Let me tell you what, this economy bites! So many people losing their jobs, homes, unable to make ends meet. People who are more than qualified to make large sums of money finding themselves standing on a street corner advertising themselves because they can't find any openings. Parents having to decide whether or not to eat in order to make sure their children do eat.
I am truly glad I grew up poor. Because in lean times, I do know what I need to do for myself and my own comfort.
Praise the Father who does provide what we do have!!
Thank Him that I am employed. Thank Him that I know He has a plan. Thank Him that He's entrusted me with what we have to prove that we'll be good stewards. Thank Him for meeting our needs. Thank Him that we don't go to bed hungry. Thank Him that we do have food to eat, even if it's not what we want right then. Thank Him that we can wash our clothes. Thank Him that we can pay our bills. Thank Him that we're not worried about being homeless today. Thank Him that the choices we have to make aren't between food and medicine, but wants and needs.
Does it solve my financial belt tightening that I will continue to do? No. Not at all. I'm not suddenly overcome with more money than I can handle. I'm not suddenly eliminated from the activity of making choices of purchasing things I need now and wondering if I can skimp by until the next check. I'm not removed from having to dole out "rations" of food to the family and emphasize responsible usage of our resources. All of this remains.
But as I focus on what we have, instead of what we don't have, and I remain in that attitude of gratitude, I find contentment.
In Philippians chapter 4, Paul describes to us in verses 11 & 12 that he has found contentment. It's a key to this life.
Philippians 4:11-12 (New International Version)
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
We need to learn from this lesson as adults. And we need to be teaching it to our children. Both of our kids are currently uncomfortable because they have learned to tie their happiness upon material things. They've learned, over time, that if they get the things they want then they are satisfied - for a second. Soon enough, they have their eyes on something else. They are right on track with their maturity. And unfortunately, right on track with the theory of our world today.
We've become a Nation that hangs the hat on "stuff". All kinds of stuff. Bigger houses, bigger boats, more boats, more cars, more expensive cars, flat screen TVs, blue rays, iPods, iPhones, on and on.
Hear what I'm saying, if you are able to have all of these things without being up to your eyeballs or higher in debt, if you are able to receive these wonderful things and enjoy them without wrecking your financial cushion, then enjoy them! By all means, it means you've earned it or God has been extremely gracious. Be sure to find a way to give back. God promises all throughout the Bible He wants to bless us abundantly so that we can bless others. If you can enjoy these great things, do. And don't for one second feel guilty. But help others where you can.
The point of all of this is our kids don't know how to be content. Truthfully, a lot of us adults don't know how to be content. We don't know how to feel joy for our neighbors who just bought that new Mustang or Jeep Wrangler (weakness of my own!) We wreck ourselves with envy trying to figure out how we can get it. Or we destroy a friendship because we simply think they don't deserve it. There is no way they could afford it. What about ME??
When we put our faith and our trust, our hope and our lives in "stuff" instead of in the One who provides it all in the first place, when that "stuff" lets us down because the tax man cometh, or the bill collectors cometh, or the health faileth, or the job goeth.... Then what?
Depression. Addictions. Hopelessness. Worse?
If you are reading this, you follow me because you love me - and I thank you! - or you've come across it because God has something He wants you to know:
Things will fail you. They break. They wear out.
Money, if it is your god, will fail you. Soon enough, there is never enough. And you will risk your own health, your relationships with your family and friends, your own sanity to try to get enough.
People will disappoint you. They will say hurtful things. They will intentionally or unintentionally stab you in the back, throw you under the bus, leave you stranded or abandoned.
But God will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:5 (New International Version)
5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version)
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Isaiah 43:1-3 (New International Version)
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
When you focus on the material things of this world, you buy into the lie of the enemy. You believe that the more you have the more powerful you will be; the more friends you will have; the more approval you will receive.
What kind of life is it to go about day-in-day-out jealous of people who you deem to be more blessed than you? What kind of life is it to constantly have your eye on the next thing you want to buy?
What kind of life is it if you cannot be happy in the presence of the company of those who love you and those whom you love? What kind of life is it if you miss the smell of rain, because you're strategizing how to gain more "stuff"? What kind of life is it if you miss the song of the birds, because you're moving too fast to amass more wealth? What kind of life is it if you miss the warmth of the sunshine; the sound of the water lapping against a dock; the smell and brilliant colors of the flowers; the laughter of children; the wisdom of the elderly?
I have plenty of things I want. I have a pretty long list. We have plenty of things we still need now that we're living in our own apartment. That's a pretty good list too. We have to prioritize and juggle things all of the time. And sometimes we're very wise, and sometimes we're very foolish.
But I'm content. My hope and joy isn't in the things that we do have, or the things that we don't have. My hope and joy is in the breath I breathe today. It is in the opportunities I have to show love and to be loved. It's in the relationships I continue to build, cultivate and fertilize. It's knowing that God has a plan. And knowing that His plan will be much better than any I could ever devise. It's in getting to know Him more and understand better the direction and call upon my life.
It's not in stuff. It's in love. And when I put everything I have into loving others and accepting love, knowing that God will meet my needs, being responsible with what He gives me, meeting Him wherever He wants me, and giving to others as He calls me, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. It is then I know I am beyond blessed. It is here I want my family to get. It is this I want our children to understand. If they can learn this now, they will have joy all of their lives. And what parent doesn't want that for their kids??
Thank you to my mother who taught me exactly this through her faith in God and His provision. And for teaching us how to live life without needing the latest and the greatest. Love you momma!
John 10:10 (New International Version)
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Exhale
Not long ago, I think I mentioned in a blog that I know one of the reasons God planted me here in the south: to learn to be patient, to slow down.
Transplants like me are noticeable here because we're always in a hurry, at the gas station, at the grocery store, in the restaurants. You can see the impatience come across our faces when we are inconvenienced by a crumpled bill a cashier is struggling with, a long red light, someone sharing their life story at the next table when all we want is to order our glass of water.
I do still get impatient. Patience is a virtue, yes; but I've ignored it my entire life. I have a lot of catching up to do in order to bring this particular fruit of the spirit to maturity. And I know God wants me here, doing what I'm doing, dealing with what I'm dealt in order to allow that to fast-track in a way. Seems odd. He had to plant me some place where people "get" the time thing so I would slow down in order to get me caught up to where I should be.
God also knows I'm a procrastinator. If I could hold a degree in procrastination simply by living life, I'd have a PhD! God knew that if He left me where I was I would keep forcing life as I did and continue living impatiently and miss out on something very, very important related to truly appreciating what He's granted as well as faithfully serving Him.
I've been listening to and praying with several friends who are in different life circumstances but essentially experiencing the same thing. They are feeling undervalued, unappreciated, overlooked. They feel isolated. They are broken hearted and crying out for something to touch their lives and make it all better.
As I commented to someone today about her circumstances, I felt God reveal the following to me (and this isn't a revelation others don't see): our entire world is so full of "hurry up" that we ignorantly and unintentionally bring this type of suffering upon one another. I use the word ignorant because it means that you don't even know what you're doing. Let me explain.
In our world today, we are extremely busy people. We have long hours at work. Some have insane commutes. Once our feet grace the threshold of our office complex we're running from one meeting to the next trying to solve one problem after another. Putting out this fire, that fire. As soon as our kids get home, our office phone begins to ring with their cries for our help to fix the crises they are facing. If we happen to leave the office at our scheduled time, we are rushing home for the youths activities, homework, fast supper in some manner, squeeze in chores if we can, and start over. If we don't have kids, it can be just as hectic. Maybe we volunteer, are members of this or that, have commitments to our elderly parents or siblings. Maybe church is a major time chomper.... We are very busy.
When do we slow down and have time to give those we love our undivided attention?
Note the word "undivided". When was the last time you had a conversation with your kids and they didn't feel that you weren't interested in what they had to say because you were focused on them instead of cleaning the kitchen and shooing them out of the room? When was the last time your spouse had undivided attention and he/she knew you were hearing what they had to say and weren't distracted with the checkbook, the remote control, the computer? When was your last phone call to your parents that allowed them to say all they had to say even though your dinner got cold?
If we cannot do this with those we love, how can we do this with those we need to reach?
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
~ John 13:35, NLT
I am very challenged by this verse. I am challenged to check myself. I reach out to tons of people each day in one way or another. But what about my family? Do they get my best? Or do they get what's left? How about God? When I'm listening to my podcasts or reading my devotionals, am I really dedicated at that moment? Or am I multitasking with other things and missing something relevant? Am I watching them to simply say I watched them? Or am I being still and quiet to hear the message God wants me to hear?
When I get anxious or really stressed out about something, my chest gets tight. I find that my breath is very shallow and I seem to be trying to take in more air than I'm letting out. I almost forget to exhale.
From a physiological perspective, at the basic level, the exhale is to rid our body of toxins. If we didn't do it, we'd get sick. Deep breathing is often recommended by therapists as a method to assist us in reducing anxiety. When exercising, we're told to breathe. The exhale is used during the exertion to help us push through that moment of opposition.
Will my body exhale without me consciously focusing on it? Yes. As long as that part of my brain is working. But if I slow down long enough to pay attention to my breathing, to exhale the junk, and to look around... What will I see?
Slow down in your life long enough to see what's in front of you. Slow down in your life long enough to understand who God has placed before you for you to love. There is a reason and a purpose: that person who is lonely, that person who is hurting, that person who needs a boost, that person who needs to feel loved is there because God brought them into your path...
And strangely enough, it may be because there is an area in your own life you need to heal and God is using this person to reveal that.
If you are living for God, and you are doing His will, you will not be led astray.
Live loud, love deeply, praise God in greater ways!
Be blessed, bless others.....
Transplants like me are noticeable here because we're always in a hurry, at the gas station, at the grocery store, in the restaurants. You can see the impatience come across our faces when we are inconvenienced by a crumpled bill a cashier is struggling with, a long red light, someone sharing their life story at the next table when all we want is to order our glass of water.
I do still get impatient. Patience is a virtue, yes; but I've ignored it my entire life. I have a lot of catching up to do in order to bring this particular fruit of the spirit to maturity. And I know God wants me here, doing what I'm doing, dealing with what I'm dealt in order to allow that to fast-track in a way. Seems odd. He had to plant me some place where people "get" the time thing so I would slow down in order to get me caught up to where I should be.
God also knows I'm a procrastinator. If I could hold a degree in procrastination simply by living life, I'd have a PhD! God knew that if He left me where I was I would keep forcing life as I did and continue living impatiently and miss out on something very, very important related to truly appreciating what He's granted as well as faithfully serving Him.
I've been listening to and praying with several friends who are in different life circumstances but essentially experiencing the same thing. They are feeling undervalued, unappreciated, overlooked. They feel isolated. They are broken hearted and crying out for something to touch their lives and make it all better.
As I commented to someone today about her circumstances, I felt God reveal the following to me (and this isn't a revelation others don't see): our entire world is so full of "hurry up" that we ignorantly and unintentionally bring this type of suffering upon one another. I use the word ignorant because it means that you don't even know what you're doing. Let me explain.
In our world today, we are extremely busy people. We have long hours at work. Some have insane commutes. Once our feet grace the threshold of our office complex we're running from one meeting to the next trying to solve one problem after another. Putting out this fire, that fire. As soon as our kids get home, our office phone begins to ring with their cries for our help to fix the crises they are facing. If we happen to leave the office at our scheduled time, we are rushing home for the youths activities, homework, fast supper in some manner, squeeze in chores if we can, and start over. If we don't have kids, it can be just as hectic. Maybe we volunteer, are members of this or that, have commitments to our elderly parents or siblings. Maybe church is a major time chomper.... We are very busy.
When do we slow down and have time to give those we love our undivided attention?
Note the word "undivided". When was the last time you had a conversation with your kids and they didn't feel that you weren't interested in what they had to say because you were focused on them instead of cleaning the kitchen and shooing them out of the room? When was the last time your spouse had undivided attention and he/she knew you were hearing what they had to say and weren't distracted with the checkbook, the remote control, the computer? When was your last phone call to your parents that allowed them to say all they had to say even though your dinner got cold?
If we cannot do this with those we love, how can we do this with those we need to reach?
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
~ John 13:35, NLT
I am very challenged by this verse. I am challenged to check myself. I reach out to tons of people each day in one way or another. But what about my family? Do they get my best? Or do they get what's left? How about God? When I'm listening to my podcasts or reading my devotionals, am I really dedicated at that moment? Or am I multitasking with other things and missing something relevant? Am I watching them to simply say I watched them? Or am I being still and quiet to hear the message God wants me to hear?
When I get anxious or really stressed out about something, my chest gets tight. I find that my breath is very shallow and I seem to be trying to take in more air than I'm letting out. I almost forget to exhale.
From a physiological perspective, at the basic level, the exhale is to rid our body of toxins. If we didn't do it, we'd get sick. Deep breathing is often recommended by therapists as a method to assist us in reducing anxiety. When exercising, we're told to breathe. The exhale is used during the exertion to help us push through that moment of opposition.
Will my body exhale without me consciously focusing on it? Yes. As long as that part of my brain is working. But if I slow down long enough to pay attention to my breathing, to exhale the junk, and to look around... What will I see?
Slow down in your life long enough to see what's in front of you. Slow down in your life long enough to understand who God has placed before you for you to love. There is a reason and a purpose: that person who is lonely, that person who is hurting, that person who needs a boost, that person who needs to feel loved is there because God brought them into your path...
And strangely enough, it may be because there is an area in your own life you need to heal and God is using this person to reveal that.
If you are living for God, and you are doing His will, you will not be led astray.
Live loud, love deeply, praise God in greater ways!
Be blessed, bless others.....
Monday, May 17, 2010
Where Am I?
Sometimes, I think it's a good idea for me to step back, look at things as they are, as they were, and as I want them to be and just get real with myself to see where I am in my growth process. I don't think this self-evaluation is a harmful thing. I think beating yourself up is. I think most of us have an idea of where we want to be and the person we want to become. And I think for those of us who set these lifetime goals we spend way too much time focused on how much farther we need to go, the distance from now to then, and the fact that we thought we'd be farther along by now.
We have to stop doing that.
I also think we spend too much time in our pasts in an unproductive way. The past can so easily poison the future. If we funnel everything through the filter of the past, we don't allow change. We don't allow growth. It's a HUGE challenge not to judge our future by our pasts, but we have to stop. We need to make our view of the past become more retrospective and for gauging purposes only. Allow me to explain my latest revelation.
I have an idea of the type of person I want to be. I have in my mind how I want to respond to Satan's attacks. I have in my mind how I want to respond to the broken way this world operates. I have in my mind the kind of example I want to be to the kids in my life, my co-workers, my friends and family. And when I look at THAT person compared to how I live my daily life, I fall short of that person regularly. If I focused on this I could so easily become frustrated, irritated, downtrodden, and hopeless.
However, if I rewind the clock 20 years, 10 years, even 5 years and pick who I was at any given time in the past, and I put that "me" in my current situation and ask that "me" to respond to my current circumstances, situations, trials, world..... I can smile and quite happily say comparing the current me to the past me there is a world of difference.
"I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be!" This is a phrase Joyce Meyer says regularly in her teachings. And I've been asked by God to really think this through.
Here's another dose of reality: Perfection isn't attainable in this world. Period. I'm not striving for perfection. I won't make it. And I'm not going to put that pressure upon myself. And I'm also not going to allow anyone else to place it upon me either. Progress is my goal. Can I look at the current me and state I have progressed? Most definitely!! And I should stop right there.
But what do we usually do? We usually compare the current me to the wanna be me.... We look at where we are versus how far we must go. And that's depressing. And with regard to our pasts, we look at them and make decisions about our futures. We determine what will happen, based upon what has happened. No wonder we stagnate. No wonder we stall out. No wonder we decide things will never change and that all effort is futile.
This is where the enemy wants us. Stagnate. Stalled. Giving up. Doing nothing. Sitting still - and not the sitting still as in the rest of God. Unproductive. Missing our call from our Father. Not believing in ourselves. Not enjoying our life. Not making a difference. Not shining His light. Existing with no purpose. And believing we're hopeless.
Philippians 4:4-7 (New International Version)
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This verse appeared today in one of my email devotionals. It's been brought to my attention several times over the course of the past few days. And when that happens, I've trained myself to consider it and what God wants me to embrace more than just glancing at it. I've prayed on this one.
Rejoicing must come regardless of the world around us. Sometimes our circumstances are less than accommodating. Sometimes, to be quite truthful, sometimes life just stinks. Anyone can look at all of the things they don't have, all of the things they want, all of the obstacles they face, all of the things that are wrong in their world and become depressed. That isn't difficult. And it doesn't take much faith.
But a person of faith, a person who has chosen to believe in Christ's life, death and resurrection is asked to go beyond that. We're asked to rejoice. And often times that means to purposely choose to look at not what is wrong in our life, but what is right. And sometimes, all we can find right in our world is that God is on the throne; that Jesus is our vindicator and our redeemer; that this isn't the end of our journey, but the beginning; that our times are in His hands; that we may not understand why we face what we are facing, it may not be fair, it may not even be from our own doing, but we can trust in God for we know He is faithful and that He has a plan. And sometimes, sometimes, looking at that alone will help us stand up.
I'm not where I want to be. But I'm also not where I used to be. I know my Father has a plan. I am choosing to rest in Him. I am choosing to accept His peace and His yoke. I am choosing to stop letting the past poison my future. What should I fear if I truly believe God is in control? Yes, my heart and my emotions may be out of line with this. I will likely still experience pain. I know I will experience troubles and trials; tests of my faith. But I don't need to have any fear. God is in control. He is faithful. And He has promised to keep me safe.
Don't misunderstand me. This doesn't mean I get foolish and put myself in harms way. It simply means that I can trust Him regardless of how things appear or how they feel. I can rely upon Him and believe His voice as it leads me to make choices in this life. And I don't have to fear decisions as they come. I simply must find the solution that brings His peace and makes Him smile. And I know then I'm on the right track.
Be blessed dear friends!
We have to stop doing that.
I also think we spend too much time in our pasts in an unproductive way. The past can so easily poison the future. If we funnel everything through the filter of the past, we don't allow change. We don't allow growth. It's a HUGE challenge not to judge our future by our pasts, but we have to stop. We need to make our view of the past become more retrospective and for gauging purposes only. Allow me to explain my latest revelation.
I have an idea of the type of person I want to be. I have in my mind how I want to respond to Satan's attacks. I have in my mind how I want to respond to the broken way this world operates. I have in my mind the kind of example I want to be to the kids in my life, my co-workers, my friends and family. And when I look at THAT person compared to how I live my daily life, I fall short of that person regularly. If I focused on this I could so easily become frustrated, irritated, downtrodden, and hopeless.
However, if I rewind the clock 20 years, 10 years, even 5 years and pick who I was at any given time in the past, and I put that "me" in my current situation and ask that "me" to respond to my current circumstances, situations, trials, world..... I can smile and quite happily say comparing the current me to the past me there is a world of difference.
"I may not be where I want to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be!" This is a phrase Joyce Meyer says regularly in her teachings. And I've been asked by God to really think this through.
Here's another dose of reality: Perfection isn't attainable in this world. Period. I'm not striving for perfection. I won't make it. And I'm not going to put that pressure upon myself. And I'm also not going to allow anyone else to place it upon me either. Progress is my goal. Can I look at the current me and state I have progressed? Most definitely!! And I should stop right there.
But what do we usually do? We usually compare the current me to the wanna be me.... We look at where we are versus how far we must go. And that's depressing. And with regard to our pasts, we look at them and make decisions about our futures. We determine what will happen, based upon what has happened. No wonder we stagnate. No wonder we stall out. No wonder we decide things will never change and that all effort is futile.
This is where the enemy wants us. Stagnate. Stalled. Giving up. Doing nothing. Sitting still - and not the sitting still as in the rest of God. Unproductive. Missing our call from our Father. Not believing in ourselves. Not enjoying our life. Not making a difference. Not shining His light. Existing with no purpose. And believing we're hopeless.
Philippians 4:4-7 (New International Version)
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This verse appeared today in one of my email devotionals. It's been brought to my attention several times over the course of the past few days. And when that happens, I've trained myself to consider it and what God wants me to embrace more than just glancing at it. I've prayed on this one.
Rejoicing must come regardless of the world around us. Sometimes our circumstances are less than accommodating. Sometimes, to be quite truthful, sometimes life just stinks. Anyone can look at all of the things they don't have, all of the things they want, all of the obstacles they face, all of the things that are wrong in their world and become depressed. That isn't difficult. And it doesn't take much faith.
But a person of faith, a person who has chosen to believe in Christ's life, death and resurrection is asked to go beyond that. We're asked to rejoice. And often times that means to purposely choose to look at not what is wrong in our life, but what is right. And sometimes, all we can find right in our world is that God is on the throne; that Jesus is our vindicator and our redeemer; that this isn't the end of our journey, but the beginning; that our times are in His hands; that we may not understand why we face what we are facing, it may not be fair, it may not even be from our own doing, but we can trust in God for we know He is faithful and that He has a plan. And sometimes, sometimes, looking at that alone will help us stand up.
I'm not where I want to be. But I'm also not where I used to be. I know my Father has a plan. I am choosing to rest in Him. I am choosing to accept His peace and His yoke. I am choosing to stop letting the past poison my future. What should I fear if I truly believe God is in control? Yes, my heart and my emotions may be out of line with this. I will likely still experience pain. I know I will experience troubles and trials; tests of my faith. But I don't need to have any fear. God is in control. He is faithful. And He has promised to keep me safe.
Don't misunderstand me. This doesn't mean I get foolish and put myself in harms way. It simply means that I can trust Him regardless of how things appear or how they feel. I can rely upon Him and believe His voice as it leads me to make choices in this life. And I don't have to fear decisions as they come. I simply must find the solution that brings His peace and makes Him smile. And I know then I'm on the right track.
Be blessed dear friends!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Who isn't??
I feel that God has been placing something strong upon my heart lately. I've not really collected the following thoughts in a very organized manner. Forgive me if I appear to be random and jump from one point to the next and they seem disjointed. I recall saying this not long ago to someone else.... :)
I feel like my thoughts have a theme to them. In some ways, over the past few days, in different conversations with different people, I've said the same thing. That's significant to me because it means there is a message to be shared. I may have even blogged on here about it some time ago. And if you know me well, you know this is a deeply rooted, very passionate issue for me. If you've heard it before, it's old tape, I'm sorry that I'm not bringing something new.
First, let me start with a question: Who of us in this world does not have a single scar? I'm including emotional scars here. And I don't know very many my age or older (and even those younger than me) who are totally, 100% free from any physical or emotional scar. So, I'm going to leap here to a conclusion that we all know what a scar is. And for those who want clarification on my definition, well, I can look at it a couple of ways.... Follow me.....
A scar can be shown with pride. Physical scars typically receive this kind of treatment. I have a scar below my right knee that is a constant reminder of the time I was 11 years old and spent the night with a friend. We wanted to go for a bike ride. Where she lived, and where we rode were too far for us at the time. In no way would my mother have allowed me to be that far from my friend's home without an adult. And the ENTIRE time, I knew I was going to get into trouble. My friend didn't seem to mind as "who was going to know?" Well, when a jogger was coming toward us on a bridge and I panicked thinking we were going to collide as he seemed to be oblivious to two kids riding bikes along this sidewalk as well; and I hit the "back up" method of pedal brakes - when her mom's bike had hand brakes - lost control of the bike and slammed into the aluminum guard rail, I knew my mom would know. I had a 3 inch long gash in my leg that probably should have been stitched closed. As well as blood all over a bike I wasn't supposed to be on. :)
Now, many lessons came from that. And there was a time that story was told with a "this is the time I was defiant" tone. Now, as you can guess, it's told a bit more sheepishly and as a warning, there is always someone who knows and if your momma is like my momma, she WILL find out. :)
A pride story? How about the scars on a body of someone who survived something and wouldn't be alive if it weren't for whatever it was that caused that scar? Breast cancer survivors. What about scars that remind others of God's grace and plan for their lives. Car accident survivors, burn victims?
What about emotional scars? Those who endured abuse as kids? Or those who have believed Satan's lies all of their lives, even though they had a good childhood by most standards. Maybe there was one event that changed how they viewed themselves and suddenly they were in the grasp of the enemy and listening to his whispers that they are a complete and total failure as a human being.
Ever sat there thinking about something someone did or didn't do when you were a kid? Something you missed out on? Ever sit and think about the time your spouse forgot to mention something you needed to hear? Ever think about the day you realized your kids didn't cling to every word you say any more? Or that they rush in and rush out without so much as a kiss hello? Ever feel abandoned? Ever feel alone?
I won't say everyone, but I will say most of us go through this. Most of us have scars. Most of us have something from which we desperately need to heal. Some of it is as tragic as sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, abandonment. Maybe it's something many would call mild and less volatile such as a friend told you they didn't like your outfit, your pants, the new haircut. But it still cut you. And it still hurt. And you still questioned your worth after the comment. And you still thought twice before you wore that outfit again, or those pants. And you still look in the mirror and try to figure out how to make your hair grow faster or come up with a different way to fix it.
My point? We (in most cases) are all broken and have scars or sometimes even open wounds from careless intentional or even unintentional words and actions of people we love or don't love. Nearly everyone needs to heal from something.
My beef? There are too many churches in this world who call themselves disciples of Christ but put labels on others; categorizing them into "worthy" and "unworthy" and deciding for themselves who can enter their doors and who cannot. They will point to places within the Bible justifying their judgment. And I wonder, have they read Matthew 7:2?
For reference, Matthew 7:2 is Jesus speaking and He says:
2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
I'm sorry. But to me, this means that if I am harsh to criticize someone else who doesn't dress like me, talk like me, walk like me, like what I like, listen to the music I enjoy, watch the kind of movies I like, struggles with things I do not struggle with, makes poorer choices than I make, makes more mistakes than I make, OR who is "better than me" I will then be judged by my Father with the same critical spirit.
Hm. Well, I don't need to be judged any more harshly than I already am. Therefore, I think I'd better listen to what Jesus says here and be much more open and inclusive as to whom I deem worthy of hearing of Christ's love, no?
Jesus described His followers as the salt and the light. In Matthew 5:13-14 He said:
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Now, I can't sit here and tell you that I've read every single word of the Bible. I haven't yet. But I have read every word of the Gospel. And the majority of the New Testament. And I do not recall anywhere in there Jesus saying, "share my love with Joe, but not Mike; and Susie? She talks weird. So, leave her out. But Patty is one of my favorites, so be sure to include her."
Many know John 3:16...
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Please allow me to emphasize WHOEVER and note that my understanding is EVERYONE; all broken people.
And let me point out another portion of this chapter that is very much overlooked, John 3:17:
17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Romans 8:1:
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Let me make sure I've got this..... EVERYONE is who Jesus came to save, He didn't come to condemn, but to save. And since He came, we shouldn't live condemned?
Now to the part of this line of thinking I've shared with 3 different people in the past 2 days....
Condemnation isn't of God. And conviction isn't the same as condemnation. Who wants to come to a God of Wrath? No one. The Bible, as far as I have read so far - especially the New Testament aka the New Covenant, is more about God's love than His wrath.
Ok, have a sip of coffee and lean in a bit.....
If you share God's love, if you teach about His love, if you describe His love.... He will take care of the conviction part in His time, and in His way.
God first and foremost wants a relationship with each of us. He wants us to know how much He loves us. He wants us to know the sacrifice He made to redeem us. He wants us to know He's forgiven us. He wants us to know we are co-heirs with Christ. He wants us to know He wants us for eternity. He's chosen us. He pursues us. He loves us.
When you meet someone new, and they are critical of you, and they tell you that you basically suck, do you want to be friends with them?? Not likely. But if you meet someone new and they compliment your outfit, they laugh at your jokes, they cry when you share your story and they show you compassion, I promise you that most of you will go out of your way to run into such a person. They've shown you love. You want more.
Share God's love. Leave the judging to Him. Leave the conviction to Him. As I've said before on this blog, each of us have an individual journey to find Him. He's created a hole within us that only He can fill. Relationships won't fill it. Knowledge won't fill it. Partying won't fill it. Working until you make yourself crazy won't fill it. Only God. Some will find it. Others may not. But if you are truly wanting to "save the lost" as the commission basically asks those who follow Christ to do, trust me. You are going to come closer to your goal if you show love - an all inclusive love - than wrath.
I suffer from a very judgmental nature. And I've had several things pointed out to me, just different instances where I was actively judging others. The mirror was held before me. And I prayed about it. So, what I'm asking many others to do I've had to do myself. I've had to open my arms to a bigger circle of folks. I've had to remember that each person I encounter has a soul (as Pete Wilson of Cross Point put it). I have to remember that each person I encounter is loved by the same God, in the same way, and can receive the same gifts I can receive - designed to fit them. There is NO ONE too far from the love of God. There is NO ONE He cannot change. There is NO ONE He will not change... If they let Him. And more importantly He can do a better job than any of us, and do it in such a way they will become whole and not further damaged.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
I feel like my thoughts have a theme to them. In some ways, over the past few days, in different conversations with different people, I've said the same thing. That's significant to me because it means there is a message to be shared. I may have even blogged on here about it some time ago. And if you know me well, you know this is a deeply rooted, very passionate issue for me. If you've heard it before, it's old tape, I'm sorry that I'm not bringing something new.
First, let me start with a question: Who of us in this world does not have a single scar? I'm including emotional scars here. And I don't know very many my age or older (and even those younger than me) who are totally, 100% free from any physical or emotional scar. So, I'm going to leap here to a conclusion that we all know what a scar is. And for those who want clarification on my definition, well, I can look at it a couple of ways.... Follow me.....
A scar can be shown with pride. Physical scars typically receive this kind of treatment. I have a scar below my right knee that is a constant reminder of the time I was 11 years old and spent the night with a friend. We wanted to go for a bike ride. Where she lived, and where we rode were too far for us at the time. In no way would my mother have allowed me to be that far from my friend's home without an adult. And the ENTIRE time, I knew I was going to get into trouble. My friend didn't seem to mind as "who was going to know?" Well, when a jogger was coming toward us on a bridge and I panicked thinking we were going to collide as he seemed to be oblivious to two kids riding bikes along this sidewalk as well; and I hit the "back up" method of pedal brakes - when her mom's bike had hand brakes - lost control of the bike and slammed into the aluminum guard rail, I knew my mom would know. I had a 3 inch long gash in my leg that probably should have been stitched closed. As well as blood all over a bike I wasn't supposed to be on. :)
Now, many lessons came from that. And there was a time that story was told with a "this is the time I was defiant" tone. Now, as you can guess, it's told a bit more sheepishly and as a warning, there is always someone who knows and if your momma is like my momma, she WILL find out. :)
A pride story? How about the scars on a body of someone who survived something and wouldn't be alive if it weren't for whatever it was that caused that scar? Breast cancer survivors. What about scars that remind others of God's grace and plan for their lives. Car accident survivors, burn victims?
What about emotional scars? Those who endured abuse as kids? Or those who have believed Satan's lies all of their lives, even though they had a good childhood by most standards. Maybe there was one event that changed how they viewed themselves and suddenly they were in the grasp of the enemy and listening to his whispers that they are a complete and total failure as a human being.
Ever sat there thinking about something someone did or didn't do when you were a kid? Something you missed out on? Ever sit and think about the time your spouse forgot to mention something you needed to hear? Ever think about the day you realized your kids didn't cling to every word you say any more? Or that they rush in and rush out without so much as a kiss hello? Ever feel abandoned? Ever feel alone?
I won't say everyone, but I will say most of us go through this. Most of us have scars. Most of us have something from which we desperately need to heal. Some of it is as tragic as sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, abandonment. Maybe it's something many would call mild and less volatile such as a friend told you they didn't like your outfit, your pants, the new haircut. But it still cut you. And it still hurt. And you still questioned your worth after the comment. And you still thought twice before you wore that outfit again, or those pants. And you still look in the mirror and try to figure out how to make your hair grow faster or come up with a different way to fix it.
My point? We (in most cases) are all broken and have scars or sometimes even open wounds from careless intentional or even unintentional words and actions of people we love or don't love. Nearly everyone needs to heal from something.
My beef? There are too many churches in this world who call themselves disciples of Christ but put labels on others; categorizing them into "worthy" and "unworthy" and deciding for themselves who can enter their doors and who cannot. They will point to places within the Bible justifying their judgment. And I wonder, have they read Matthew 7:2?
For reference, Matthew 7:2 is Jesus speaking and He says:
2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
I'm sorry. But to me, this means that if I am harsh to criticize someone else who doesn't dress like me, talk like me, walk like me, like what I like, listen to the music I enjoy, watch the kind of movies I like, struggles with things I do not struggle with, makes poorer choices than I make, makes more mistakes than I make, OR who is "better than me" I will then be judged by my Father with the same critical spirit.
Hm. Well, I don't need to be judged any more harshly than I already am. Therefore, I think I'd better listen to what Jesus says here and be much more open and inclusive as to whom I deem worthy of hearing of Christ's love, no?
Jesus described His followers as the salt and the light. In Matthew 5:13-14 He said:
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Now, I can't sit here and tell you that I've read every single word of the Bible. I haven't yet. But I have read every word of the Gospel. And the majority of the New Testament. And I do not recall anywhere in there Jesus saying, "share my love with Joe, but not Mike; and Susie? She talks weird. So, leave her out. But Patty is one of my favorites, so be sure to include her."
Many know John 3:16...
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Please allow me to emphasize WHOEVER and note that my understanding is EVERYONE; all broken people.
And let me point out another portion of this chapter that is very much overlooked, John 3:17:
17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Romans 8:1:
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Let me make sure I've got this..... EVERYONE is who Jesus came to save, He didn't come to condemn, but to save. And since He came, we shouldn't live condemned?
Now to the part of this line of thinking I've shared with 3 different people in the past 2 days....
Condemnation isn't of God. And conviction isn't the same as condemnation. Who wants to come to a God of Wrath? No one. The Bible, as far as I have read so far - especially the New Testament aka the New Covenant, is more about God's love than His wrath.
Ok, have a sip of coffee and lean in a bit.....
If you share God's love, if you teach about His love, if you describe His love.... He will take care of the conviction part in His time, and in His way.
God first and foremost wants a relationship with each of us. He wants us to know how much He loves us. He wants us to know the sacrifice He made to redeem us. He wants us to know He's forgiven us. He wants us to know we are co-heirs with Christ. He wants us to know He wants us for eternity. He's chosen us. He pursues us. He loves us.
When you meet someone new, and they are critical of you, and they tell you that you basically suck, do you want to be friends with them?? Not likely. But if you meet someone new and they compliment your outfit, they laugh at your jokes, they cry when you share your story and they show you compassion, I promise you that most of you will go out of your way to run into such a person. They've shown you love. You want more.
Share God's love. Leave the judging to Him. Leave the conviction to Him. As I've said before on this blog, each of us have an individual journey to find Him. He's created a hole within us that only He can fill. Relationships won't fill it. Knowledge won't fill it. Partying won't fill it. Working until you make yourself crazy won't fill it. Only God. Some will find it. Others may not. But if you are truly wanting to "save the lost" as the commission basically asks those who follow Christ to do, trust me. You are going to come closer to your goal if you show love - an all inclusive love - than wrath.
I suffer from a very judgmental nature. And I've had several things pointed out to me, just different instances where I was actively judging others. The mirror was held before me. And I prayed about it. So, what I'm asking many others to do I've had to do myself. I've had to open my arms to a bigger circle of folks. I've had to remember that each person I encounter has a soul (as Pete Wilson of Cross Point put it). I have to remember that each person I encounter is loved by the same God, in the same way, and can receive the same gifts I can receive - designed to fit them. There is NO ONE too far from the love of God. There is NO ONE He cannot change. There is NO ONE He will not change... If they let Him. And more importantly He can do a better job than any of us, and do it in such a way they will become whole and not further damaged.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Source
What a weekend! In all my life I've never seen so much water - other than maybe the ocean! And I haven't even seen it first hand yet. I've only been watching the news. I'm one of those annoying people who follows the mayor's orders. If he says, stay in. I do. I wait until the all clear is given and things are safe to venture out. The evidence of this flood will be there for weeks to come. Trust me, I'll still be able to appreciate the magnitude.
I'm hoping to venture out this weekend and help with some clean up efforts or something. I don't feel good about doing nothing. We'll see where that leads.
In one of my devotionals today, the following verse was referenced: Hebrews 13:5
Hebrews 13:5-6 (New International Version)
5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
That alone is a great reminder where we should put our trust and hope in this life. And the weather event from this weekend has been a testimony to that. The total damage won't be known for weeks. But we already know many landmarks will need to be repaired. We already know subdivisions are under water. We already know people have lost homes, cars, businesses, livelihoods. Or, have we?
Material, tangible things can eventually be replaced. Some. Pictures, yes. Not so much. Heirlooms. Probably not. I get it. Somethings you can't replace. But that DVD collection you found, bet you could find another on eBay or Amazon. And you still have the memories. And you still have life. And you still have a future. And when God is your source and your hope, you know from His promises and the testimonies in the Bible He is more than capable of replacing things that are lost.
Which brings me to Hebrews 13:6:
6So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
When I put my trust in a person, or a job, or a location, I completely open myself for unmeasurable disappointment. I open myself to loss and tremendous pain. I open myself to that despair and hopeless darkness many of us know or have known. We've all done this. And I'm not telling you I'm perfect at doing what I need to do. I'm not. I have many phases of my life to which I can point and reveal how my source was in exactly one of or all of these things and the way it impacted my outlook on life.
But when I put my trust in God, the source of all Creation, I know that even though my emotion might be sad, even though I may feel very broken, I don't lose that hope that it will get better. I don't lose that understanding Who is providing for me daily. I know that no matter how chaotic the situation seems at the given moment, things will improve, things will turn around, things will work out for His glory. He's promised it. And I've lived it.
Today, I was introduced to a 10 year old girl who has lost her arm due to an electrocution accident. Her life was spared. But she has damage and will continue to undergo observations and surgeries toward her recovery. At 10 years old she understands Jeremiah 29:11.... She knows God has a plan for her life. It's the same for each one of us. There is a plan.
Here is the prayer I left for Madysen. When I send people prayers, I stop thinking, and I just type. I don't share this to seem arrogant or bragging or anything like that. I share this because after I posted this prayer, I read it again. As I always do. And I felt as though God was asking me to share this message with others as well. It's applicable to many.
Father God, daily you amaze me. Daily you bring into my circle those who exhibit strength, wisdom and knowledge beyond their years and mine. Father, I stand in the gap of intercession for my new friend Madysen. I ask that you continue to protect her heart and mind from the enemy. I pray that you surround her family with your light and love. Father, we firmly believe the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 for this beautiful warrior you've chosen. We thank you for your promises. We thank you that we have hope. We thank you, God, that you'll not abandon us. We thank you, Father, that we're never handed more than you will help us endure. During the days we feel weak, lift us from that pit. During the times it seems dark, shine your light. Never let us forget your presence. Keep us focused on your gifts and your promises. Turn our hearts and minds from despair, and direct them to you. You are the source of all things. You are the beginning of our life and our love. Let us shine freely the life you give us that others might also be touched. Let us take your call and further your Kingdom through acts of love toward others. Father, I call this warrior into your army in Jesus' name. I claim her young life for you. Surround her with your army of angels. Guide her. Grant her your favor. Bring her family with her, Father, into your army as they guide, love and nurture your servant. And, Father, thank you for bringing Madysen into my life to teach me strength and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Bless others!
Jeani
I'm hoping to venture out this weekend and help with some clean up efforts or something. I don't feel good about doing nothing. We'll see where that leads.
In one of my devotionals today, the following verse was referenced: Hebrews 13:5
Hebrews 13:5-6 (New International Version)
5Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
That alone is a great reminder where we should put our trust and hope in this life. And the weather event from this weekend has been a testimony to that. The total damage won't be known for weeks. But we already know many landmarks will need to be repaired. We already know subdivisions are under water. We already know people have lost homes, cars, businesses, livelihoods. Or, have we?
Material, tangible things can eventually be replaced. Some. Pictures, yes. Not so much. Heirlooms. Probably not. I get it. Somethings you can't replace. But that DVD collection you found, bet you could find another on eBay or Amazon. And you still have the memories. And you still have life. And you still have a future. And when God is your source and your hope, you know from His promises and the testimonies in the Bible He is more than capable of replacing things that are lost.
Which brings me to Hebrews 13:6:
6So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
When I put my trust in a person, or a job, or a location, I completely open myself for unmeasurable disappointment. I open myself to loss and tremendous pain. I open myself to that despair and hopeless darkness many of us know or have known. We've all done this. And I'm not telling you I'm perfect at doing what I need to do. I'm not. I have many phases of my life to which I can point and reveal how my source was in exactly one of or all of these things and the way it impacted my outlook on life.
But when I put my trust in God, the source of all Creation, I know that even though my emotion might be sad, even though I may feel very broken, I don't lose that hope that it will get better. I don't lose that understanding Who is providing for me daily. I know that no matter how chaotic the situation seems at the given moment, things will improve, things will turn around, things will work out for His glory. He's promised it. And I've lived it.
Today, I was introduced to a 10 year old girl who has lost her arm due to an electrocution accident. Her life was spared. But she has damage and will continue to undergo observations and surgeries toward her recovery. At 10 years old she understands Jeremiah 29:11.... She knows God has a plan for her life. It's the same for each one of us. There is a plan.
Here is the prayer I left for Madysen. When I send people prayers, I stop thinking, and I just type. I don't share this to seem arrogant or bragging or anything like that. I share this because after I posted this prayer, I read it again. As I always do. And I felt as though God was asking me to share this message with others as well. It's applicable to many.
Father God, daily you amaze me. Daily you bring into my circle those who exhibit strength, wisdom and knowledge beyond their years and mine. Father, I stand in the gap of intercession for my new friend Madysen. I ask that you continue to protect her heart and mind from the enemy. I pray that you surround her family with your light and love. Father, we firmly believe the promise of Jeremiah 29:11 for this beautiful warrior you've chosen. We thank you for your promises. We thank you that we have hope. We thank you, God, that you'll not abandon us. We thank you, Father, that we're never handed more than you will help us endure. During the days we feel weak, lift us from that pit. During the times it seems dark, shine your light. Never let us forget your presence. Keep us focused on your gifts and your promises. Turn our hearts and minds from despair, and direct them to you. You are the source of all things. You are the beginning of our life and our love. Let us shine freely the life you give us that others might also be touched. Let us take your call and further your Kingdom through acts of love toward others. Father, I call this warrior into your army in Jesus' name. I claim her young life for you. Surround her with your army of angels. Guide her. Grant her your favor. Bring her family with her, Father, into your army as they guide, love and nurture your servant. And, Father, thank you for bringing Madysen into my life to teach me strength and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen!
Bless others!
Jeani
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