Have you ever felt like Alice through the looking glass? You know what I mean...you wake up one day and wonder, "where am I? why am I here? this isn't where I was headed so how'd I end up here?" That happens to all of us at one time or another. Sometimes it's a stack of bills that gets your attention. Other times, it might be a rut at work that brings those questions to mind. Sometimes it's a frustrating day when you feel like you're giving up 40 hours a week of free time by keeping your kids home and they don't appreciate it one bit.
The Looking Glass is a world where, if you look where you started out, it wouldn't make any sense at all. I grew up outside of Boston, working in advertising. In just 15 short years, I found myself a stay-at-home homeschooling mother of 3, living in NH, on a fixed income that seemed to be fixed just below what was needed. Like Alice, I wondered how that had happened. I had plans of living in a brownstone on Copley Square, hanging out at the real "Cheers" down the street, driving a sports car and maybe, just maybe, I'd find an adventurous outdoorsy type of husband who would whisk me off to an adventure on the weekends. But God had other plans...(truth be told, I did get the outdoorsy man of my dreams).
Once upon a time there was a man who had it all. He grew up 2nd in line to the throne of a huge nation. He had the best of everything, until one day, he realized he'd been adopted. Suddenly, everything he thought he knew was wrong. He was a poor son, to a poor family, that belonged to the lowest class of people in this same nation. Now he didn't fit in either class. In a short time, he found himself wandering in the backside of the desert tending unruly sheep. His name was Moses. And I would guess that he also fell through The Looking Glass wondering what had happened? why was he born? what greatness could he possibly contribute to the world being a shepherd? what real difference did his life as a shepherd make in the grand scheme of things? But again, God had other plans...
You too have a story. You began with hopes and dreams. Maybe you were one of the fortunate to hear God's calling early and you've followed the path He's led you down all along. But maybe, just maybe, you too are in The Looking Glass. If not, I would bet someone you know and love is.
My message is just a reminder that what seems like the wrong path may really be God preparing you for something great, you just don't know it yet. I've seen God do amazing things through people who never felt they could do it. The very thing you may be fighting or dealing with now might be the strengthening and refining of the Master's fire. 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 a hope and a future." (NIV)
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes this life is frustrating. We feel like we're running around in circles and accomplishing nothing. We wonder what happened to the exciting life we thought we were working towards. We pray now that you'd help us take a step back and remember that no matter whatever journey we're on, You're the one in control of it. We trust You to guide us,
and to light the right path for us, even if it's different from what our worldly nature seeks. Our most important goal is to run the race YOU'VE prepared for us. We seek only to do Your will, and we pray that You'll walk beside us to the finish line.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Would You Do That If Your Father Was Here?
I often find myself asking that question to my children when they argue in the grocery store, make excuses for their behavior, or when they say something selfish or disrespectful. Don't get me wrong, their very well-behaved children, but they are still children. There are things they say and do in the familiarity of my presence that they just don't happen in front of their father, grandfather, Sunday School teacher, sports coach, drama director, dance instructor or karate sensei. The last time I asked this question, something hit me like a ton of bricks...I too am a child (of God) and I too misbehave (sin) in front of my Father (in Heaven). And like a child, I probably wouldn't behave that way if I remembered He's standing right there seeing and hearing what I'm doing. What a tough realization that was! Can you imagine?
Have you ever not treated someone the way Jesus would treat them? Luke 6:31 says "treat others the same way you want them to treat you". That's what our Father expects of His children.
Have you ever been angry or stressed and snapped at someone who really didn't deserve it? Matthew 5: 23 - 24 says "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Our Heavenly Father expects us not to fight with others, and also to forgive.
Have you ever been anxious and worried over a situation instead of trusting it to God and letting go of it? Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." When we worry instead of trust, it's like telling our Father we're not sure we can trust Him to take care of us. (Don't our kids ask us, "are you sure?" when we tell them everything will work out fine?)
By the way, I've been found guilty as charged on all these counts and even a few more. How about you? Not once did I stop myself and think I had better not do that with my Father standing right there. If you forgot too, welcome back to childhood.
My husband always asks our kids, "Why did you do that if you know it's against the rules?" They have yet to find a good answer that saves them from being disciplined. What if God asked you that very question the next time you found yourself sinning? I know I'd probably have an answer similar to my kids, "I don't know...I guess I didn't think."
As a parent, we get frustrated, disappointed and sad when our children misbehave, and we don't like having to discipline them but we know we must to keep them on the correct path that leads to righteousness. But more importantly, we never stop loving them.
Our Father in Heaven was so smart to give us the opportunity to become parents so we can understand things from His perspective. I mess up just like the kids occasionally do, and when I realize I just did that in front of my Father, I need to be sorry. I need to decide to make better choices and strengthen my character. Knowing He still loves me is worth it all and He loves you without ceasing as well.
So the next time you get caught misbehaving in front of your (Heavenly) Father, do as we were instructed in Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" Then you can be sure that you are forgiven, and loved unconditionally.
Dear Father,
We think we're so grown up, yet in your presence, we see we're still your children, regardless of age. We often go through life reacting to things and to other people without thinking. We want to show you our best and make you proud. What child doesn't want to impress their Father? We come to you now to apologize for the way we've been acting and the attitudes we've displayed that were not pleasing to you. We thank you and praise you for forgiving us through the sacrifice of your own son, Jesus, and for your Word that teaches us that you forget our sins once confessed, and always love us, even when we misbehave. We love you, too, and we'll try harder to be good next time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Have you ever not treated someone the way Jesus would treat them? Luke 6:31 says "treat others the same way you want them to treat you". That's what our Father expects of His children.
Have you ever been angry or stressed and snapped at someone who really didn't deserve it? Matthew 5: 23 - 24 says "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." Our Heavenly Father expects us not to fight with others, and also to forgive.
Have you ever been anxious and worried over a situation instead of trusting it to God and letting go of it? Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." When we worry instead of trust, it's like telling our Father we're not sure we can trust Him to take care of us. (Don't our kids ask us, "are you sure?" when we tell them everything will work out fine?)
By the way, I've been found guilty as charged on all these counts and even a few more. How about you? Not once did I stop myself and think I had better not do that with my Father standing right there. If you forgot too, welcome back to childhood.
My husband always asks our kids, "Why did you do that if you know it's against the rules?" They have yet to find a good answer that saves them from being disciplined. What if God asked you that very question the next time you found yourself sinning? I know I'd probably have an answer similar to my kids, "I don't know...I guess I didn't think."
As a parent, we get frustrated, disappointed and sad when our children misbehave, and we don't like having to discipline them but we know we must to keep them on the correct path that leads to righteousness. But more importantly, we never stop loving them.
Our Father in Heaven was so smart to give us the opportunity to become parents so we can understand things from His perspective. I mess up just like the kids occasionally do, and when I realize I just did that in front of my Father, I need to be sorry. I need to decide to make better choices and strengthen my character. Knowing He still loves me is worth it all and He loves you without ceasing as well.
So the next time you get caught misbehaving in front of your (Heavenly) Father, do as we were instructed in Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" Then you can be sure that you are forgiven, and loved unconditionally.
Dear Father,
We think we're so grown up, yet in your presence, we see we're still your children, regardless of age. We often go through life reacting to things and to other people without thinking. We want to show you our best and make you proud. What child doesn't want to impress their Father? We come to you now to apologize for the way we've been acting and the attitudes we've displayed that were not pleasing to you. We thank you and praise you for forgiving us through the sacrifice of your own son, Jesus, and for your Word that teaches us that you forget our sins once confessed, and always love us, even when we misbehave. We love you, too, and we'll try harder to be good next time.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Are You Playing Tennis with Satan?
The last few weeks have been spent thinking about temptation and thankfulness. We're all tempted by the things of this world, more money, bigger home, nicer car, sexual sin, gossip, keeping up appearances, even over-indulging (especially in this country). Have you ever wondered how we can feel so humble before God during worship and prayer, yet still fall prey to Satan's temptations? We have so much to be thankful for: shelter, food for our family, a little money in the bank, our health, a job, family, even air conditioning (remember, people lived in Phoenix before it was invented). So what more could we need?
Like a game of tennis, we stand on one side, often alone, trying to win under our own power. Satan stands on the other side, knowing the secret desires and fears we try to hide. He starts a conversation while he hits the tennis ball over to your side...
"wow, look at that______! ( expensive car/big house/good-looking co-worker/internet garbage)
"yeah, it's nice, I guess" (we easily hit the first tennis ball back)
"wouldn't it be nice to have that?" (he hits it a bit harder)
"well, I guess it could be fun to have, but I don't need it" (feeling pretty proud to have hit the ball back into his court?)
"but you deserve it, after all, you work hard, you're always doing things for everyone but yourself, and you have such a thankless job, no one appreciates you" (now the ball really picks up speed and you didn't even notice)
"yeah, I guess I do kind of deserve it, don't I?" (did you just have to run to the other side of the court for that?)
"of course you do! I mean, after all, so-and-so has one and you're better than him/her" (notice the speed! you aren't even paying attention to what's really happening in the game!)
"I know, after all, I never do/say the things that person does, I'm pretty good compared to them" (now you're scrambling all over the court just to stay in the game)
"you shouldn't feel guilty, everyone does it/has it" (ooh, he made that shot seem easy to build your confidence and keep you in the game)
"yeah, so-and-so is a good person and they have one/do that" (feeling pretty proud? bet you didn't even realize he made it easy to hit so you'd keep playing)
"so go get it - someone's got to treat you right, look out for number one, right?" (Here comes the one right at the line...WILL YOU CROSS IT?)
You're so invested in your own power and feelings now you forgot WHO you were playing tennis with!
You have two choices...
1) Give in to temptation - sure, it feels good for a little while, but then guilt sets in...
"I didn't really need that"
"I told myself I was going to do better at temptations like this"
"why did I do that?"
"now I feel guilty and worse than before I had/did it"
OR:
2) Call out to God. Tell him your frustration. Call to Him to pull you up from this losing battle. Ask Him to fight for you. Believe He wants to help you and free you from bondage to this cycle of behavior.
Prayer: "Lord, what am I thinking? I have so much already. In our human nature, we admire more and more but all we really NEED is you! Remove these thoughts that are tempting me. I know they aren't coming from you. I'd rather spend an eternity with you knowing I did all I could to please you, than to spend my life guilty over continued sin and failures. Nothing is too difficult for you, so I lay this in your Mighty Right Hand. Deliver me from what I was contemplating - send the right thoughts and feelings that I might be focused on you, not things, not greed, not ungrateful- ness. You gladly give me all I truly need. For all you're already given me, I take a moment to say thank you."
Remember that Satan is so tricky and sly that often we've given into temptation before we realize what we've done, but we can strive to do better. Every single day, every hour, every minute is a new opportunity to choose God's way over Satan's way. If we do this, we'll find ourselves back on the true path to righteousness.
Good luck on your journey,
and God Bless
Like a game of tennis, we stand on one side, often alone, trying to win under our own power. Satan stands on the other side, knowing the secret desires and fears we try to hide. He starts a conversation while he hits the tennis ball over to your side...
"wow, look at that______! ( expensive car/big house/good-looking co-worker/internet garbage)
"yeah, it's nice, I guess" (we easily hit the first tennis ball back)
"wouldn't it be nice to have that?" (he hits it a bit harder)
"well, I guess it could be fun to have, but I don't need it" (feeling pretty proud to have hit the ball back into his court?)
"but you deserve it, after all, you work hard, you're always doing things for everyone but yourself, and you have such a thankless job, no one appreciates you" (now the ball really picks up speed and you didn't even notice)
"yeah, I guess I do kind of deserve it, don't I?" (did you just have to run to the other side of the court for that?)
"of course you do! I mean, after all, so-and-so has one and you're better than him/her" (notice the speed! you aren't even paying attention to what's really happening in the game!)
"I know, after all, I never do/say the things that person does, I'm pretty good compared to them" (now you're scrambling all over the court just to stay in the game)
"you shouldn't feel guilty, everyone does it/has it" (ooh, he made that shot seem easy to build your confidence and keep you in the game)
"yeah, so-and-so is a good person and they have one/do that" (feeling pretty proud? bet you didn't even realize he made it easy to hit so you'd keep playing)
"so go get it - someone's got to treat you right, look out for number one, right?" (Here comes the one right at the line...WILL YOU CROSS IT?)
You're so invested in your own power and feelings now you forgot WHO you were playing tennis with!
You have two choices...
1) Give in to temptation - sure, it feels good for a little while, but then guilt sets in...
"I didn't really need that"
"I told myself I was going to do better at temptations like this"
"why did I do that?"
"now I feel guilty and worse than before I had/did it"
OR:
2) Call out to God. Tell him your frustration. Call to Him to pull you up from this losing battle. Ask Him to fight for you. Believe He wants to help you and free you from bondage to this cycle of behavior.
Prayer: "Lord, what am I thinking? I have so much already. In our human nature, we admire more and more but all we really NEED is you! Remove these thoughts that are tempting me. I know they aren't coming from you. I'd rather spend an eternity with you knowing I did all I could to please you, than to spend my life guilty over continued sin and failures. Nothing is too difficult for you, so I lay this in your Mighty Right Hand. Deliver me from what I was contemplating - send the right thoughts and feelings that I might be focused on you, not things, not greed, not ungrateful- ness. You gladly give me all I truly need. For all you're already given me, I take a moment to say thank you."
Remember that Satan is so tricky and sly that often we've given into temptation before we realize what we've done, but we can strive to do better. Every single day, every hour, every minute is a new opportunity to choose God's way over Satan's way. If we do this, we'll find ourselves back on the true path to righteousness.
Good luck on your journey,
and God Bless
Monday, September 18, 2006
Beauty from Ashes
We recently drove home from up North by way of the forest. As I gazed out the window, I was half-listening to a Christian music CD, it hit me ...
The Rodeo-Chedesky fire wiped out every living thing for so many acres, how could it ever be something other than a field of black soot and ash? I was saddened by the stark remains of burned trees stretching up to the sky for as far as the eye could see. Then God gave me an epiphany, my eyes fell to the ground where new green life was again forming a forest, beautiful and hand-planted by the Creator Himself.
My first understanding was the similarities between the forest and our lives. Many of us had to go through an ordeal by fire to find the true nature of God. We had to burn away the "dead wood" so he could prune us back for an amazing time of growth in our future. We left behind some family members, some old friends, some bad habits that made up our comfort zones, and in return, God gave us His light, and living water, so we could grow better and stronger than before. A changed being.
My next phase of understanding brought me to realize that now we're that new life but yet, we still live among the dying or dead spirits. The sadness I felt for the empty, naked trees reminded me of the deeply hurting people we see all around us every day who don't know how to regain strength and life. Only when we, the new creations in Christ, join together can we help the forest to become green again. Only if we allow God to use us to touch others can we stand among the living.
Dear Heavenly Father,
It always amazes us how you use the simplest, everyday things in our life to
teach us new lessons. We don't want to be just the few greens on the forest floor. We
know you love everyone as your own, even if they don't know or understand that. They
need you just as we did and still do. Help us to allow you to prune us back, so we can
grow and bring new life to a barren world.
Amen
The Rodeo-Chedesky fire wiped out every living thing for so many acres, how could it ever be something other than a field of black soot and ash? I was saddened by the stark remains of burned trees stretching up to the sky for as far as the eye could see. Then God gave me an epiphany, my eyes fell to the ground where new green life was again forming a forest, beautiful and hand-planted by the Creator Himself.
My first understanding was the similarities between the forest and our lives. Many of us had to go through an ordeal by fire to find the true nature of God. We had to burn away the "dead wood" so he could prune us back for an amazing time of growth in our future. We left behind some family members, some old friends, some bad habits that made up our comfort zones, and in return, God gave us His light, and living water, so we could grow better and stronger than before. A changed being.
My next phase of understanding brought me to realize that now we're that new life but yet, we still live among the dying or dead spirits. The sadness I felt for the empty, naked trees reminded me of the deeply hurting people we see all around us every day who don't know how to regain strength and life. Only when we, the new creations in Christ, join together can we help the forest to become green again. Only if we allow God to use us to touch others can we stand among the living.
Dear Heavenly Father,
It always amazes us how you use the simplest, everyday things in our life to
teach us new lessons. We don't want to be just the few greens on the forest floor. We
know you love everyone as your own, even if they don't know or understand that. They
need you just as we did and still do. Help us to allow you to prune us back, so we can
grow and bring new life to a barren world.
Amen
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The Nature of a Servant
Matthew 25: 21 "His Master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been
faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
While reading my Bible recently, I came across the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. I've read it before and I've heard the sermons on how this is about Spiritual Gifts, not just money God gives you, but that's not what struck me. What really seemed to speak to me was the word "servant".
Jesus didn't say "well done good and faithful worker, church-goer, parent, spouse, leader, friend, or even follower". Jesus chose the word servant on purpose. He showed us how to serve others when he washed the feet of his disciples. This made me dig a little deeper into what else Jesus said regarding being a servant.
What God kept bringing to my attention, and maybe to yours, is the nature of the servant. This doesn't mean the way he or she acts during church, or when others are watching, or when there's some-thing to gain. Someone's nature is who they are when no one's watching. It's a part of who they are, internally, that governs their actions. The good news is, taking on the nature of a servant is like playing a musical instrument, it can be learned. It's not something you must be born with or else you'll never have it. So let's figure out what traits to develop on this journey of following Christ and becoming a servant.
A servant:
humbles himself - willing to fill the needs of others, regardless of credit, praise, or status
submits - willing to give up control to God, and those in authority over him or her
is obedient - does what is asked of him because it is the right thing to do according to God
helps - finds needs of others and fills them joyfully, doesn't complain about own needs that
aren't being met by other people. Instead expects God to meet his own needs.
has joy from within - not resentful of the duties being performed, enjoys the gift of helping
respectful - refuses to quarrel with those around him, instead, seeks solutions to problems
rather than assigning blame, complaining or gossiping.
loves God - by serving Jesus' flock, a servant feels God's presence and love.
So how can we as His followers decide to be better servants? Sometimes the best way is to just jump in with faith and trust and fill the needs God presents to you. Pray about it. Ask the Lord for guidance (through His Word and the Holy Spirit) which areas He desires to see you serve. God doesn't ask for a few to try to please the crowds with false humility, or with busyness. He only asks that as Christ's body, we should serve one another.
The best example is the first church, mentioned in the book of Acts. It says in Acts 4 that all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed material possessions as their own, they shared all they had. There were no needy among them. Imagine if we all took on that servant nature! What kind of church would we have? What kind of group of people could we become? How would that impact those outside looking in? Let's all pray and ask how we can serve each other during this season of our lives. Let's take the focus off what we wish someone would do, or teach. Instead, let's focus on what God-given abilities and gifts we've been blessed with, and how we can bless our members with them.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending us such a perfect example of servant hood in your son, Jesus. We want to become better servants ourselves, but taking the first step in sometimes the hardest of all. We ask that you'd speak to our hearts and minds. Show us the needs in our church and community, and inspire us to trust you to teach us how to fill it, how to be a good servant, for your glory, and to further your kingdom here on earth. May we one day hear those wonderful
words spoken to us from your lips, "well done, good and faithful servant."
faithful in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
While reading my Bible recently, I came across the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. I've read it before and I've heard the sermons on how this is about Spiritual Gifts, not just money God gives you, but that's not what struck me. What really seemed to speak to me was the word "servant".
Jesus didn't say "well done good and faithful worker, church-goer, parent, spouse, leader, friend, or even follower". Jesus chose the word servant on purpose. He showed us how to serve others when he washed the feet of his disciples. This made me dig a little deeper into what else Jesus said regarding being a servant.
What God kept bringing to my attention, and maybe to yours, is the nature of the servant. This doesn't mean the way he or she acts during church, or when others are watching, or when there's some-thing to gain. Someone's nature is who they are when no one's watching. It's a part of who they are, internally, that governs their actions. The good news is, taking on the nature of a servant is like playing a musical instrument, it can be learned. It's not something you must be born with or else you'll never have it. So let's figure out what traits to develop on this journey of following Christ and becoming a servant.
A servant:
humbles himself - willing to fill the needs of others, regardless of credit, praise, or status
submits - willing to give up control to God, and those in authority over him or her
is obedient - does what is asked of him because it is the right thing to do according to God
helps - finds needs of others and fills them joyfully, doesn't complain about own needs that
aren't being met by other people. Instead expects God to meet his own needs.
has joy from within - not resentful of the duties being performed, enjoys the gift of helping
respectful - refuses to quarrel with those around him, instead, seeks solutions to problems
rather than assigning blame, complaining or gossiping.
loves God - by serving Jesus' flock, a servant feels God's presence and love.
So how can we as His followers decide to be better servants? Sometimes the best way is to just jump in with faith and trust and fill the needs God presents to you. Pray about it. Ask the Lord for guidance (through His Word and the Holy Spirit) which areas He desires to see you serve. God doesn't ask for a few to try to please the crowds with false humility, or with busyness. He only asks that as Christ's body, we should serve one another.
The best example is the first church, mentioned in the book of Acts. It says in Acts 4 that all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed material possessions as their own, they shared all they had. There were no needy among them. Imagine if we all took on that servant nature! What kind of church would we have? What kind of group of people could we become? How would that impact those outside looking in? Let's all pray and ask how we can serve each other during this season of our lives. Let's take the focus off what we wish someone would do, or teach. Instead, let's focus on what God-given abilities and gifts we've been blessed with, and how we can bless our members with them.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending us such a perfect example of servant hood in your son, Jesus. We want to become better servants ourselves, but taking the first step in sometimes the hardest of all. We ask that you'd speak to our hearts and minds. Show us the needs in our church and community, and inspire us to trust you to teach us how to fill it, how to be a good servant, for your glory, and to further your kingdom here on earth. May we one day hear those wonderful
words spoken to us from your lips, "well done, good and faithful servant."
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Life is a Game
Remember back when you were a child. What did you do with your spare time? Especially on rainy days? Did you play any games? Ever play Monopoly? Remember the thrill of playing? You'd go around the board too many times to count, take risks and chances, hoping for a good roll of the dice and a good dose of luck. You spent money like it was nothing knowing you'd eventually pass go and collect $200. Either that, or you'd tell yourself "it's only a game". When you were winning, it was thrilling. When you were losing, it was suddenly "boring" and no fun.
You collected your deeds, built your empire, strategized how to make more money and lose less. Remember the first time you ever won against an adult? Remember that feeling of total victory? Then what happened...the saddest realization...it really WAS just a game and now you needed to pick it all up, put it all back in the box, place it in the closet, and it was over. Once it was over, it didn't matter anymore if you won or lost, what you gained, what you lost, only that you played your best and got a feeling of satisfaction from being honest and fair.
Now fast forward to your adult life. You go "around the board" week after week, month after month, year after year, telling yourself things will be better next time around because "sooner or later you'll pass GO and collect your $200", your paycheck. You decide to take more chances, yet minimize your risks. When you're winning, you celebrate. When you're losing, life's no fun anymore. You spend your days trying to build what you have, your "stuff" collection, desiring more and more every year. You enjoy the thrill of beating out the next guy for that position, the best deal, the corner office, a bigger house, a more expensive car, but then what happens?
You realize you've spent your life going around the board, it's almost over, and soon it'll be time to pack it all away - game over. What will matter then? The material things? I don't think so. The job title? I doubt it. What you owned? No one will care.
The only thing that will matter is who we helped, how we loved others, and what a difference we made in the lives of those who knew us. So let's live our lives to make them really matter. Not going around the board, but making a real connection - to God, to our family, to our friends, neighbors, and strangers in need.
After all, the other stuff won't matter once our box is put away. Remember, life is just a game.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word says that faith without works is dead. We want to live a life pleasing to You, so help soften our hearts and open our eyes. Help us to see the world through Your eyes - full of compassion and with a strong desire to tell others about you, whether it be with our words or through our caring actions. Guide us to the path You would desire us to follow, lead us to the people You would will us to care for. We ask this to bring You the glory and honor, and so others can have the relationship with You and Jesus that we already get to treasure so dearly in our own lives. We ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
You collected your deeds, built your empire, strategized how to make more money and lose less. Remember the first time you ever won against an adult? Remember that feeling of total victory? Then what happened...the saddest realization...it really WAS just a game and now you needed to pick it all up, put it all back in the box, place it in the closet, and it was over. Once it was over, it didn't matter anymore if you won or lost, what you gained, what you lost, only that you played your best and got a feeling of satisfaction from being honest and fair.
Now fast forward to your adult life. You go "around the board" week after week, month after month, year after year, telling yourself things will be better next time around because "sooner or later you'll pass GO and collect your $200", your paycheck. You decide to take more chances, yet minimize your risks. When you're winning, you celebrate. When you're losing, life's no fun anymore. You spend your days trying to build what you have, your "stuff" collection, desiring more and more every year. You enjoy the thrill of beating out the next guy for that position, the best deal, the corner office, a bigger house, a more expensive car, but then what happens?
You realize you've spent your life going around the board, it's almost over, and soon it'll be time to pack it all away - game over. What will matter then? The material things? I don't think so. The job title? I doubt it. What you owned? No one will care.
The only thing that will matter is who we helped, how we loved others, and what a difference we made in the lives of those who knew us. So let's live our lives to make them really matter. Not going around the board, but making a real connection - to God, to our family, to our friends, neighbors, and strangers in need.
After all, the other stuff won't matter once our box is put away. Remember, life is just a game.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word says that faith without works is dead. We want to live a life pleasing to You, so help soften our hearts and open our eyes. Help us to see the world through Your eyes - full of compassion and with a strong desire to tell others about you, whether it be with our words or through our caring actions. Guide us to the path You would desire us to follow, lead us to the people You would will us to care for. We ask this to bring You the glory and honor, and so others can have the relationship with You and Jesus that we already get to treasure so dearly in our own lives. We ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Friday, August 25, 2006
On Fasting
All throughout the Bible, people have fasted. It's something we, as Americans, living in the land of plenty, rarely think about anymore. Let's take a look at WHY people of the Bible fasted.
Psalms 35 - David fasts for deliverance from his enemies.
Acts 13 - The apostles fasted to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to know
which direction Paul's journey should take.
Acts 14 - Paul and Barnabas committed their leaders to God through fasting.
Jonah 3 - the King and people of Nineveh fasted to cry out to God for forgiveness
for their wicked and violent deeds, and for a change of heart.
Daniel 9 - Daniel fasted on behalf of all Jerusalem, asking God to forgive their sins.
Fasting has always been an act of worship. It's a way to reach out to God more deeply than through prayer alone. It's used in times of desparation and great need for God to come in a mighty way. Maybe it's time for us, as His people, His church, to come before the Lord God Almighty and humbly beseech Him to step in and move in a miraculous way - to change what is to what He wills it to be.
Isaiah 58 is one of the best examples of why and how to fast. Verses 1 - 5 show the half-hearted attempts people have made and how they do not work. Verses 6 and 7 tell us what God expects us to use fasting to do - to stop injustices, break the yoke we bear, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, provide shelter, clothe the naked, and help our family. Imagine if we put fasting into practice on a regular basis and really connect with God! What a nation we could have then! What a church we could become! What a beacon of hope we could be to those lost in the darkness searching for the way out!
The best part of this Scripture is verses 8 - 14, telling us what God WILL DO when we humbly come before him through prayer and sincere fasting:
His light will break through, healing will appear, righteousness will come, God
will protect and guard us, He'll answer our call and stand before us, He'll guide
us, satisfy our needs, strengthen our frame, quench our thirst, rebuild the ruins,
bring joy, cause us to "ride on the heights of the land", and to "feast on the
inheritance."
Doesn't that sound like the adventure of a lifetime? Something worth living for? A purpose greater than this world? I especially love the last line in Isaiah 58, "the mouth of the Lord has spoken"(NIV). God Himself promises this to each one of us if we humble ourselves through prayer and fasting.
I challenge each one of us to consider this carefully and set aside a time to fast.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We hear your call, but so often we get distracted. Sometimes by our selfish nature, other times because it's the plan of the enemy. Father, we recognize the need for you and your healing in our world, our nation, our community, our church, our family, right down to our own individual lives. We love you and we need you. Speak to our hearts. Make known to us what you desire each of us to do with this message. Show us HOW to do your will, then come Lord, in all your glory and splendor - once again to captivate the hearts and minds of those you love on this earth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen
Psalms 35 - David fasts for deliverance from his enemies.
Acts 13 - The apostles fasted to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to know
which direction Paul's journey should take.
Acts 14 - Paul and Barnabas committed their leaders to God through fasting.
Jonah 3 - the King and people of Nineveh fasted to cry out to God for forgiveness
for their wicked and violent deeds, and for a change of heart.
Daniel 9 - Daniel fasted on behalf of all Jerusalem, asking God to forgive their sins.
Fasting has always been an act of worship. It's a way to reach out to God more deeply than through prayer alone. It's used in times of desparation and great need for God to come in a mighty way. Maybe it's time for us, as His people, His church, to come before the Lord God Almighty and humbly beseech Him to step in and move in a miraculous way - to change what is to what He wills it to be.
Isaiah 58 is one of the best examples of why and how to fast. Verses 1 - 5 show the half-hearted attempts people have made and how they do not work. Verses 6 and 7 tell us what God expects us to use fasting to do - to stop injustices, break the yoke we bear, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, provide shelter, clothe the naked, and help our family. Imagine if we put fasting into practice on a regular basis and really connect with God! What a nation we could have then! What a church we could become! What a beacon of hope we could be to those lost in the darkness searching for the way out!
The best part of this Scripture is verses 8 - 14, telling us what God WILL DO when we humbly come before him through prayer and sincere fasting:
His light will break through, healing will appear, righteousness will come, God
will protect and guard us, He'll answer our call and stand before us, He'll guide
us, satisfy our needs, strengthen our frame, quench our thirst, rebuild the ruins,
bring joy, cause us to "ride on the heights of the land", and to "feast on the
inheritance."
Doesn't that sound like the adventure of a lifetime? Something worth living for? A purpose greater than this world? I especially love the last line in Isaiah 58, "the mouth of the Lord has spoken"(NIV). God Himself promises this to each one of us if we humble ourselves through prayer and fasting.
I challenge each one of us to consider this carefully and set aside a time to fast.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We hear your call, but so often we get distracted. Sometimes by our selfish nature, other times because it's the plan of the enemy. Father, we recognize the need for you and your healing in our world, our nation, our community, our church, our family, right down to our own individual lives. We love you and we need you. Speak to our hearts. Make known to us what you desire each of us to do with this message. Show us HOW to do your will, then come Lord, in all your glory and splendor - once again to captivate the hearts and minds of those you love on this earth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Notice Me!
We all have seen the next generation and all their body "art". You know, the piercings, the tattoos, the florescent hair color...they're in our workplace, our frequent eating places, our shopping centers, and especially at our hairdressers. It's so easy for others to judge them (even though it's not anyone else's place to do so). But what are they really saying?
We try to eat right, dress right, live in the right community, drive the right car, enjoy the popular entertainment, follow the patterns of what society dictates. We spend more time worrying about what other people think than they ever really do spend thinking about us. But what are we really saying?
We have three children, well-mannered kids with just as many strengths and weaknesses as other people's. But sometimes one of them will choose an extremely bad time to disobey or talk back or fight with a sibling. They don't act that way normally, so, at times like that, what is that child really saying?
I think by now you know the answer to the question. "Notice Me!" We all want to be noticed, appreciated, and occasionally commended for a job well done. So many times all people want is to be noticed, to know they're important, to know that this world really needs them. No one wants to be thought of as disposable.
But who do we want to notice us?
When I was young, it was my parents. As I grew older, it was my teachers and friends. After school it was my boss. As a wife, it was my spouse. As a mother, it was my children. Do you know what I figured out? They're all too busy trying to be noticed by others to realize what I expected of them. They too were striving to be told they were valued. So who do I really want to notice me now?
God. He's my father, my teacher, my friend, my family, my partner, my protector and provider, and all he asks in return? "Notice Me, too."
He tells us, "Talk to me, tell me what troubles you, tell me how I can help, let me know you care, spend time with me, read my letters to you, discuss your plans with me, obey my few simple commands - Notice Me."
Prayer:
Father,
So often we get caught up in our own lives. We act like what we do is
so important, that it'll change everything, that we have to be in control of it all,
and yet, we forget that our lives are really yours, our livelihood is a gift from you,
our next breath is from you, and the blessings in our lives wouldn't happen
without you. Please forgive us when our attempts to make time for you gets overlooked. Help us to try harder and more consistently to Notice You. Yours is the only attention that can truly make a life-changing difference. We love you. In Jesus' Name, Amen
We try to eat right, dress right, live in the right community, drive the right car, enjoy the popular entertainment, follow the patterns of what society dictates. We spend more time worrying about what other people think than they ever really do spend thinking about us. But what are we really saying?
We have three children, well-mannered kids with just as many strengths and weaknesses as other people's. But sometimes one of them will choose an extremely bad time to disobey or talk back or fight with a sibling. They don't act that way normally, so, at times like that, what is that child really saying?
I think by now you know the answer to the question. "Notice Me!" We all want to be noticed, appreciated, and occasionally commended for a job well done. So many times all people want is to be noticed, to know they're important, to know that this world really needs them. No one wants to be thought of as disposable.
But who do we want to notice us?
When I was young, it was my parents. As I grew older, it was my teachers and friends. After school it was my boss. As a wife, it was my spouse. As a mother, it was my children. Do you know what I figured out? They're all too busy trying to be noticed by others to realize what I expected of them. They too were striving to be told they were valued. So who do I really want to notice me now?
God. He's my father, my teacher, my friend, my family, my partner, my protector and provider, and all he asks in return? "Notice Me, too."
He tells us, "Talk to me, tell me what troubles you, tell me how I can help, let me know you care, spend time with me, read my letters to you, discuss your plans with me, obey my few simple commands - Notice Me."
Prayer:
Father,
So often we get caught up in our own lives. We act like what we do is
so important, that it'll change everything, that we have to be in control of it all,
and yet, we forget that our lives are really yours, our livelihood is a gift from you,
our next breath is from you, and the blessings in our lives wouldn't happen
without you. Please forgive us when our attempts to make time for you gets overlooked. Help us to try harder and more consistently to Notice You. Yours is the only attention that can truly make a life-changing difference. We love you. In Jesus' Name, Amen
Be the Moon
Odd title? I thought so too the first time I saw it on a young man's t-shirt at church, until I really gave it some thought and God opened my heart and mind to the wisdom of those 3 little words.
Think about it...what would you say about the moon? It's bright, it lights the world, it's huge, it stands out easily against the rest of the stars and darkness of the heavens, and oh yeah...it can't make it's own light. It can only reflect a bigger, brighter, more important star...the sun.
Think about it...what would you say about who we're supposed to be in Christ? We're supposed to be a shining light, we are supposed to enlighten the world, we're part of a huge family, we're supposed to stand out easily against the rest of the world and be a light that shines in the darkness, and oh yeah...we don't create our own light. We only reflect a bigger, brighter, more important Star...the Son.
Acts 4 tells the story of the first church of believers, once called The Way. They were the apostles going out into the world to share the good news of Jesus. It says that when they prayed together, that place where they prayed shook! They preached with freedom, boldness and courage. They were of one heart and one mind. They shared all they had to see God's Kingdom furthered. It also says great grace, kindness, favor and goodwill rested richly upon them all. It continues saying there were NO needy among them. Talk about standing out in the darkness of that time! They got people's attention by the way they lived, but not for their own glory and honor. They let the Holy Spirit be their star to guide them. They decided to "be the moon".
We too, can live this way. God gives us so much every single day, and all he asks in return is our devotion to only Him and to love others. We are still supposed to pray together, share the gospel, use the freedoms given to us in this country, be bold and courageous in standing up for our principles knowing they're based on God's 10 Commandments, and we are to be in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is how we can repay God for His blessings. We can direct the focus to Him and not take credit when people notice our efforts. When people notice our lives are more together, more at peace, more confident, or full of blessed assurances, it's our job to reflect God's light to shine on their path so they can see through the darkness; not to pretend it's all us and our worldly wisdom.
The next time you're with someone hurting, someone who needs a friend, someone who seems like they don't know the way out of the box they're stuck in...Be the Moon!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
This world seems so full of darkness sometimes. Every night we see one hour of
news and we're reminded of how blessed we are because of your love and protection. It makes
me sad to think of how many people don't know you. They go through life alone, hurting,
not knowing how to make it stop. Please allow us to Be the Moon for you. We pray that you
continue to shine your light on our lives, but also we pray that you would show us how to
reflect that light so that others may see their way back to the narrow path that leads to you. We
don't need nor want the credit for doing what we should be doing anyway. We know we're
blessed, and we're your servants here on earth to bless others you bring near to us. Thank you
for the opportunity to serve You and your people.
Think about it...what would you say about the moon? It's bright, it lights the world, it's huge, it stands out easily against the rest of the stars and darkness of the heavens, and oh yeah...it can't make it's own light. It can only reflect a bigger, brighter, more important star...the sun.
Think about it...what would you say about who we're supposed to be in Christ? We're supposed to be a shining light, we are supposed to enlighten the world, we're part of a huge family, we're supposed to stand out easily against the rest of the world and be a light that shines in the darkness, and oh yeah...we don't create our own light. We only reflect a bigger, brighter, more important Star...the Son.
Acts 4 tells the story of the first church of believers, once called The Way. They were the apostles going out into the world to share the good news of Jesus. It says that when they prayed together, that place where they prayed shook! They preached with freedom, boldness and courage. They were of one heart and one mind. They shared all they had to see God's Kingdom furthered. It also says great grace, kindness, favor and goodwill rested richly upon them all. It continues saying there were NO needy among them. Talk about standing out in the darkness of that time! They got people's attention by the way they lived, but not for their own glory and honor. They let the Holy Spirit be their star to guide them. They decided to "be the moon".
We too, can live this way. God gives us so much every single day, and all he asks in return is our devotion to only Him and to love others. We are still supposed to pray together, share the gospel, use the freedoms given to us in this country, be bold and courageous in standing up for our principles knowing they're based on God's 10 Commandments, and we are to be in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is how we can repay God for His blessings. We can direct the focus to Him and not take credit when people notice our efforts. When people notice our lives are more together, more at peace, more confident, or full of blessed assurances, it's our job to reflect God's light to shine on their path so they can see through the darkness; not to pretend it's all us and our worldly wisdom.
The next time you're with someone hurting, someone who needs a friend, someone who seems like they don't know the way out of the box they're stuck in...Be the Moon!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
This world seems so full of darkness sometimes. Every night we see one hour of
news and we're reminded of how blessed we are because of your love and protection. It makes
me sad to think of how many people don't know you. They go through life alone, hurting,
not knowing how to make it stop. Please allow us to Be the Moon for you. We pray that you
continue to shine your light on our lives, but also we pray that you would show us how to
reflect that light so that others may see their way back to the narrow path that leads to you. We
don't need nor want the credit for doing what we should be doing anyway. We know we're
blessed, and we're your servants here on earth to bless others you bring near to us. Thank you
for the opportunity to serve You and your people.
Is Your Life Pieces of a Puzzle?
Psalm 139: 15, 16 - My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Have you ever felt like your life up to this point has been a big jigsaw puzzle? (It's an analogy my family in particular should understand, since we all enjoy working them.)
The straight-edge, outer border pieces represent our values. They represent the framework of where we draw our lines, and they cannot change. They're a constant. Everything else in our life must happen within those borders.
The bottom of the puzzle, where there's usually a flower bed or grassy field, represents our foundation. It's made up of pieces of where we've been, what we've done, and things we've experienced. Often, we cannot understand why all those pieces were necessary or how they could become important later when each individual one was so insignificant by itself.
The middle represents where we're at now. It's the main picture, or focus, of the overall big picture. It's where we begin to sort out and put together several pieces into groups. Like a puzzle where we would put groups of pieces together representing say, a barn, a fence, a well, and a shed; this is where we group the pieces that represent our Christian walk, family, raising our children, homeschooling, etc.
The final part is the "sky", it's the goals that we reach higher to obtain within our lifetime. These really important things are above the day-to-day, they make a lasting difference in the lives of others, and are the last things in our lives to be completed (even in the puzzle, the sky is usually last).
Finally, we can see how all these smaller pictures, when combined, organized and put together by the Master builder, no longer represent a jumbled puzzle, something unsolved. Now they are a clear picture of our life, something that could never be completed without the Mighty Hand of the One who knew the picture before each piece was ever formed.
Only by God's guidance and wisdom will our lives now be complete. We may have a ways to go yet before it's completion, but now we can begin to understand the parts of our life and see the big picture.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the hope and joy you bring to this life.
So often our lives seem like a bunch of mismatched pieces, and we
struggle to make them somehow fit together and have meaning. We
need you to guide our ways and turn our paths so that in the end, we
are able to complete the wonderful work you destined for each of us.
You truly are the Master Creator. Trusting you know how everything
will turn out in the end, brings order and peace to our lives. We just
thank you for Your Hand in the little things of our daily lives.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Have you ever felt like your life up to this point has been a big jigsaw puzzle? (It's an analogy my family in particular should understand, since we all enjoy working them.)
The straight-edge, outer border pieces represent our values. They represent the framework of where we draw our lines, and they cannot change. They're a constant. Everything else in our life must happen within those borders.
The bottom of the puzzle, where there's usually a flower bed or grassy field, represents our foundation. It's made up of pieces of where we've been, what we've done, and things we've experienced. Often, we cannot understand why all those pieces were necessary or how they could become important later when each individual one was so insignificant by itself.
The middle represents where we're at now. It's the main picture, or focus, of the overall big picture. It's where we begin to sort out and put together several pieces into groups. Like a puzzle where we would put groups of pieces together representing say, a barn, a fence, a well, and a shed; this is where we group the pieces that represent our Christian walk, family, raising our children, homeschooling, etc.
The final part is the "sky", it's the goals that we reach higher to obtain within our lifetime. These really important things are above the day-to-day, they make a lasting difference in the lives of others, and are the last things in our lives to be completed (even in the puzzle, the sky is usually last).
Finally, we can see how all these smaller pictures, when combined, organized and put together by the Master builder, no longer represent a jumbled puzzle, something unsolved. Now they are a clear picture of our life, something that could never be completed without the Mighty Hand of the One who knew the picture before each piece was ever formed.
Only by God's guidance and wisdom will our lives now be complete. We may have a ways to go yet before it's completion, but now we can begin to understand the parts of our life and see the big picture.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the hope and joy you bring to this life.
So often our lives seem like a bunch of mismatched pieces, and we
struggle to make them somehow fit together and have meaning. We
need you to guide our ways and turn our paths so that in the end, we
are able to complete the wonderful work you destined for each of us.
You truly are the Master Creator. Trusting you know how everything
will turn out in the end, brings order and peace to our lives. We just
thank you for Your Hand in the little things of our daily lives.
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