nothing
more.
With my curiosity peeked
about this word, I Googled “shadows in the Bible.” I was
surprised at what I found. There were 52 references – 52! One of
which, I am sure, you have heard many times. It might even be that
you haven't just heard it, you fear it. It's the Shadow of Death.
Sounds horrifying, doesn't
it? Sounds like something big and daunting, hanging over our heads
waiting for just the right moment to jump onto the windshield of our
lives and break through. It's something that we can try and try to
escape, but one day, it will find us all.
Yet, it's just a shadow.
Did you get that? The thing we all usually fear the most as humans,
is just a shadow...that is, for Believers. If you do not know Jesus,
then you have every right to be fearful. For you, death is not a
shadow, but a terrifying journey of torture and “lastingness.”
It will be something that you will never escape. Fear and pain will
be your friends and your companions...forever.
If that is your position,
I pray that you will do as Romans 10:9 says: “Confess with your
mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe with all your heart that God has
raised Him from the dead and you will be saved.”
Now, that doesn't mean
that you just utter those words and pray some prayer of simplicity
for your salvation. It means that you confess that you are an enemy
of God. Romans 5:10 says, “For
if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to Him through
the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we
be saved through his life!” You can't have friendship with God –
reconciliation – apart from Jesus, His Son.
Next,
you confess that Jesus is the ultimate
Authority over your life – the One who knows what is best, and the
One whose life you choose to follow and emulate. You believe, truly
believe, that God resurrected Him. You believe that Christ's life
and death and life again are a reality. The Bible says that if you
believe that - with ALL your heart - then, death will be your friend,
not your enemy. You WILL be saved. If you want to know more about
this relationship with Jesus, please let us know. We'd love to walk
with you through this journey.
And the Good News for
those of us who DO believe? Well, as I said, death is merely a
shadow. It may be big. It may be terrifying. It may be dark, but
it can't hurt you. You will pass through it, only to find that it
wasn't some big, scary monster. Instead, it was a beautiful path
that brought you to a place of the greatest comfort and joy – a
place more spectacular than you could ever imagine.
The
Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He
makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for
His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and
Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the
presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup
overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the
days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
Sunday, May 15, 2016
The Wisdom I Desire
They're everywhere: How to Lose 25 Lbs. in 30 Minutes or Less; How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too; How to Eat a Popsicle and Type a Newspaper Column at the Same Time. Okay, so maybe the last title only applies to me, but you get the picture. If you want to know how to do something - I mean, really KNOW how to do it, you can find books and articles in every medium.
But, I've got ONE particular book that is my favorite "How-to" book. You may or may not be surprised at the answer. On second thought, you probably won't be surprised at all. Yes, it is the Bible...and it is IN the Bible.
The book of Proverbs is a treasure-trove of wisdom - of "how to" most everything, except maybe How to Fix Your Dishwasher in Less Time Than It Takes To Wash a Sinkful of Dishes! It does include, however, how to respond when the book about fixing your dishwasher doesn't work for your model. :)
I turn to the book of Proverbs often these days - almost every day, as a matter of fact. It has 31 chapters, so it's easy to just choose the number of the date and begin reading.
I have been feeling a need to grow into this gray hair I am now sporting, so my thirst for wisdom is greater now more than ever.
Because of that, my help for your day (and my day) is to share a little "wisdom" with you from Proverbs. These chosen passages come from Proverbs 15, because today is, you got it..the 15th.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger," v.1. How's that for a day starter? It's a reminder to us that if we want to be more peaceful with those around us, we won't retaliate when attacked. Instead, we will respond properly and with thoughtful control of our tongue. That, in turn, will help to calm a heated situation, instead of agitate it.
How about v. 4? "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." How many times has a lie crushed YOUR spirit? It happens, doesn't it. So, in light of how that affects us and others, it should be our choice to speak truth and life in every situation, not lies and deceit.
Again, v. 17, "better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." Oh how I can relate to this one! There were many times we ONLY had vegetables grown in the garden. Money isn't everything. We can work ourselves to death to afford our families everything they desire, but if we lose sight of our love for one another in the process, being monetarily wealthy doesn't matter anymore.
And one more...v. 31-32: "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise." Yes, I want to be wise. Yes, I want these gray hairs to mean something, but if I am not willing to accept the kind rebuke of a godly friend, then I will never live up to my hair.
I do have to add that this passage doesn't just say "rebuke." It says a "life-giving rebuke." There is a difference. For instance, if a friend enlightens me to a fault in my life or some sin, and I get angry and refuse to consider his/her discernment, then I will not grow in wisdom. However, if I listen...if I really HEAR them and understand what they are saying and respond accordingly...wisdom will crown my head in beautiful silver strands, mixed with a touch of static electricity.
A good dose of Proverbs every day. I highly recommend it.
God, I want to grow in wisdom. I want to not just be smarter, but wiser in the things You teach me. To do that Father, I have to study Your Word and spend time with You. Call me to Yourself constantly. Don't let my feet wander from You. I love You.
But, I've got ONE particular book that is my favorite "How-to" book. You may or may not be surprised at the answer. On second thought, you probably won't be surprised at all. Yes, it is the Bible...and it is IN the Bible.
The book of Proverbs is a treasure-trove of wisdom - of "how to" most everything, except maybe How to Fix Your Dishwasher in Less Time Than It Takes To Wash a Sinkful of Dishes! It does include, however, how to respond when the book about fixing your dishwasher doesn't work for your model. :)
I turn to the book of Proverbs often these days - almost every day, as a matter of fact. It has 31 chapters, so it's easy to just choose the number of the date and begin reading.
I have been feeling a need to grow into this gray hair I am now sporting, so my thirst for wisdom is greater now more than ever.
Because of that, my help for your day (and my day) is to share a little "wisdom" with you from Proverbs. These chosen passages come from Proverbs 15, because today is, you got it..the 15th.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger," v.1. How's that for a day starter? It's a reminder to us that if we want to be more peaceful with those around us, we won't retaliate when attacked. Instead, we will respond properly and with thoughtful control of our tongue. That, in turn, will help to calm a heated situation, instead of agitate it.
How about v. 4? "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." How many times has a lie crushed YOUR spirit? It happens, doesn't it. So, in light of how that affects us and others, it should be our choice to speak truth and life in every situation, not lies and deceit.
Again, v. 17, "better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." Oh how I can relate to this one! There were many times we ONLY had vegetables grown in the garden. Money isn't everything. We can work ourselves to death to afford our families everything they desire, but if we lose sight of our love for one another in the process, being monetarily wealthy doesn't matter anymore.
And one more...v. 31-32: "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise." Yes, I want to be wise. Yes, I want these gray hairs to mean something, but if I am not willing to accept the kind rebuke of a godly friend, then I will never live up to my hair.
I do have to add that this passage doesn't just say "rebuke." It says a "life-giving rebuke." There is a difference. For instance, if a friend enlightens me to a fault in my life or some sin, and I get angry and refuse to consider his/her discernment, then I will not grow in wisdom. However, if I listen...if I really HEAR them and understand what they are saying and respond accordingly...wisdom will crown my head in beautiful silver strands, mixed with a touch of static electricity.
A good dose of Proverbs every day. I highly recommend it.
God, I want to grow in wisdom. I want to not just be smarter, but wiser in the things You teach me. To do that Father, I have to study Your Word and spend time with You. Call me to Yourself constantly. Don't let my feet wander from You. I love You.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Shiny or Shady?
Shiny or shady?
I know...it's a strange question to ask, but I just couldn't help myself. You see, there's a passage in Philippians 2:14-15 that's been intriguing me lately. I even printed it out and taped it to my kitchen window. One of the main reasons is that I struggle with these verses, so I need the reminder. Here, I'll let you read them for yourself: Do all things without grumbling or arguing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.
Other translations render the phrase "appear as lights in the world," to say that we "shine like stars in the universe." How cool that is. You know, to shine like a star for Jesus...unless, well...we aren't so shiny. How does that happen? How do we as Believers lose our effectiveness - our "shininess" - to those in the world around us?
It's sadly, very simple: we grumble and argue.
Now, I don't have trouble arguing with people, for the most part. However, grumbling (or complaining, as other translations state), is definitely high on my "fix it" list. I can complain with the best of them. "This is bad, and that is bad." "This can't get any worse, and that has to BE the worst." "How could that happen, and why didn't it happen earlier?"
See what I mean? I can take a perfectly beautiful day and turn it into a miserable one for anyone in the hearing distance of my voice. Hence, Philippians 2:14-15 taped to my kitchen window - eye level - on a bright neon index card.
I think if I - if we - truly understood the detriment our complaining does to the cause of Christ, we'd stop. I think if we knew that by murmuring against another brother or sister in Christ, we actually hinder the Spirit's work (grieving the Spirit) within us and around us, we'd stop. I think if we stood outside tonight, gazed up at the stars and picked out the dimmest one, realizing that we are THAT star to the rest of the world, we'd stop.
So, let's stop...and then, start. Let's stop complaining about our service at restaurants and start taking it as an opportunity to look like the servants of Christ we say we are. Let's stop complaining about our bosses and our jobs and start being thankful that we have both. Let's stop complaining about our spouses and our children not fulfilling our expectations and start serving them and loving them as Christ has served and loved us. Let's stop our light from fading, and start polishing up our pointy little arms, so we can shine like the stars He created us to be...for His glory.
Oh, Jesus, I really want to show people an accurate representation of Who You are here on this earth. I want to shine for You, so that they can see who You really are...not the shady version...but the shiny one. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Freedom Begins with Focus
"I just can't! I try and try and try to do the right thing, but it never works. I am forever doomed to live a life in bondage to sin. I hate it. I wish I could be free."
Oh dear friend, you CAN be free. Jesus has come that we could have life, and life more abundantly. He conquered our sin, nailing it with Him to the cross - along with its power and influence.
We just don't believe it. We think our "sin" is some huge obstacle that cannot be beaten, when in fact, it's already BEEN beaten. We, as Believers in Jesus Christ, have all the power necessary to conquer the "things" that haunt us.
We are power-filled, literally. Ephesians 1:18-20 says, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you (not "disappointing life"), the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and (here it is) His incomparably great power for those of us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the heavenly realms."
Did you see it!?! Did you see that we have the very power that raised Christ from the dead at our disposal. So, if we are indeed power-filled, then why can we not seem to conquer our "besetting sin?"
I think our problem is focus. You see, we focus on the "thing," while trying to conquer it. We stare it straight in the eyes, becoming more and more powerless the longer our gaze is held.
Then, where should our focus be, if not on the thing we are trying to conquer? I'm glad you asked. The answer is so simple, it's easy to overlook. Our focus should be...get this...our Savior.
Colossians 3:1-2 tells us to "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Again, Paul tells us in Hebrews 12 to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." Nowhere in Scripture (that I know of) are we told to fix our eyes on our sin...to focus on the "offending thing," NOWHERE.
My husband shared this story from the pulpit today. It defines clearly what happens when we focus on Christ. Read it carefully and really think about what Dannecker was saying:
"Dannecker, the German sculptor, spent eight years in producing a face of Christ; and at last wrought out one in which the emotions of love and sorrow were perfectly blended that beholders wept as they looked upon it. Subsequently, being solicited to employ his great talent on a statue of Venus, he replied, "After gazing so long into the face of Christ, think you that I can now turn my attention to a heathen goddess?'" Here is the true secret of weanedness from worldy idols, "the expulsive power of a new affection."
Dearest Jesus, set my affections on You today...and every day. Change my lifestyle, my habits, my comings and goings to reflect constant contact with You, so that whatever tries to take my thoughts away from You can be seen for what it truly is...unworthy. I love You, Father.
Oh dear friend, you CAN be free. Jesus has come that we could have life, and life more abundantly. He conquered our sin, nailing it with Him to the cross - along with its power and influence.
We just don't believe it. We think our "sin" is some huge obstacle that cannot be beaten, when in fact, it's already BEEN beaten. We, as Believers in Jesus Christ, have all the power necessary to conquer the "things" that haunt us.
We are power-filled, literally. Ephesians 1:18-20 says, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you (not "disappointing life"), the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and (here it is) His incomparably great power for those of us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the heavenly realms."
Did you see it!?! Did you see that we have the very power that raised Christ from the dead at our disposal. So, if we are indeed power-filled, then why can we not seem to conquer our "besetting sin?"
I think our problem is focus. You see, we focus on the "thing," while trying to conquer it. We stare it straight in the eyes, becoming more and more powerless the longer our gaze is held.
Then, where should our focus be, if not on the thing we are trying to conquer? I'm glad you asked. The answer is so simple, it's easy to overlook. Our focus should be...get this...our Savior.
Colossians 3:1-2 tells us to "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Again, Paul tells us in Hebrews 12 to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." Nowhere in Scripture (that I know of) are we told to fix our eyes on our sin...to focus on the "offending thing," NOWHERE.
My husband shared this story from the pulpit today. It defines clearly what happens when we focus on Christ. Read it carefully and really think about what Dannecker was saying:
"Dannecker, the German sculptor, spent eight years in producing a face of Christ; and at last wrought out one in which the emotions of love and sorrow were perfectly blended that beholders wept as they looked upon it. Subsequently, being solicited to employ his great talent on a statue of Venus, he replied, "After gazing so long into the face of Christ, think you that I can now turn my attention to a heathen goddess?'" Here is the true secret of weanedness from worldy idols, "the expulsive power of a new affection."
Dearest Jesus, set my affections on You today...and every day. Change my lifestyle, my habits, my comings and goings to reflect constant contact with You, so that whatever tries to take my thoughts away from You can be seen for what it truly is...unworthy. I love You, Father.
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