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.   

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.   

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.  

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.