Don't Turn to the Right or the Left!

Migration - it's GOT to be a God-thing!  Year after year, creatures from the tiniest of birds to the largest of mammals trek their way, fly their way, and swim their way to a specific place at a specific time for a specific purpose.   Some travel thousands and thousands of miles to arrive at a destination they may see for the first time, never even stopping to rest!  They fight through raging storms, torrential waterfalls, heavy wind and various other obstacles, only to STILL arrive at their destination on time.   

How do they do it? Well, God has placed within each of these creatures a sort of homing device called "instinct" to direct them to their appointed end.  And scientists have determined - it works really well.  I mean REALLY, REALLY well.  

This homing device isn't something man-made or even something that man can duplicate.  We can't even create a GPS system that is as accurate as the directional device implanted in the brains of these creatures.  Pretty cool, huh?  

I wish I had a homing device like that. I wish I had something that would push and drive me to my appointed end, giving me complete freedom to trust the destination will be exactly where I am supposed to be at a particular time for a particular purpose.  

Guess what?  I do!  In fact, I have THE most accurate homing device.  You do, as well, if you are a Believer.  It's the actual Creator of the homing device - the Creator of animal instinct - God, Himself, with His Word as our Guide.  

Just like He never lets a bird wonder where in the world to fly before the winter, God didn't leave us directionless. He chose to have human hands write down His Words, so that you and I would always know the direction to go and which paths to choose.  

But do we really need His Word? Can't we just pray and ask God for direction? Yes. Yes, we can. We can pray.  He actually tells us to do that - in His Word!  However, prayer is just ONE of the ways God reveals His will to us - with His Word being the main way.  Therefore, if we choose to neglect His Word, not following it intentionally and fervently, then we will miss the mark every time.  

  

To illustrate this concept, try this.  Stand at one corner of the room and focus on a specific point at the other end.  Square your body to that object, so that you will come directly into contact with that object.  Now, pivot your feet - just a little - to the right or to the left. This doesn't need to be a large adjustment.  Just an inch or so should do it.  Now, make a bee-line toward your object, but by walking in the new path you have chosen.  Did you ever reach it? See what I mean?  It only takes a little variation in your pathway to miss your directed end.  

That's why God told Joshua in Joshua 1:7, "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go."

Friend, God wants you to reach your expected end at the expected time for the expected purpose.  He wants you to focus your attention on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, not getting side-tracked to the right or to the left by bad things...or GOOD things.  We don't often think of "good things" as things that redirect our paths, but any "good thing" that takes your eyes off of Christ, even for a little bit, ends up being a bad thing.  Therefore, keep your gaze straight ahead...focused on Christ. Listen as the Spirit reveals God's pathways for you through His Word. Migrate properly through this life, holding onto the Word of God for every step.  

Jesus, help me migrate this life, by revealing Yourself to me through Your Word.  May I not turn to the right, nor to the left, but keep my eyes fixed on You, Lord.    

Salt and Fries

"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.   

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.   

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. 
   

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.  

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. 

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.