I have something precious to give

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.~Acts 3:6-7

There is a lot of suffering among us. People who are dealing with tragedies of natural disasters, sickness and disease, death, depression, addiction, divorce, and stress.  The list of afflictions that one can experience is long and I did not name them.  It can be easy to focus on the plights and struggles and get caught in despair, but we must remember that there is something greater that supersedes all of the pain. The love and sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I don't have a lot of material resources that I can give to others.  I don’t have a magic wand or time machine that can erase all of their struggles, but I do know Jesus.  I can give to those who are suffering something that will never fade, rot or be destroyed.  I can share the gospel message. Jesus loves us so much that He died for you and me. ( John 3:16 & Romans 5:6-11) He died and He arose.  He lives and because He lives we can face anything. 

 I can speak life and not death into their lives through the power of Jesus Christ (Proverbs 18:21).  I can share with them my faith in Jesus and trust that what He will multiply what I do give. I can be an listening ear and encourager ( Thessalonians 4:18).  

I don't have silver or gold, but I do have a word.  God will never leave you, not will He forsake you(Deuteronomy 31:6). I know it's hard right now, but keep trusting Him.  Take one step at a time.  He is working this out for your good (Romans 8.28).  He will turn your tragedies into triumphs.  Whatever the enemy is trying to steal and kill, God can restore and so much more ( Job 42:10,12).

Father help us not forget the real treasure that we have, You.  May we freely and joyfully share it with others. In Jesus name. Amen

He meets every need

Philippians 4:12, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (NIV)

Today I woke up feeling ashamed and concerned about my finances.  The Lord has blessed me with a good job, yet medical bills and life issues keep debt in my backyard.  It is unsettling, but His word rises:  The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want( Psalm 23:1).  I tell myself that it won't always be this way and my husband lovingly reminds me that God will provide.

I begin to pray and as always He answers.  God knows my heart and He knew I needed a word of confirmation.  He supplied it in one of the devotionals I read.  Amazingly the topic was “When You Feel Like You are Barely Making It!”   (He amazes me every time.)

The scripture verse was  Exodus 16:4a,  “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.’” . We may feel like we are barely making it, but the truth is  that each day God gives us the bread we need, both spiritually and physically.

My task is to move beyond the recognition of the different circumstances that I find myself into truly learning how to rest and be content.  I must continually operate in His truth. The secret is learning to trust in His provision.  So much so that it becomes a habit and part of our character.  When that happens I see life from a greater perspective and I can walk by faith.

Father I thank you for knowing my needs and providing for every single one.  Help me to discern needs from wants. My heart is glad and grateful for your mercy, peace, and love.  You bless me abundantly and I love You.  In Jesus name. Amen

I will not be afraid

Psalm 118:6, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (NIV)

I love to teach and to see the light bulbs turn on in the minds of learners.  I also loved the predictable nature of the profession.  There are curriculum pacing guides, schedules, routines, procedures, clear expectations, and lesson plans.  Of course, the days are always full of teachable moments and one has to monitor and adjust, but the vision is clear.

So stepping out of the classroom was a real adventure for me. God opened up a door for me last year to expand my teaching beyond one classroom.  It has been a blessing and a exercise in faith.  Everyday is something different, gone are the routines and schedules.  I don't know whom I'm going to be serving from day to day.  The guidelines, procedures, and expectations that I had become so used to are often fluid.  I can no longer just close my door and focus on the learners before me. I have  deal with a diverse and complex set of personalities.  There is uncertainty and there is no fixed point of focus.  Or is there?

The scripture above brought such peace to my soul this morning.  I love my job, but it can be unsettling at times.  The comfort of the known is missing, but there is a truth that I can fix my heart and mind on.  God is with me!  

He is with me as I enter every school building.  He is with me in every conversation.  He is with me as I flow with the twist and turns of the trends of education.  He is with me when I feel alone  and He is with me when I am surrounded by friends.  He is with me and therefore I do not have to be afraid.  I can look at each day as an adventure with Him.  I can trust that regardless of the outcome I will be okay because He is with me.  Man  and their opinions and attitudes about me can’t harm me for He is with me.

Father thank You for being with me.  When things get shaky and dark help me to turn on the light of truth and keep my eyes on You.  In Jesus name. Amen.

Do we really know who He is?

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”~Matthew 8:26-37

Mathew 8:23-27 describes a scene that I believe is common to many of us. Jesus gets in the boat to go to the other side and the disciples follow.  They get into the boat with Him.  A storm pops up out of the blue and they become afraid.  They wake Jesus up, notice He was sleeping, and tell them that they are drowning.  Jesus simply speaks to the storm and it obeys.  The winds and the sea are calmed by His command.  The disciples are scratching their heads and asking themselves, “Who is this man?”  Wow!  No wonder Jesus points out their lack of faith.

It would be easy to point fingers at the disciples and marvel at how why they would get so afraid if they knew Jesus was in the boat.  It would be easy to judge them for their lack of faith and disbelief for not truly knowing who Jesus was and the authority He has over all creation.  However, those same fingers would be pointing at ourselves.  I know they are pointing directly at me.  

Think about it?  How many times have we allowed fear to overrule our emotions and stress to wind us up into a state of panic?  How have we responded to those unexpected storms?  Have we operated in faith and exercised the power that He has given us? Do we realize that Jesus is in our boat and that we have nothing to fear?  Do we realize that He will get us safely to our destination? Do we go to Jesus believing that He can calm the storms?  Do we really understand that there is absolutely nothing to hard for God?  Do we know Him for ourselves even after seeing evidence of Him over and over again?

For me the answer is not consistently yes.  Too often I let fear rule.  I get frantic because I am trying to fix things or find the solution to problems.  Too often I feel the rock in my boat from the storms of life and I cry out, don’t You care Jesus!  But I must follow His example and rest, rest in the knowledge of who controls every storm and situation.  I must stay in the boat and trust Him to get me to my destination.  I must really know Him and believe in Him.  I must operate in faith so that in His name I too can speak to the storms.

Father I thank You for your word and your power.  Life gets rocky sometimes and the winds howl, but increase my faith and understanding of You.  Let me not fear but trust and believe in You.  Speak to my storms Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen

Jars of Clay

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ~2 Corinthians 4-9

We have a great power and truth that resides in us, the person and Spirit of Jesus Christ. But this treasure is housed in a fragile body. It is encompassed in our humanity. A humanity that is easily bruised and cracked by the daily tragedies and consequences of life. We have fragile hearts that have been wounded by others and sometimes by ourselves. There are so many things that occur daily that our outside of our control and the jar gets tussled. It rocks unsteadily and we pray, holding our breathes, hoping that it doesn't fall of the shelf.

Here's the thing though. The reality of our fragile state is real, but our suffering can cause us to not focus so much on what "houses" the treasure, but rather on the treasure itself. When we shift our focus from the pain and weariness of being in a fragile state we can recognize and begin to see the Great Comforter that lives within. The treasure, our relationship with Him, steadied us. We feel His presence as we go through the fire to remove the dross on the earthen jars. We feel Him with us as He feels in the cracks and makes us new. We see the hope of one day have a body that won't rust and decay.

So the pain and pressure of being caught between rocks hard places becomes more bearable as we cling to the truth that yes this hurts, but I am not going to be crushed and defeated. The confusion of why is the happening is balanced by the truth that our trust in our treasure ( Christ) will keep despair at bay because we know He is interceding on our behalf. The arrows of persecution from the enemy that wants to accuse us will not prosper. The isolation from being misunderstood by our friends and loved ones will be offset because we stand on the truth that He will never leaves us. We may feel like it's all too much and the world may look dark, but our Redeemer lives. We will not be destroyed because our treasure has already conquered death.

I do not want dismiss anyone's pain. Suffering is real and the pain is too. When I was going through a Job experience it was hard to believe that it would ever get better. He believed for me. His grace kept me. I was not as mature as I am now, but He has given me a perspective on my suffering. It was to increase my faith and to be able to witness and identify with others. It was for His glory. His glory gives is not God being getting self adulation. His glory opens us up to receive the best, God Himself. It is His light, live, and righteousness shining upon us.  For His glory I will do anything.

Praying for us all. Be blessed.

When the Thorn Pricks

Yesterday was a rough day for me.  I didn't feel well, I was agitated by traffic as I tried to get to work, and I let the uncertainty on my job get to me.  I was stressed and couldn't find my footing.  I was telling myself to walk in faith and yet I was still feeling the disturbance of the days events.  I desired His peace.

I didn't like that my reactions were not matching with what I knew to be truth:  The Lord is my Shepherd ( Psalm 23:1).  He is going to provide what I need and the junk of this day is temporary.  It was so ironic that I had to deal with the thorn in my side that I had just written about that morning. 

I especially didn't like that I wasn't being a good example to the very people I try be a witness to.  I later apologized for my reaction to the stress and for not setting a good example.  I also told them that even in this His grace is sufficient. 

Why did I do that? I felt like I had a responsibility to God and to them.  Walking the "talk" is real for me.  I wanted them to know that my actions did not match up with His word, but God is still present and vital.  I didn't want to excuse my disobedience.  I had a choice yesterday and I chose my flesh and I chose to give into fears instead of turning it over to God.  

Some may say that it doesn't "take all of that".  That I didn't need to reach out to others.  It  may appear to be over the top, but I was led by the Spirit to be obedient to what He required of me. For to whom much is given  much is required (Luke 12:48). I am accountable to God for my actions and I am also my “brothers” keeper.  My desire is to not be a stumbling block, but rather a stepping stone that leads them closer to Christ. 

So yes, the thorn pricked me yesterday, but I am forgiven and saved by grace.  He has given me a new day.  I can leave yesterday and it's cares behind.  I walk in grace.  I am justified by my faith and not my works. My works will improve because of the faith and grace He gives me to do them.  


****PS  Today was a great day!  He will do it!

Dealing With Thorns

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.~2 Corinthians 12:9

So often when I read or recite this verse I think of sickness in the body.  As someone who deals with a chronic illness, it has always brought me comfort to know that God provides me with what I need to endure and overcome.  It has given me hope to witness the things that He does through me when I am at my weakest.  It keeps me humbled and honest as I realize and confirm that He is the source of my strength.

However, there is more to be gained and understood from this declaration given to Paul by God.  In verse 7( 2 Corinthians 12:7) Paul talks about the thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment him.  Paul explains that he was given this thorn to keep him from being conceited.  He pleads with God to remove it in verse 8( 2 Corinthians 12:8), but the Lord tells Him that His grace is sufficient."

What could the thorn be? The thorn could be outward sufferings as described in verse 10: hardships, insults, persecution, and difficulties. Or they may be  inward as we battle with sin and the desires of the flesh.

I believe it is often easier to look to God and seek His face when the thorn is coming from the outside because we can cast blame elsewhere.  We have more confidence to approach the throne of grace.  We can be more assured that He will provide us with what we need to get through.  But today as I deal with some inward battles, I realized just how much I need the truth of His word. His grace is sufficient for me.  

Sometimes we suffer from the burden of sin because we believe the lie of the enemy.  We walk as though we are condemned and no longer worthy because we are not perfect.  We must realize that Satan is trying to use our pride to blind us from the truth.  Yes, we have no reason to boast in ourselves.  That is a fact, but we have reason to boast God and His Son, our Lord and Savior.  We don't have to suffer in silence.  We don't have to be without hope because we. An go to God. I can go with confidence to His throne and ask for mercy ( Hebrews 4:16).  I can confess my sin and He will forgive me (1 John 1:9). There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus ( Romans 8:1-4).

Satan may send messages of condemnation all day long.  E may point out all the things that I didn't get right, but it's okay because the truth is that I am covered by the blood of Jesus. His grace has been extended to me. His power rests on me and the enemy is defeated.

Whatever the thorn we may deal with,  the truth remains that 

we can endure and overcome because of Christ.  He is our hope.  He is our strength and power.  His grace is sufficient.  May we rest in this truth. Father help us to be okay with our weaknesses knowing that your power will be manifested.  Let us trust You to get us safely over.  In Jesus name. Amen

How Marvelous Are Thy Works!

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count. ~Psalm 40:5

Yesterday, as I watched the eclipse, I stood in awe and amazement at the work of the Lord.  The beauty of  His hands as He quieted the earth and caused us all to be still if just for a moment.  I cried with joy as I stared into the sky and I witnessed the beauty of it all.  I celebrated the moment and ushered up praises to God.  I was so grateful to see His power and design manifested for all to see.  I was grateful that humanity came together for a brief moment bridge by the display of His marvelous works.  It was a once in a lifetime experience, but was it?

Each day we have the opportunity to worship the Lord in the beauty of His majesty and holiness. Each day we have the choice to bridge the divides of humanity with God's love and amazing grace.   Every day we can celebrate God in His holiness and pause to breathe in His sweet and refreshing aroma..  Each day, as  we seek His kingdom first, we can be aware of His splendor in the small things we encounter every day  in our homes, in our jobs and in the by ways as we go to and fro.  Each day we are eclipsed by His great love.  

Father I thank You for all that You are.  Thank you for thinking of me.  You care that much to think of me and my needs.  I praise You Lord and thank You for limitless goodness.  You are great and awesome in all Your splendor.  There in none like You.  In Jesus name. Amen.

Dealing with Changes

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.~Isaiah 41:10. 

I am not adventurous by nature.  By many people's standards I am quite boring.  I am that girl who orders chicken fingers and fries at every restaurant. It’s safe and predictable.  My tongue knows what it can expect to get.  But life doesn't work that way.  Life is ever evolving and ironically change is something that we all can expect to experience at one time or another.  So how does someone like me, who likes routines and stability handle change? 

First, I have to trust in God.  I have to speak the truth over my life.  God loves me.  Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  So while I may not the plans, my Father does.  I can trust His plan and His vision for my life. I can get excited about the changes because prosperity is coming my way.  I can expect an increase in my life.

Yet, we all know that change is not always easy.  When a seed is transforming into a bud it has to break through the dirt to be unearthed.  We may have to break through some things to see the manifestation of His work, but we can wait patiently on the Lord. 

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.~Psalm 27:14

In the waiting, as we transform from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly we can trust that God is with us and for us.  We can be certain of His grace, power, and strength in uncertain times.  Change comes, but our God is constant.  Never changing.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Change is inevitable, but has equipped us to handle it for He has given us each a measure of faith(Romans 12:3).  Exercise that faith and trust Him.  Resolve to see life’s twist and turns through His eyes as He gets us each exactly where He has ordained us to be.  

Father grant us your peace as we wait on You.  Increase our faith as we trust You.  Give us wisdom to navigate the changes as we look to You.  In Jesus name. Amen

It's not me

Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."~1 Corinthians 1:31

I like to get things right.  I like to do the right things.  It makes me feel good when people notice that there is something different about me.  There is nothing wrong with taking joy in the fact you see fruit from your labor, but I must not loose sight of the source of my success.  I must not let success obscure my vision and focus; Christ. Truth be told, I have not done a lick of the work because anything I do is by the power and grace of God indwelling in me. 

Anything I do that is deemed good or done well is a direct result of Christ in me, my hope for glory.  I am just a vessel and as I surrender myself to Him I give Him more room to do miraculous works in and through me.  So my boasting must be in Him alone.  For I am a miracle.  The woman I look at in the mirror can smile because of Christ.  

I know these things to be true, but I write them out and declare them to guard my heart against any pride or arrogance that may try to rise up within me.  God has called me with a purpose and I can't let pride get me off track.  I don't want to miss my blessing or miss the opportunity to bless someone else.  

So I thank You Lord for your word that corrects me. I thank You for your warnings.  Keep me humbled and bowed before You. I have so much to learn from You.  Hide me behind You Father. Decrease me and increase You.  This is the only way that I can do life; to live for You.  Keep the specs out of my eyes so that I can see You clearly.  Forgive me for those times when I boast in myself.  Thank You for your grace and mercy. My praise go up to You and You alone.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen

Healing our Land

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.~2 Chronicles 7:14

What do you do when you are confronted with hate and bigotry?  What do you do when we you get a peek into the heart of another and see no compassion for others?  What do you do when see so many willing to trade their souls for a dollar?  How do you respond to the despair? How do you handle this suffering?

God has given us the answer.  First, we humble ourselves and we pray.  We humble ourselves because while I may seeing distasteful things in others hearts, I must also examine my own heart.  I must guard it against the very things that offend me and more importantly offend God.  

I humble myself and pray.  I lift the troubles of this nation and word to God.  I humble myself and realize that my moral compass comes from Him and Him alone.  I was redeemed by blood of Jesus and others can be too. So, I pray for more love in my own heart.  I pray that love abounds in the hearts of others.  I pray for healing in my heart and in this land.

Secondly, we must turn from our wicked ways.  We must repent.  We cannot straddle the fence.  We must confess our sins before the Lord; hate, envy, strife, greed, idolatry, sexual immorality, or anything that would cause us to be in opposition to God.  We can not keep doing the same things and expect a different result.  We must, I must, keep my face towards God and shun evil and wickedness.  I also can not allow my indignation about the state of my country be used to cultivate more hate.  

He says that when we have done these things:

Humble ourselves, acknowledging just how much we need Him.  

When we pray and seek His face and turn away from sin.

He will hear us and heal our land. We are His people.  We have a choice. He gave us the solution.  As a community of believers may we stand unified in Christ and look to God to heal our land. May it begin with me.

Father, I confess that I do not like the things that I see happening in my country.  It bothers me and it hurts.  I don't understand why the cycle repeats itself, but Jesus you have called me to love my enemies.  You have called me to speak your truth and align my thoughts and actions with Your will.  So Jesus keep me humble.  Keep my faith strong and my hand to the plow.  Heal our hearts and our land. In Jesus name. Amen

Who am I to judge?

Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.~Romans 14:4

Ouch! Father forgive me for my arrogance and pride.  Lord you desire for me to walk in peace and humility.  You desire for me to walk in faith.  You desire me to lift others up and encourage them.  You require me to be a sister and a friend to a stranger.  Father, You desire me to love.  You know my heart and You know I have fallen short. Daddy forgive me.  Pick me up and cleanse my heart.  Renew my spirit and let me start again.

In Romans 14, Paul speaks to disputes in the church over what people are choosing to eat and what days they choose to celebrate.  Paul calls out the pettiness and pride.  Everyone is at a different place in their faith.  That’s okay.  God did not call us to question and judge a fellow servant. We are all living for God.  He is the author of our faith.  It is He who allows us to stand before Him; His blood and sacrifice.  He is the one who conquered death so that we might live.

Maturity in faith does not mean that we “lord” our understanding over others.  Yes, God has moved us higher and deeper in Him, but in that we should know better than to let the enemy use our growth as a means to isolate those who are weaker in their faith it babes in Christ.  

I love God and I love the place where He has brought me.  It is a blessing to know Him and privilege to serve Him.  Every time He gives me something new I get excited and I want to share it with others.   But here’s the thing:  I must be careful to only share what He tells me. It must always be delivered in love.  I must be okay with others not receiving it or understanding it.  My assignment for that day may be to plant a seed and on another day to water.  But it is never my assignment to cause someone else to grow.  I don't bring the harvest, God does that.  I am just a laborer. 

So when I think to highly of myself I can become a stumbling block. That’s not what I desire.  That’s not what He desires.  Father forgive me.  Your body is beautiful and may I appreciate all of its many parts.  May I deny myself and follow hard after You.   In Jesus name. Amen

Faith

Today I read a powerful statement in one of my devotional studies. Mary Southerland wrote, "Faith does not bypass pain, but it empowers you to deal with it.”  This struck a chord in me and led me to reflect on how I process my pain with my faith.

If I am being honest, there are times I skew what faith means by thinking that I should not be even feeling pain.  I trust God.  I trust Him with the outcome for whatever I'm facing so I should be happy right?  I should “feel” good and unflappable.  Not so.  God created my emotions.  I will feel pain, disappointment, sorrow, sadness, anger, and frustration.  Those emotions are all real.  I am human.  But my faith will not allow those emotions to rule over me.  My faith will not allow me to succumb to them by letting them guide my every action and reaction.  My faith is based on the word of God and who He is; unchanging.  My faith reminds me that my emotions,  while natural, are only temporary and God’s promises to me are eternal.

When I try to push down the pain or deny that it even exist I am operating in pride and not faith.  God tells me that I can cast my anxieties upon Him because He cares for me ( 1 Peter 5:7).  He tells me that He bears my burdens daily( Psalms 68:19).  He knows that we will have trouble on this earth, but He has also made provisions for us.  He has empowered us through faith. Faith that He has given each us.  Faith to believe and trust in Him.

He Speaks

This morning  I was in a devotional to think about advice that I may be seeking or answers that I might be waiting on God  to provide.  Two things came to my mind:  my health and my assignment from God. 

I began to vent some of my frustartions and then God turned a light bulb on.  I could here His voice within my spirit and this is what He told me.  I wanted to share it  with whomever may read this post. 

"It's going to be okay Jennifer. I got you. You are not crazy. Your pain is real, but I am stronger than anything you can and will ever experience. Don't doubt yourself, but don't let this consume you. Focus on me and the mission I have for you. Seek me diligently. Study more because there is more I have for you to do. You have only scratched the surface. Keep digging into Me and my word. Don't settle. There is more. Let me fill you up. Move some things out of the way. Make room for me. I need more space. There is more I have for you to do. Don't be afraid. I will equip you. You will not do it alone or in your own strength. This is why you must endure this process. I know it's not easy. I didn't say it would be, but I promised you I would be with You. I promised you that you would overcome because I live in you Jennifer. I am your strength. The source of all things. I got you. Lean on me. Trust in me. Feel my breathe in you. I am with you. I love you. You have all the answers you need."

Hallelujah and to God be all of the glory, power, and majesty.

We May Face Battles, But We Don't Have to Be Afraid

 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ~ Luke 12:6-7


I woke up this morning feeling a little lost and unsure. I was concerned about medical issues.  My mind battled between wanting a definite answers to the causes of my symptoms and acceptance of the answers I have been given.  I also continuue to strive in simply trusting God even as He chooses not to reveal the answers I seek or give me a answer that I was not expecting.

God being the great God that He is provided me with the passage of scripture. It brought comfort to my soul but I had no idea the degree to which this word would be manifested in my life today.

On my way to work I began to become sick.  I tried the usual measures to calm my body down, but it was not listening.  So I enter my office without my usual chipper greeting.  People asked how I was doing.  I did not try to mask it.  I had no energy for that.  I simply stated that it was not a good day.

I went to my cubicle and tried to center myself.  The tears in my eyes are welling up so I go to the bathroom so that ohers could not see or hear me.  I did not want to make a scene.  I did not want to be a "drama queen".   I take deep breaths and do my best to push down the emotions and the pain.  I was not sucessful.  

A colleague saw me and gave me a hug and the flood gates opened.  I sobbed and shared the emotional toil of dealing with my health takes on my body.  A few others heard me and came to see if every thing was okay.  I apologized for crying as if crying is a sign of weakness.  These angels brushed that off and told me that they cared about me.

I went back into the bathroom humbled and in the midst of my tears I began to pray in the spirit and then I praised Him.  For in my despair and in the midst of it all the word of God shine brightly.   I see you.  I know every strand of hair on your head.  Do not be afraid.  I love you and you are valued by me. 

I don't know what you may be going through but please know that God loves you beyond anything that you can think or imagine .  You are precious and valuable.

It's Just a Movie

The other day day someone asked me if I was going to see a popular  movie.  I told them no.  They then proceeded to ask me why.  I explained that I believed that the film was going to be too "raunchy" to which they then replied "It's just a movie."

It's just a movie right?  No harm, no foul right?  What harm could there ever be by simply watching something that is not real, something that is portrayed as a fantasy?  It's just a movie.

That small sentence packed a quite a punch as it planted a seed of doubt.  Over the next few days I went back and forth with my thoughts.  I wandered if I was taking myself or life to seriously.  I then moved to the "everyone else is going to see it phase".   It's just a movie, but I also know that a little leaven leaventh the whole lump (Galatians 5:9).

It is just a movie, but I commanded by God to guard my heart for from it flows the issues of life
(Proverbs 4:23).  This requires me to consider what I allow to enter into my mind and spirit and if those things do not honor God then I don't want them in me.

It's just a movie but I do not want to be a stumbling block to others ( 1 Corinthians 8:9).  I confess to be a believers and others are watching.  For some I may be the only bible they read or Jesus they see.  Therefore, I must consider what I may inadvertently condone.  It may seem over -the-top, but I am over-the-top when it comes to my walk with God.  It is my most treasured possession.

I am where I am in my journey and I have so many miles to go.  So it might just be a movie, but for me it is also a choice between what and whom I choose to follow.  

Father may the choices I make about what I see, hear, and follow please you.  In Jesus name. Amen

Fishing

And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." ~Matthew 4:19


I was recently introduced to a self-help guide or philosophy called FISH by Stephen C. Lundin.  The book uses four core principles to help stimulate and sustain a positive and supportive work culture. The principles in the book include Choosing Your Attitude, Play, Making Someone's Day and Being There.   It's a good and quick read.  However, my mind continued to wander back to where it truly all begins. It is not that the principles are not good or valid, but their true power comes when they are grounded in and aligned to word of God.  For I just don't want to FISH, but be a fisherman of men as I follow Christ.

Principle 1:  Choosing Your Attitude

A common saying in my circle is that our attitudes affect our altitude.  If we operate with this premise then our attitudes, the position of our hearts and minds, should be on those things above and not on things of this earth ( Colossians 3:2).  This is not to say that we simply dismiss what is happening in the physical, but rather how we perceive and choose to respond to those circumstances are based on our trust in the One who is in control of all.  That trust will allow us to be thankful when things are good and not so good ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18).  It will allow us to keep our minds on things that are noble, right and pure ( Philippians 4:8).  When we choose this attitude then we have strength to  rise above whatever is before us and create an atmosphere of praise. We then tap into the joy because we remember that whatever we do is being done for the Lord ( Colossians 3:23-24).

Principle 2:  Play

So often Christians are portrayed or viewed as stiff and boring people bound by rules.  The freedom that exist in knowing Christ is often missing or not evident to others, maybe even ourselves ( 2 Corinthians 3:17).  Perhaps it is because sometimes we think we still have to carry burdens that no longer belong to us.   God tells us in Proverbs 17:22 that  " a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries  up the bones." God doesn't want us sullen, downcast, and burden by the cares of this world.  It's okay to laugh and enjoy all the good gifts that He has given us.  We can do that here on earth and in the mansions that awaits us. He has given us this day and we are to rejoice in it (Psalm 118:24)!

Principle 3:  Make Their Day

God has called each us into a life of service.  We have been created to do good works that He has created in advance for each and everyone of us ( Ephesians 2:10).  If we are following Christ and the example He has set then we are serving others. Mark 10:45 tells that " even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many."   This means that we are looking with expectations ways that we can love our fellow man.   It be could be as simple asking someone how they are doing and not looking for a canned response, but truly letting them know that they matter.  This requires a move away from self as we devote ourselves to lifting Christ up through service to others.   Service moves beyond morality and includes grace because if we are being honest its not always easy to love.

Principle 4: Be There

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33  If I am seeking God first and the things that He declares are righteous rather than what I think is right then I can be present in the moments with others.  For my focus is not on my will, but His.  To-do-list won't dominate my day, but rather His voice that leads me.  I will have the freedom to listen to a co-worker, friend, or stranger.   My yes will yes and my no will be no.  I will be committed to what He has assigned me because He is whom I am seeking to please. In essence I am accountable and so He is because God is faithful and a keeper of His covenant ( Deuteronomy 7:9)


Father I thank You for word and the opportunity to fish for men.  May I be good bait for others as I follow you.  Keep me humble and and my heart with an atttitude to serve.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Steps

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.~Psalm 119:133

All I want to do today is have a date with my pillow.  I don't want to cook, clean, or shop.  I just want to be still.  That’s what I want.  Then the thoughts of if what I should be doing invade. Like, “ You should be preparing a meal for your husband ( who is absolutely great).”  What do I do with that.  Is this guilt, which is not from God or conviction from my spirit seeking to put me on the right track?

  

I am analytical by nature  and thus could battle this within my mind for a minute or two.  I could get twisted into knots, but I’d  rather seek the answer from God.  At the end of the day my desire is to please Him.  I can trust Him to guide me to the right choices for this day.  I can trust that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.  I can look to His word.

Father, give me a heart that perseveres.  A heart that seeks your word and will in every situation.  May I study your word, understand it and do it.  May my desires be directed by You. Order my steps in your word and let me not lean to my own understanding.  Let no sin rule over me.  Not laziness, selfishness, addiction to TV, pride, strife or anything that would seek to rob me of peace with You.  Keep me humble and before your throne.  May I sit at your feet, hear your voice and follow You.  Forgive me for my sins and those times when I do miss the mark.  I thank you for your grace, mercy, and love. In Jesus name. Amen

Loving your enemies

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ~Matthew 5:43-45

I saw a billboard sign the other day that said “Real Christians Love their Enemies”.  I said amen and kept driving.  I also thought about why it needed the author needed it to read “Real  Christians”?  Why not just Christians?  Perhaps it's because it's getting hard for others to distinguish the believer from the world.  We say we are “good Christians” but what do our actions display? Is love really abounding?

Christians follow Christ and Christ commands us to love.  He didn't say love only those who believe as we do.  He didn't say love only those who look like us, act like us, or dress like us. He didn't say love only those who seek to do good.  He didn't say only love those who are good to us.  No, He said to love our neighbor as ourselves and this includes our enemies.  ( Mathew 5: 43-48). 

When I point fingers, I like to start with myself.  As a follower of Christ, am I making it easy for the world to see the difference? Am I loving my enemy?  Am I working to find common ground with those who think differently from me?  Am I praying for those who have hurt me or seek to do me harm?  Or am I allowing bitterness to fester? Am I looking for justice or a way to justify my need for revenge? Am I extending grace as it has been extended to me? Ouch!

The truth is in this political climate it's a battle.  Sometimes my thinking lapses into the us versus them.  I have to wrestle with these thoughts and bring them into submission( 2 Corinthians 10:5).  I have to transform my thinking ( Romans 12:2).  I have to forget my flesh, take up my cross, and follow Christ daily (Matthew 16:24).

I do not do this in my own strength, but only through His grace.  Father may the world see what it means to follow You in my actions.  Keep me humble and help me not to even see others as my enemies, but rather as my brothers and sisters. Help me to love as You do.  In Jesus name. Amen

When you want to go home

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.~Isaiah 40:29

I want to go home.  I'm tired from all the poking and prodding.  Weary from the constant search for a cause for the pains and afflictions  that affect my body.  My mind is exhausted and I am weak.  I just want to go home.   This is when I hear God whisper to my Spirit. “ I am your strength.”  Tears fill my eyes and I am home because I have entered into His presence. The reality of what I deal with has not vanished, but it's power over me diminishes as I seek refuge in Him.  

Father I thank You for your strength and power.  I thank You for love and mercy.  Lead me through this and may I continue to lean on,  rest in  and trust You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Whom Do You Choose?

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."~Joshua 24:15

Today is a new day.  Yesterday is gone, along with its mistakes.  Today offers new blessings and opportunities.  It also offers me a  choice.  Whom am I going to serve?  Am I going to seek to please man and the desires of my flesh? Or am I going to choose to serve and worship God in all of His holiness?  Am I going to choose to set my heart on things above and mind on those things that are noble?  Am I going to place others before me and show God’s love through service? Am I going to let the Spirit of God reign and rule in my life ordering my steps according to His will?  It's a new day and I choose God for He is always the right choice! In Jesus name may Thine will be done.  Amen!