My heart is full of emotion as I write this devotion. Throughout this week as I've shared with hurting people, my mind remembers circumstances in my past that have brought me to this place. Hurts that have wounded me deeply and pains that have inflicted my inner being. Nonetheless, it is by these wounds, and through these hurts, that have molded me into who I am today.
I think about others, how their circumstances seem and even feel, and my heart is heavy for the road that must be walked. I know, all too well, how it feels to be a current Wife of a student in Teen Challenge; I also know what it's like to be a Completed Student's Wife.
. . . times of waiting . . . tests of courage . . . feelings of hopelessness . . .
BUT, I'm gently reminded to place my feelings under the Authority of the Word of God. Romans 8:28 (NIV) says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Here's a secret: ALL means ALL. God works through every detail, each circumstance, every trial . . . ALL things!
God is in control during the wait; He's the Lord of the Gap; He's the Strength in the test of courage; He's the Hope in the hopelessness; He's the Calm in the storm; He's the Peace amidst the chaos. If you're searching for an answer, He's the perfect fit.
It's through Him that I can honestly share how proud I am of each of us. Walking this out takes integrity, courage and strength. I understand there is not a day that goes by where we are not tested. However, I have NEVER known strength like I see in Wives who determine to stand beside their husbands as they work alongside the Lord, and each other, to commit to working through issues and circumstances that arise.
A few weeks ago I attended a Jason Upton concert. Jason shared a song that he sings over his children as they go to bed at night. Then, he sang it again and told us to insert our name. It was humbling to think of the Lord singing this over us as His children, but it is so true! The lyrics are:
I am so proud of you!
I'm so proud of you!
_____, I'm so proud of you!
I am so proud of you!
I'm so proud of you!
_____, I'm so proud of you!
I'm proud of you when you are sleeping,
I'm proud of you when you're awake,
I'm proud of you when you are trying,
'cause trying makes lots of mistakes.
This is how I feel about EACH of you!! But much more importantly than that, this is how God feels about you!! YOU are PRECIOUS to Him! I encourage you to sing/speak this over yourselves, your children, and even your husband, daily. God is PROUD of you!! My prayer is that you are encouraged today in whatever circumstance you are facing.
In closing, re-read Romans 8:28, (the verse from above), this time in the Message version: Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Heart Conditions
My husband and I were out for a walk late Sunday night. It was almost 8:00 p.m. and it was dark outside. As we were headed back into our neighborhood, the headlights of an approaching car pointed out an animal off the side of the road. It was a possum. I laughed at how cute it was lying on the grass, blinking it's eyes and "playing dead," but as we walked closer, it began to roll back and forth, it's mouth opening and closing as if to cry out in pain, gasping for breath. It had been hit by a car and was actually dying in front of our eyes.
I began to cry as I felt so sorry for this animal. In silence, we walked away and continued on our journey home, but thoughts began to flood my mind. Thoughts like how many times I had accidentally hit an animal and drove on by, not giving a second thought about the scene I had just taken in. Thought's about how this little guy, gross as the situation was, could be taking it's last breath at that very moment with no one noticing.
We continued our walk together, hand in hand, with the only sound being the sound of my tears and runny nose.
Then, the sound of my husband's voice broke the silence. His words were direct, yet the heaviness of the truth he spoke penetrated my heart.
"That is what people saw in me, Jody. Some people saw that I was dying, gasping for air, and turned away. But, other's saw potential in me; they saw hope that I couldn't see. Because of God's love that they had experienced, they stood by me and loved me through the garbage in my life. That's what I see in others. There are people struggling in their lives everyday. Are we going to be people that will just walk on by, or will we be people that help others get back up?"
How about you? Has the Lord done something in your life that you can share with others to encourage them? Personally, I have found that because I have walked through seasons of hurt, despair and addiction, God has given me a deeper compassion for desperate people who are in pain and desire change.
I read the following story the day after the "possum event" happened. I believe it fits perfect with this devotion and further drives this point home. I pray that everyday, we ask God for His eyes to see others how He sees them and not look at their outward appearance.
1 Samuel 16:7: The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
THE OLD FISHERMAN
Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to out-patients at the Clinic.
One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. 'Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old,' I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body.
But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, 'Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night.
I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, And there's no bus 'till morning.'
He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon, but with no success; no one seemed to have a room. 'I guess it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments...??..'
For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: 'I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.' I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us.
'No thank you. I have plenty' And he held up a brown paper bag.
When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body.
He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with thanks to God for a blessing.
He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.
At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded, and the little man was out on the porch.
He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, 'Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.'
He paused a moment and then added, 'Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind.'
I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh.
I knew his bus left at 4a.m., and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us.
Through the years he came to stay overnight with us many times. And there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden.
Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these and knowing how little money he had made, the gifts were doubly precious.
When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. 'Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!'
Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But, oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illness would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned how to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.
Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, ugly, rusty bucket.
I thought to myself, 'If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!'
My friend soon changed my mind.
'I ran short of pots,' she explained, 'and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I find it's place in the garden.' She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven.....an especially beautiful scene where God might have said when He came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman....
'He won't mind starting in this small body till he's ready for his place in My Garden.'
All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
I began to cry as I felt so sorry for this animal. In silence, we walked away and continued on our journey home, but thoughts began to flood my mind. Thoughts like how many times I had accidentally hit an animal and drove on by, not giving a second thought about the scene I had just taken in. Thought's about how this little guy, gross as the situation was, could be taking it's last breath at that very moment with no one noticing.
We continued our walk together, hand in hand, with the only sound being the sound of my tears and runny nose.
Then, the sound of my husband's voice broke the silence. His words were direct, yet the heaviness of the truth he spoke penetrated my heart.
"That is what people saw in me, Jody. Some people saw that I was dying, gasping for air, and turned away. But, other's saw potential in me; they saw hope that I couldn't see. Because of God's love that they had experienced, they stood by me and loved me through the garbage in my life. That's what I see in others. There are people struggling in their lives everyday. Are we going to be people that will just walk on by, or will we be people that help others get back up?"
How about you? Has the Lord done something in your life that you can share with others to encourage them? Personally, I have found that because I have walked through seasons of hurt, despair and addiction, God has given me a deeper compassion for desperate people who are in pain and desire change.
I read the following story the day after the "possum event" happened. I believe it fits perfect with this devotion and further drives this point home. I pray that everyday, we ask God for His eyes to see others how He sees them and not look at their outward appearance.
1 Samuel 16:7: The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
THE OLD FISHERMAN
Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to out-patients at the Clinic.
One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. 'Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old,' I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body.
But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, 'Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night.
I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, And there's no bus 'till morning.'
He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon, but with no success; no one seemed to have a room. 'I guess it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments...??..'
For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: 'I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.' I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us.
'No thank you. I have plenty' And he held up a brown paper bag.
When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body.
He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with thanks to God for a blessing.
He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.
At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded, and the little man was out on the porch.
He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, 'Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.'
He paused a moment and then added, 'Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind.'
I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh.
I knew his bus left at 4a.m., and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us.
Through the years he came to stay overnight with us many times. And there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden.
Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these and knowing how little money he had made, the gifts were doubly precious.
When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. 'Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!'
Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But, oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illness would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned how to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.
Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, ugly, rusty bucket.
I thought to myself, 'If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!'
My friend soon changed my mind.
'I ran short of pots,' she explained, 'and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I find it's place in the garden.' She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven.....an especially beautiful scene where God might have said when He came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman....
'He won't mind starting in this small body till he's ready for his place in My Garden.'
All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Humility
I read this quote the other day on my friend's myspace, "Constantly thinking little of ourselves is still thinking constantly of ourselves." That sparked some thinking on my part about humility.
So, how is it we are to be humble, or walk in humility? I did some searching and found 3 descriptions, which I thought were worth sharing.
I searched wikipedia for humility and found this definition:
Humility is a quality or characteristic ascribed to a person who is considered to be humble. "Humility is derived from the Latin word "humilis", which means low, humble, from earth. A humble person is generally thought to be unpretentious and modest: someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others. The concept of humility in various religions is often much more precise and extensive. Humility is not to be confused with humiliation, which is the act of making someone else feel ashamed, and is something completely different.
Read what the Bible teaches about how to walk in humility:
James 1:19
[ Act on What You Hear ] Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
I then came across Kathryn Kuhlman's website (http://kathrynkuhlman.com/) and read what she had written about Humility. Personally, this really puts it in perspective for me.
Humility
by Kathryn Kuhlman
Wherever you find real love, you will also find humility. Remember something: humility is not a weak and timid quality. Too often we feel that humility is a sign of weakness. This is not so. It is the sign of strength and security.
As an example, let me share a memorable experience I had as a young child. It was a hot Saturday night and Papa and I were about
to enter the meat market situated on the main street of Concordia, Missouri. The two of us were at the doorway when suddenly a man, noticeably very drunk, shoved Papa back. I saw my father step aside and hold the door open while the stranger staggered into the market. Standing nearby was a man watching the whole scene. Knowing that Papa was mayor of Concordia, he asked, "Joe Kuhlman, are you going to let him get away with that?" I was still holding onto Papa's hand when I saw him smile and answer: "I can afford to let him go first." That was a lesson in love and humility that I have never forgotten.
Humility is a show of security and strength. It is the solid foundation of all virtues, and I believe that the very first test of a truly great man is his humility.
The Kathryn Kuhlman Foundation © All rights reserved.
Lord,
Along with getting dressed in daily armor, let us also remember to put on humility. Help us to remember it's not about us. When we are complimented for something we do well, let us remember that it is You who has given us that talent or that gifting. We are nothing without you. Let our lives be a reflection of Who You Are! Thank you Jesus, for all that you do, in us, and through us. Amen!
So, how is it we are to be humble, or walk in humility? I did some searching and found 3 descriptions, which I thought were worth sharing.
I searched wikipedia for humility and found this definition:
Humility is a quality or characteristic ascribed to a person who is considered to be humble. "Humility is derived from the Latin word "humilis", which means low, humble, from earth. A humble person is generally thought to be unpretentious and modest: someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others. The concept of humility in various religions is often much more precise and extensive. Humility is not to be confused with humiliation, which is the act of making someone else feel ashamed, and is something completely different.
Read what the Bible teaches about how to walk in humility:
James 1:19
[ Act on What You Hear ] Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
I then came across Kathryn Kuhlman's website (http://kathrynkuhlman.com/) and read what she had written about Humility. Personally, this really puts it in perspective for me.
Humility
by Kathryn Kuhlman
Wherever you find real love, you will also find humility. Remember something: humility is not a weak and timid quality. Too often we feel that humility is a sign of weakness. This is not so. It is the sign of strength and security.
As an example, let me share a memorable experience I had as a young child. It was a hot Saturday night and Papa and I were about
to enter the meat market situated on the main street of Concordia, Missouri. The two of us were at the doorway when suddenly a man, noticeably very drunk, shoved Papa back. I saw my father step aside and hold the door open while the stranger staggered into the market. Standing nearby was a man watching the whole scene. Knowing that Papa was mayor of Concordia, he asked, "Joe Kuhlman, are you going to let him get away with that?" I was still holding onto Papa's hand when I saw him smile and answer: "I can afford to let him go first." That was a lesson in love and humility that I have never forgotten.
Humility is a show of security and strength. It is the solid foundation of all virtues, and I believe that the very first test of a truly great man is his humility.
The Kathryn Kuhlman Foundation © All rights reserved.
Lord,
Along with getting dressed in daily armor, let us also remember to put on humility. Help us to remember it's not about us. When we are complimented for something we do well, let us remember that it is You who has given us that talent or that gifting. We are nothing without you. Let our lives be a reflection of Who You Are! Thank you Jesus, for all that you do, in us, and through us. Amen!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
"What don't they have at Wal-Mart?"
I was encouraged recently about praying for people in public. My first thought was that I never run into people in a public setting that ask for prayer. At church, prayer is an expected and accepted thing to do, but in public, now that's different.
Or is it??
I was challenged to take a look around during my next visit to Wal-Mart (which didn't take long as trips to Wal-Mart seem daily). Sure enough, that place seems to have an array of people limping, coughing, and hurting. My conclusion is that Wal-Mart is a place that DOES have everything, including opportunities for the Lord to perform miracles and encourage us in our faith.
One such miracle happened there last Saturday.
The boys and I were on our way back to our car after shopping when we noticed smoke coming from a car parked a few spaces down from ours. We happened upon this scene the same time as a man and his wife. I immediately noticed the panic reflecting on their faces as they, too, grasped what was unfolding.
Through the smoke, inside the car, sat someone jerking back and forth having a seizure. Their foot was pressed on the accelerator and the engine was racing full speed, thus causing the smoke. The man reached in and turned the car off and got the person out of the car. The person was still convulsing as this man placed them on the concrete to lie down. Saliva was bubbling from their mouth.
So, here we are, the boys and I, watching this scene unravel. In the background, I hear a quiet, frightened voice, "Mom, what do we do?" Without hesitation, an immediate bold answer welled up inside me, "WE PRAY!" It wasn't an elaborate prayer, just "Jesus, we need you, here, now!"
My eyes met the woman standing across from me as she reached for her cell phone and announced she was calling 911. IMMEDIATELY, I looked up and a fire truck was pulling into the lot. The boys and I frantically began waving our arms at the firemen. They waved back, thinking we were nothing more than intrigued fans. These guys were on a break! They didn't even know there was a call for help being made at that very moment!
The boys ran to the firemen and told them what was happening. They got their equipment together, but they weren't a first responder unit so they didn't have much medical gear on board. They arrived at the parking place the same time a doctor walked over and asked to help. All this happened in a time span of 3 minutes!! The woman was still on the phone with the police department telling them exactly where we were and then I heard her say that there was a fire department AND a doctor already on scene.
How did all this happen?? How did the schedule of the fire department and the timing of the doctor all occur at the EXACT moment? I believe, because of prayer, GOD performed a miracle!! We asked Him for help, and He responded. His Word says, "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" John 14:13
Because of the impact of this experience, I followed up at our local hospital. When I walked into the emergency room, this person was sitting up and was alert. At the scene this person was unconscious, so I shared about how the Lord orchestrated the schedules of so many people "just for them!"
The truth is, the Lord loves EACH of us that much! I wonder just how much goes on in my life that I'm not even aware the Lord is working? Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I want THIS kind of faith, everyday, even at Wal-Mart!
Lord, I ask you for opportunities to build up our faith. I ask for boldness to do what You would have us to do in and through those opportunities. Above all, I ask that we would know just how much you love us ~ how deep, how wide, and how high is your love for us. I ask for your help in believing that You have a plan for every minute of our lives. If we are breathing, we have purpose! Help us to walk in that promise. Thank you Jesus - for life and life more abundantely! And thank you for allowing my family to witness another of Your miracles.
Or is it??
I was challenged to take a look around during my next visit to Wal-Mart (which didn't take long as trips to Wal-Mart seem daily). Sure enough, that place seems to have an array of people limping, coughing, and hurting. My conclusion is that Wal-Mart is a place that DOES have everything, including opportunities for the Lord to perform miracles and encourage us in our faith.
One such miracle happened there last Saturday.
The boys and I were on our way back to our car after shopping when we noticed smoke coming from a car parked a few spaces down from ours. We happened upon this scene the same time as a man and his wife. I immediately noticed the panic reflecting on their faces as they, too, grasped what was unfolding.
Through the smoke, inside the car, sat someone jerking back and forth having a seizure. Their foot was pressed on the accelerator and the engine was racing full speed, thus causing the smoke. The man reached in and turned the car off and got the person out of the car. The person was still convulsing as this man placed them on the concrete to lie down. Saliva was bubbling from their mouth.
So, here we are, the boys and I, watching this scene unravel. In the background, I hear a quiet, frightened voice, "Mom, what do we do?" Without hesitation, an immediate bold answer welled up inside me, "WE PRAY!" It wasn't an elaborate prayer, just "Jesus, we need you, here, now!"
My eyes met the woman standing across from me as she reached for her cell phone and announced she was calling 911. IMMEDIATELY, I looked up and a fire truck was pulling into the lot. The boys and I frantically began waving our arms at the firemen. They waved back, thinking we were nothing more than intrigued fans. These guys were on a break! They didn't even know there was a call for help being made at that very moment!
The boys ran to the firemen and told them what was happening. They got their equipment together, but they weren't a first responder unit so they didn't have much medical gear on board. They arrived at the parking place the same time a doctor walked over and asked to help. All this happened in a time span of 3 minutes!! The woman was still on the phone with the police department telling them exactly where we were and then I heard her say that there was a fire department AND a doctor already on scene.
How did all this happen?? How did the schedule of the fire department and the timing of the doctor all occur at the EXACT moment? I believe, because of prayer, GOD performed a miracle!! We asked Him for help, and He responded. His Word says, "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" John 14:13
Because of the impact of this experience, I followed up at our local hospital. When I walked into the emergency room, this person was sitting up and was alert. At the scene this person was unconscious, so I shared about how the Lord orchestrated the schedules of so many people "just for them!"
The truth is, the Lord loves EACH of us that much! I wonder just how much goes on in my life that I'm not even aware the Lord is working? Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I want THIS kind of faith, everyday, even at Wal-Mart!
Lord, I ask you for opportunities to build up our faith. I ask for boldness to do what You would have us to do in and through those opportunities. Above all, I ask that we would know just how much you love us ~ how deep, how wide, and how high is your love for us. I ask for your help in believing that You have a plan for every minute of our lives. If we are breathing, we have purpose! Help us to walk in that promise. Thank you Jesus - for life and life more abundantely! And thank you for allowing my family to witness another of Your miracles.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
On The Spot
I asked my dear husband to write this weeks devotion due to my hectic schedule. I was blessed as I read it. I pray that it challenges you as well.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
On the Spot
Read Luke 18:18-23, ( I dare you.)
I think about being put on the spot. I was put on the spot today, asked to do something that I really did not feel like doing. The funny thing about it is that it brought to mind almost immediately the parable of the rich young ruler. After reading this parable and asking the Lord for discernment, I began to get an understanding of the depth of sorrow that the young man must have felt. He truly wanted to inherit eternal life. I mean, he didn’t just ask Jesus how he could get it……he said “what shall I do….” This guy already had it figured that he was going to get there. He just needed to know what to do next. This is when Jesus put him on the spot.
I get asked to do things I don’t want to do. I get asked to answer for things I really don’t want to answer for. Some things happen to me in front of people I don’t want to see it. Sometimes I am made to be responsible for things I don’t care to be responsible for. Somewhere in this heart of mine is a little (don’t I wish it were little!) piece of selfishness that just wants it all to go the way I want it to go. For thirty some years I had never found myself put on a “spot” that I could not avoid, ignore, or just plain not give a darn about. One day I could no longer avoid the truth. I was put on the spot and I had to answer for the truth as I knew it. It was hard because I knew that it meant serving something other than me. It meant that I had to give up everything I had, and this meant everything, to serve another. Even today my flesh was screaming to not give in and do what I know the Lord would want me to do. So here I am.
This rich young man thought he had the answers already. He wasn’t asking because he was truly ready to commit. He had ulterior motives. Hmmm. Many times I too have these motives. But the day I ran out of places to hide from the truth I already knew was the day that God put me on the spot. I too was full of sorrow when faced with the decision to commit myself to a life for Christ. It was time to die. Nobody really wants to die. It is what made the rich young man sorrowful, I believe. Today I am happy in Christ, not in the state of my physical life and all of the things tied to it. It was a death well worth dying to be birthed again in the joy of serving a King that has a place for me in His kingdom. Every day I am put on the spot, nothing has changed about this. The difference is that I now find myself blessed to serve another, and I no longer feel the need to ask “what shall I do…..” (Luke 18:18-23)
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On the Spot
Read Luke 18:18-23, ( I dare you.)
I think about being put on the spot. I was put on the spot today, asked to do something that I really did not feel like doing. The funny thing about it is that it brought to mind almost immediately the parable of the rich young ruler. After reading this parable and asking the Lord for discernment, I began to get an understanding of the depth of sorrow that the young man must have felt. He truly wanted to inherit eternal life. I mean, he didn’t just ask Jesus how he could get it……he said “what shall I do….” This guy already had it figured that he was going to get there. He just needed to know what to do next. This is when Jesus put him on the spot.
I get asked to do things I don’t want to do. I get asked to answer for things I really don’t want to answer for. Some things happen to me in front of people I don’t want to see it. Sometimes I am made to be responsible for things I don’t care to be responsible for. Somewhere in this heart of mine is a little (don’t I wish it were little!) piece of selfishness that just wants it all to go the way I want it to go. For thirty some years I had never found myself put on a “spot” that I could not avoid, ignore, or just plain not give a darn about. One day I could no longer avoid the truth. I was put on the spot and I had to answer for the truth as I knew it. It was hard because I knew that it meant serving something other than me. It meant that I had to give up everything I had, and this meant everything, to serve another. Even today my flesh was screaming to not give in and do what I know the Lord would want me to do. So here I am.
This rich young man thought he had the answers already. He wasn’t asking because he was truly ready to commit. He had ulterior motives. Hmmm. Many times I too have these motives. But the day I ran out of places to hide from the truth I already knew was the day that God put me on the spot. I too was full of sorrow when faced with the decision to commit myself to a life for Christ. It was time to die. Nobody really wants to die. It is what made the rich young man sorrowful, I believe. Today I am happy in Christ, not in the state of my physical life and all of the things tied to it. It was a death well worth dying to be birthed again in the joy of serving a King that has a place for me in His kingdom. Every day I am put on the spot, nothing has changed about this. The difference is that I now find myself blessed to serve another, and I no longer feel the need to ask “what shall I do…..” (Luke 18:18-23)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
R-e-s-p-e-c-t: find out what it means to HE!
To help walk through this transition time, I have begun a mentoring process with a dear friend. She offers many years of experience and lots of wisdom and spiritual maturity. I am blessed! In meeting with her recently, she sensed the Lord encourage her to share the following scripture verses from 1 Peter 3. First we read it in the NIV version, then the Message and last in the Amplified Bible. I have copied the Amplified version below. As married women, I encourage you to read, and reread the verses out loud and ask the Lord to massage this into your soul. The bold and italic emphasis in verse 2 is mine.
1 Peter 3 (Amplified Bible)
1 In like manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,
2 When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].
3 Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;
4 But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.
5 For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].
6 It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].
I have begun a word study on the words shared in Verse 2. Just what exactly does reverence mean? What about respect? As God perfectly orchestrates things, just this week I began reading a new book titled "For Women Only" by: Shaunti Feldhahn. Guess what the first chapter is about? Yep, you guessed it, RESPECT. It was eye opening for me and through confirmation after confirmation, I believe that is what I am to share about in this devotion.
In a nutshell, to share a portion of what I am learning: showing respect to my husband has NOTHING to do with how he acts or what he's done. Showing respect is not something he should earn. Showing respect to my husband is a choice I make. Sometimes, I have to consciously make a choice to respect him numerous times throughout the day, and often times, I fail and must ask forgiveness. Nonetheless, I am committed to learn and put this principle into practice.
Just as women have a basic need to feel loved, guys have a basic need to feel respected. In the aforementioned book, the author shares an experiment she observed while at a conference on relationships. The room is divided - men on one side and women on the other. The question is asked, "If you had to choose, would you rather feel alone and unloved in the world OR would you rather feel inadequate and disrespected by everyone?"
The author (who is a woman) shares that she thought to herself, "What kind of choice is that? Who would ever chose to feel unloved?" But, the responses were shocking. The majority of the men raised their hands to indicate they would rather feel alone and unloved than disrespected. Likewise, the majority of the women raised their hands to indicate that they would rather feel inadequate and disrespected than unloved.
So, I asked my husband this question, as if to prove it's validity, again, I was flabbergasted at the response. There is something to this respect thing!!
I know that for women, especially women in our circumstances, you might be asking, "but my husband has put me through so much", or "but I don't trust him", or, "he doesn't respect me, why should I respect him". I have had all of those thoughts myself. BUT, I am compelled to encourage us all to begin to show respect to our husbands, not only when he is present, but when we're talking with our friends and even as we think about them in our thoughts.
1 Peter 3 (Amplified Bible)
1 In like manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,
2 When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].
3 Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;
4 But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.
5 For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].
6 It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].
I have begun a word study on the words shared in Verse 2. Just what exactly does reverence mean? What about respect? As God perfectly orchestrates things, just this week I began reading a new book titled "For Women Only" by: Shaunti Feldhahn. Guess what the first chapter is about? Yep, you guessed it, RESPECT. It was eye opening for me and through confirmation after confirmation, I believe that is what I am to share about in this devotion.
In a nutshell, to share a portion of what I am learning: showing respect to my husband has NOTHING to do with how he acts or what he's done. Showing respect is not something he should earn. Showing respect to my husband is a choice I make. Sometimes, I have to consciously make a choice to respect him numerous times throughout the day, and often times, I fail and must ask forgiveness. Nonetheless, I am committed to learn and put this principle into practice.
Just as women have a basic need to feel loved, guys have a basic need to feel respected. In the aforementioned book, the author shares an experiment she observed while at a conference on relationships. The room is divided - men on one side and women on the other. The question is asked, "If you had to choose, would you rather feel alone and unloved in the world OR would you rather feel inadequate and disrespected by everyone?"
The author (who is a woman) shares that she thought to herself, "What kind of choice is that? Who would ever chose to feel unloved?" But, the responses were shocking. The majority of the men raised their hands to indicate they would rather feel alone and unloved than disrespected. Likewise, the majority of the women raised their hands to indicate that they would rather feel inadequate and disrespected than unloved.
So, I asked my husband this question, as if to prove it's validity, again, I was flabbergasted at the response. There is something to this respect thing!!
I know that for women, especially women in our circumstances, you might be asking, "but my husband has put me through so much", or "but I don't trust him", or, "he doesn't respect me, why should I respect him". I have had all of those thoughts myself. BUT, I am compelled to encourage us all to begin to show respect to our husbands, not only when he is present, but when we're talking with our friends and even as we think about them in our thoughts.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Integrity
I had been having excessive headaches and I finally heeded recommendations that, at age 34, I should have my vision checked. Bottom line, I got glasses. I have one eye that's great (20/20) and one eye that's a little off (20/40). If both my eyes were the same, that wouldn't be much of a problem. However, because one eye was over-compensating for the other one, that triggered excessive headaches for me every day.
As I brought my new "fashion statement" home, I asked the Lord to give me "His eyes". I asked Him to show me people I come into contact with throughout my day that need a smile, a touch, and some encouragement. I asked Him to show me what He sees in people, people created in His image. I asked Him to give me eyes of love as I communicate with my family during trying times. And, above all else, I asked Him to show me what He sees in me, His daughter.
Throughout the week, He has taught me many things. One of the lessons I learned was about David.
David was a man after God's own heart. Many of us have heard stories of David. At a young age he killed the mighty philistine, Goliath; he was an anointed king; as king he served God with his whole heart; he was also was a adulterer and a murderer.
YET, in the Bible in 1 Kings 9:4, as the Lord is talking with Solomon about his father David, it says: "As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did..."
Integrity of heart?? Uprightness?? Doesn't God remember David and Bathsheba (adultery)? David and Uriah (murder)?
I looked up "integrity" in the dictionary and I found definitions like:
- adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
- the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished
- a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition
Yet, God describes David with integrity. When God exposed his sin, he repented. Not only did he repent, he got back up and continued his walk with the Lord.
Lord, I ask You to teach us about integrity. I ask that you would put a desire in us to walk in integrity of heart, not just as David did, but as your Son Jesus did as He walked this earth. I ask that if there is sin in our lives, you would convict us, forgive us, and help us to our feet once again. Lord, may You be pleased with integrity in our hearts. I ask that we begin to look at others, as well as ourselves, with Your eyes. Thank you Jesus for your Word. Amen!
Mark 12:14
They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.
Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
As I brought my new "fashion statement" home, I asked the Lord to give me "His eyes". I asked Him to show me people I come into contact with throughout my day that need a smile, a touch, and some encouragement. I asked Him to show me what He sees in people, people created in His image. I asked Him to give me eyes of love as I communicate with my family during trying times. And, above all else, I asked Him to show me what He sees in me, His daughter.
Throughout the week, He has taught me many things. One of the lessons I learned was about David.
David was a man after God's own heart. Many of us have heard stories of David. At a young age he killed the mighty philistine, Goliath; he was an anointed king; as king he served God with his whole heart; he was also was a adulterer and a murderer.
YET, in the Bible in 1 Kings 9:4, as the Lord is talking with Solomon about his father David, it says: "As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did..."
Integrity of heart?? Uprightness?? Doesn't God remember David and Bathsheba (adultery)? David and Uriah (murder)?
I looked up "integrity" in the dictionary and I found definitions like:
- adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
- the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished
- a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition
Yet, God describes David with integrity. When God exposed his sin, he repented. Not only did he repent, he got back up and continued his walk with the Lord.
Lord, I ask You to teach us about integrity. I ask that you would put a desire in us to walk in integrity of heart, not just as David did, but as your Son Jesus did as He walked this earth. I ask that if there is sin in our lives, you would convict us, forgive us, and help us to our feet once again. Lord, may You be pleased with integrity in our hearts. I ask that we begin to look at others, as well as ourselves, with Your eyes. Thank you Jesus for your Word. Amen!
Mark 12:14
They came to him and said, "Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.
Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
The Pain of Change
My family and I are avid roller coaster riders. We were blessed on this vacation to have opportunity to go to two different parks in Ohio that have many of the largest and fastest roller coasters in the world. The first day at one park, we rode coaster after coaster and had so much fun, even though most of our time was spent in line waiting. One of the longest lines was for this coaster called, "Millennium Force." As we raced into the corral (you know, the hurry up and wait technique), an employee at the entrance called out to me, "Ma'am, have you ridden Millennium Force yet this season?" I stopped and replied, "no". She then asked, "would you try out the chair for me" and motioned for me to have a seat in a replica of the seat for the ride.
I didn't know what to think, but as I sat down, I felt all eyes on me. She asked me to buckle the seat belt. It was at this time that I realized what I was doing in that chair. As I held the seatbelt in my hand, it ended c-l-o-s-e to where it should fasten, but it did not easily buckle around me. I'm sure I could have pushed and prodded, but honestly, that thought didn't make me feel too safe. So, I quickly got up from that chair and elected not to ride that particular ride. I sent my family on to the ride and for the next couple hours, God and I talked about what had just happened. Out of our conversation came this thought:
"When the pain of change hurts more than the pain of staying the same, most will just remain the same!"
There are hidden areas of our lives that we can keep secret from others, but God always knows. There are also areas in our lives that we try to keep secret, but our "secret" eventually gets out. For me at the amusement park that day, I could have gone on pretending that I hadn't gained weight, at least for the 1-1/2 hour wait in line before I had to get into the ride, but who was I kidding? Truth always wins!!
In sharing that, the Lord is also encouraging me to be more transparent and to share another struggle I dealt with on this trip. During our vacation, as our family continued "meshing" back together, I struggled with turning over control. Needless to say, one night I failed miserably and acted totally inapproiately. I made a decision to pick up chains that the Lord had delivered me from. In the process, I hurt my husband and my family deeply. I am not proud of my actions in the least.
Since then, I have asked for forgiveness, from my God, and then from my family. I know I am forgiven, but I struggle with forgiving myself. Some of my thoughts are, "How could I, a mature believer, return to horrible, old patterns of sin?" "I knew things would be difficult, but I thought I was the stable one!"
Much like waiting for my family on the roller coaster that day, God and I again began to talk. The Lord encouraged me to humble myself and share what happened with a few other Christians. He used these precious people to speak His truths into my life. He began to show me that I had areas pride buried in my heart. Pride like, "How could I, (holy and righteous that I am), choose to do again fall like this?" He reminded me of the scripture (Isaiah 64:6) that says, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags".
My friends asked me if I felt condemnation or if I felt conviction. I never really understood the difference until it was explained to me this way: "Condemnation says that I AM WRONG; Conviction says the behavior is wrong." I relate to Romans 7:20 that says, "Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
What about you? Are there areas in your life that you, too, want to change? Do you have hidden or secret sins? The Bible says in James 5:16 that we are to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." You don't have to continue in the pain of staying the same. Change is possible.
I didn't know what to think, but as I sat down, I felt all eyes on me. She asked me to buckle the seat belt. It was at this time that I realized what I was doing in that chair. As I held the seatbelt in my hand, it ended c-l-o-s-e to where it should fasten, but it did not easily buckle around me. I'm sure I could have pushed and prodded, but honestly, that thought didn't make me feel too safe. So, I quickly got up from that chair and elected not to ride that particular ride. I sent my family on to the ride and for the next couple hours, God and I talked about what had just happened. Out of our conversation came this thought:
"When the pain of change hurts more than the pain of staying the same, most will just remain the same!"
There are hidden areas of our lives that we can keep secret from others, but God always knows. There are also areas in our lives that we try to keep secret, but our "secret" eventually gets out. For me at the amusement park that day, I could have gone on pretending that I hadn't gained weight, at least for the 1-1/2 hour wait in line before I had to get into the ride, but who was I kidding? Truth always wins!!
In sharing that, the Lord is also encouraging me to be more transparent and to share another struggle I dealt with on this trip. During our vacation, as our family continued "meshing" back together, I struggled with turning over control. Needless to say, one night I failed miserably and acted totally inapproiately. I made a decision to pick up chains that the Lord had delivered me from. In the process, I hurt my husband and my family deeply. I am not proud of my actions in the least.
Since then, I have asked for forgiveness, from my God, and then from my family. I know I am forgiven, but I struggle with forgiving myself. Some of my thoughts are, "How could I, a mature believer, return to horrible, old patterns of sin?" "I knew things would be difficult, but I thought I was the stable one!"
Much like waiting for my family on the roller coaster that day, God and I again began to talk. The Lord encouraged me to humble myself and share what happened with a few other Christians. He used these precious people to speak His truths into my life. He began to show me that I had areas pride buried in my heart. Pride like, "How could I, (holy and righteous that I am), choose to do again fall like this?" He reminded me of the scripture (Isaiah 64:6) that says, "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags".
My friends asked me if I felt condemnation or if I felt conviction. I never really understood the difference until it was explained to me this way: "Condemnation says that I AM WRONG; Conviction says the behavior is wrong." I relate to Romans 7:20 that says, "Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."
What about you? Are there areas in your life that you, too, want to change? Do you have hidden or secret sins? The Bible says in James 5:16 that we are to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." You don't have to continue in the pain of staying the same. Change is possible.
Friday, July 27, 2007
"Let's Trade"
During Jesus' life spent on earth, He shared so many profound lessons. I think about these lessons, and how they seem to go against the very essence of the culture we live in today. Like in Matthew 19:30 when he says, "The last shall be first and the first shall be last". Or, when Jesus taught about humility and shared that the way up is down, "to humble yourself."
Last week, Jay and I had opportunity to visit Worlds-of-Fun amusement park in Kansas City, MO. While spending the day there, we were spun, flipped, shaken, flopped, catapulted and turned upside down more times than we care to count. In relating this to a biblical point, God has a way of "turning things upside down" in our lives.
Through Jesus, we can experience this "upside down-ness". He turns "mourning into dancing", "beauty for ashes", "a spirit of despair into garments of praise". He gives "hope for hopelessness", "joy for sadness" and "peace for despair", just to name a few promises. Whatever pain, ailment, or hurt you have in your life, He is asking "Do you want to trade? I'll trade you!"
When I was a little girl, I had a blow-up clown toy that stood about 4-feet high. It was sort-of like a punching bag. You could hit this thing with all you had, and it would wobble and fall over, and then, stand right back up again, because it had weight on the bottom. This reminds me how the enemy tries to attack us. satan punches, jabs, and hits us with all he's got, but, because of "who we are in Christ" we rebound! If we've built our house on the "rock", satan cannot, and will not, win!!
Last week, Jay and I had opportunity to visit Worlds-of-Fun amusement park in Kansas City, MO. While spending the day there, we were spun, flipped, shaken, flopped, catapulted and turned upside down more times than we care to count. In relating this to a biblical point, God has a way of "turning things upside down" in our lives.
Through Jesus, we can experience this "upside down-ness". He turns "mourning into dancing", "beauty for ashes", "a spirit of despair into garments of praise". He gives "hope for hopelessness", "joy for sadness" and "peace for despair", just to name a few promises. Whatever pain, ailment, or hurt you have in your life, He is asking "Do you want to trade? I'll trade you!"
When I was a little girl, I had a blow-up clown toy that stood about 4-feet high. It was sort-of like a punching bag. You could hit this thing with all you had, and it would wobble and fall over, and then, stand right back up again, because it had weight on the bottom. This reminds me how the enemy tries to attack us. satan punches, jabs, and hits us with all he's got, but, because of "who we are in Christ" we rebound! If we've built our house on the "rock", satan cannot, and will not, win!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Our Father
At the July 5th Completion Ceremony for Teen Challenge, all three guys who Completed shared incredible testimonies. I was blessed and encouraged by each one. Jay mentioned several times during the message how he wished his dad was present. You see, Jay's father passed away many years ago when he was incarcerated. Instead of attending the funeral in handcuffs and prison attire, Jay, along with his brother, made a decision not to attend.
I know when Jay spoke at the Completion service about wishing his father could be present, he deeply meant it. Growing up, Jay's parents did not attend school activities or little league games. Then, because of the lifestyle chosen for many years, there weren't many celebrations or ceremonies in Jay's honor. To have had his father present at a celebration like Completion, would have made his father proud. Having his father watch the transformation in his son would have been surreal.
As Jay left the platform that day to walk back to his seat, I noticed our son Christopher, who was video taping in the back, walk up to his father in the aisle. I noticed as he whispered something in his ear, and they both looked toward the platform, as smiles and tears appeared simultaneously. Later that evening, I asked what happened. Jay told me Christopher had said, "Dad, your Father is here" and he pointed to the cross!
WOW, the observations of a child.
In pondering that situation for the past few weeks, the Lord's Prayer comes to my mind.
Matthew 6:9-13
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
OUR FATHER; our papa; our daddy God; OUR Father - yours and mine. He's The Father to the fatherless and The Husband to the widow.
I remember specific times in my life, that I have been in a large crowd of people and the voice of my child yelling "Mom" is the one sound that grabs my attention. If me, a human parent, leans an ear to my child who calls out, "Mommy, Mom, Mother" I have to wonder how much more does Our Father turn His ear to us as we cry out Father, Daddy, Abba??
He longs to talk with us. He cares about the smallest needs, the deepest pains, and the hardest decisions we face. He loves us with an everlasting love. He leads us beside still waters and He restores our soul. Have you told Him today how much you love Him?? He had told you. He has blessed each of us with a beautiful sunrise this morning, air to breathe and above all, an agape love that has the power to penetrate even the hardest heart.
In closing, I would like to share song lyrics by the group NewSong. God Bless us each and every one.
You're Favorite Name is Father
by: Newsong
album: More Life (2003),
Rescue: Live Worship (2005)
Almighty God
Lord of all creation
Ancient of days
The Holy One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name
[Chorus]
Your favorite name is Father
You love to hear Your children calling
You're there to catch us when we're falling
Your favorite name is Father
Eternal King
Alpha and Omega
Jehovah God
The mighty One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name
[Bridge]
Abba Father
Holy is Your name
Abba Father
Holy is Your name
I know when Jay spoke at the Completion service about wishing his father could be present, he deeply meant it. Growing up, Jay's parents did not attend school activities or little league games. Then, because of the lifestyle chosen for many years, there weren't many celebrations or ceremonies in Jay's honor. To have had his father present at a celebration like Completion, would have made his father proud. Having his father watch the transformation in his son would have been surreal.
As Jay left the platform that day to walk back to his seat, I noticed our son Christopher, who was video taping in the back, walk up to his father in the aisle. I noticed as he whispered something in his ear, and they both looked toward the platform, as smiles and tears appeared simultaneously. Later that evening, I asked what happened. Jay told me Christopher had said, "Dad, your Father is here" and he pointed to the cross!
WOW, the observations of a child.
In pondering that situation for the past few weeks, the Lord's Prayer comes to my mind.
Matthew 6:9-13
"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
OUR FATHER; our papa; our daddy God; OUR Father - yours and mine. He's The Father to the fatherless and The Husband to the widow.
I remember specific times in my life, that I have been in a large crowd of people and the voice of my child yelling "Mom" is the one sound that grabs my attention. If me, a human parent, leans an ear to my child who calls out, "Mommy, Mom, Mother" I have to wonder how much more does Our Father turn His ear to us as we cry out Father, Daddy, Abba??
He longs to talk with us. He cares about the smallest needs, the deepest pains, and the hardest decisions we face. He loves us with an everlasting love. He leads us beside still waters and He restores our soul. Have you told Him today how much you love Him?? He had told you. He has blessed each of us with a beautiful sunrise this morning, air to breathe and above all, an agape love that has the power to penetrate even the hardest heart.
In closing, I would like to share song lyrics by the group NewSong. God Bless us each and every one.
You're Favorite Name is Father
by: Newsong
album: More Life (2003),
Rescue: Live Worship (2005)
Almighty God
Lord of all creation
Ancient of days
The Holy One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name
[Chorus]
Your favorite name is Father
You love to hear Your children calling
You're there to catch us when we're falling
Your favorite name is Father
Eternal King
Alpha and Omega
Jehovah God
The mighty One
So many names You've given us to call You
But one remains
Your favorite name
[Bridge]
Abba Father
Holy is Your name
Abba Father
Holy is Your name
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Job, The Timeless Redeemer
I've recently been reading in the book of Job. Job was a man tested beyond belief! I'd like to challenge us with a few excepts from this man's life. The scripture references I have used are from The Message version.
Job 1:6-8 One day when the angels came to report to God, satan, who was the Designated Accuser, came along with them. God singled out satan and said, "What have you been up to?"
satan answered God, "Going here and there, checking things out on earth."
God said to satan, "Have you noticed my friend Job? There's no one quite like him—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil."
1. Job was noticed.
Job was noticed by God and by satan. God is always with you and watching you, but satan only notices you when you are making a difference in God's kingdom.
Challenge: Are you living in such a way that you are noticed by satan? Are you dangerous to the Kingdom?
Standing beside your spouse while walking through the process of Teen Challenge IS making a difference! As we support our husbands along this journey; taking care of our families, and offering support and love, we are making a difference in The Kingdom!
Job 1:13-15 Sometime later, while Job's children were having one of their parties at the home of the oldest son, a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing in the field next to us when Sabeans attacked. They stole the animals and killed the field hands. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened."
2. Job lost his ability to worship.
satan attacked Job's livestock. In those days, their offerings and blood sacrifices were their act of worship. satan stole Job's ability to worship. If satan can touch your worship, he can touch everything else.
I know this season of life is not ideal. I know if we would have had a choice, we would not have chosen this path. But, reality is, and here we are.
Challenge: How's your worship life? Are you actively worshipping the Lord t-h-r-o-u-g-h this season of your life?
Make a decision to not allow satan to rob you of your worship. We worship the Lord because that is what we were created to do....in good times and in bad times.
3. Job received restoration and a double portion.
Job 42: 10-11 After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it!
One of my favorite quotes is by Isreal Houghton, who has written many worship songs that we sing in our churches today. He says, "If you turn to the back of the book....WE WIN!!"
This is true! We do win! We are overcomers! Job did receive restoration. In fact, he received double: double blessings; double anointing.
Throughout the book of Job, Job experienced periods of waiting; waiting on a miracle, waiting on God's promise, waiting for breakthrough, waiting, waiting. We only wait for what we value.
Challenge: Seek the giver, not the gift, and the blessings will follow.
4. Job's sacrifices were generational blessings.
Job 42: 12-15 God blessed Job's later life even more than his earlier life. He ended up with fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand teams of oxen, and one thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first daughter Dove, the second, Cinnamon, and the third, Darkeyes. There was not a woman in that country as beautiful as Job's daughters. Their father treated them as equals with their brothers, providing the same inheritance.
Job persevered and he was blessed, but the blessings did not end with Job. He had seven sons and three daughters. And his daughters received an equal inheritance, along with beauty.
Believe that the sacrifices our husbands are making will be blessed for generations and generations to come.
We all have the ability to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren. We have the choice to leave generational blessings or generational curses. Personally speaking, my family has had enough of generational curses. The line has been drawn in the sand. Because we have made a decision to live for the Lord, and walk in His authority, we DO NOT have to receive the generational curses the enemy wants to pass down through our family. Lies like, "everyone in our family is an alcoholic", "all in our family struggle with anger and rage", "this is the 5th program we've been through and our life will never change", and the list of lies could go on and on.
BUT, in John 10:10, Jesus says, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Final Challenge: Today, choose to walk in the full life Jesus promised. Today, begin to release generational blessings. Believe in His promises of love, provision, mercy and forgiveness, and if you need encouragement at times, turn to the back of The Book and remember that WE WIN!!
Job 1:6-8 One day when the angels came to report to God, satan, who was the Designated Accuser, came along with them. God singled out satan and said, "What have you been up to?"
satan answered God, "Going here and there, checking things out on earth."
God said to satan, "Have you noticed my friend Job? There's no one quite like him—honest and true to his word, totally devoted to God and hating evil."
1. Job was noticed.
Job was noticed by God and by satan. God is always with you and watching you, but satan only notices you when you are making a difference in God's kingdom.
Challenge: Are you living in such a way that you are noticed by satan? Are you dangerous to the Kingdom?
Standing beside your spouse while walking through the process of Teen Challenge IS making a difference! As we support our husbands along this journey; taking care of our families, and offering support and love, we are making a difference in The Kingdom!
Job 1:13-15 Sometime later, while Job's children were having one of their parties at the home of the oldest son, a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys grazing in the field next to us when Sabeans attacked. They stole the animals and killed the field hands. I'm the only one to get out alive and tell you what happened."
2. Job lost his ability to worship.
satan attacked Job's livestock. In those days, their offerings and blood sacrifices were their act of worship. satan stole Job's ability to worship. If satan can touch your worship, he can touch everything else.
I know this season of life is not ideal. I know if we would have had a choice, we would not have chosen this path. But, reality is, and here we are.
Challenge: How's your worship life? Are you actively worshipping the Lord t-h-r-o-u-g-h this season of your life?
Make a decision to not allow satan to rob you of your worship. We worship the Lord because that is what we were created to do....in good times and in bad times.
3. Job received restoration and a double portion.
Job 42: 10-11 After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it!
One of my favorite quotes is by Isreal Houghton, who has written many worship songs that we sing in our churches today. He says, "If you turn to the back of the book....WE WIN!!"
This is true! We do win! We are overcomers! Job did receive restoration. In fact, he received double: double blessings; double anointing.
Throughout the book of Job, Job experienced periods of waiting; waiting on a miracle, waiting on God's promise, waiting for breakthrough, waiting, waiting. We only wait for what we value.
Challenge: Seek the giver, not the gift, and the blessings will follow.
4. Job's sacrifices were generational blessings.
Job 42: 12-15 God blessed Job's later life even more than his earlier life. He ended up with fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand teams of oxen, and one thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first daughter Dove, the second, Cinnamon, and the third, Darkeyes. There was not a woman in that country as beautiful as Job's daughters. Their father treated them as equals with their brothers, providing the same inheritance.
Job persevered and he was blessed, but the blessings did not end with Job. He had seven sons and three daughters. And his daughters received an equal inheritance, along with beauty.
Believe that the sacrifices our husbands are making will be blessed for generations and generations to come.
We all have the ability to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren. We have the choice to leave generational blessings or generational curses. Personally speaking, my family has had enough of generational curses. The line has been drawn in the sand. Because we have made a decision to live for the Lord, and walk in His authority, we DO NOT have to receive the generational curses the enemy wants to pass down through our family. Lies like, "everyone in our family is an alcoholic", "all in our family struggle with anger and rage", "this is the 5th program we've been through and our life will never change", and the list of lies could go on and on.
BUT, in John 10:10, Jesus says, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Final Challenge: Today, choose to walk in the full life Jesus promised. Today, begin to release generational blessings. Believe in His promises of love, provision, mercy and forgiveness, and if you need encouragement at times, turn to the back of The Book and remember that WE WIN!!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Tomorrow
Isaiah 43:18 (The Message)
"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands"...
In no way do I wish to diminish the accomplishment set before my family and in no way am I setting myself above. I am humbly sharing myself with you. I pray that the One who inspired the words written herein, will bring peace and encouragement to all of us. I have walked this path thus far, sharing my trials and success's all along, why would I stop now?
Tomorrow
Until you pass through these waters, you might not understand what I am referencing here. As I write this devotion, I cannot help but think about how tomorrow marks the date to turn the page on this chapter of my life. I think deeply about what tomorrow holds and how different tomorrow will be. Tomorrow, life as I have grown accustomed to, will change. Tomorrow, my husband will return home after being gone for the past 16 months. Tomorrow, Jay will Complete Teen Challenge.
The day I have prayed for, hoped for, believed for, and longed for has come. The day that 16 months ago, seemed like an eternity away, has arrived. Tomorrow, I will make the 3-hour drive from St. Joseph to Colfax, much like I did 16 months ago; only this time, my husband will accompany me home on the return trip. Tomorrow, feet will be put to my professed faith. I will no longer "just believe for the day", but I will revel in the day that has come! Tomorrow, my faith will be put into action.
I am full of emotions and questions. Am I excited? Absolutely! Am I nervous? Absolutely! As I attended church on Sunday, friends asked me if I was excited, to which of course I said, "Yes!" Many went on their way without another thought, but some saw beyond my surface words. They looked deep into my eyes and into my soul, and said, "but.....you're hesitant!" To which I replied, with tear-filled eyes, "yes." Because of their love for me, they shared a bit longer; they prayed for me, they stopped by with ice cream to continue to encourage me; and they reassured me to trust in the Lord! That's what is so awesome about Godly friends, they listen, and they point you to the One who can help the most.
Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying, I am extremely proud of my husband. God ia accomplishing a mighty work in his life. I am thankful, and grateful, and proud! But, the feelings and the questions remain....I believe my husband has changed, but have I?
Will my husband, who is a new creation, be returning to a wife who is the same as when he left?
Will I know how to appropriately turn over the responsibility I have had to take on in my husband's absence?
Just how much do I really trust God??
...."What if"....
This has been a week of battles...battles that attempt to rage havoc in my mind. Here we are, at the end of this journey, but the truth is, this is only the beginning! The beginning of a new chapter; the beginning of a new course; the beginning of blank pages that my husband and I and our Lord have the opportunity to write together.
What are my options? Well, the only option I will allow myself to ponder is the one I KNOW I am equipped to do. With the Lord's help, I will step through this door. Tomorrow, my husband will return home, and we will walk this journey out, together. The truth is: I am afraid; I have apprehensions; BUT, with the Lord's help, I will walk & I will stand!
How will I choose to conqeor my fears?? The answer is: by doing it! Plan and simple. There's no other way. Am I afraid? Yes, but then, I'LL DO IT AFRAID!! God's Word says in Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."
If there's one thing this journey has taught me, it's that I am not to rely soley on my feelings. I have written about, spoke about, and prayed about this day; tomorrow, I will look out the windshield of my life to a new and untraveled highway. I will use my rear view mirror only to remind myself where I've been; I will not gaze into the yesterday's of the past and attempt to drive forward. When you live in the past, you miss out on so much of the present. I will trust the wisdom of the One whose Word promises a "road through the desert."
Thank you for sharing this journey with me!!!
"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands"...
In no way do I wish to diminish the accomplishment set before my family and in no way am I setting myself above. I am humbly sharing myself with you. I pray that the One who inspired the words written herein, will bring peace and encouragement to all of us. I have walked this path thus far, sharing my trials and success's all along, why would I stop now?
Tomorrow
Until you pass through these waters, you might not understand what I am referencing here. As I write this devotion, I cannot help but think about how tomorrow marks the date to turn the page on this chapter of my life. I think deeply about what tomorrow holds and how different tomorrow will be. Tomorrow, life as I have grown accustomed to, will change. Tomorrow, my husband will return home after being gone for the past 16 months. Tomorrow, Jay will Complete Teen Challenge.
The day I have prayed for, hoped for, believed for, and longed for has come. The day that 16 months ago, seemed like an eternity away, has arrived. Tomorrow, I will make the 3-hour drive from St. Joseph to Colfax, much like I did 16 months ago; only this time, my husband will accompany me home on the return trip. Tomorrow, feet will be put to my professed faith. I will no longer "just believe for the day", but I will revel in the day that has come! Tomorrow, my faith will be put into action.
I am full of emotions and questions. Am I excited? Absolutely! Am I nervous? Absolutely! As I attended church on Sunday, friends asked me if I was excited, to which of course I said, "Yes!" Many went on their way without another thought, but some saw beyond my surface words. They looked deep into my eyes and into my soul, and said, "but.....you're hesitant!" To which I replied, with tear-filled eyes, "yes." Because of their love for me, they shared a bit longer; they prayed for me, they stopped by with ice cream to continue to encourage me; and they reassured me to trust in the Lord! That's what is so awesome about Godly friends, they listen, and they point you to the One who can help the most.
Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying, I am extremely proud of my husband. God ia accomplishing a mighty work in his life. I am thankful, and grateful, and proud! But, the feelings and the questions remain....I believe my husband has changed, but have I?
Will my husband, who is a new creation, be returning to a wife who is the same as when he left?
Will I know how to appropriately turn over the responsibility I have had to take on in my husband's absence?
Just how much do I really trust God??
...."What if"....
This has been a week of battles...battles that attempt to rage havoc in my mind. Here we are, at the end of this journey, but the truth is, this is only the beginning! The beginning of a new chapter; the beginning of a new course; the beginning of blank pages that my husband and I and our Lord have the opportunity to write together.
What are my options? Well, the only option I will allow myself to ponder is the one I KNOW I am equipped to do. With the Lord's help, I will step through this door. Tomorrow, my husband will return home, and we will walk this journey out, together. The truth is: I am afraid; I have apprehensions; BUT, with the Lord's help, I will walk & I will stand!
How will I choose to conqeor my fears?? The answer is: by doing it! Plan and simple. There's no other way. Am I afraid? Yes, but then, I'LL DO IT AFRAID!! God's Word says in Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."
If there's one thing this journey has taught me, it's that I am not to rely soley on my feelings. I have written about, spoke about, and prayed about this day; tomorrow, I will look out the windshield of my life to a new and untraveled highway. I will use my rear view mirror only to remind myself where I've been; I will not gaze into the yesterday's of the past and attempt to drive forward. When you live in the past, you miss out on so much of the present. I will trust the wisdom of the One whose Word promises a "road through the desert."
Thank you for sharing this journey with me!!!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Mirror
This past weekend, I had opportunity to spend the night at a dear friends house. In the room I stayed, there were 2 large closet doors that were mirrors. As I was getting ready for church Sunday morning, I couldn't help but glance at myself numerous times in those mirrors. I have been pondering "mirrors" ever since.
Just how many times do we use mirrors each day?? While getting dressed (this is 5-6 times for me), checking make-up (another 5-6 times), looking into the rear-view mirror of our vehicles (at least every stop light), and after eating (I always check my teeth), just to name a few.
I looked up the word "mirror" in the dictionary. Out of the 13 different definations, my favorites are: "any reflecting surface..." and "to mimic or imitate (something) accurately".
Think for a moment about your life being a mirror. What are you reflecting? Who are you accurately imitating?? Are people drawn to you because of Who they see in your reflection? Many years ago, I remember overhearing someone describe me. Their words were, "you know, she's the one with the angry look on her face all the time." This challenged me. Although I had a relationship with Jesus, I wasn't reflecting Him. My circumstances dictated my appearance.
As I've thought about mirrors this week, I have been reminded about numerous scripture references. I am listing a few below. I pray that the Lord personalizes them for the place you are today.
1 Timothy 2:8-10
Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.
Matthew 6:27
"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
James 1:22
Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
Proverbs 27:19
Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart.
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
God Bless You!!!
Just how many times do we use mirrors each day?? While getting dressed (this is 5-6 times for me), checking make-up (another 5-6 times), looking into the rear-view mirror of our vehicles (at least every stop light), and after eating (I always check my teeth), just to name a few.
I looked up the word "mirror" in the dictionary. Out of the 13 different definations, my favorites are: "any reflecting surface..." and "to mimic or imitate (something) accurately".
Think for a moment about your life being a mirror. What are you reflecting? Who are you accurately imitating?? Are people drawn to you because of Who they see in your reflection? Many years ago, I remember overhearing someone describe me. Their words were, "you know, she's the one with the angry look on her face all the time." This challenged me. Although I had a relationship with Jesus, I wasn't reflecting Him. My circumstances dictated my appearance.
As I've thought about mirrors this week, I have been reminded about numerous scripture references. I am listing a few below. I pray that the Lord personalizes them for the place you are today.
1 Timothy 2:8-10
Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.
Matthew 6:27
"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
James 1:22
Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
Proverbs 27:19
Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart.
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
God Bless You!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Death is required!
A few years ago, I was going through a time in my life that I was deeply concerned about my heritage. For those of you that don't know this, and to remind those that do, I am adopted. I was placed for adoption at birth, and presented to my parents who had been on an adoption waiting list for 7 years. I really didn't ever have issues with this. My earliest memory dates back to when I was 2-years old sitting on my mother's lap as she was telling me that I was "a-d-o-p-t-e-d", which at that time, I had no idea what that word meant. I remember her going on to tell me that I didn't grow in her tummy, I grew in her heart.
After having children of my own and doing some family research with others about their history, I began to wonder about my own heritage. Everywhere I looked I was finding stories about adoption and families being re-united. I began to seek the Lord about what I should do. After a few weeks, I had a dream.
I dreamt I was in a huge open room, much like a gymnasium. There were people in a large circle all around the edge of this room. There were also people, like intercessors or elders, in the center of the room. The intercessors would walk around and people from the outside circle would go to them for prayer. I was standing in the outside circle, holding up this very frail, crippled woman. I remember wanting this woman to be prayed for, but no one was noticing us and she could hardly walk. Finally, an intercessor looked our way but did not come too close. The intercessor held out her hand for the crippled woman to walk toward her. I remember not wanting to let this poor woman go, but, with everything I had within me, I did let go. The moment I did release her, she was instantly healed and continued walking upright toward the intercessor.
Right after this, my vision went black and I saw what looked like a typed article. There were words highlighted and my view of these words zoomed in and became very clear, "3 siblings; 2 brothers and one sister." I then heard a loud voice "Now you know your heritage, but, WHO ARE YOU IN CHRIST?"
Since that dream, many years ago, God has taught me a great deal about my identity. First and foremost, I am a child of God (1 John 3:1), I am the apple of his eye (Ps. 17:8), I am a daughter (Romans 8:15). I have access to His throne room ANYTIME (Eph. 2:18). When I call, He will answer (Psalm 17:6).
When we accept Jesus, we all receive a "Spirit of adoption". In Romans 8:15 it says: For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! This is GOOD NEWS! God loves us SO MUCH!!
Ironically, I believe in my dream, the crippled woman was me, also the person holding up the crippled woman was me. I was healed, but first, in order to receive, I had to "let go"; let go of my own selfish desires, let go of my own ambitions, and let go of myself. In other words, I had to die. It's one thing to know your identity, it's another thing to walk in it. In order for me to totally surrender to the Lord, death is required.
It is my prayer today that we all would die, die to ourselves, die to our own plans and agendas. Only then, can we truly "live for Him!!!"
After having children of my own and doing some family research with others about their history, I began to wonder about my own heritage. Everywhere I looked I was finding stories about adoption and families being re-united. I began to seek the Lord about what I should do. After a few weeks, I had a dream.
I dreamt I was in a huge open room, much like a gymnasium. There were people in a large circle all around the edge of this room. There were also people, like intercessors or elders, in the center of the room. The intercessors would walk around and people from the outside circle would go to them for prayer. I was standing in the outside circle, holding up this very frail, crippled woman. I remember wanting this woman to be prayed for, but no one was noticing us and she could hardly walk. Finally, an intercessor looked our way but did not come too close. The intercessor held out her hand for the crippled woman to walk toward her. I remember not wanting to let this poor woman go, but, with everything I had within me, I did let go. The moment I did release her, she was instantly healed and continued walking upright toward the intercessor.
Right after this, my vision went black and I saw what looked like a typed article. There were words highlighted and my view of these words zoomed in and became very clear, "3 siblings; 2 brothers and one sister." I then heard a loud voice "Now you know your heritage, but, WHO ARE YOU IN CHRIST?"
Since that dream, many years ago, God has taught me a great deal about my identity. First and foremost, I am a child of God (1 John 3:1), I am the apple of his eye (Ps. 17:8), I am a daughter (Romans 8:15). I have access to His throne room ANYTIME (Eph. 2:18). When I call, He will answer (Psalm 17:6).
When we accept Jesus, we all receive a "Spirit of adoption". In Romans 8:15 it says: For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! This is GOOD NEWS! God loves us SO MUCH!!
Ironically, I believe in my dream, the crippled woman was me, also the person holding up the crippled woman was me. I was healed, but first, in order to receive, I had to "let go"; let go of my own selfish desires, let go of my own ambitions, and let go of myself. In other words, I had to die. It's one thing to know your identity, it's another thing to walk in it. In order for me to totally surrender to the Lord, death is required.
It is my prayer today that we all would die, die to ourselves, die to our own plans and agendas. Only then, can we truly "live for Him!!!"
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Power of HOPE
Hopeless
Have you ever felt hopeless? Has your situation ever looked hopeless? Raising two teenage boys right now sure has it's feelings of hopelessness. We have had some intense struggles recently. On Sunday, Boston invited me to play minature golf with him. He even paid for our game with tickets he had received for his birthday. We had a wonderful time together, laughing, sharing and just hanging out with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Later that evening though, he and I butted heads about bedtime. In his teenage-ness, he said, "You know, the entire time I was playing golf with you this afternoon, I FAKED IT! I hate being with you!"
My feelings were crushed! The pain in my emotions ran deep. I never expected that! I felt hopeless; at times, our situation feels hopeless. I am thankful I know that my "feelings" do not dictate the "facts." I know our situation isn't hopeless, I just "felt" that way.
Hopeful
As some of you may know, Jay received the knowledge of his Completion Date. Shortly, my husband will be returning home to continue on with this journey. Together, we will begin a new chapter, hopeful. Fears try to rise in me, but the Lord gently reminds me HE will not give me more than I can handle.
I remember plainly the day Jay first arrived at Teen Challenge. I was anything but hopeful. The past weeks had been packed full of drug and alcohol abuse, suicide attempts, broken promises, rage, hurt, despair, and heartbreak. We made the 3-hour drive to Colfax mostly in silence. I was emotionally exhausted, yet prepared to make final decisions about the outcome of our marriage once again. As we walked through the doors of the center, I participated on a tour of the facility, but I was anxious to leave. No contact for 2 weeks seemed the only hope I had.
Little did I know the full extent that God working. If we let Him, He does take our broken hopes and dream and turn them around for His glory. My favorite book of the bible is Isaiah and one of my favorite passages is Isaiah 61:4 where it talks about rebuilding the ancient ruins, restoring the places long devastated, and renewing the cities that have been devastated for generations. So much has taken place since the day we first walked into Teen Challenge. God has used my hopelessness and restored my hope. Praise the Lord!
Hope "IN"
The Lord has been challenging me recently to think about where my hope lies. About 3 weeks ago, I was driving down the street. Thoughts crossed my mind, "What if Jay doesn't finish Teen Challenge? "What if he returns to the old patterns?" I wasn't for sure where those thoughts came from, "Was it the enemy?" or "Was it my own fears?" Still to this day, I cannot be certain of the origin. BUT, I can say with clarity that the Lord used these thoughts to teach me. Where was my hope? What was I hoping "IN"?? Is my hope for the future wrapped up in the choices my husband makes, like whether or not he completes this program, or whether or not he returns to the old patterns, or is my hope IN the Lord?
I, then, heard that still, small voice, "I have plans for YOU, Jody Rhoden, plans to prosper YOU, plans to give YOU HOPE and a FUTURE!" I pondered that for a moment. NO WHERE in that promise does God say His plans for ME are contingent upon OTHERS choices. I had to make a decision that day, however difficult it seemed, that regardless of the choices my husband made, past, present, or future, I would continue on the path God had for ME. That thought is sobering, but true.
In the NIV version of the Bible alone, the words "hope in" are found 31 times. I will list a few:
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 119:74
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 147:11
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Whether you feel hopeless or hopeful right now, the question I pose to you today is...
"What is your Hope IN??"
Have you ever felt hopeless? Has your situation ever looked hopeless? Raising two teenage boys right now sure has it's feelings of hopelessness. We have had some intense struggles recently. On Sunday, Boston invited me to play minature golf with him. He even paid for our game with tickets he had received for his birthday. We had a wonderful time together, laughing, sharing and just hanging out with each other. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Later that evening though, he and I butted heads about bedtime. In his teenage-ness, he said, "You know, the entire time I was playing golf with you this afternoon, I FAKED IT! I hate being with you!"
My feelings were crushed! The pain in my emotions ran deep. I never expected that! I felt hopeless; at times, our situation feels hopeless. I am thankful I know that my "feelings" do not dictate the "facts." I know our situation isn't hopeless, I just "felt" that way.
Hopeful
As some of you may know, Jay received the knowledge of his Completion Date. Shortly, my husband will be returning home to continue on with this journey. Together, we will begin a new chapter, hopeful. Fears try to rise in me, but the Lord gently reminds me HE will not give me more than I can handle.
I remember plainly the day Jay first arrived at Teen Challenge. I was anything but hopeful. The past weeks had been packed full of drug and alcohol abuse, suicide attempts, broken promises, rage, hurt, despair, and heartbreak. We made the 3-hour drive to Colfax mostly in silence. I was emotionally exhausted, yet prepared to make final decisions about the outcome of our marriage once again. As we walked through the doors of the center, I participated on a tour of the facility, but I was anxious to leave. No contact for 2 weeks seemed the only hope I had.
Little did I know the full extent that God working. If we let Him, He does take our broken hopes and dream and turn them around for His glory. My favorite book of the bible is Isaiah and one of my favorite passages is Isaiah 61:4 where it talks about rebuilding the ancient ruins, restoring the places long devastated, and renewing the cities that have been devastated for generations. So much has taken place since the day we first walked into Teen Challenge. God has used my hopelessness and restored my hope. Praise the Lord!
Hope "IN"
The Lord has been challenging me recently to think about where my hope lies. About 3 weeks ago, I was driving down the street. Thoughts crossed my mind, "What if Jay doesn't finish Teen Challenge? "What if he returns to the old patterns?" I wasn't for sure where those thoughts came from, "Was it the enemy?" or "Was it my own fears?" Still to this day, I cannot be certain of the origin. BUT, I can say with clarity that the Lord used these thoughts to teach me. Where was my hope? What was I hoping "IN"?? Is my hope for the future wrapped up in the choices my husband makes, like whether or not he completes this program, or whether or not he returns to the old patterns, or is my hope IN the Lord?
I, then, heard that still, small voice, "I have plans for YOU, Jody Rhoden, plans to prosper YOU, plans to give YOU HOPE and a FUTURE!" I pondered that for a moment. NO WHERE in that promise does God say His plans for ME are contingent upon OTHERS choices. I had to make a decision that day, however difficult it seemed, that regardless of the choices my husband made, past, present, or future, I would continue on the path God had for ME. That thought is sobering, but true.
In the NIV version of the Bible alone, the words "hope in" are found 31 times. I will list a few:
Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 119:74
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 147:11
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Whether you feel hopeless or hopeful right now, the question I pose to you today is...
"What is your Hope IN??"
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
"Do I know you?"
Have you ever said "Hello" to an acquaintance, and after a few moments, to your dismay, you hear them say, "Do I know you?" You go on to share with them who you are, their relationship to you, and memories you've shared together.
As we've spent time in my grandmother's hospital room this week, she will wake up and see me there. She has intently looked deep into my eyes as my father will lean over her and ask if she recognizes me. I watch as she searches through her memories. I see her think to herself "Do I know you?" and honestly, it breaks my heart to see this precious woman struggle to remember. I hear my father say, "Mom, this is my little girl, this is Jody, do you remember her?" She shakes her head "no" as tears fill her eyes and trickle down her cheeks. I say "Grandma, do you remember me, I'm your granddaughter?" Again, she shakes her head, regrettably.
No recollection of the years we've shared together; no remembrance of the times we've had as family. Although I believe she wants to remember, it brings her sadness that she cannot. The tears flow as she moans with a deep sorrow that I can still hear when I close my eyes.
As we leave the hospital, the Lord shares His Word found in Matthew 7:21-23. He gently reminds me of tears He has shed over His creation that does not know Him. His Word says one day He will say to some people who call Him Lord, and even people who perform miracles in His name, "Depart from me, I do not know you."
I think about how my dad tries to help my grandmother remember me, and God reminds me of the simple truth that it's not who you know that knows Him that gets you into heaven, it's about your own personal relationship with Him. God doesn't have grandchildren. Just because my parents may know God, doesn't mean I'm a "shoe in".
Also, I think about the lost and dying world we live in, and how it must break God's heart to think about how many of His own Creation don't know Him. There are so many people existing without Christ, it is our responsibility as "Christians" (meaning "like Christ", or "little Christ's"), to share Jesus with our world.
When my husband was home this past weekend, we were walking down the street. A homeless man approached us and asked if we could spare $0.50 cents. I watched my husband dig deep into his pocket and give this man all the change he had. Then, I heard the homeless man say, "Do you know Jesus?" Without hesitation, I heard Jay reply, "Who do you think just gave you $0.50 cents?" In that brief moment, Jesus shined!
Do you KNOW HIM? I mean really KNOW Him? He longs to meet with you and talk. I pray that this week we ALL can spend a little more time feasting at His table, learning His voice, and trusting His plans. God Bless us each and every one!!
Matthew 7:23 (New International Version)
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
As we've spent time in my grandmother's hospital room this week, she will wake up and see me there. She has intently looked deep into my eyes as my father will lean over her and ask if she recognizes me. I watch as she searches through her memories. I see her think to herself "Do I know you?" and honestly, it breaks my heart to see this precious woman struggle to remember. I hear my father say, "Mom, this is my little girl, this is Jody, do you remember her?" She shakes her head "no" as tears fill her eyes and trickle down her cheeks. I say "Grandma, do you remember me, I'm your granddaughter?" Again, she shakes her head, regrettably.
No recollection of the years we've shared together; no remembrance of the times we've had as family. Although I believe she wants to remember, it brings her sadness that she cannot. The tears flow as she moans with a deep sorrow that I can still hear when I close my eyes.
As we leave the hospital, the Lord shares His Word found in Matthew 7:21-23. He gently reminds me of tears He has shed over His creation that does not know Him. His Word says one day He will say to some people who call Him Lord, and even people who perform miracles in His name, "Depart from me, I do not know you."
I think about how my dad tries to help my grandmother remember me, and God reminds me of the simple truth that it's not who you know that knows Him that gets you into heaven, it's about your own personal relationship with Him. God doesn't have grandchildren. Just because my parents may know God, doesn't mean I'm a "shoe in".
Also, I think about the lost and dying world we live in, and how it must break God's heart to think about how many of His own Creation don't know Him. There are so many people existing without Christ, it is our responsibility as "Christians" (meaning "like Christ", or "little Christ's"), to share Jesus with our world.
When my husband was home this past weekend, we were walking down the street. A homeless man approached us and asked if we could spare $0.50 cents. I watched my husband dig deep into his pocket and give this man all the change he had. Then, I heard the homeless man say, "Do you know Jesus?" Without hesitation, I heard Jay reply, "Who do you think just gave you $0.50 cents?" In that brief moment, Jesus shined!
Do you KNOW HIM? I mean really KNOW Him? He longs to meet with you and talk. I pray that this week we ALL can spend a little more time feasting at His table, learning His voice, and trusting His plans. God Bless us each and every one!!
Matthew 7:23 (New International Version)
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Stones
In my life, I've come up against numerous obstacles, ugly giants, and incredible odds. I've had bridges to walk across, difficult paths to take, and dead end roads to endure. I've been involved in situations that I had to bear down and press on more times than I care to count. Along these paths, with God's help, I've learned lessons, discovered truths, and overcome. These paths, these journeys, these stories, I'd like to call "stones".
Throughout my life, I've been challenged to look at each of these stones with 2 options. The choice of which perspective to look at is ultimately up to me. When situations arise, I can look at them as a stepping stones or tombstones. "Will I learn from this situation?" (stepping stone) "Will I allow God to use this situation in my life to help other people?" (stepping stone) "If, after coming up against this stone, will I give up?" (tombstone) "Will I become bitter for having to walk this path?" (tombstone)
I'd like to share here that I've never stood on, rolled in, or thrown a pity-party because of a tombstone, but I can't. Unfortunately, there have been times I've given up, times I've become bitter and times I've regrettably hurt people. The cool thing about God is that He "makes all things new". 2 Corinthains 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! That brings me hope! God can use my tombstone experiences for His glory.
If we share our experiences; if we live out loud; if we not only "talk the talk, but walk the walk" others can learn from our experiences. I'm challenged by the words found in Joshua 4:21 (NLT) "Then Joshua said to the Israelites, "In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?" And with great certainty, we can share in our circle of influence exactly what the Lord has helped us walk through. With the Word of God as our foundation, we will be Godly examples of overcomers that our world is in desperate need of!
Throughout my life, I've been challenged to look at each of these stones with 2 options. The choice of which perspective to look at is ultimately up to me. When situations arise, I can look at them as a stepping stones or tombstones. "Will I learn from this situation?" (stepping stone) "Will I allow God to use this situation in my life to help other people?" (stepping stone) "If, after coming up against this stone, will I give up?" (tombstone) "Will I become bitter for having to walk this path?" (tombstone)
I'd like to share here that I've never stood on, rolled in, or thrown a pity-party because of a tombstone, but I can't. Unfortunately, there have been times I've given up, times I've become bitter and times I've regrettably hurt people. The cool thing about God is that He "makes all things new". 2 Corinthains 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! That brings me hope! God can use my tombstone experiences for His glory.
If we share our experiences; if we live out loud; if we not only "talk the talk, but walk the walk" others can learn from our experiences. I'm challenged by the words found in Joshua 4:21 (NLT) "Then Joshua said to the Israelites, "In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?" And with great certainty, we can share in our circle of influence exactly what the Lord has helped us walk through. With the Word of God as our foundation, we will be Godly examples of overcomers that our world is in desperate need of!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The WEIGHT of the WAIT
Sometimes, the road we're on brings unforeseen bumps and sensitive bruises. I know, all too well, how patience gets weary, how the light at the end of the tunnel often looks like a train instead of the light at the end, and the urge to sub come to the thought of giving up almost looks bearable. I want to encourage us with truths from God's Word:
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I titled this post the "weight" of the "wait". What weight are you carrying?? First of all, ANY weight we carry around is excess. Jesus says His burden is light. If I'm heavy with burden, obviously, I'm carrying weight needlessly.
But, even knowing this, the weight of the wait still attempts to overtake me. I've had expectations fail, trials arrive, hopes explode, promises break, and my bubble busted more than once. I've longed for change for so long, that when change finally does occur, sometimes I have become so discouraged, I miss it.
Throughout my life, I've found myself waiting numerous times: waiting on the bathroom to open up; waiting for the stoplight to change; waiting for the person on the other end of the phone line to answer; waiting for an expected email to arrive; waiting ..... waiting ..... waiting ...... waiting for the next visit with my husband; waiting for the test results; waiting for the other shoe to drop; waiting for healing; waiting for my husband to come home; waiting .... waiting .... waiting .....
Is the wait bearable?? Can I stand up under it?? NO WAY - not in my own strength. God's Word says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." I desperately need the Lord's strength. I need the Lord to help me wait. I need the Lord to carry my weight through the wait.
What are you waiting for?? The miracle you have been waiting for could be just around the next corner. Don't give up!! With God's help, the weight of the wait is do-able; and it's worth it!!
Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I titled this post the "weight" of the "wait". What weight are you carrying?? First of all, ANY weight we carry around is excess. Jesus says His burden is light. If I'm heavy with burden, obviously, I'm carrying weight needlessly.
But, even knowing this, the weight of the wait still attempts to overtake me. I've had expectations fail, trials arrive, hopes explode, promises break, and my bubble busted more than once. I've longed for change for so long, that when change finally does occur, sometimes I have become so discouraged, I miss it.
Throughout my life, I've found myself waiting numerous times: waiting on the bathroom to open up; waiting for the stoplight to change; waiting for the person on the other end of the phone line to answer; waiting for an expected email to arrive; waiting ..... waiting ..... waiting ...... waiting for the next visit with my husband; waiting for the test results; waiting for the other shoe to drop; waiting for healing; waiting for my husband to come home; waiting .... waiting .... waiting .....
Is the wait bearable?? Can I stand up under it?? NO WAY - not in my own strength. God's Word says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." I desperately need the Lord's strength. I need the Lord to help me wait. I need the Lord to carry my weight through the wait.
What are you waiting for?? The miracle you have been waiting for could be just around the next corner. Don't give up!! With God's help, the weight of the wait is do-able; and it's worth it!!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Mother's Day
Mother's Day brings a mixture of emotions for me. Over the course of my life on this earth, I've experienced an array of emotions in the 14 Mother's Days I have had the honor of celebrating. As a single mother for many years, with gifts being my primary love language, I have had to come up with inquisitive ways for my boys to "help me out" with Mother's Day Celebrations. In their younger years, I'd give them construction paper and crayons and "hint" for them to make me a card; I've even gone so far as to give them extra allowance and "greatly encourage" them to spend it on me.
Nonetheless, Mother's Days seem to be an emotional time. Is it because I have such high hopes and this day doesn't meet my expectations, or could it be because I don't see myself as being important enough to honor for even one day, or is it because the world really doesn't seem to acknowledge the intense sacrifice Mother's make for their families? Whatever the reason, my past Mother's Days have been low times.
It is during times like these, times that I feel down-trodden or less than worthy, that the Lord reaches down, takes a hold of my heart, and reminds me of truths like "I am his daughter", "I am deeply loved and completely accepted to the Creator of the universe!", "I have been bought with a price", "I am His princess", "I am royalty!"
This Mother's Day, regardless of how it turns out, I am making a conscious decision to believe the truth from scripture, about me as a daughter, about me as a mother, about me as a wife and about me as a woman. I am listing references below to the Proverbs 31 woman. Being a Wife is a noble task, as well as an honor! Standing beside our husbands, raising our children, and doing our part, IS making a difference.
So, on this Mother's Day, if you're a woman, wife, mother, or daughter, my encouragement is to celebrate the gift God made when He made YOU!! You are worth celebrating!! And if you're not one of the above, I'm sure you could send a "Happy Mother's Day" to someone that is.
Excerpts from Proverbs 31 (NIV)
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Nonetheless, Mother's Days seem to be an emotional time. Is it because I have such high hopes and this day doesn't meet my expectations, or could it be because I don't see myself as being important enough to honor for even one day, or is it because the world really doesn't seem to acknowledge the intense sacrifice Mother's make for their families? Whatever the reason, my past Mother's Days have been low times.
It is during times like these, times that I feel down-trodden or less than worthy, that the Lord reaches down, takes a hold of my heart, and reminds me of truths like "I am his daughter", "I am deeply loved and completely accepted to the Creator of the universe!", "I have been bought with a price", "I am His princess", "I am royalty!"
This Mother's Day, regardless of how it turns out, I am making a conscious decision to believe the truth from scripture, about me as a daughter, about me as a mother, about me as a wife and about me as a woman. I am listing references below to the Proverbs 31 woman. Being a Wife is a noble task, as well as an honor! Standing beside our husbands, raising our children, and doing our part, IS making a difference.
So, on this Mother's Day, if you're a woman, wife, mother, or daughter, my encouragement is to celebrate the gift God made when He made YOU!! You are worth celebrating!! And if you're not one of the above, I'm sure you could send a "Happy Mother's Day" to someone that is.
Excerpts from Proverbs 31 (NIV)
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
15 Minutes
Philippians 4:4-8 (The Message)
4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
6-7 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
____________________________________________________
I've been challenged recently to live out loud! Definition meaning: share not only the good, the pretty, the pleasant, but sometimes, share the ugly. In this manner, others will see that it is the "I AM" that brings about change.
With that being said, I'm feeling down today. A a wife of a TC Student, learning to keep conversations to 15-minutes has been a struggle. Well, honestly, keeping any conversation to 15-minutes has ALWAYS been a struggle for me! Nonetheless, this season has been no exception.
I've made mental lists of what to talk about in advance, and then, when the call comes in, I forget everything I wanted to share. We've enjoyed conversations together where all we've done is laugh as we've shared about our week. We've also had our share of hang-ups whereas one of us will choose to end the call sooner than our 15 minute time slot.
For me personally, last night's 15-minute call was one of those. Sparring all the "gory" details, I woke this morning burdened. I felt my shoulders slump as I stepped out of bed. I felt the dried tears crusted in the corners of my eyes. I felt a longing for just one more 15-minute call. It was at that time that I popped in a CD I received from Larry Low.
In this teaching, he shared the above referenced scripture from Philippians 4. As the Lord massaged His Word into the wounded places of my heart I heard that sweet, still small voice reassure me, "Be still and KNOW that I AM God!!" It was during that ironic 15-minute teaching that I gave my burden to the Lord. The burden lifted. I then poured out my brokenness, insecurity, and loneness, and the Lord took those as well. In their places, I received acceptance, peace and security.
Soon after that, my phone rang and I received a quick 2-minute call which consisted of "I'm sorry", no "I'm sorry", no "I'm sorry" and the cycle TRIED to repeat itself yet again. This time we both recognized it and quickly agreed to the others apology, said our "I love you's" and said "good-bye".
Looking back, I wouldn't trade either of these 15-minute experiences. It took the second 15-minutes to remind me of just how much the Lord loves his kids. I seemed to have forgotten that after the first 15-minutes. And the bottom line truth is that to the Lord, time means nothing. If I would have asked Him immediately, He would have spoken this truth to me IN A MINUTE.
So, no matter what you might be going through, know that HE is GOD! He's asking for a minute of your time, what will you offer Him today??
4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
6-7 Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
____________________________________________________
I've been challenged recently to live out loud! Definition meaning: share not only the good, the pretty, the pleasant, but sometimes, share the ugly. In this manner, others will see that it is the "I AM" that brings about change.
With that being said, I'm feeling down today. A a wife of a TC Student, learning to keep conversations to 15-minutes has been a struggle. Well, honestly, keeping any conversation to 15-minutes has ALWAYS been a struggle for me! Nonetheless, this season has been no exception.
I've made mental lists of what to talk about in advance, and then, when the call comes in, I forget everything I wanted to share. We've enjoyed conversations together where all we've done is laugh as we've shared about our week. We've also had our share of hang-ups whereas one of us will choose to end the call sooner than our 15 minute time slot.
For me personally, last night's 15-minute call was one of those. Sparring all the "gory" details, I woke this morning burdened. I felt my shoulders slump as I stepped out of bed. I felt the dried tears crusted in the corners of my eyes. I felt a longing for just one more 15-minute call. It was at that time that I popped in a CD I received from Larry Low.
In this teaching, he shared the above referenced scripture from Philippians 4. As the Lord massaged His Word into the wounded places of my heart I heard that sweet, still small voice reassure me, "Be still and KNOW that I AM God!!" It was during that ironic 15-minute teaching that I gave my burden to the Lord. The burden lifted. I then poured out my brokenness, insecurity, and loneness, and the Lord took those as well. In their places, I received acceptance, peace and security.
Soon after that, my phone rang and I received a quick 2-minute call which consisted of "I'm sorry", no "I'm sorry", no "I'm sorry" and the cycle TRIED to repeat itself yet again. This time we both recognized it and quickly agreed to the others apology, said our "I love you's" and said "good-bye".
Looking back, I wouldn't trade either of these 15-minute experiences. It took the second 15-minutes to remind me of just how much the Lord loves his kids. I seemed to have forgotten that after the first 15-minutes. And the bottom line truth is that to the Lord, time means nothing. If I would have asked Him immediately, He would have spoken this truth to me IN A MINUTE.
So, no matter what you might be going through, know that HE is GOD! He's asking for a minute of your time, what will you offer Him today??
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Undercover
I first heard the term "undercover" from John Bevere's book of the same title. John shares that we are to walk in submission to our spiritual authority(s) and about the blessings that come along with that submission. I've tried to be a person that walks under authority in most areas of my life; with the Lord, with my parents, with my boss, with the law, etc. But, as a wife in a "former" dysfunctional marriage, I had never really learned to be submissive to my husband. Recently, I've asked God for wisdom on this, and He has begun teaching me about spiritual authority, or submission, to my husband.
I am reminded back to when we first began the journey at Teen Challenge. I remember the feeling I felt just driving up the drive in Colfax. I felt safe; I felt love; I felt freedom! I knew that Teen Challenge was under God's authority and was bathed in prayers. I trusted in the fact that praying saints, many whom I have never met, were praying for my husband, for my family, and for me. I knew that my husband was standing under God's authority, as well as the authority of Teen Challenge. I felt the Lord's covering and I basked under it.
Now that we've moved on to Omaha, the feeling of being undercover I experience is very different, but much the same. The covering I now realize is not only the covering of prayers, not only the covering of Teen Challenge staff and leadership team, but the covering of my husband and his prayers!
As I was driving back home after one of our recent visits, God reminded me just how different things really were. I remember one of my first few Wives Weekends. The Wives were talking about fears we were facing of not being about to trust our husbands. I remember saying out loud, "I'm not able to trust my husband right now, but I trust in the God that lives in my husband." That is a true statement, and it's ok to feel that way. Now, after a few more months of growing through this, I'd like to add to that statement, "It is the God that lives in my husband, that is walking me through the healing process of learning to trust again!"
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (The Message) Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.
I am reminded back to when we first began the journey at Teen Challenge. I remember the feeling I felt just driving up the drive in Colfax. I felt safe; I felt love; I felt freedom! I knew that Teen Challenge was under God's authority and was bathed in prayers. I trusted in the fact that praying saints, many whom I have never met, were praying for my husband, for my family, and for me. I knew that my husband was standing under God's authority, as well as the authority of Teen Challenge. I felt the Lord's covering and I basked under it.
Now that we've moved on to Omaha, the feeling of being undercover I experience is very different, but much the same. The covering I now realize is not only the covering of prayers, not only the covering of Teen Challenge staff and leadership team, but the covering of my husband and his prayers!
As I was driving back home after one of our recent visits, God reminded me just how different things really were. I remember one of my first few Wives Weekends. The Wives were talking about fears we were facing of not being about to trust our husbands. I remember saying out loud, "I'm not able to trust my husband right now, but I trust in the God that lives in my husband." That is a true statement, and it's ok to feel that way. Now, after a few more months of growing through this, I'd like to add to that statement, "It is the God that lives in my husband, that is walking me through the healing process of learning to trust again!"
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:16-20 (The Message) Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
"Same Team"
When our son Christopher was 4-years old he played his first team sport, soccer. If you have never watched soccer at this age, you should know that all the players race towards the ball, regardless of which team they're on, or their position on the field. The idea of teamwork has not yet been grasped. Numerous times throughout the course of the game, the coaches would yell out, "Same team, same team!"
Many times during conversations with my husband, I am reminded of the "same team" principle. There have been instances that my husband will verbally say, "I am not the enemy". It is during these times, I am gently reminded of the Biblical truth that states that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spirtual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).
It is my earnest desire to encourage us to think about this principle the next time we're involved in a diverse conversation with our spouse, our kids, or any other Christian for that matter. We are all on the same team, let's play that way and be good to each other!
Many times during conversations with my husband, I am reminded of the "same team" principle. There have been instances that my husband will verbally say, "I am not the enemy". It is during these times, I am gently reminded of the Biblical truth that states that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spirtual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).
It is my earnest desire to encourage us to think about this principle the next time we're involved in a diverse conversation with our spouse, our kids, or any other Christian for that matter. We are all on the same team, let's play that way and be good to each other!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Brokenness
A few days ago, our son Boston was playing basketball with his brother, Christopher. In the heat of the game, he bumped his finger into Christopher's knee. At first we just thought it was jammed, but after seeing a doctor, who referred us to an orthipedic doctor, we were informed his finger was broken. While we were waiting at the doctor's office this morning, the Lord began to show me pictures about our son's broken finger versus our Christian walk.
First, at one time or another, we all have had broken pieces in our lives; broken relationships, broken trust, broken hearts, broken spirits.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Second, sometimes we need to seek assistance from someone who knows how to help us put our brokenness back together.
Psalm 34:20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken.
Third, sometimes we need to be bound together with others for support through our brokenness. (In Boston's case, his broken finger needed to be taped to another finger, to provide the needed support.) In my life, I've been blessed to have friends come around me and hold me up during my broken times.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
And last, through Jesus Christ, we are all anointed to preach good news, and to bind up the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners
May we all find refuge in His arms today, strength in His Word and safety by His side! God bless us each and every one!
First, at one time or another, we all have had broken pieces in our lives; broken relationships, broken trust, broken hearts, broken spirits.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Second, sometimes we need to seek assistance from someone who knows how to help us put our brokenness back together.
Psalm 34:20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken.
Third, sometimes we need to be bound together with others for support through our brokenness. (In Boston's case, his broken finger needed to be taped to another finger, to provide the needed support.) In my life, I've been blessed to have friends come around me and hold me up during my broken times.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
And last, through Jesus Christ, we are all anointed to preach good news, and to bind up the brokenhearted.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners
May we all find refuge in His arms today, strength in His Word and safety by His side! God bless us each and every one!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
armed AND dangerous
Recently, I sat under teaching on Ephesians 6:13-15 and the following sentence from the Pastor's sermon struck me, "The enemy wants us to be armed, but not be dangerous!" I have been pondering that thought since I heard it. "The enemy wants...(do I care what the enemy wants)...armed, but not dangerous (is there such a thing)??"
I've really dissected that thought and now would agree that just being armed is NOT enough. Being armed isn't even a threat to the enemy, heck, the enemy knows first hand the weapons available to us. Much like wearing camoflauge doesn't instantly make us soilders, or wearing scrubs doesn't automatically make us nurses, it is the action behind what we put on. It's when the rubber meets the road, it's when we APPLY the armor AND we FIGHT the good fight!!
Today, it is my encouragement that first, we make a decision to get dressed in the armor if we haven't yet, and second, we DETERMINE to TAKE ACTION!! PRAYER is ACTION!! STANDING FIRM is ACTION! God's Word is our indespensible weapon!
Ephesians 6:13-15 (New International Version)
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:13-15 (The Message)
13-18 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
I've really dissected that thought and now would agree that just being armed is NOT enough. Being armed isn't even a threat to the enemy, heck, the enemy knows first hand the weapons available to us. Much like wearing camoflauge doesn't instantly make us soilders, or wearing scrubs doesn't automatically make us nurses, it is the action behind what we put on. It's when the rubber meets the road, it's when we APPLY the armor AND we FIGHT the good fight!!
Today, it is my encouragement that first, we make a decision to get dressed in the armor if we haven't yet, and second, we DETERMINE to TAKE ACTION!! PRAYER is ACTION!! STANDING FIRM is ACTION! God's Word is our indespensible weapon!
Ephesians 6:13-15 (New International Version)
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:13-15 (The Message)
13-18 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Well....I've FINALLY updated!
I am posting quite a few posts today. I hope you enjoy them. A good friend challenged me to post some recent devotions I have written, so they follow, and will continue in the weeks to come. Through her gentle reminder, I am challenged to "let my light shine before men", therefore, I declare, I will not hide my light under a bushel, I will let it breakforth like the dawn!
What are your wages??
The scripture I want to share today is found in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As the boys and I were doing our devotions this morning, we read out of Joyce Meyer's "Battlefield of the Mind for Teens" book. This morning's chapter was entitled: "I'm not a very good person, so I don't deserve God's blessings." The above scripture verse was woven throughout the chapter in the most interesting way.
During our devotions, the boys and I talked about wages. What are wages? Some answers we discussed were, "something you earn", "something that is yours as a payment for your work". How would you describe wages?
Now apply your description to the scripture verse, "For the WAGES of sin is death". Again, going back to the discussion with my boys contributed the following thoughts: "We've earned death". "Our sin has earned us deathly wages." This is true, BUT, THANK GOD that the verse doesn't end there.
"But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Free is free!! The boys and I then discussed this thought. Think about being someplace where they are giving something away. Let's say you were in a group of about 100 people. They had 5 paintball guns to give away and they asked who in the crowd would like a free gun. How would you respond?? Would you sit quietly and silently hope they picked you. Heck no!! You would jump up and down with your hand in the air and yell, "Pick me, Pick me!" I want it, it's free!!
God wants to bless us! Sure, we don't deserve this, but the beauty in God's forgiveness is that it allows us to respond with, "I know I don't deserve Your blessings Lord, but I ACCEPT them anyway!" If blessings could be earned, they wouldn't be blessings!
As the boys and I were doing our devotions this morning, we read out of Joyce Meyer's "Battlefield of the Mind for Teens" book. This morning's chapter was entitled: "I'm not a very good person, so I don't deserve God's blessings." The above scripture verse was woven throughout the chapter in the most interesting way.
During our devotions, the boys and I talked about wages. What are wages? Some answers we discussed were, "something you earn", "something that is yours as a payment for your work". How would you describe wages?
Now apply your description to the scripture verse, "For the WAGES of sin is death". Again, going back to the discussion with my boys contributed the following thoughts: "We've earned death". "Our sin has earned us deathly wages." This is true, BUT, THANK GOD that the verse doesn't end there.
"But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Free is free!! The boys and I then discussed this thought. Think about being someplace where they are giving something away. Let's say you were in a group of about 100 people. They had 5 paintball guns to give away and they asked who in the crowd would like a free gun. How would you respond?? Would you sit quietly and silently hope they picked you. Heck no!! You would jump up and down with your hand in the air and yell, "Pick me, Pick me!" I want it, it's free!!
God wants to bless us! Sure, we don't deserve this, but the beauty in God's forgiveness is that it allows us to respond with, "I know I don't deserve Your blessings Lord, but I ACCEPT them anyway!" If blessings could be earned, they wouldn't be blessings!
Spring cleaning
Spring time is a time when I typically get into "spring cleaning". I get eager wanting to get our home ready for a different season. I'm ready for change; warmer weather; different clothing; out with the old and in with the new! It is during this time that I am gently reminded to allow GOD to do some spring cleaning in my own life. There are areas in all of us that need a little dusting off and a little cleaning out. Please agree with me that this year, we would allow the Lord to work in us and through us, to burn away chaff and direct our steps.
This morning I was reflecting on a teaching I recently heard. The Pastor spoke about his son and how his hair was extremely kinky. The son desperately wanted his hair straightened. So, the father sat the son down in a chair, rubbed this 'crème' on his head, and told the boy to wait. After a while, the father noticed beads of sweat upon his son's brow. The son asked, "Dad, is this suppose to burn?". The father smiled and said, "Son, the longer you stay in the process, the straighter you will be!"
Oh, the process!! Sometimes, the process is painful. Sometimes, the process is hot. BUT, what I do know is, as long as the process is ordained by the Lord, it's worth it!
This morning I was reflecting on a teaching I recently heard. The Pastor spoke about his son and how his hair was extremely kinky. The son desperately wanted his hair straightened. So, the father sat the son down in a chair, rubbed this 'crème' on his head, and told the boy to wait. After a while, the father noticed beads of sweat upon his son's brow. The son asked, "Dad, is this suppose to burn?". The father smiled and said, "Son, the longer you stay in the process, the straighter you will be!"
Oh, the process!! Sometimes, the process is painful. Sometimes, the process is hot. BUT, what I do know is, as long as the process is ordained by the Lord, it's worth it!
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