I love the way Jesus used stories to illustrate His points and get His message across. I also love the imagery Paul used in 2 Corinthians when he spoke about our spiritual scent. He wrote:
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
God diffuses the fragrance of his knowledge in every place (v. 14)
We are to God the fragrance of Christ (v.15)
To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. (v.16)
I love this passage. I love knowing that my life, my relationship to God through Jesus Christ, has a spiritual odor. That is awesome! If we are true to the word of God, serving Him with sincerity of heart, with love and humility then we are guaranteed to smell. To some we will smell like DEATH. Our lives, though pointing to the Cross, will repel some because of their refusal to acknowledge God and His Son. Their rebellion and pride prohibit them from truly sensing the sweet smell of salvation that is made available to them through faith in Jesus. Their intellect, though a gift from God, operates often as a curse as they demand that faith in the Creator and His Son become logical, factually undisputed, proven with what man can see and understand with human reasoning. They refuse to yield, their intellect becoming a false god that they choose to serve.
Others smell death because of the bitterness in their hearts that they refuse to relinquish. Like a badge of honor, they wear their pain, their injustice, their grief and their offences. They live in fear and are so vigilant to not become a victim once more that they cannot or will not trust Jesus. Their healing and restoration seem too far out of reach. Though they may occasionally smell a hint of life giving aroma, they cling to their pain and their fear.
Then, there are those that our lives touch and our spiritual odor becomes a sweet smelling fragrance. Like moths to a flame, they are drawn to the light of Christ that is in us. Unlike moths, as they draw closer to His light they are transformed. When they reach out and begin to say yes to Jesus a trade begins. He gives them beauty for their ashes, healing for their pain, forgiveness for their sins, liberty and freedom for their bondage. He gives them courage and love...so much love. He clothes them in righteousness and becomes their Mediator with the Father. Though our salvation was bought with His blood and sacrifice, we are made sons and daughters to God the Father. We become joint heirs to the kingdom.
Romans 8:14-17 reads:
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
How beautiful that we become adopted into the Kingdom. How sad that some only smell death and reject all that the Father offers through Jesus.
So, the question is, "Do you smell?". Does your walk with Christ have any odor at all? If not, why not? Even in the natural realm we have a smell. It is not always pleasing and that is where we become thankful for deodorant. However, the bible does not speak of spiritual deodorant. It stands to reason that since we do not have spiritual deodorant, then we cannot always have a pleasant odor. If it seems we do, then are we somehow dishonoring God? Are we denying Christ in our lives if everyone is well-pleased with our scent?
Finally, if we are not leading some to death and others to life with our aroma, then what place has Jesus taken in our lives? If we confess Him with our lips, yet deny Him by our lives, then that may be the only way that we are without a scent. Choose Jesus. Choose to live and walk in the fullness of His power and grace. Do not deny Him. Let His light shine bright through you. Do not be concerned with how you smell. Be concerned if you don't. Do not be a people pleaser, for your good aroma may become a false scent that may lead more to hell and destruction than if you walked in obedience to the Lord without compromise.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Out from the Shadows...Called to Action!
I have renamed the blog. It was formerly, 'Hidden in the Shadows'. That name was given four years ago when I created the blog. I never posted anything until April of this year. I used to struggle with feeling invisible within the churches I attended. That is where the blog got it's name from. I no longer have that struggle and feel the blog, even it's name, should be current and relevant.
No longer do I feel hidden. I feel called out to action. That is why I can finally be honest and share my thoughts and observations and whatever else comes along. At the end of 2011 I felt the Lord impressed upon my spirit that 2012 would be a year of Grace. It was. He showed me much grace and taught me to really start to pay attention to my journey, rather than just passively live each day. Likewise, in 2013 I knew that was the year of Discipline. I lacked personal discipline and have for most of my life. At the end of 2013 I wondered what, if any, word the Lord would give for this new year. He did not disappoint. The word He gave me was ACTION!
I was so excited! I have had so many hopes and desires that were in my mind but not being lived out. I really took that word and began to run with it. Even if the action was pursuing the new Godly films that came out this year, I did it. I booked a ticket to an Abolition Summit that is scheduled in August. It is already paid for. My husband and I attended Acquire the Fire this year. I have been several times but it had been at least ten years since my last event. This was my husband's first event. We sponsored a child through Compassion International. All these things are ACTION! I love it!
We have been attending our current church for about six months. I have wanted to leave many times, but we love the people we have come to know. Also, the Lord seems to be requiring me to stay there for now. This is ACTION. I trust the Lord. I have no doubt I am being taught many things by obeying Him. I have begun writing about what I see and how I feel. Normally, I would write it in a personal journal and/or discuss it with a couple of close friends. However, the Lord has prompted me to share it publicly, despite the fact that not everyone can or will agree with every word written. That is ACTION.
I feel, in a small way, like a revolutionary. That is no credit to me. I believe that when we truly obey what the Lord would have us to do, we are going to be perceived many different ways. I am not responsible for how someone responds to my obedience. I am only to be obedient in love and with humility. I truly desire that my life be Salt and Light to those with whom it comes in contact with. Much love to you all.
No longer do I feel hidden. I feel called out to action. That is why I can finally be honest and share my thoughts and observations and whatever else comes along. At the end of 2011 I felt the Lord impressed upon my spirit that 2012 would be a year of Grace. It was. He showed me much grace and taught me to really start to pay attention to my journey, rather than just passively live each day. Likewise, in 2013 I knew that was the year of Discipline. I lacked personal discipline and have for most of my life. At the end of 2013 I wondered what, if any, word the Lord would give for this new year. He did not disappoint. The word He gave me was ACTION!
I was so excited! I have had so many hopes and desires that were in my mind but not being lived out. I really took that word and began to run with it. Even if the action was pursuing the new Godly films that came out this year, I did it. I booked a ticket to an Abolition Summit that is scheduled in August. It is already paid for. My husband and I attended Acquire the Fire this year. I have been several times but it had been at least ten years since my last event. This was my husband's first event. We sponsored a child through Compassion International. All these things are ACTION! I love it!
We have been attending our current church for about six months. I have wanted to leave many times, but we love the people we have come to know. Also, the Lord seems to be requiring me to stay there for now. This is ACTION. I trust the Lord. I have no doubt I am being taught many things by obeying Him. I have begun writing about what I see and how I feel. Normally, I would write it in a personal journal and/or discuss it with a couple of close friends. However, the Lord has prompted me to share it publicly, despite the fact that not everyone can or will agree with every word written. That is ACTION.
I feel, in a small way, like a revolutionary. That is no credit to me. I believe that when we truly obey what the Lord would have us to do, we are going to be perceived many different ways. I am not responsible for how someone responds to my obedience. I am only to be obedient in love and with humility. I truly desire that my life be Salt and Light to those with whom it comes in contact with. Much love to you all.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Don't Stop Being Bold
I went to church tonight. The essence of the message was to not be afraid to be recognized as a Christian, to stand up for what is right. Don't blend in with our surroundings and deny that we know Jesus. As I sat there, taking notes, I was heavy in my heart and in my spirit. I was feeling like that during the morning service. I could feel the tears within me, as well as the few that made it to the surface and rolled quietly down my cheeks.
In recent weeks, I have been bold in sharing my observations with those who were interested enough to read about them, and I shared them in conversations with a few close friends. While I was not trying to rally support for a cause, I was interested to know how others felt and what they thought about the information that was presented. To be honest, what started out feeling like fresh, new fellowship has started to feel like a polite shunning. I sit in church and observe the interaction around me. From the beginning it has been a struggle to remain at church. However, I keep returning...mostly because I feel it is in obedience to the Lord. At first, I thought He was simply trying to teach me how to function within an organized church body, especially since I have never fully integrated into any church body in the past.
It seems the longer I stay, the more distanced from others I feel. It is strange, because I sometimes feel like a new friendship is growing or forming...but yet a distance remains. I find myself hesitating to share my apprehensions, yet feeling it necessary to continue the dialogue I have begun. At times it is a bit like having a one-sided conversation. In my mind, I imagine there are some who wish I would just be quiet, while there may be others who are intrigued enough to read, and still others who maybe can relate and have similar feelings. What most of them have in common is their silence.
Let me just be honest tonight. I feel very alone in the church. I have initiated conversations that are really not over, and I have gotten zero feedback past the virtual realm, unless I have asked for it. It was recommended that a private discussion should have been my first action, yet no follow up conversations have made their way to me. I yearn for true fellowship and would love to make it past Sunday morning pleasantries but I don't know how. I am truly socially awkward when it comes to small talk. However, if you were to engage me in a discussion or conversation that held any depth, then we could talk all day long.
I feel like no one wants to get to know me or they are afraid to. I feel different from most. I can understand that different can be scary or intimidating, but you might be surprised if you tried to get to know me. As I type this I feel like I may come across sounding pathetic and needy. That is far from my desire. Really, I just want to be honest and I wish others were more honest. I think that is the distance I feel between myself and others. It is their reluctance to be honest, to disagree...or even to agree. I don't understand the need to hide and sweep things under the rug within the church body. How can anything be effectively handled in the dark?
I didn't want to write anymore about the church. I do not want to sound bitter or disparaging because I truly am not. I am sad and sometimes hurt. At times I feel rejected and very alone. Tonight, as I listened to the message being presented, I heard these words spoken to my spirit, "Don't Stop Being Bold." I silently sighed within myself. This meant I had to share more of what I see and how it makes me feel. I had to continue being honest and opening myself up for whatever it may bring. I used to joke with a friend that I figured by the time I asked to be a member of the church, the church would be trying to get rid of me.
While I have no plan to become a member I can't help but wonder if the latter part of that joke isn't true to some degree. I am left to wonder because I do not get any communication that could confirm or deny these thoughts and feelings. Why is the church silent? If we cannot communicate with each other, then why do we gather? How can we be transparent in the world, showing love, if we cannot do that with one another? Do we really show love to each other? Do we communicate? Are we following the leading of the Holy Spirit or the dictates of man?
"Don't stop being bold." That is what the Holy Spirit said to me. So, I write and I share. I daresay you will know far more about me...my thoughts, ideas and observations...than I will ever know about you. That is how I, in this moment, am being bold. It would be simpler to leave or at least remain quiet. That is the problem. Too many are quiet. Church leaders call out for unity in the body. Really? We can't even talk about what separates us but we are expected to unite? We cannot talk about what hurts us but we are to unite in Christian love? How is that done exactly?
The phrase, "I'll pray for you", is not a fix-all phrase. What exactly will you be praying for? Will you be praying for me to be silent? Will you be praying that I bring this behind closed doors rather than being bold? We cannot pray each other's hurts away if we are not willing to hear one another. How can we bear one another's burden's if we don't know what the burdens are?
"Don't stop being bold." It is what I needed to hear because I was drowning in the silence. I think it is easier to survive in the world as a Christian, or to live in an area where persecution is real and deadly, than it is to try and be a Christian in the church today. The persecuted saints understand the message of the cross and understand the risks and sacrifices needed to further the gospel. They are hungry for God and desperate to tell those around them who Jesus is. They bear one another's burdens. They pray with one another. They are often dislocated from their homeland, beaten, mocked, imprisoned and killed, yet they persist. They often have nothing but, yet, are more rich in faith and action than we can ever hope to be.
As for surviving in the world...if we are true to our convictions, walk in love and show Christ by our lives, the world is often kinder than the local church who clings to their traditions as their one, true god. I do realize that there are many in the church hungry for the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow across their parched spirits. They long for God to stir up a new thing and to raise up a standard within them. I know those people exists. I am speaking to the ones who dare to defy the Lord by their obstinate refusal to be led and moved by the Holy Spirit. They cling to things fashioned by the hands and minds of men, rather than the things of God. They complicate what He has made simple. They pick and choose, keep and discard, as though stacking their spiritual deck with people deemed desirable and fitting for service.
It is wrong and the church body will eventually pay the price for its silence. Choosing to do nothing, to say nothing, is still choosing. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 states:
15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
In recent weeks, I have been bold in sharing my observations with those who were interested enough to read about them, and I shared them in conversations with a few close friends. While I was not trying to rally support for a cause, I was interested to know how others felt and what they thought about the information that was presented. To be honest, what started out feeling like fresh, new fellowship has started to feel like a polite shunning. I sit in church and observe the interaction around me. From the beginning it has been a struggle to remain at church. However, I keep returning...mostly because I feel it is in obedience to the Lord. At first, I thought He was simply trying to teach me how to function within an organized church body, especially since I have never fully integrated into any church body in the past.
It seems the longer I stay, the more distanced from others I feel. It is strange, because I sometimes feel like a new friendship is growing or forming...but yet a distance remains. I find myself hesitating to share my apprehensions, yet feeling it necessary to continue the dialogue I have begun. At times it is a bit like having a one-sided conversation. In my mind, I imagine there are some who wish I would just be quiet, while there may be others who are intrigued enough to read, and still others who maybe can relate and have similar feelings. What most of them have in common is their silence.
Let me just be honest tonight. I feel very alone in the church. I have initiated conversations that are really not over, and I have gotten zero feedback past the virtual realm, unless I have asked for it. It was recommended that a private discussion should have been my first action, yet no follow up conversations have made their way to me. I yearn for true fellowship and would love to make it past Sunday morning pleasantries but I don't know how. I am truly socially awkward when it comes to small talk. However, if you were to engage me in a discussion or conversation that held any depth, then we could talk all day long.
I feel like no one wants to get to know me or they are afraid to. I feel different from most. I can understand that different can be scary or intimidating, but you might be surprised if you tried to get to know me. As I type this I feel like I may come across sounding pathetic and needy. That is far from my desire. Really, I just want to be honest and I wish others were more honest. I think that is the distance I feel between myself and others. It is their reluctance to be honest, to disagree...or even to agree. I don't understand the need to hide and sweep things under the rug within the church body. How can anything be effectively handled in the dark?
I didn't want to write anymore about the church. I do not want to sound bitter or disparaging because I truly am not. I am sad and sometimes hurt. At times I feel rejected and very alone. Tonight, as I listened to the message being presented, I heard these words spoken to my spirit, "Don't Stop Being Bold." I silently sighed within myself. This meant I had to share more of what I see and how it makes me feel. I had to continue being honest and opening myself up for whatever it may bring. I used to joke with a friend that I figured by the time I asked to be a member of the church, the church would be trying to get rid of me.
While I have no plan to become a member I can't help but wonder if the latter part of that joke isn't true to some degree. I am left to wonder because I do not get any communication that could confirm or deny these thoughts and feelings. Why is the church silent? If we cannot communicate with each other, then why do we gather? How can we be transparent in the world, showing love, if we cannot do that with one another? Do we really show love to each other? Do we communicate? Are we following the leading of the Holy Spirit or the dictates of man?
"Don't stop being bold." That is what the Holy Spirit said to me. So, I write and I share. I daresay you will know far more about me...my thoughts, ideas and observations...than I will ever know about you. That is how I, in this moment, am being bold. It would be simpler to leave or at least remain quiet. That is the problem. Too many are quiet. Church leaders call out for unity in the body. Really? We can't even talk about what separates us but we are expected to unite? We cannot talk about what hurts us but we are to unite in Christian love? How is that done exactly?
The phrase, "I'll pray for you", is not a fix-all phrase. What exactly will you be praying for? Will you be praying for me to be silent? Will you be praying that I bring this behind closed doors rather than being bold? We cannot pray each other's hurts away if we are not willing to hear one another. How can we bear one another's burden's if we don't know what the burdens are?
"Don't stop being bold." It is what I needed to hear because I was drowning in the silence. I think it is easier to survive in the world as a Christian, or to live in an area where persecution is real and deadly, than it is to try and be a Christian in the church today. The persecuted saints understand the message of the cross and understand the risks and sacrifices needed to further the gospel. They are hungry for God and desperate to tell those around them who Jesus is. They bear one another's burdens. They pray with one another. They are often dislocated from their homeland, beaten, mocked, imprisoned and killed, yet they persist. They often have nothing but, yet, are more rich in faith and action than we can ever hope to be.
As for surviving in the world...if we are true to our convictions, walk in love and show Christ by our lives, the world is often kinder than the local church who clings to their traditions as their one, true god. I do realize that there are many in the church hungry for the wind of the Holy Spirit to blow across their parched spirits. They long for God to stir up a new thing and to raise up a standard within them. I know those people exists. I am speaking to the ones who dare to defy the Lord by their obstinate refusal to be led and moved by the Holy Spirit. They cling to things fashioned by the hands and minds of men, rather than the things of God. They complicate what He has made simple. They pick and choose, keep and discard, as though stacking their spiritual deck with people deemed desirable and fitting for service.
It is wrong and the church body will eventually pay the price for its silence. Choosing to do nothing, to say nothing, is still choosing. Deuteronomy 30:15-20 states:
15 “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, 16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
Friday, April 25, 2014
Spiritual Hobo
Mark 2:1-12 (emphasis vv. 1-4)
2 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has 2power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Jesus is so amazingly awesome. The paralytic and his friends knew that. They were so convinced that they were determined to get in one way or another. I look around at the church today and just sigh. They just don't get it. Why not?! Oh, you can read many other blogs and articles written by people more educated than myself. Some have statistics to show the same thing. Church attendance is declining rapidly. Zeal for God's house is all but a memory. Personally, that really bothers me.
In my own sphere of interaction I have tried to rally the cry to action and it mostly falls on deaf ears and unwilling hearts. Oh, I have found one or two who share the same concerns and observe the same behaviors. I believe in and like to pursue the impossible. I know and am SO convinced that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE with God. Why is that so hard to believe? People in the church may claim to know it but their actions (or lack of actions) deny that truth. It saddens me greatly. My husband and I have two young children who I hope to raise in the church, but is it safe to raise them in the church? How long before their convictions become watered down and impotent?
I find it easier to teach them to overcome the world through love and faith in Jesus than it is to have to UN-teach them what the church shows by example. I understand that we, as Christians, confuse the world with our watered down faith, lack of love, judgment and Do-As-I-Say-But-Not-As-I-Do lives that we live. I am NOT against the church. I would love to fellowship with other believers, loving and exhorting one another in the faith...but I do not want to play church. I do not believe that church should only minister inwardly to those who choose to attend. Cause-and-effect dictate that if we are truly a Christian who spends time with the Lord, in His presence and in His word, then we should be supernaturally transformed by His love and naturally becoming salt and Light to this world around us.
What that means is that our flesh should die daily simply by being in the Lord's word and presence. Crucifying our flesh should not be an act of our will but, rather, a natural result of time spent with the Lord.
I attend church that is filled with lovely people. I know many would pray for me if I have a need. I am not ranting against this church. My observations are from viewing many churches and people who profess Christ and that is where it ends. Perhaps it is a mixture of the word being choked out by the cares of this world, apathy, fear, or simply not knowing what to do or even fear of being ostracized for daring to try and do something, especially when that something has been given to them by the Lord.
I want fellowship, but I cannot integrate into a body that will not yield or pursue anything more than what they have been doing for decades. Again, it saddens me. I recently left Facebook because it was time. I felt liberated and free and alone. However, I do not mind being alone. It is necessary and I know beyond doubt that it is in obedience to the Lord. I no longer feel I have to prove anything. I don't have to 'rally the troops' to pursue anything. I know that if help is needed, then the Lord will choose from where that help comes.
I have been set free from Facebook, from needing affirmation and from needing to belong. I am okay being on the outside. It is not the place I try to be, however, I always seem to end up there naturally. To be honest, I don't fight that anymore. It no longer saddens me or makes me question what is wrong with me. I am where the Lord would have me. My obedience to Him is more important than anything the world or the church could offer. He has proven Himself beyond measure my whole life. That's why I just don't understand how the church can play dead and be content to isolate themselves from the world around them.
I feel like a spiritual hobo with my knapsack thrown over my shoulder, waiting to catch the next train that passes by.
Isaiah 6:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
2 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has 2power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Jesus is so amazingly awesome. The paralytic and his friends knew that. They were so convinced that they were determined to get in one way or another. I look around at the church today and just sigh. They just don't get it. Why not?! Oh, you can read many other blogs and articles written by people more educated than myself. Some have statistics to show the same thing. Church attendance is declining rapidly. Zeal for God's house is all but a memory. Personally, that really bothers me.
In my own sphere of interaction I have tried to rally the cry to action and it mostly falls on deaf ears and unwilling hearts. Oh, I have found one or two who share the same concerns and observe the same behaviors. I believe in and like to pursue the impossible. I know and am SO convinced that NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE with God. Why is that so hard to believe? People in the church may claim to know it but their actions (or lack of actions) deny that truth. It saddens me greatly. My husband and I have two young children who I hope to raise in the church, but is it safe to raise them in the church? How long before their convictions become watered down and impotent?
I find it easier to teach them to overcome the world through love and faith in Jesus than it is to have to UN-teach them what the church shows by example. I understand that we, as Christians, confuse the world with our watered down faith, lack of love, judgment and Do-As-I-Say-But-Not-As-I-Do lives that we live. I am NOT against the church. I would love to fellowship with other believers, loving and exhorting one another in the faith...but I do not want to play church. I do not believe that church should only minister inwardly to those who choose to attend. Cause-and-effect dictate that if we are truly a Christian who spends time with the Lord, in His presence and in His word, then we should be supernaturally transformed by His love and naturally becoming salt and Light to this world around us.
What that means is that our flesh should die daily simply by being in the Lord's word and presence. Crucifying our flesh should not be an act of our will but, rather, a natural result of time spent with the Lord.
I attend church that is filled with lovely people. I know many would pray for me if I have a need. I am not ranting against this church. My observations are from viewing many churches and people who profess Christ and that is where it ends. Perhaps it is a mixture of the word being choked out by the cares of this world, apathy, fear, or simply not knowing what to do or even fear of being ostracized for daring to try and do something, especially when that something has been given to them by the Lord.
I want fellowship, but I cannot integrate into a body that will not yield or pursue anything more than what they have been doing for decades. Again, it saddens me. I recently left Facebook because it was time. I felt liberated and free and alone. However, I do not mind being alone. It is necessary and I know beyond doubt that it is in obedience to the Lord. I no longer feel I have to prove anything. I don't have to 'rally the troops' to pursue anything. I know that if help is needed, then the Lord will choose from where that help comes.
I have been set free from Facebook, from needing affirmation and from needing to belong. I am okay being on the outside. It is not the place I try to be, however, I always seem to end up there naturally. To be honest, I don't fight that anymore. It no longer saddens me or makes me question what is wrong with me. I am where the Lord would have me. My obedience to Him is more important than anything the world or the church could offer. He has proven Himself beyond measure my whole life. That's why I just don't understand how the church can play dead and be content to isolate themselves from the world around them.
I feel like a spiritual hobo with my knapsack thrown over my shoulder, waiting to catch the next train that passes by.
Isaiah 6:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Why I Finally Left Facebook
I have recently done the unthinkable. I left Facebook. Why? How could I go through with it? For me, it has been an internal conflict for quite a while on whether to remain or to leave.
The interesting part to me is that I had recently received several friend requests from people in my church. The interaction was good and Facebook was becoming more than a place to play games. With all the new friends and interaction, why would I want to leave? I recently sent a letter to fourteen members of the church that were on my friends list. The letter addressed issues and questions I had. I had prayed about these things before being prompted by the Holy Spirit to address it in an open letter format. I was uncertain but I obeyed. What followed, for the most part, was beautiful fellowship of people giving me their sincere replies and points of view. The letter went back and forth in replies for several days. It came to a close naturally. I felt more bonded to some as a result of our exchanges. My concerns and questions were answered. While I may not agree with every view, I can appreciate them when shared from the heart.
I mention the open letter exchange because it seems to be an integral part in my decision to leave Facebook. It has been two days since I deleted my account. The date was April 22, 2014. Since then, I have pondered and reflected on that decision. What I have gained through the letter and the leaving is peace and healing. The healing I speak of is in relation to feeling I do not have to prove myself to anyone...or have anyone (like the church, for example) prove themselves to me. I have peace and calm within me, almost overwhelming me.
I also feel alone but in a necessary way. Facebook was a large distraction. It took from my family and my time overall. Some people can exercise great control in regards to their Facebook usage. That is fantastic. I, on the other hand, struggled with it. I don't want my life plastered in a virtual reality where friendships seem to exist but are seldom played out so richly in real life. I prefer the hard road of telephone calls, time spent together in a shared event or even just old-fashion emails.
That leads to my other point. Despite how wonderful the fellowship was (for me) in that open letter, it still created a secret society within the church that excluded others, though not intentionally. I could only send the letter to those with whom I had Facebook connections. I could not ask for a meeting in the church nor initiate one during service. The repercussions of those actions may not have been well received. Facebook makes friendships too convenient, almost lazy. Why send a message via Facebook when a telephone call is more succinct and leaves you to wonder less whether the message was received and also what the reply is.
I do not say any of this to offend anyone. I am expressing how Facebook makes ME feel and what I prefer to the virtual reality that it creates. Also, Facebook is demanding if a person is to truly reap any rewards from using its services. If you do not interact, engage others, post stuff, etc...then you get left behind, lost in the newsfeeds or worse, not listed at all when you do bother to post.
I hunger for genuine, authentic relationships. Facebook may add some polish to existing relationships, but it cannot be the foundation on which they are built and maintained. With all that said, it seems only natural that my time in the virtual reality of Facebook draws to a close. I have not left the planet. I haven't even left the internet. I only left Facebook.
The interesting part to me is that I had recently received several friend requests from people in my church. The interaction was good and Facebook was becoming more than a place to play games. With all the new friends and interaction, why would I want to leave? I recently sent a letter to fourteen members of the church that were on my friends list. The letter addressed issues and questions I had. I had prayed about these things before being prompted by the Holy Spirit to address it in an open letter format. I was uncertain but I obeyed. What followed, for the most part, was beautiful fellowship of people giving me their sincere replies and points of view. The letter went back and forth in replies for several days. It came to a close naturally. I felt more bonded to some as a result of our exchanges. My concerns and questions were answered. While I may not agree with every view, I can appreciate them when shared from the heart.
I mention the open letter exchange because it seems to be an integral part in my decision to leave Facebook. It has been two days since I deleted my account. The date was April 22, 2014. Since then, I have pondered and reflected on that decision. What I have gained through the letter and the leaving is peace and healing. The healing I speak of is in relation to feeling I do not have to prove myself to anyone...or have anyone (like the church, for example) prove themselves to me. I have peace and calm within me, almost overwhelming me.
I also feel alone but in a necessary way. Facebook was a large distraction. It took from my family and my time overall. Some people can exercise great control in regards to their Facebook usage. That is fantastic. I, on the other hand, struggled with it. I don't want my life plastered in a virtual reality where friendships seem to exist but are seldom played out so richly in real life. I prefer the hard road of telephone calls, time spent together in a shared event or even just old-fashion emails.
That leads to my other point. Despite how wonderful the fellowship was (for me) in that open letter, it still created a secret society within the church that excluded others, though not intentionally. I could only send the letter to those with whom I had Facebook connections. I could not ask for a meeting in the church nor initiate one during service. The repercussions of those actions may not have been well received. Facebook makes friendships too convenient, almost lazy. Why send a message via Facebook when a telephone call is more succinct and leaves you to wonder less whether the message was received and also what the reply is.
I do not say any of this to offend anyone. I am expressing how Facebook makes ME feel and what I prefer to the virtual reality that it creates. Also, Facebook is demanding if a person is to truly reap any rewards from using its services. If you do not interact, engage others, post stuff, etc...then you get left behind, lost in the newsfeeds or worse, not listed at all when you do bother to post.
I hunger for genuine, authentic relationships. Facebook may add some polish to existing relationships, but it cannot be the foundation on which they are built and maintained. With all that said, it seems only natural that my time in the virtual reality of Facebook draws to a close. I have not left the planet. I haven't even left the internet. I only left Facebook.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
KY House Bills- Religious Liberties- Please Support
Kentucky has two House Bills up for consideration that very few seem to know about. They are House Bills 426 and 435. They both relate to restoring religious liberties in our public schools. The following is the summary for each, taken from www.legiscan.com.
House Bill 426 Summary
Amend KRS 158.183 to permit students to voluntarily express religious viewpoints in school assignments free from discrimination and to organize prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to require each board of education to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and to establish a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak, including graduation; designate procedure for selection of student speakers; require subject of speech to be relevant to event; require district disclaimer indicating nonendorsement of the content of voluntary expressions by students.
House Bill 435 Summary
Amend KRS 158.183 to permit students to voluntarily express religious viewpoints in school assignments free from discrimination and organize prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups and allow for expression of religious viewpoints through dress to the same extent as students are permitted to express viewpoints through nonreligious dress; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to require each board of education to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and to establish a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak, including graduation.
We need to let our support of these bills be known. Please call the Free Legislative Message Line: 1-800-372-7181 today. You can say something along the lines of: "Please support House Bills 426 and 435 to restore the religious liberties of students attending public schools...and copy my message to ALL State Representatives and ALL State Senators."
You can call Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. EST and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday. Husbands and wives are encouraged to call separately.
House Bill 426 Summary
Amend KRS 158.183 to permit students to voluntarily express religious viewpoints in school assignments free from discrimination and to organize prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to require each board of education to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and to establish a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak, including graduation; designate procedure for selection of student speakers; require subject of speech to be relevant to event; require district disclaimer indicating nonendorsement of the content of voluntary expressions by students.
House Bill 435 Summary
Amend KRS 158.183 to permit students to voluntarily express religious viewpoints in school assignments free from discrimination and organize prayer groups, religious clubs, or other religious gatherings before, during, and after school to the same extent that students are permitted to organize other noncurricular student activities and groups and allow for expression of religious viewpoints through dress to the same extent as students are permitted to express viewpoints through nonreligious dress; create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to require each board of education to adopt and implement a policy regarding voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints and to establish a limited public forum for student speakers at all school events at which a student is to publicly speak, including graduation.
We need to let our support of these bills be known. Please call the Free Legislative Message Line: 1-800-372-7181 today. You can say something along the lines of: "Please support House Bills 426 and 435 to restore the religious liberties of students attending public schools...and copy my message to ALL State Representatives and ALL State Senators."
You can call Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. EST and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday. Husbands and wives are encouraged to call separately.
Ten Year Testimony- Part Two
Previously, in Part One: I told him if my previous prayer was a little bit colder (meaning more time had gone by) I would say no, but I did tell God whatever He had I would take it. Reluctantly I agreed. This friend went over and beyond his offer. He paid off my two bank notes and gave me both a credit card and a debit card for cash.
After receiving that phone call, I began the process of applying for a passport and researching airfare. I had never considered foreign travel as a reality. My friend, Leila, was not returning to Australia until August of that same year, 2004. I ended up booking my flight two weeks earlier than her scheduled return because the airfare was more affordable. My flight had to stop in New Zealand first, so that is where I decided to stay and wait for those two weeks. Again, I did not know anyone in that country.
Fast forward to August. It is time to leave and so I begin my journey of leaving home again, this time to the other side of the world. Once I arrived in New Zealand I took a taxi to the motel. I found a church through the yellow pages in the phone book. I had rang a few and ended up choosing one based on the conversations I had. Little did I know I had chosen to attend the largest church in Auckland.
I had to take a city bus from the motel to the church. That was interesting because I did not grow up using city bus transportation. I did make it to the service and afterwards went upstairs. They had a cafeteria on the upper level. As I sat there and ate my lunch I was approached by a lady. She had heard I was from the U.S. and decided to introduce herself. She told me her daughter was flying into Bowling Green, Kentucky that same weekend. It was for that reason that she approached me. Her name was Grace.
How beautiful that when I left my country to go to another where I did not know anyone, that the first thing the Lord gave me was Grace, literally and spiritually.
We spent the afternoon walking around until it was time for the night service. Afterwards, Grace made a generous offer. She offered to let me stay with her while I was in town. I declined and returned to my motel. A couple of days later we were chatting on the phone and again she offered me lodging. This time she sent her son to pick me up. Upon arrival, she gave me her room to sleep in and a key to her apartment and told me to make myself at home. She slept on the couch and worked everyday. During the evenings we would sit and share. Once again the Lord introduced me to someone with whom I had walked a similar life's journey.
Soon after I was heading to Australia, to meet up with Leila. She was a fantastic guide. She introduced me to her family and friends. We travelled the road in her little red Toyota Echo. If we saw any wildlife she would quickly whip her car off to the side of the road so I could capture the image. We chased sunsets, goanna lizards, emus, turtles and anything else that caught our eyes. It was hard to find any live kangaroos. Eventually, I started taking pictures of dead ones...roadkill roos, sheep and wild hogs.
The clouds looked different in Australia. I saw my first double rainbow in Australia. One time we had a quick hailstorm which, when it was over, made the road fill with instant, steamy fog. It was so neat to see.
So, how did Matthew and I meet? I used to be on Myspace back when it was popular and before Facebook. When I knew I was going to Australia I began looking up people that I could possibly become friends with. Matthew was one of those people. We exchanged emails and he told me if I ever made it to Victoria that he would show me around. This is a good place to offer some advice:
Be careful what you offer because someone may actually think you mean it.
Once I arrived in New Zealand I called Matthew and told him I wasn't far away. Only he can fill in his thoughts regarding that, so if you are curious, then just ask him.
Leila and I travelled a few weeks together. Matthew had a vacation coming up toward the end of September or the first part of October. I was suppposed to meet him and he was going to use that time to show me around. At the time, Leila's daughter, Julie, was dating a truck driver. We were visiting her in New South Wales. Somehow we determined I would just go to Victoria ahead of time but it was twelve hours away by car. Her boyfriend had a friend (also a truckdriver) who was taking a load to Victoria. He agreed to let me ride down with him, so I did.
I never once felt my safety was ever compromised. I did not feel that in Louisiana, New Zealand, with Leila nor with this man taking me on the road. Once we arrived in Victoria one of the young workers drove me an hour from Lara to Geelong, which is the town Matthew lived in. He made sure I got checked in at the motel and then I never saw him nor my driver again. I had door to door service in the safety of the hands of the Lord.
Once settled, I called Matthew to let him know I had arrived. After work, almost every evening, he would come around and we would chat. When I wanted to go to church he took me. He was not a Christian and had no real knowledge of who God was. However, he was kind and made sure that I had transportation in a city that I did not know. We went to a different church, closer to the city the second week. That church became home for me. Every Sunday the Lord would confirm through the message things that Matthew and I had talked about throughout the week. It only took three weeks for the Lord to draw Matthew to Him. He was saved on October 19th, 2004.
TO BE CONTINUED....
After receiving that phone call, I began the process of applying for a passport and researching airfare. I had never considered foreign travel as a reality. My friend, Leila, was not returning to Australia until August of that same year, 2004. I ended up booking my flight two weeks earlier than her scheduled return because the airfare was more affordable. My flight had to stop in New Zealand first, so that is where I decided to stay and wait for those two weeks. Again, I did not know anyone in that country.
Fast forward to August. It is time to leave and so I begin my journey of leaving home again, this time to the other side of the world. Once I arrived in New Zealand I took a taxi to the motel. I found a church through the yellow pages in the phone book. I had rang a few and ended up choosing one based on the conversations I had. Little did I know I had chosen to attend the largest church in Auckland.
I had to take a city bus from the motel to the church. That was interesting because I did not grow up using city bus transportation. I did make it to the service and afterwards went upstairs. They had a cafeteria on the upper level. As I sat there and ate my lunch I was approached by a lady. She had heard I was from the U.S. and decided to introduce herself. She told me her daughter was flying into Bowling Green, Kentucky that same weekend. It was for that reason that she approached me. Her name was Grace.
How beautiful that when I left my country to go to another where I did not know anyone, that the first thing the Lord gave me was Grace, literally and spiritually.
We spent the afternoon walking around until it was time for the night service. Afterwards, Grace made a generous offer. She offered to let me stay with her while I was in town. I declined and returned to my motel. A couple of days later we were chatting on the phone and again she offered me lodging. This time she sent her son to pick me up. Upon arrival, she gave me her room to sleep in and a key to her apartment and told me to make myself at home. She slept on the couch and worked everyday. During the evenings we would sit and share. Once again the Lord introduced me to someone with whom I had walked a similar life's journey.
Soon after I was heading to Australia, to meet up with Leila. She was a fantastic guide. She introduced me to her family and friends. We travelled the road in her little red Toyota Echo. If we saw any wildlife she would quickly whip her car off to the side of the road so I could capture the image. We chased sunsets, goanna lizards, emus, turtles and anything else that caught our eyes. It was hard to find any live kangaroos. Eventually, I started taking pictures of dead ones...roadkill roos, sheep and wild hogs.
The clouds looked different in Australia. I saw my first double rainbow in Australia. One time we had a quick hailstorm which, when it was over, made the road fill with instant, steamy fog. It was so neat to see.
So, how did Matthew and I meet? I used to be on Myspace back when it was popular and before Facebook. When I knew I was going to Australia I began looking up people that I could possibly become friends with. Matthew was one of those people. We exchanged emails and he told me if I ever made it to Victoria that he would show me around. This is a good place to offer some advice:
Be careful what you offer because someone may actually think you mean it.
Once I arrived in New Zealand I called Matthew and told him I wasn't far away. Only he can fill in his thoughts regarding that, so if you are curious, then just ask him.
Leila and I travelled a few weeks together. Matthew had a vacation coming up toward the end of September or the first part of October. I was suppposed to meet him and he was going to use that time to show me around. At the time, Leila's daughter, Julie, was dating a truck driver. We were visiting her in New South Wales. Somehow we determined I would just go to Victoria ahead of time but it was twelve hours away by car. Her boyfriend had a friend (also a truckdriver) who was taking a load to Victoria. He agreed to let me ride down with him, so I did.
I never once felt my safety was ever compromised. I did not feel that in Louisiana, New Zealand, with Leila nor with this man taking me on the road. Once we arrived in Victoria one of the young workers drove me an hour from Lara to Geelong, which is the town Matthew lived in. He made sure I got checked in at the motel and then I never saw him nor my driver again. I had door to door service in the safety of the hands of the Lord.
Once settled, I called Matthew to let him know I had arrived. After work, almost every evening, he would come around and we would chat. When I wanted to go to church he took me. He was not a Christian and had no real knowledge of who God was. However, he was kind and made sure that I had transportation in a city that I did not know. We went to a different church, closer to the city the second week. That church became home for me. Every Sunday the Lord would confirm through the message things that Matthew and I had talked about throughout the week. It only took three weeks for the Lord to draw Matthew to Him. He was saved on October 19th, 2004.
TO BE CONTINUED....
Ten Year Testimony- Part One
Upon meeting someone new, one of the first questions Matthew and I can be guaranteed to be asked is, "How did you two meet?" It is not a short and sweet answer and I often offer the warning of a lengthy reply when asked. Several of you may know the story but for the rest I offer it here to read at your leisure.
I have been a Christian for a long time and have had the privilege of ministering to many teens from the mid 90s to around 2002. After that I moved out of Green County to Barren County. I managed one of the local Subway shops and enjoyed it very much. However, in early 2004 the Lord began stirring my spirit. I did not understand what He was doing. I thought I needed to find another job. The more time that passed the more I felt like a big fish in a small pond. I decided to quit my job and find another one. Interestingly, I gave up being manager to become the assistant manager at another Subway. I was only there three days and I knew without a doubt I was not suppose to be there.
I quit after three days and eventually arrived to the conclusion that I needed to learn how to live by faith. I remembered my teens and wanted to set a true example of what it meant to live by faith. With that in mind and prayer as my guide I decided to leave home and go to Louisiana. I did not know anyone in the state but I knew of a good church there. I purposed that I would sleep in my Jeep and find work somehow.
I left with less than $200 to my name and two small bank notes still needing to be paid. I had little confirmations given to me that encouraged me to take the full plunge of leaving everything and everyone behind. I loaded my Jeep with blankets, pillows, snacks and other essentials and headed out on my way. It took me ten and a half hours to reach my destination. Upon arrival I decided to rent a very cheap motel to get a shower and one good sleep.
Once I was in my room the world suddenly got bigger all around me. I arrived on a Tuesday. The next morning I immediately went out to put in applications at Subway. That evening I went to church. The church was large and had multiple classes. I chose a class but when the pastor learned I was 30 and single he directed me to the Singles Class upstairs. My immediate thought was, "Great. A meat packing plant." Nonetheless I obliged.
The first person I met that night was, Leila, a lady from Australia. She was on her own faith journey in obedience to the Holy Spirit. We instantly clicked and decided to have lunch together the next day. Over lunch we discovered that we shared a very similar walk of life and it seemed we were kindred spirits. She had mentioned during our time at church that she would love to visit Kentucky and the southern states. I simply replied that if she decided to go I could call my family and they would be happy to host her stay. As it turned out, her actual host family that she was staying with had recently given her the news that they needed her room back. She was going to have to find a motel or alternate accommodation.
Let me point out here that the urgency I had to leave home met in equal time to when Leila was being asked to leave. I did not know that but the Lord did.
Somehow, during our lunch on the Thursday we agreed to travel together, in spite of my financial lack. We left Friday morning and never looked back. We travelled seven weeks together with the last three being spent with my family in Kentucky. She financed it all. If you want a tough lesson in having to receive help, try having to have all your meals, fuel and lodging paid for my someone else for this length of time. That was tough. I was a GIVER. I seldom relied on anyone. However, during our time of travel I was offered some sage advice. "If you can't receive the little things from God, how are you going to be able to receive the big things?" It made sense but I did not like it.
While travelling, Leila would say, "Why don't you come to Australia and see what God has for you there?" I would reply, "If God makes a way then I'll go."
Once we were back in Kentucky I prayed one Saturday. My prayer went something like this: "Lord, everyone says you are trying to teach me how to receive. I don't like this lesson and I want it over, so whatever You got, I'll take it." Short, sweet and to the point. Later that night my phone rang. The person was a friend that I had a rocky friendship with. To sum it up, he told me he wanted to finance my trip to Australia. He said if I paid him back then great, and if not he would chalk it up to his stupidity. He asked for my answer.
I told him if my previous prayer was a little bit colder (meaning more time had gone by) I would say no, but I did tell God whatever He had I would take it. Reluctantly I agreed. This friend went over and beyond his offer. He paid off my two bank notes and gave me both a credit card and a debit card for cash.
So let's RECAP: On April 7th, a Tuesday, I left home. On Wednesday I met Leila. On the Thursday we had lunch and on Friday we began travelling. Seven weeks later I am funded for international travel. That is how it all began.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I have been a Christian for a long time and have had the privilege of ministering to many teens from the mid 90s to around 2002. After that I moved out of Green County to Barren County. I managed one of the local Subway shops and enjoyed it very much. However, in early 2004 the Lord began stirring my spirit. I did not understand what He was doing. I thought I needed to find another job. The more time that passed the more I felt like a big fish in a small pond. I decided to quit my job and find another one. Interestingly, I gave up being manager to become the assistant manager at another Subway. I was only there three days and I knew without a doubt I was not suppose to be there.
I quit after three days and eventually arrived to the conclusion that I needed to learn how to live by faith. I remembered my teens and wanted to set a true example of what it meant to live by faith. With that in mind and prayer as my guide I decided to leave home and go to Louisiana. I did not know anyone in the state but I knew of a good church there. I purposed that I would sleep in my Jeep and find work somehow.
I left with less than $200 to my name and two small bank notes still needing to be paid. I had little confirmations given to me that encouraged me to take the full plunge of leaving everything and everyone behind. I loaded my Jeep with blankets, pillows, snacks and other essentials and headed out on my way. It took me ten and a half hours to reach my destination. Upon arrival I decided to rent a very cheap motel to get a shower and one good sleep.
Once I was in my room the world suddenly got bigger all around me. I arrived on a Tuesday. The next morning I immediately went out to put in applications at Subway. That evening I went to church. The church was large and had multiple classes. I chose a class but when the pastor learned I was 30 and single he directed me to the Singles Class upstairs. My immediate thought was, "Great. A meat packing plant." Nonetheless I obliged.
The first person I met that night was, Leila, a lady from Australia. She was on her own faith journey in obedience to the Holy Spirit. We instantly clicked and decided to have lunch together the next day. Over lunch we discovered that we shared a very similar walk of life and it seemed we were kindred spirits. She had mentioned during our time at church that she would love to visit Kentucky and the southern states. I simply replied that if she decided to go I could call my family and they would be happy to host her stay. As it turned out, her actual host family that she was staying with had recently given her the news that they needed her room back. She was going to have to find a motel or alternate accommodation.
Let me point out here that the urgency I had to leave home met in equal time to when Leila was being asked to leave. I did not know that but the Lord did.
Somehow, during our lunch on the Thursday we agreed to travel together, in spite of my financial lack. We left Friday morning and never looked back. We travelled seven weeks together with the last three being spent with my family in Kentucky. She financed it all. If you want a tough lesson in having to receive help, try having to have all your meals, fuel and lodging paid for my someone else for this length of time. That was tough. I was a GIVER. I seldom relied on anyone. However, during our time of travel I was offered some sage advice. "If you can't receive the little things from God, how are you going to be able to receive the big things?" It made sense but I did not like it.
While travelling, Leila would say, "Why don't you come to Australia and see what God has for you there?" I would reply, "If God makes a way then I'll go."
Once we were back in Kentucky I prayed one Saturday. My prayer went something like this: "Lord, everyone says you are trying to teach me how to receive. I don't like this lesson and I want it over, so whatever You got, I'll take it." Short, sweet and to the point. Later that night my phone rang. The person was a friend that I had a rocky friendship with. To sum it up, he told me he wanted to finance my trip to Australia. He said if I paid him back then great, and if not he would chalk it up to his stupidity. He asked for my answer.
I told him if my previous prayer was a little bit colder (meaning more time had gone by) I would say no, but I did tell God whatever He had I would take it. Reluctantly I agreed. This friend went over and beyond his offer. He paid off my two bank notes and gave me both a credit card and a debit card for cash.
So let's RECAP: On April 7th, a Tuesday, I left home. On Wednesday I met Leila. On the Thursday we had lunch and on Friday we began travelling. Seven weeks later I am funded for international travel. That is how it all began.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Untitled
Children are sold daily to the highest bidder. They are abducted, kidnapped, raped, beaten...'broken in' for their new life of servicing men for their perverse pleasure. It is an ugly, despicable topic. There really isn't a good time to talk about it. It is an epidemic that seems without hope of being conquered. It happens everywhere...not everywhere but here. No, it happens everywhere.
As educated as we need to be about drugs and alcohol we need to be educated about human trafficking. It is real and it exists simply because there is a demand for it. It is a sordid but profitable business for the trafficker. Not only do we need to be educated in order to protect our children but we also need to be educated in how to recognize a person or child who may be a victim. We need to be looking out for each other.
You may not feel that it is your place to look out for someone else...until that someone else becomes your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, or child of a friend. Do we really need to wait until it becomes personal before we educate ourselves? Most of the learning can take place from home and online. Talk to people who work in the rescue and recovery of trafficked victims. Host a speaker at your church or other organization.
Educate your children. When it is age appropriate, introduce them to documentaries, survivor stories and other information that can only help to empower them. If we keep this topic in the dark it will only grow and flourish.
Don't look away simply because you don't want to think that kind of evil can exist. It exist with or without your believing. It just becomes more powerful when we, who know to do good, do nothing.
Finally, sex trafficking is not the only form of trafficking but, to me, it is the most heinous assault against its victims.
As educated as we need to be about drugs and alcohol we need to be educated about human trafficking. It is real and it exists simply because there is a demand for it. It is a sordid but profitable business for the trafficker. Not only do we need to be educated in order to protect our children but we also need to be educated in how to recognize a person or child who may be a victim. We need to be looking out for each other.
You may not feel that it is your place to look out for someone else...until that someone else becomes your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandchild, or child of a friend. Do we really need to wait until it becomes personal before we educate ourselves? Most of the learning can take place from home and online. Talk to people who work in the rescue and recovery of trafficked victims. Host a speaker at your church or other organization.
Educate your children. When it is age appropriate, introduce them to documentaries, survivor stories and other information that can only help to empower them. If we keep this topic in the dark it will only grow and flourish.
Don't look away simply because you don't want to think that kind of evil can exist. It exist with or without your believing. It just becomes more powerful when we, who know to do good, do nothing.
Finally, sex trafficking is not the only form of trafficking but, to me, it is the most heinous assault against its victims.
Flying With United- a Comedy or a Tragedy?
Hi Everyone,
Our trip was chocked full of so many oopsies that I wanted to share them with you so that maybe you will be amused. Our journey began in Nashville. We checked our bags and got our boarding passes. Matthew noticed after looking through them that the lady hadn't issued a boarding pass for Toby. He was to travel as a lap infant.
I went to the counter and got that straightened out. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 3:22 pm and go to Denver, then Los Angeles. At the gate our names were paged and we were asked if we would give up our seats on the flight. We were offered a non-stop flight to Los Angeles in exchange and would be riding with American Airlines for that flight. The non-stop did not leave Nashville until 6 pm. We agreed to swap as it was one less plane ride for the children. For those who may not know our daughter is 2 and a half and our son is 6 months old.
Once we arrive in Los Angeles we are making way through security. We then hear our named being paged to our next gate. We were being paged repeatedly and we have no idea why. We had two hours before our flight was scheduled to leave. Once we get to the gate we go to the counter and are first told that we may have to pay taxes on the baby. I was slightly annoyed as this made no sense at all. It turned out that are names had been taken off the flight from L.A. to Melbourne and are seats were already given away. Arrrgghh! It made no sense why that happened. So, the lady finally got that fixed and assigned us new seats. But wait!! There's more.
That was our longest flight in duration...just over 13 hours. We had center seats. The people in front of us kept their seats reclined nearly in our laps the whole flight. Then, toward the end the girl in front of Matthew turned around and asked him to stop rocking her seat. He was bouncing his legs to try and settle Toby. Toby is a little bulldozer, so he kept pushing on the seat with his legs or hands. Although we would adjust him to not be able to reach he still would twist and turn.So the girl got annoyed and she threw herself back in her seat which then caused the seat to bump Toby in the head. Of course, Toby did not notice but Matt was ready to knock her block off. Thankfully that all occurred within the last two hours of the flight.
We arrive in Sydney to connect and go on to Melbourne. When they gave our boarding passes to us in L.A. they only gave one to Matthew and told him that would get us all through. Lol, wrong! It turns out that someone had decided that Matt would travel alone from Sydney as they had removed me and the children from the last flight. So that had to be fixed and we were added back to the flight, but of course they had to find us seats.
Thankfully all the planes held together and no one was left standing at the border. That was our first, and shall be our last, journey with United. The old saying goes, "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me."
Our trip was chocked full of so many oopsies that I wanted to share them with you so that maybe you will be amused. Our journey began in Nashville. We checked our bags and got our boarding passes. Matthew noticed after looking through them that the lady hadn't issued a boarding pass for Toby. He was to travel as a lap infant.
I went to the counter and got that straightened out. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 3:22 pm and go to Denver, then Los Angeles. At the gate our names were paged and we were asked if we would give up our seats on the flight. We were offered a non-stop flight to Los Angeles in exchange and would be riding with American Airlines for that flight. The non-stop did not leave Nashville until 6 pm. We agreed to swap as it was one less plane ride for the children. For those who may not know our daughter is 2 and a half and our son is 6 months old.
Once we arrive in Los Angeles we are making way through security. We then hear our named being paged to our next gate. We were being paged repeatedly and we have no idea why. We had two hours before our flight was scheduled to leave. Once we get to the gate we go to the counter and are first told that we may have to pay taxes on the baby. I was slightly annoyed as this made no sense at all. It turned out that are names had been taken off the flight from L.A. to Melbourne and are seats were already given away. Arrrgghh! It made no sense why that happened. So, the lady finally got that fixed and assigned us new seats. But wait!! There's more.
That was our longest flight in duration...just over 13 hours. We had center seats. The people in front of us kept their seats reclined nearly in our laps the whole flight. Then, toward the end the girl in front of Matthew turned around and asked him to stop rocking her seat. He was bouncing his legs to try and settle Toby. Toby is a little bulldozer, so he kept pushing on the seat with his legs or hands. Although we would adjust him to not be able to reach he still would twist and turn.So the girl got annoyed and she threw herself back in her seat which then caused the seat to bump Toby in the head. Of course, Toby did not notice but Matt was ready to knock her block off. Thankfully that all occurred within the last two hours of the flight.
We arrive in Sydney to connect and go on to Melbourne. When they gave our boarding passes to us in L.A. they only gave one to Matthew and told him that would get us all through. Lol, wrong! It turns out that someone had decided that Matt would travel alone from Sydney as they had removed me and the children from the last flight. So that had to be fixed and we were added back to the flight, but of course they had to find us seats.
Thankfully all the planes held together and no one was left standing at the border. That was our first, and shall be our last, journey with United. The old saying goes, "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me."
Time with Youth
The timing of this piece is interesting. I wrote it late last night. Today after church the youth minister had a meeting to discuss the youth group in the church and the vision he and his wife have for the group. I attended because I had an interest and wanted to see where it may lead. I have always had a fondness for teen ministry and, though my season may have passed, my heart is never far from it. _____________________________________________________________
Many years ago I ministered to the local youth. We went to church together, had bible study in my home, took trips to Nashville and hung out throughout the week. We’d go out to eat and shared many wonderful conversations regarding, faith, family, life and struggles. I was in my mid-twenties during that time, had no children of my own and had no idea what it was to be a mom. I was always careful and mindful that ‘my’ kids had mothers and I communicated with their moms as often as necessary.
I wanted my kids to know the importance of honoring their parents and never sought to be a replacement for anyone’s mother. Many of the kids I knew came from broken, troubled homes or simply single parent homes. Many had struggles and it was a humbling experience to be trusted by so many. Many times my prayer to God would be something like this, “Lord, if you have to take them early, please don’t take them before they are ready to go.”
Little did I know that some of them would be taken early. I met Sabrina in 1999 when she was about 12 or 13. She was the kind of girl that many flocked to. She had a loveable, zany personality and although we were close, getting her to come to church was like chasing the wind. However, when she did go I would use that as a draw card to motivate others in the group. I would say, “Are you going to church today? Sabrina’s going.” It was positive peer pressure. I never worried about why kids would load up and go with me almost weekly. I simply believed that if they were seated in the presence of God’s word that the Holy Spirit would do His work.
Do you know how precious it is to see one of your kids respond to the loving draw of the Holy Spirit? I wasn’t a mother then but my heart still swelled with love, thankfulness, tears, understanding and wonder. What was even greater than watching that teen make a decision for Christ or simply responding to a need for prayer was when nearly every other member of our group would go up behind and beside that one and support him/her in prayer. Many times I have been surrounded by that same protective love and care when I have knelt and prayed for a need. That is the true work of God, when His love is so poured into one life that it cannot help but pour into another, as naturally as taking our next breath.
In 2006, after several years of friendship, Sabrina told me over lunch that she wanted to give her life to Christ. We were going to church and so, at the invitation call, she went forward and prayed to the Lord and accepted His gift of salvation. I held her baby as she made that confession. A few weeks later she was baptized. On July 12, 2007 Sabrina died as a result of a gunshot wound. She was 22 years old.
By this time in my life I was married and my first child was nearly seventh months old. I worked full-time. My life had gotten busy. I was not walking as close to the Lord as I wanted when I got that message on my answering machine telling me that Sabrina had died. I drove to her home where everyone was gathered. It was a tragic event that was hard for most to process. Many looked to me for answers and I had none to give. My life had gotten so busy that my connection to God seemed distant. Despite that, I had something that I had never had before. I had supernatural peace. It was like being in a bubble and seeing all this grief played out around me and feeling none of the effects.
While I was amazed by this peace, I was afraid to share it. I didn’t know how to transfer and express this peace without it seeming like a slap in the face of those hurting most. God was present for each of us. He gave me that peace to share, but because I felt distant from Him I was afraid to share and I gave into that fear. Her husband asked me to speak at the funeral and I did. His grace was with me, though I felt so ill-prepared for the task. If I had just looked up or turned around I would have seen that the Lord was right there, despite the distance I felt. I allowed fear and shame to dictate, rather than to allow the Lord to do what He does best...love, forgive and heal.
In addition to losing Sabrina, we also lost Tristan a few months later on December 15, 2007 in an auto accident. On September 26, 2013 we lost T-Bo Davis in an auto accident. They all died before the age of 30. They had all made a confession of faith. While their loved ones continue to grieve their loss, they are in eternity with Jesus. Death is inevitable. Our eternity is a choice we make. Choose Jesus.
I see so many that I know and have known hurting, lost or simply treading a dark, familiar path. While I want to be there at any hour for them, I know that my most effective work and help comes from when I pray. Prayer reaches into the depths of hearts and minds, transforms, heals, causes miracles to happen and is the most effective tool we have. Prayer is also undervalued and underestimated. It is like a best kept secret that the Christian has forgotten about. We replace prayer with luck, chance, coincidence, our own effort, logic and reasoning and perhaps many other things.
I share all of this for a few reasons. First, if you are given the privilege to speak into someone’s life, whether one person or hundreds, treat it like it is, a privilege. Don’t forget your place or seek to take someone else’s place. Love God, love people. Do it sincerely and naturally. God will take care of the outcome.
Secondly, if you feel distant from the Lord, just stop. Look up. Turn around. He has not left you. He will not forsake you. Open God’s word. Let it speak to you. Open your mouth. Let your heart speak to Him. Open your ears. Take time to listen. Be willing to accept His unconditional love for you. Be willing to accept His forgiveness. Be willing to forgive yourself. If the Lord has called you to a task, He will equip you for that task.
Thirdly, as a mom of two, I would say guard your children. Know who is speaking into their lives. There are thousands of voices in this world, all competing to be heard by your child. It may be necessary for positive influences to come from other people because we know that kids can hear the same advice from someone who is not ‘mom’ and often listen to it as if for the first time. We cannot be the only voice they hear, but we can be vigilant as to who is speaking.
Finally, to my kids of yesterday: Thank you. Thank you for letting me in your life, for ministering to me as much as I hoped to minister to you. You kept me accountable to my faith as I strived to be accountable to each of you.
Many years ago I ministered to the local youth. We went to church together, had bible study in my home, took trips to Nashville and hung out throughout the week. We’d go out to eat and shared many wonderful conversations regarding, faith, family, life and struggles. I was in my mid-twenties during that time, had no children of my own and had no idea what it was to be a mom. I was always careful and mindful that ‘my’ kids had mothers and I communicated with their moms as often as necessary.
I wanted my kids to know the importance of honoring their parents and never sought to be a replacement for anyone’s mother. Many of the kids I knew came from broken, troubled homes or simply single parent homes. Many had struggles and it was a humbling experience to be trusted by so many. Many times my prayer to God would be something like this, “Lord, if you have to take them early, please don’t take them before they are ready to go.”
Little did I know that some of them would be taken early. I met Sabrina in 1999 when she was about 12 or 13. She was the kind of girl that many flocked to. She had a loveable, zany personality and although we were close, getting her to come to church was like chasing the wind. However, when she did go I would use that as a draw card to motivate others in the group. I would say, “Are you going to church today? Sabrina’s going.” It was positive peer pressure. I never worried about why kids would load up and go with me almost weekly. I simply believed that if they were seated in the presence of God’s word that the Holy Spirit would do His work.
Do you know how precious it is to see one of your kids respond to the loving draw of the Holy Spirit? I wasn’t a mother then but my heart still swelled with love, thankfulness, tears, understanding and wonder. What was even greater than watching that teen make a decision for Christ or simply responding to a need for prayer was when nearly every other member of our group would go up behind and beside that one and support him/her in prayer. Many times I have been surrounded by that same protective love and care when I have knelt and prayed for a need. That is the true work of God, when His love is so poured into one life that it cannot help but pour into another, as naturally as taking our next breath.
In 2006, after several years of friendship, Sabrina told me over lunch that she wanted to give her life to Christ. We were going to church and so, at the invitation call, she went forward and prayed to the Lord and accepted His gift of salvation. I held her baby as she made that confession. A few weeks later she was baptized. On July 12, 2007 Sabrina died as a result of a gunshot wound. She was 22 years old.
By this time in my life I was married and my first child was nearly seventh months old. I worked full-time. My life had gotten busy. I was not walking as close to the Lord as I wanted when I got that message on my answering machine telling me that Sabrina had died. I drove to her home where everyone was gathered. It was a tragic event that was hard for most to process. Many looked to me for answers and I had none to give. My life had gotten so busy that my connection to God seemed distant. Despite that, I had something that I had never had before. I had supernatural peace. It was like being in a bubble and seeing all this grief played out around me and feeling none of the effects.
While I was amazed by this peace, I was afraid to share it. I didn’t know how to transfer and express this peace without it seeming like a slap in the face of those hurting most. God was present for each of us. He gave me that peace to share, but because I felt distant from Him I was afraid to share and I gave into that fear. Her husband asked me to speak at the funeral and I did. His grace was with me, though I felt so ill-prepared for the task. If I had just looked up or turned around I would have seen that the Lord was right there, despite the distance I felt. I allowed fear and shame to dictate, rather than to allow the Lord to do what He does best...love, forgive and heal.
In addition to losing Sabrina, we also lost Tristan a few months later on December 15, 2007 in an auto accident. On September 26, 2013 we lost T-Bo Davis in an auto accident. They all died before the age of 30. They had all made a confession of faith. While their loved ones continue to grieve their loss, they are in eternity with Jesus. Death is inevitable. Our eternity is a choice we make. Choose Jesus.
I see so many that I know and have known hurting, lost or simply treading a dark, familiar path. While I want to be there at any hour for them, I know that my most effective work and help comes from when I pray. Prayer reaches into the depths of hearts and minds, transforms, heals, causes miracles to happen and is the most effective tool we have. Prayer is also undervalued and underestimated. It is like a best kept secret that the Christian has forgotten about. We replace prayer with luck, chance, coincidence, our own effort, logic and reasoning and perhaps many other things.
I share all of this for a few reasons. First, if you are given the privilege to speak into someone’s life, whether one person or hundreds, treat it like it is, a privilege. Don’t forget your place or seek to take someone else’s place. Love God, love people. Do it sincerely and naturally. God will take care of the outcome.
Secondly, if you feel distant from the Lord, just stop. Look up. Turn around. He has not left you. He will not forsake you. Open God’s word. Let it speak to you. Open your mouth. Let your heart speak to Him. Open your ears. Take time to listen. Be willing to accept His unconditional love for you. Be willing to accept His forgiveness. Be willing to forgive yourself. If the Lord has called you to a task, He will equip you for that task.
Thirdly, as a mom of two, I would say guard your children. Know who is speaking into their lives. There are thousands of voices in this world, all competing to be heard by your child. It may be necessary for positive influences to come from other people because we know that kids can hear the same advice from someone who is not ‘mom’ and often listen to it as if for the first time. We cannot be the only voice they hear, but we can be vigilant as to who is speaking.
Finally, to my kids of yesterday: Thank you. Thank you for letting me in your life, for ministering to me as much as I hoped to minister to you. You kept me accountable to my faith as I strived to be accountable to each of you.
Death, Life and the Love of God
Death is many things. It is unfortunate, untimely, unexpected, sorrowful, regretful, painful, heartbreaking, life changing, often defining, but ultimately inevitable. It is an event that we have no real control over. It is an event that can sometimes, if we are attentive, change our perspective and influence our thoughts and behaviors toward our fellow man. Petty differences that might have divided a relationship, or entire family, suddenly seem so…petty. We come face to face with the fact that we wasted time on grievances that could have been resolved if someone had chosen to make that first step toward peace.
We are often so vain and walk around with a false sense of security and a delusional belief in our immortality. We forget that life is fleeting and time passes so very quickly. We plan our lives to at least our eighties with expectation of seeing future generations brought into this world. We hold on to our grudges as though they are a badge of honor. We smugly judge one another with a foolish sense of superiority. We gloat when someone else fails because somehow, in our mind, that means we succeeded.
When we lose someone, it sometimes slows us down. It is a moment in time that reminds us that we are here for only a moment. Death challenges us to rise from the ashes of our self-centeredness, to look around us and take inventory of what really matters. We are given a pause to reflect on how we would like to be remembered when we leave this earth. When we look upon the shell of a life we once knew, we remember what that life meant to us, how they enriched our lives. Maybe another thought to ponder is how did we enrich their life? Were we genuine? Did we love sincerely without expectation? Were we there when we needed to be? Did we walk in forgiveness?
We cannot live and love perfectly but we can live and love on purpose. We cannot change our past but we can certainly determine our future by how we treat one another. Walk in forgiveness. Set yourself free from that heavy weight of carrying a grudge. Get over yourself. Here’s a little secret: The one who dies with the most toys doesn’t win. They just die. We brought nothing into this world and we take nothing with us, but we leave behind a legacy. The legacy we leave is determined by every choice we make and every attitude we choose. Choose wisely.
Take time to treasure those you love. Strive for quality of time, especially if the time spent is limited. It is said that the best leaders are those that know also how to follow. We all have a story. We each, in our own way, would like to be heard. Perhaps if we skilled ourselves in the art of listening we would find it is not so hard to be heard. It might even become less important as we discover that when we listen our lives are enriched by what we hear. That which we hear may teach and instruct us, guide us, keep us from harm, give us a new perspective, amuse us, heal us and warm us as we make a connection that extends beyond our own needs.
There is so much beauty found in the people who surround us, whether our views are the same or polar opposites. Open your hearts, let compassion flow and empathy grow. We don’t have to enable bad behavior in others to appreciate them, to look beyond their present shortcomings and see them as the Lord sees them. When I sit in the presence of the Lord and take time to feel His love for me, my heart cannot help but overflow with love for others. I know where He brought me from and what He brought me through. How can I deny another person the opportunity for that same love to transform their life?
I believe in God, I trust in Jesus, I believe His word. I believe in Heaven and Hell. I believe because He is proven to me beyond any doubt. I don’t believe because I am told to. I don’t believe because I have been brainwashed or bought some snake oil story. He is not a crutch. He is my Savior. I have lived one of the most amazing lives hidden in obscurity. I don’t mind that it has been hidden. I don’t mind that you may not ‘get it’. I truly understand that you may not understand. That does not mean we cannot be friends, have wonderful, colorful discussions, share each other’s burdens and triumph together when we have victory.
I love you regardless of how our views line up. Let me be me and I’ll let you be you. Just for fun and giggles you can keep my number on speed dial for when you need or want a perspective that may be a bit out of the box. Maybe you just need a person on the other end to sit in silence as you work it out loud for yourself. Whatever the need, I will do my best to be here…to be a friend.
We are often so vain and walk around with a false sense of security and a delusional belief in our immortality. We forget that life is fleeting and time passes so very quickly. We plan our lives to at least our eighties with expectation of seeing future generations brought into this world. We hold on to our grudges as though they are a badge of honor. We smugly judge one another with a foolish sense of superiority. We gloat when someone else fails because somehow, in our mind, that means we succeeded.
When we lose someone, it sometimes slows us down. It is a moment in time that reminds us that we are here for only a moment. Death challenges us to rise from the ashes of our self-centeredness, to look around us and take inventory of what really matters. We are given a pause to reflect on how we would like to be remembered when we leave this earth. When we look upon the shell of a life we once knew, we remember what that life meant to us, how they enriched our lives. Maybe another thought to ponder is how did we enrich their life? Were we genuine? Did we love sincerely without expectation? Were we there when we needed to be? Did we walk in forgiveness?
We cannot live and love perfectly but we can live and love on purpose. We cannot change our past but we can certainly determine our future by how we treat one another. Walk in forgiveness. Set yourself free from that heavy weight of carrying a grudge. Get over yourself. Here’s a little secret: The one who dies with the most toys doesn’t win. They just die. We brought nothing into this world and we take nothing with us, but we leave behind a legacy. The legacy we leave is determined by every choice we make and every attitude we choose. Choose wisely.
Take time to treasure those you love. Strive for quality of time, especially if the time spent is limited. It is said that the best leaders are those that know also how to follow. We all have a story. We each, in our own way, would like to be heard. Perhaps if we skilled ourselves in the art of listening we would find it is not so hard to be heard. It might even become less important as we discover that when we listen our lives are enriched by what we hear. That which we hear may teach and instruct us, guide us, keep us from harm, give us a new perspective, amuse us, heal us and warm us as we make a connection that extends beyond our own needs.
There is so much beauty found in the people who surround us, whether our views are the same or polar opposites. Open your hearts, let compassion flow and empathy grow. We don’t have to enable bad behavior in others to appreciate them, to look beyond their present shortcomings and see them as the Lord sees them. When I sit in the presence of the Lord and take time to feel His love for me, my heart cannot help but overflow with love for others. I know where He brought me from and what He brought me through. How can I deny another person the opportunity for that same love to transform their life?
I believe in God, I trust in Jesus, I believe His word. I believe in Heaven and Hell. I believe because He is proven to me beyond any doubt. I don’t believe because I am told to. I don’t believe because I have been brainwashed or bought some snake oil story. He is not a crutch. He is my Savior. I have lived one of the most amazing lives hidden in obscurity. I don’t mind that it has been hidden. I don’t mind that you may not ‘get it’. I truly understand that you may not understand. That does not mean we cannot be friends, have wonderful, colorful discussions, share each other’s burdens and triumph together when we have victory.
I love you regardless of how our views line up. Let me be me and I’ll let you be you. Just for fun and giggles you can keep my number on speed dial for when you need or want a perspective that may be a bit out of the box. Maybe you just need a person on the other end to sit in silence as you work it out loud for yourself. Whatever the need, I will do my best to be here…to be a friend.
First Love
Revelation 2:4-5"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent."
These words were written to the Church of Ephesus during John’s vision. When I read them a few nights ago during my devotion time the words seemed to resonate with me. I know that my love for the church, at least organized church, has grown very cold. I can remember when I was very zealous for the Lord and a time when I trusted the church body enough to bring others with me. That trust has been broken so many times by various organized institutions that now I am just tired. I am tired of trying to know how to fit in, how to integrate, how to converse, how to bond…simply tired. Should gathering together to learn about and worship the Creator and our Savior be so hard?
I love the Lord and I truly love His people, lost or saved. What I struggle to love is the gathering ritual that rarely ever extends beyond the doors of the church once you leave. I ponder the question almost daily as to why it has become this way. Maybe it is because church used to be an extension of connections and bonds already made or easily forged in years gone by. You weren’t trying to bond in only an hour or two once a week. Communities were smaller, with most folks growing up together in one place their whole life, attending the same church.
Now we have transplants, people who move into the area who no longer share a lifetime’s knowledge of their neighbors. They don’t have the memories, the same stories or the same friends. I have been a transplant several times over. I have seen the goodness in so many that I have gathered with over the years. I saw the evidence of Christ in their life and heard it in their words. I acknowledge that most of what I am writing about could be deemed as an innocent oversight by those who have long been settled in one place. This is also just one point of reasoning.
This is not about blame but about my trying to understand church today. I certainly don’t want interaction that is brought on by a sense of duty or obligation. What I seek is perhaps a thing of the past. When I sit and ponder it I feel mournful. My spirit mourns for the zeal and the innocent love I once had. I yearn for depth in my interactions. I like deep talks about the things of God and other philosophical things. I like to listen to other people’s stories and learn about their life.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
This scripture is often given in regards to the power of numbers in faith and prayer. A threefold cord is not three strands of rope dangling separately from one another. Those strands are woven together and that is what makes the cord stronger and able to withstand more.
Likewise, three people with no real connection may offer slightly better resistance to an enemy, but three people whose lives are woven together in interaction, shared faith and shared lives are going to be stronger than those with no connections. Those people woven together are going to be more acquainted with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They will know best how to defend one another against the enemy and they will care more about each other and take their task of praying for one another more seriously because they know each other and have developed that bond. I want to return to my first love and am seeking the Lord daily. I am trying to let go of the hurt and disappointment so that my eyes may be on Jesus and my spiritual ears attentive to what His Spirit would say. I don’t want my focus to be on all this, but I must acknowledge it in order to move forward from it.
Thanks for listening.
These words were written to the Church of Ephesus during John’s vision. When I read them a few nights ago during my devotion time the words seemed to resonate with me. I know that my love for the church, at least organized church, has grown very cold. I can remember when I was very zealous for the Lord and a time when I trusted the church body enough to bring others with me. That trust has been broken so many times by various organized institutions that now I am just tired. I am tired of trying to know how to fit in, how to integrate, how to converse, how to bond…simply tired. Should gathering together to learn about and worship the Creator and our Savior be so hard?
I love the Lord and I truly love His people, lost or saved. What I struggle to love is the gathering ritual that rarely ever extends beyond the doors of the church once you leave. I ponder the question almost daily as to why it has become this way. Maybe it is because church used to be an extension of connections and bonds already made or easily forged in years gone by. You weren’t trying to bond in only an hour or two once a week. Communities were smaller, with most folks growing up together in one place their whole life, attending the same church.
Now we have transplants, people who move into the area who no longer share a lifetime’s knowledge of their neighbors. They don’t have the memories, the same stories or the same friends. I have been a transplant several times over. I have seen the goodness in so many that I have gathered with over the years. I saw the evidence of Christ in their life and heard it in their words. I acknowledge that most of what I am writing about could be deemed as an innocent oversight by those who have long been settled in one place. This is also just one point of reasoning.
This is not about blame but about my trying to understand church today. I certainly don’t want interaction that is brought on by a sense of duty or obligation. What I seek is perhaps a thing of the past. When I sit and ponder it I feel mournful. My spirit mourns for the zeal and the innocent love I once had. I yearn for depth in my interactions. I like deep talks about the things of God and other philosophical things. I like to listen to other people’s stories and learn about their life.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
This scripture is often given in regards to the power of numbers in faith and prayer. A threefold cord is not three strands of rope dangling separately from one another. Those strands are woven together and that is what makes the cord stronger and able to withstand more.
Likewise, three people with no real connection may offer slightly better resistance to an enemy, but three people whose lives are woven together in interaction, shared faith and shared lives are going to be stronger than those with no connections. Those people woven together are going to be more acquainted with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They will know best how to defend one another against the enemy and they will care more about each other and take their task of praying for one another more seriously because they know each other and have developed that bond. I want to return to my first love and am seeking the Lord daily. I am trying to let go of the hurt and disappointment so that my eyes may be on Jesus and my spiritual ears attentive to what His Spirit would say. I don’t want my focus to be on all this, but I must acknowledge it in order to move forward from it.
Thanks for listening.
Thank You
The children are in bed,
settling down for a rest,
as we recover from a day
that has been truly blessed.
As I sit and reflect
on my family and friends,
my heart swells with wonder
at the love that does not end.
It is poured out daily,
by each one of you,
as you share your joys and your pains
and things you go through.
I just wanted to sit
and take a moment to say,
"I hear you, I love you
and I see you each day."
For the things that you share
through pictures and posts,
though no words may be spoken,
yet they tell me the most.
I get a glimpse of your heart,
your humor, your mind...
that daily confirms
that you are one of a kind.
So thank you, to each one
for all that you share,
and know from my heart,
that I truly care.
Much love to you all. God bless you tonight and in the upcoming year.
settling down for a rest,
as we recover from a day
that has been truly blessed.
As I sit and reflect
on my family and friends,
my heart swells with wonder
at the love that does not end.
It is poured out daily,
by each one of you,
as you share your joys and your pains
and things you go through.
I just wanted to sit
and take a moment to say,
"I hear you, I love you
and I see you each day."
For the things that you share
through pictures and posts,
though no words may be spoken,
yet they tell me the most.
I get a glimpse of your heart,
your humor, your mind...
that daily confirms
that you are one of a kind.
So thank you, to each one
for all that you share,
and know from my heart,
that I truly care.
Much love to you all. God bless you tonight and in the upcoming year.
My Christmas Story
This Christmas is an interesting one for me. I have quietly watched the Lord bless our home and household repeatedly in many unexpected ways. It is both humbling and awe inspiring to watch the Lord at work. Since 2004 my walk with the Lord has been like that, but this past year seems to be snowballing in the best of ways.
Christmas is the day set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior. God, in all His Glory and Majesty, chose to dwell among us as one of us, God incarnate. How interesting it must have been for Mary and Joseph who were chosen to birth and foster the Son of God. Oftentimes with God I feel like I am on a need-to-know basis and it usually seems He feels I don’t need to know much. That is His wisdom and how our faith operates. I really don’t desire to know the hows and whys of what He may ask me to do. I trust Him, so fully and completely. He has never let me down, forgotten or forsaken me, betrayed me or anything else that may violate that trust. Therefore, the trust that began so many years ago has steadily grown, uninterrupted.
The faith of of Mary and Joseph, set against the time period they lived in, must have been incredible. At age 30 Jesus entered into His ministry and work of spreading the Good News, gathered His disciples and changed the rest of history while fulfilling prophecies of old…all within three years. He was murdered in our stead, His innocent blood shed for the cleansing our sins and then buried in a borrowed tomb. Not to be outdone nor overcome by death He was resurrected on the third day and ascended into Heaven. He sits at the Father’s right hand, making intercession for us.
I can only imagine what He must feel when daily, repeatedly, every second, someone somewhere is rejecting Him…the Son of God, Love incarnate who humbly came and made a sacrifice of self that we cannot begin to comprehend.
Rather than let Jesus into their hearts and lives people build walls around themselves and don’t realize that they are trapped by the very thing they built to protect themselves. Some walls are formed by logic, some by hate, pain, unforgiveness, abuse and rejection. Some walls are built by Christians who misrepresent the message of Christ, cults or other religious ideologies. I am sure there is no end to how one can build an internal wall. Some decorate their walls with masks so that those around them will not know about their walls. They smile, volunteer, participate in various activities and often seem to just have it all together. It is quite the quandary.
Faith in Jesus is so simple, yet we make it complex. Here is how I understand it to be:
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Romans 10:9-13 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."1 John 4:7-11 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
It starts and ends with love. If your walk with Jesus is lacking love it is not too late to make a Christmas prayer to receive His love for you so that you may share His love with others.
If you do not know Jesus but would like to know more about his love and forgiveness, then please write me. He has bestowed so much love on me throughout my life I can only hope to give it away as freely as it was given to me. Merry CHRISTmas to you all!!
Christmas is the day set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior. God, in all His Glory and Majesty, chose to dwell among us as one of us, God incarnate. How interesting it must have been for Mary and Joseph who were chosen to birth and foster the Son of God. Oftentimes with God I feel like I am on a need-to-know basis and it usually seems He feels I don’t need to know much. That is His wisdom and how our faith operates. I really don’t desire to know the hows and whys of what He may ask me to do. I trust Him, so fully and completely. He has never let me down, forgotten or forsaken me, betrayed me or anything else that may violate that trust. Therefore, the trust that began so many years ago has steadily grown, uninterrupted.
The faith of of Mary and Joseph, set against the time period they lived in, must have been incredible. At age 30 Jesus entered into His ministry and work of spreading the Good News, gathered His disciples and changed the rest of history while fulfilling prophecies of old…all within three years. He was murdered in our stead, His innocent blood shed for the cleansing our sins and then buried in a borrowed tomb. Not to be outdone nor overcome by death He was resurrected on the third day and ascended into Heaven. He sits at the Father’s right hand, making intercession for us.
I can only imagine what He must feel when daily, repeatedly, every second, someone somewhere is rejecting Him…the Son of God, Love incarnate who humbly came and made a sacrifice of self that we cannot begin to comprehend.
Rather than let Jesus into their hearts and lives people build walls around themselves and don’t realize that they are trapped by the very thing they built to protect themselves. Some walls are formed by logic, some by hate, pain, unforgiveness, abuse and rejection. Some walls are built by Christians who misrepresent the message of Christ, cults or other religious ideologies. I am sure there is no end to how one can build an internal wall. Some decorate their walls with masks so that those around them will not know about their walls. They smile, volunteer, participate in various activities and often seem to just have it all together. It is quite the quandary.
Faith in Jesus is so simple, yet we make it complex. Here is how I understand it to be:
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Romans 10:9-13 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."1 John 4:7-11 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
It starts and ends with love. If your walk with Jesus is lacking love it is not too late to make a Christmas prayer to receive His love for you so that you may share His love with others.
If you do not know Jesus but would like to know more about his love and forgiveness, then please write me. He has bestowed so much love on me throughout my life I can only hope to give it away as freely as it was given to me. Merry CHRISTmas to you all!!
The Parable of the Sower and the Part We Play
My thoughts have been on the part we play in the Parable of the Sower. The Parable goes as follows:
Matthew 13:3-9, as told by Jesus:
3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
The seed fell four different ways:
1. By the wayside: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart." (v.19)
2. On stony places: "...this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while." (vv. 20,21)
3. Some fell among thorns: "he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." (v. 22)
4. Others fell on good ground: "he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (v.23)
Christians are always ready to blame satan for seed snatching and rightly so. The point I ponder is how is he accomplishing this task? When we have new people coming into the church what part do we play in their spiritual garden? Do we even recognize that we play a part?
Do we realize that we are seated next to people who may not understand the word of God being presented to them from the pulpit or even in Sunday School? The next question is, "Do we care?" If not, how does our apathy contribute to the seeds sown by the wayside?
Acts 8:30-39 tells the story of Philip and a eunuch he encountered:
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
Are we willing to take the time to explain God's word to those without understanding? Are we willing to walk that path with them?
The second example is seed on stony ground. What would cause stony ground in a person's life? Perhaps a life of continuous difficulty or struggle leads to stony ground. Stones of bitterness, resentment, anger and fear may be some of the stoniness in their lives. Are we willing to remove the stones from another's life in order that their spiritual ground may be broken loose to allow for the seeds planted to grow roots? How can we remove those stones? Genuine love. Love without expectation. Love without condescension. Love that says, "I am genuinely here for you." Love that does no harm. Love that is not ruled by a time limit. Love given freely...as freely as Christ gave it to us.
Are we willing to love the stones away in a person's life?
Thirdly, seed that is choked out by thorns and the cares of this world. How do we contribute to that? Maybe we should check where our attentions lie. Do we lead by example? Do we serve Christ sincerely or in pretense? We say it's not about us but what do our actions say? View your life through the eyes of an unbeliever or someone searching for a church home. What do they see? What do your actions tell them about you? Is your own spiritual seed being choked by the same?
Matthew 9:35-38 says:
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
We may be praying for laborers but are we laboring while we are praying? We cannot manufacture the love and compassion needed for people that surround us. The supply we need can only come from Christ. It is His love that overcomes any obstacle. It is our understanding of His love for us that allows us to so freely love others, willingly and anxiously with great expectations.
This world is vicious and the amount of brokenness in people is overwhelming. We, as the Church, need to remove ourselves from the list of people and things that break others. Everyone has value. Everyone has worth. While we struggle to love those that can behave in despicable ways, God is not struggling. He already loves them.
Let us pick up our garden tools and begin to do the work we are called to do. Blaming satan for the struggles that others face is an easy out. Jesus already won when He went to the cross and then rose again. Shake off your apathy, put on your garden clothes and get busy.
Matthew 13:3-9, as told by Jesus:
3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
The seed fell four different ways:
1. By the wayside: "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart." (v.19)
2. On stony places: "...this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while." (vv. 20,21)
3. Some fell among thorns: "he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful." (v. 22)
4. Others fell on good ground: "he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (v.23)
Christians are always ready to blame satan for seed snatching and rightly so. The point I ponder is how is he accomplishing this task? When we have new people coming into the church what part do we play in their spiritual garden? Do we even recognize that we play a part?
Do we realize that we are seated next to people who may not understand the word of God being presented to them from the pulpit or even in Sunday School? The next question is, "Do we care?" If not, how does our apathy contribute to the seeds sown by the wayside?
Acts 8:30-39 tells the story of Philip and a eunuch he encountered:
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” 34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
Are we willing to take the time to explain God's word to those without understanding? Are we willing to walk that path with them?
The second example is seed on stony ground. What would cause stony ground in a person's life? Perhaps a life of continuous difficulty or struggle leads to stony ground. Stones of bitterness, resentment, anger and fear may be some of the stoniness in their lives. Are we willing to remove the stones from another's life in order that their spiritual ground may be broken loose to allow for the seeds planted to grow roots? How can we remove those stones? Genuine love. Love without expectation. Love without condescension. Love that says, "I am genuinely here for you." Love that does no harm. Love that is not ruled by a time limit. Love given freely...as freely as Christ gave it to us.
Are we willing to love the stones away in a person's life?
Thirdly, seed that is choked out by thorns and the cares of this world. How do we contribute to that? Maybe we should check where our attentions lie. Do we lead by example? Do we serve Christ sincerely or in pretense? We say it's not about us but what do our actions say? View your life through the eyes of an unbeliever or someone searching for a church home. What do they see? What do your actions tell them about you? Is your own spiritual seed being choked by the same?
Matthew 9:35-38 says:
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
We may be praying for laborers but are we laboring while we are praying? We cannot manufacture the love and compassion needed for people that surround us. The supply we need can only come from Christ. It is His love that overcomes any obstacle. It is our understanding of His love for us that allows us to so freely love others, willingly and anxiously with great expectations.
This world is vicious and the amount of brokenness in people is overwhelming. We, as the Church, need to remove ourselves from the list of people and things that break others. Everyone has value. Everyone has worth. While we struggle to love those that can behave in despicable ways, God is not struggling. He already loves them.
Let us pick up our garden tools and begin to do the work we are called to do. Blaming satan for the struggles that others face is an easy out. Jesus already won when He went to the cross and then rose again. Shake off your apathy, put on your garden clothes and get busy.
Keyboard Commando
I'm a Keyboard Commando,
fighting evil in my jammies,
taking down the villains
one post at a time.
I fight the Democrats,
Republicans, abortion
and homophobes,
while sipping on my latte
and busting out some rhymes.
I joined the blogosphere,
make videos,
sign petitions,
share photos
and engage in great debates
with my CAPS LOCK on!
I'm a tough Commando,
posting as Anonymous,
trolling all the hate sites
and feeling mighty fine.
I never leave my house now,
never set my phone down,
and I get an SMS so
I can stay notified.
You don't wanna mess with me,
'cause I got my training
watching Youtube videos
of the USMC.
Yeah, I'm a Keyboard Commando,
that is all you need to know,
better watch out
'cause I'm gonna
take them all down.
Are you tough enough?
Got the right stuff?
Wanna join me?
Well, I made a Group Page!
Click Here to join.
fighting evil in my jammies,
taking down the villains
one post at a time.
I fight the Democrats,
Republicans, abortion
and homophobes,
while sipping on my latte
and busting out some rhymes.
I joined the blogosphere,
make videos,
sign petitions,
share photos
and engage in great debates
with my CAPS LOCK on!
I'm a tough Commando,
posting as Anonymous,
trolling all the hate sites
and feeling mighty fine.
I never leave my house now,
never set my phone down,
and I get an SMS so
I can stay notified.
You don't wanna mess with me,
'cause I got my training
watching Youtube videos
of the USMC.
Yeah, I'm a Keyboard Commando,
that is all you need to know,
better watch out
'cause I'm gonna
take them all down.
Are you tough enough?
Got the right stuff?
Wanna join me?
Well, I made a Group Page!
Click Here to join.
A Poem and a Prayer
Be careful where you
point that finger,
And who you choose to blame.
The Lord knows every
heart, every thought
and every name.
Be careful with that smugness,
and wanting to be right.
You may think you
won the battle,
when you really lost
the fight.
God is love.
Love never fails.
I know the scriptures
to be true.
So what happened?
what did you do,
with the love God gave to you?
Dear Lord,
I pray that my heart, my attitude and my actions be ever humble before you. Please forgive any malice, wrong-thinking, thoughts or opinions. Have your way in my heart today. I pray that Your love would flow freely through me to the world around me. Freely I have been given Your love...freely I give your love away.
May my ears be quick to listen to the needs around me and my mouth be slow to speak, except that Your words be spoken. My faith is unshaken and completely in You. I love You and praise You and walk into this new day with GREAT EXPECTATIONS. In Jesus' Name. ~Amen
point that finger,
And who you choose to blame.
The Lord knows every
heart, every thought
and every name.
Be careful with that smugness,
and wanting to be right.
You may think you
won the battle,
when you really lost
the fight.
God is love.
Love never fails.
I know the scriptures
to be true.
So what happened?
what did you do,
with the love God gave to you?
Dear Lord,
I pray that my heart, my attitude and my actions be ever humble before you. Please forgive any malice, wrong-thinking, thoughts or opinions. Have your way in my heart today. I pray that Your love would flow freely through me to the world around me. Freely I have been given Your love...freely I give your love away.
May my ears be quick to listen to the needs around me and my mouth be slow to speak, except that Your words be spoken. My faith is unshaken and completely in You. I love You and praise You and walk into this new day with GREAT EXPECTATIONS. In Jesus' Name. ~Amen
Perspective
Dear Church,
I came to visit you today. I sat on the back row, barely making eye contact lest someone dare start a conversation with me. I didn’t have to worry. No one seemed to notice that I was there. I came today for many reasons. I am curious, searching, hungry, hurting, broken, confused. I am many things. Do I know Jesus? Maybe. Maybe I was looking for Him in what I saw in you. Church is not new to me. I have been to many with much the same result. The result is often that of falling, falling through the cracks in your floors. I am not surprised you did not see me as the cracks are wide and the fall is swift.
Maybe you did see me. Maybe you saw me and in thirty seconds decided you knew me. I am sure my tattoos and piercings tell a story. Maybe my clothes were a bit dated. Maybe you even knew me because someone else told you about me. I am sure everything you might have heard must be true.
I have heard many things throughout the years about church. In spite of everything I heard I came to yours anyway. I thought I would come and form my own opinion. I stayed through the whole service. The message was solid and strong. It was the kind of message meant to stir you to action, to take you beyond your own comfort level. The message was about love. It was about letting the light of Jesus shine in us and to be a light to the world around us. It was about finding needs and helping to meet those needs. The preacher spoke passionately about serving our neighbor.
How ironic that you each had an opportunity to apply the message before you even left the church. I understand though. It was time for lunch, maybe someone else had already taken the time to speak to me. However, no one did. I am not angry. Sadly, I am not even surprised. I just wanted to write and let you know I was there. I thought you might want to work on the cracks in your floor. It just might help the next visitor to not fall through.
Signed,
Visitor
~~~~~~~
Dear Visitor,
We saw you come in the church today. We wanted to speak to you but we couldn’t for many reasons. You see, some of us are painfully shy and get nervous around new people. A few of us were so preoccupied with our children that we failed to notice the time passing so quickly. A couple of us have sick family at home or in the hospital and others have recently been widowed. We just aren’t ourselves lately. One member lost her child and it’s all she can do to function every day. Some are new themselves and didn’t even realize that today was your first time visiting. They haven’t gotten to know everyone yet. Of course, you are right about a few. They saw you and felt they knew enough about you from other sources and didn’t want to know you themselves.
We thought you might like to know that since your letter we have taken measures to fix the cracks in our floor. We gathered together in prayer and asked God’s forgiveness. We simply took our eyes off of Jesus and as a result our floors became cracked. We forgot that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We forgot to follow the two commandments that Jesus used to sum up all of the law. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Christ said that love is the fulfillment of the law. We hope that you will come and see us again very soon and that you would see His love in us.
In Christ’s love,
The Church
~~~~~~~
Dear Children,
I saw you all in church today. While it was good to see so many in my Father’s house I was sad. It seems many of you were gathered for the wrong reasons. Some of you came because you had to. You hold a position and, like any job, you came out of duty. Your spirits are dry and tired. You smile and talk and even pray sometimes but your heart is far from me. Your minds are elsewhere and sometimes it is all you can do to just show up.
Others came for similar reasons. You were raised in this church. Showing up on Sunday is just something you do out of habit. You have many friends here and often Sunday is the only time you get to see one another. You’ve been coming so long that even your bible stays here throughout the week. It bothers you sometimes when the church will host a special guest. You feel this prolongs the service and almost hate it when the guest is a missionary or a worker for a charity. You know they are going to ask for money and probably show you some pictures. While your heart is tender for a moment you quickly brush that aside and all is forgotten by the time you make it home for lunch.
Many of you are preoccupied with troubles in your life. Although you know Me, you never quite learned to trust me. It hurts me to see you hurt. My Father has granted me all power to heal, bind up, restore, deliver, set free and provide but still you won’t allow Me to help you. Some of you think that suffering is what is required in order for the world to know you are Mine. You forget that I suffered so that you would not have to and that you may have eternal life and peace in the midst of your trials. I can carry you through anything and you can overcome anything through Me. It is simply a choice you must make.
Some of you came for the first time today. You were seeking answers, a place of refuge, support for things you have hardly been able to give a voice to and because something that you could not explain called out to you and brought you here. Be careful trying to find all of that in man alone. I am what you seek and when you seek Me you will find me for I will not hide myself from you.
To those of you that confess Me as Lord, be mindful and sensitive to My voice. Do not neglect those around you and do not be conformed to this world. Be transformed and be willing to be different. If I am in you then you should naturally be transformed into a peculiar people. Return to Me so that the gifts of the Spirit may be evident in your life, lest your complacency be the reason another soul goes to hell.
I love each of you and urge you seek Me daily in both word and prayer. Show me to the world daily in action, love and attitude.
Yours Eternally,
Jesus
I came to visit you today. I sat on the back row, barely making eye contact lest someone dare start a conversation with me. I didn’t have to worry. No one seemed to notice that I was there. I came today for many reasons. I am curious, searching, hungry, hurting, broken, confused. I am many things. Do I know Jesus? Maybe. Maybe I was looking for Him in what I saw in you. Church is not new to me. I have been to many with much the same result. The result is often that of falling, falling through the cracks in your floors. I am not surprised you did not see me as the cracks are wide and the fall is swift.
Maybe you did see me. Maybe you saw me and in thirty seconds decided you knew me. I am sure my tattoos and piercings tell a story. Maybe my clothes were a bit dated. Maybe you even knew me because someone else told you about me. I am sure everything you might have heard must be true.
I have heard many things throughout the years about church. In spite of everything I heard I came to yours anyway. I thought I would come and form my own opinion. I stayed through the whole service. The message was solid and strong. It was the kind of message meant to stir you to action, to take you beyond your own comfort level. The message was about love. It was about letting the light of Jesus shine in us and to be a light to the world around us. It was about finding needs and helping to meet those needs. The preacher spoke passionately about serving our neighbor.
How ironic that you each had an opportunity to apply the message before you even left the church. I understand though. It was time for lunch, maybe someone else had already taken the time to speak to me. However, no one did. I am not angry. Sadly, I am not even surprised. I just wanted to write and let you know I was there. I thought you might want to work on the cracks in your floor. It just might help the next visitor to not fall through.
Signed,
Visitor
~~~~~~~
Dear Visitor,
We saw you come in the church today. We wanted to speak to you but we couldn’t for many reasons. You see, some of us are painfully shy and get nervous around new people. A few of us were so preoccupied with our children that we failed to notice the time passing so quickly. A couple of us have sick family at home or in the hospital and others have recently been widowed. We just aren’t ourselves lately. One member lost her child and it’s all she can do to function every day. Some are new themselves and didn’t even realize that today was your first time visiting. They haven’t gotten to know everyone yet. Of course, you are right about a few. They saw you and felt they knew enough about you from other sources and didn’t want to know you themselves.
We thought you might like to know that since your letter we have taken measures to fix the cracks in our floor. We gathered together in prayer and asked God’s forgiveness. We simply took our eyes off of Jesus and as a result our floors became cracked. We forgot that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We forgot to follow the two commandments that Jesus used to sum up all of the law. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and we are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Christ said that love is the fulfillment of the law. We hope that you will come and see us again very soon and that you would see His love in us.
In Christ’s love,
The Church
~~~~~~~
Dear Children,
I saw you all in church today. While it was good to see so many in my Father’s house I was sad. It seems many of you were gathered for the wrong reasons. Some of you came because you had to. You hold a position and, like any job, you came out of duty. Your spirits are dry and tired. You smile and talk and even pray sometimes but your heart is far from me. Your minds are elsewhere and sometimes it is all you can do to just show up.
Others came for similar reasons. You were raised in this church. Showing up on Sunday is just something you do out of habit. You have many friends here and often Sunday is the only time you get to see one another. You’ve been coming so long that even your bible stays here throughout the week. It bothers you sometimes when the church will host a special guest. You feel this prolongs the service and almost hate it when the guest is a missionary or a worker for a charity. You know they are going to ask for money and probably show you some pictures. While your heart is tender for a moment you quickly brush that aside and all is forgotten by the time you make it home for lunch.
Many of you are preoccupied with troubles in your life. Although you know Me, you never quite learned to trust me. It hurts me to see you hurt. My Father has granted me all power to heal, bind up, restore, deliver, set free and provide but still you won’t allow Me to help you. Some of you think that suffering is what is required in order for the world to know you are Mine. You forget that I suffered so that you would not have to and that you may have eternal life and peace in the midst of your trials. I can carry you through anything and you can overcome anything through Me. It is simply a choice you must make.
Some of you came for the first time today. You were seeking answers, a place of refuge, support for things you have hardly been able to give a voice to and because something that you could not explain called out to you and brought you here. Be careful trying to find all of that in man alone. I am what you seek and when you seek Me you will find me for I will not hide myself from you.
To those of you that confess Me as Lord, be mindful and sensitive to My voice. Do not neglect those around you and do not be conformed to this world. Be transformed and be willing to be different. If I am in you then you should naturally be transformed into a peculiar people. Return to Me so that the gifts of the Spirit may be evident in your life, lest your complacency be the reason another soul goes to hell.
I love each of you and urge you seek Me daily in both word and prayer. Show me to the world daily in action, love and attitude.
Yours Eternally,
Jesus
I Lost My Hand Today
In my mind's eye a scene has been played out.
In the darkness a decision was made. It was a decision that would impact my body for a long time. I was concerned about the difference it would make once it was finished. I was worried for many things. How would my body function afterwards? How would it do the things it did before? How would the rest of my body feel? All these questions were put on hold because it was time. My hand had to go. Amputation was the only way.
I couldn't understand it really. I mean, my hand was so healthy. It had strong blood pumping through it. It had feeling. It wasn't numb. The joints worked and the grasp was strong. It wasn't causing me any pain. I really didn't understand why it had to go. So, I asked. Actually, I felt like screaming the question, "Why must I lose my hand? It is healthy!"
"That is the problem." came the solemn response. "It is too healthy. The rest of the body cannot keep up. The legs are paralyzed. The arms can't reach. The head cannot think. The mouth cannot proclaim. It has lost it's voice. The eyes are dim. Their vision is almost gone. Your hand is too healthy for this body. If it cannot wither, it cannot remain."
Silently I succumbed to the amputation. My heart wept...but not just for my hand. My heart wept for the whole body. I knew a Great Physician that could heal my body but I could not will my legs to walk. I could not will my arms to reach out nor my voice to cry out.
Once they finished the procedure my hand was tossed carelessly into the garbage. I had worried in vain about the impact of my amputation. That worry was a delusion because my body did not even acknowledge that the hand was gone. I knew. I could feel where the cut had been made. My hand, though separated, crawled out from the garbage and, like something from a movie, crawled out the door.
It still had life and it was taking itself to the Great Physician to be healed. I wanted to follow it but I was worried about leaving my withered body behind. I felt caught in between but knew I had a decision to make.
~~~~~~~
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (emphasis on vv. 20-26)
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
In the darkness a decision was made. It was a decision that would impact my body for a long time. I was concerned about the difference it would make once it was finished. I was worried for many things. How would my body function afterwards? How would it do the things it did before? How would the rest of my body feel? All these questions were put on hold because it was time. My hand had to go. Amputation was the only way.
I couldn't understand it really. I mean, my hand was so healthy. It had strong blood pumping through it. It had feeling. It wasn't numb. The joints worked and the grasp was strong. It wasn't causing me any pain. I really didn't understand why it had to go. So, I asked. Actually, I felt like screaming the question, "Why must I lose my hand? It is healthy!"
"That is the problem." came the solemn response. "It is too healthy. The rest of the body cannot keep up. The legs are paralyzed. The arms can't reach. The head cannot think. The mouth cannot proclaim. It has lost it's voice. The eyes are dim. Their vision is almost gone. Your hand is too healthy for this body. If it cannot wither, it cannot remain."
Silently I succumbed to the amputation. My heart wept...but not just for my hand. My heart wept for the whole body. I knew a Great Physician that could heal my body but I could not will my legs to walk. I could not will my arms to reach out nor my voice to cry out.
Once they finished the procedure my hand was tossed carelessly into the garbage. I had worried in vain about the impact of my amputation. That worry was a delusion because my body did not even acknowledge that the hand was gone. I knew. I could feel where the cut had been made. My hand, though separated, crawled out from the garbage and, like something from a movie, crawled out the door.
It still had life and it was taking itself to the Great Physician to be healed. I wanted to follow it but I was worried about leaving my withered body behind. I felt caught in between but knew I had a decision to make.
~~~~~~~
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (emphasis on vv. 20-26)
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
No More
Feathers got ruffled,
and feathers did fly
on the day I dared
to ask the question, "Why?"
Friendly fire began,
and walls came up strong,
never mind the love
that was spoken,
on the way all along.
The darkness got angry,
as it was drug to the light.
It was easy to see
it would not go
without a fight.
Motives were questioned,
opinions were made,
as the love that was shared
was being made staid.
The devil was angry.
The flesh wanted a war,
but the Spirit of God
spoke and said, "No more."
"No more silence,
no more shame,
no more fear to speak
the truth in My Name.
Let love flow freely,
let healing prevail,
resist your flesh
and send the devil
back to hell."
and feathers did fly
on the day I dared
to ask the question, "Why?"
Friendly fire began,
and walls came up strong,
never mind the love
that was spoken,
on the way all along.
The darkness got angry,
as it was drug to the light.
It was easy to see
it would not go
without a fight.
Motives were questioned,
opinions were made,
as the love that was shared
was being made staid.
The devil was angry.
The flesh wanted a war,
but the Spirit of God
spoke and said, "No more."
"No more silence,
no more shame,
no more fear to speak
the truth in My Name.
Let love flow freely,
let healing prevail,
resist your flesh
and send the devil
back to hell."
Old Coats, Transparency and Hairy Biscuits
Many of us may have a favorite coat hanging in our closet. Maybe we have had it for years. It might be worn but we just cannot seem to discard it. We don't wear it year-round. Only when the weather seems right do we don our favorite coat. To others our coat may seem ragged and worn and in complete disrepair...but it's our favorite and so we keep it.
Last week at church I shared a struggle I had and I likened it to an old coat. When circumstances seem to warrant it I would pull out my old coat and wear it, often not realizing that I was wearing a new coat. The new coat doesn't always fit right. It's like new shoes...it takes time to break a new garment in. I have to stop and remember to put the old coat away even though it is familiar and comfortable.
Despite the old comfort, I know the Lord is asking me to wear this new coat. That helps me to maintain my perspective and to remember that if my life is going to be lived for Him, then my spiritual fashion choices cannot be about me.
We often hear in the news that most Americans want a transparent government. Just be honest. Say what you mean and mean what you say. It's an idea so crazy that it just might work. However, news reports seem to show otherwise. The transparency is harder than it seems. We, the People, sometimes get angry about this and don't understand what went wrong with our elected officials.
It has been said that when you point one finger at someone else, you have three more pointing back at you. So, are we transparent with one another? Personally, I love raw honest communication. I want to share my life, ideas, views and quirky nature with others but not everyone wants that information. I like learning the same about others but not everyone is willing to engage in a truly transparent way.
We have many reasons for being guarded and not wanting to trust or share. Some of us still have old coats in the closet and they are comfortable and warm. They may even feel safe. I wonder what would happen if many, not even all, of us took our old coats to Jesus and traded them for a new one. If we are going to start trying to trust and share again, then Jesus would be the best Person to start with.
I wonder what church would be like if we engaged in transparent communication with one another. I'm sure that some honesty would be hard to hear, but if it were truly spoken in love and in an effort to be transparent what might that accomplish? If we could more easily share our struggles and burdens would we then more easily be able to genuinely lift one another up in prayerful support? When we ask one another, "How are you today?", are we prepared to stop and listen to an honest answer? Are we prepared to give an honest answer? If not, why not?
I don't want a drive-thru church with drive-thru interaction. I want to go inside, be seated at a table, gathered with friends and enjoy a true meal of fellowship. Some people never eat out, whether it be fast food or fine dining. They are content to prepare every meal at home. They feed on God's word but deny themselves, and others, the opportunity to fellowship. Maybe they used to go out but found a hair in the biscuit one too many times. They would like fellowship but are a bit wary of what they may find. It's hard not to look for a hair in the biscuit after a few bad meals.
If you have never found a hair in your biscuit then it's hard to understand another's cautionary approach. It is warranted but can often overshadow a genuinely pleasant dining experience. Sometimes, many times, we don't know about the hairy biscuits others have encountered. We think they are being picky or rude and don't understand why they don't want to eat. In actuality they would love a good meal but they are so tired of having to be so cautious that it becomes easier to stay home and prepare their own meal.
The two greatest commands are accomplished with love. In Matthew 22:37-40 it is written, "Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
1 John 4:7-8 says, "7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
1 Corinthians 13:8 says, "8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away."
The greatest power we can know is God's love for us. The greatest power we can wield is God's love for others. Can we really know God's love for ourselves if we are not transparent before our God? Can we really extend love to each other if we are not transparent before one another?
Our time on this earth is so limited but we get so caught up in deciding what coat to wear that we forget that we are on a narrow road. Matthew 7:13-14 says, "13 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Maybe it's time to discard our old coats and stop looking for the hair in the biscuit. Maybe we should put our eyes back on Jesus in simple obedience, being filled with his love and filling others with that same love. Let's start a new trend of transparency. Let's grow up, hear some hard truths as needed and grow! Accountability is a wonderful thing. Let's have some.
I love you all. Thanks for reading.
Last week at church I shared a struggle I had and I likened it to an old coat. When circumstances seem to warrant it I would pull out my old coat and wear it, often not realizing that I was wearing a new coat. The new coat doesn't always fit right. It's like new shoes...it takes time to break a new garment in. I have to stop and remember to put the old coat away even though it is familiar and comfortable.
Despite the old comfort, I know the Lord is asking me to wear this new coat. That helps me to maintain my perspective and to remember that if my life is going to be lived for Him, then my spiritual fashion choices cannot be about me.
We often hear in the news that most Americans want a transparent government. Just be honest. Say what you mean and mean what you say. It's an idea so crazy that it just might work. However, news reports seem to show otherwise. The transparency is harder than it seems. We, the People, sometimes get angry about this and don't understand what went wrong with our elected officials.
It has been said that when you point one finger at someone else, you have three more pointing back at you. So, are we transparent with one another? Personally, I love raw honest communication. I want to share my life, ideas, views and quirky nature with others but not everyone wants that information. I like learning the same about others but not everyone is willing to engage in a truly transparent way.
We have many reasons for being guarded and not wanting to trust or share. Some of us still have old coats in the closet and they are comfortable and warm. They may even feel safe. I wonder what would happen if many, not even all, of us took our old coats to Jesus and traded them for a new one. If we are going to start trying to trust and share again, then Jesus would be the best Person to start with.
I wonder what church would be like if we engaged in transparent communication with one another. I'm sure that some honesty would be hard to hear, but if it were truly spoken in love and in an effort to be transparent what might that accomplish? If we could more easily share our struggles and burdens would we then more easily be able to genuinely lift one another up in prayerful support? When we ask one another, "How are you today?", are we prepared to stop and listen to an honest answer? Are we prepared to give an honest answer? If not, why not?
I don't want a drive-thru church with drive-thru interaction. I want to go inside, be seated at a table, gathered with friends and enjoy a true meal of fellowship. Some people never eat out, whether it be fast food or fine dining. They are content to prepare every meal at home. They feed on God's word but deny themselves, and others, the opportunity to fellowship. Maybe they used to go out but found a hair in the biscuit one too many times. They would like fellowship but are a bit wary of what they may find. It's hard not to look for a hair in the biscuit after a few bad meals.
If you have never found a hair in your biscuit then it's hard to understand another's cautionary approach. It is warranted but can often overshadow a genuinely pleasant dining experience. Sometimes, many times, we don't know about the hairy biscuits others have encountered. We think they are being picky or rude and don't understand why they don't want to eat. In actuality they would love a good meal but they are so tired of having to be so cautious that it becomes easier to stay home and prepare their own meal.
The two greatest commands are accomplished with love. In Matthew 22:37-40 it is written, "Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
1 John 4:7-8 says, "7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
1 Corinthians 13:8 says, "8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away."
The greatest power we can know is God's love for us. The greatest power we can wield is God's love for others. Can we really know God's love for ourselves if we are not transparent before our God? Can we really extend love to each other if we are not transparent before one another?
Our time on this earth is so limited but we get so caught up in deciding what coat to wear that we forget that we are on a narrow road. Matthew 7:13-14 says, "13 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Maybe it's time to discard our old coats and stop looking for the hair in the biscuit. Maybe we should put our eyes back on Jesus in simple obedience, being filled with his love and filling others with that same love. Let's start a new trend of transparency. Let's grow up, hear some hard truths as needed and grow! Accountability is a wonderful thing. Let's have some.
I love you all. Thanks for reading.
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