These Words

As I sorted through old photos I came across photos that dated back to times in my life that felt so far away and long ago. These were photos of people I once knew or was once connected to one way or another. The photos are the only proof of that time existing in my life. As I sat at this box tears rolled down my face. I wasn't sad, but I was surprised that there were emotions still connected to those times and people. 

I also came across a couple of letters I had written to my husband shortly after we had met and became friends. We met in September 2004. The letters were written in November of the same year. I am going to share excerpts from one letter because I want you to understand something very important. In fact, you have heard this so many times that the depth and intensity of these words are often lost on a person...and perhaps are often lost on you. As a result, the impact of these words is altered greatly, sometimes to the point of having no impact at all. So, what am I saying?

Read the excerpts and then continue below (click to enlarge).

The Lord had instructed me to leave home in April 2004. That one act of obedience led to my ending up in Australia later that same year. God didn't send me there because I was so awesome. He didn't send me as a missionary. He didn't send me to save the Aussies. 

He sent me out of His great love for me. He knew I was a mess. He knew I had walls upon walls. He knew I had settled within myself the fact that I was going to journey through life on my own. Oh, I would love people. I loved God. I loved others. I could love outwards. What I struggled with was receiving love- from others, maybe even from God. I knew and was convinced that God loved me, but I kept that love at arm's distance- just outside my my walls. 

I didn't realize that at the time. God gave me an adventure. He took me somewhere I never imagined being simply to put me in a place where I had no choice but to receive. He put people in my life that loved me fully and sincerely. They were strangers, yet they became family. One by one the bricks in my walls were dismantled. 

I can still recall sitting on my friend's couch in New Zealand and, in my mind's eye, seeing myself standing naked amidst a pile of rubble as far I could see. That rubble had once been my walls. I was naked because I felt exposed to the world without my walls. They had been a comfort to me. I now had to learn how to walk and live without them. 

These past 11 years have been so rich and full. God continues to pour out His great love in my life and the lives of my family. I no longer journey alone. I no longer desire to hide behind my walls. In fact, I easily recognize when they sometimes try to rebuild themselves. I know to take it to the Lord, acknowledge it and let it go. I love the Lord so much. If I could wrap my arms around Him it would be to give Him a long, extended bear hug. That's how it feels when He loves me. 

I am sharing all this to tell you that you do not have to have it all together to be used by God. He is not waiting for you to complete a checklist of tasks and rituals. He is not waiting for you to finish school, be ordained, take a vow or any other thing. He loves you with a love that is so intense and so deep. If He has to take you to the other side of the world in order for you to finally receive healing, love and any other thing, then be sure that He can. 

Are you willing to go where He sends you? Are you willing to trust Him a bit more than all the negative stuff that rolls and repeats through you mind, as if on a loop played daily? Are you willing to risk the notion that God knows more than you do? Are you willing to be impacted by Him?

Are you willing to receive and understand with greater measure what these words mean:

GOD LOVES YOU

The message is so simple and almost cliche, yet the truth within these words will turn your life upside-down in the most fantastic of ways. Let Him love you. You're life will never be the same.

Duck Feathers

Have you ever been offended (angered, hurt, betrayed) by someone, whether in church or simply in life? Yes? What if I told you that I knew how you could fly above it all? 

The answer may surprise you. 

The most effective way to handle any offense is with duck feathers. In fact, I suggest you grow duck feathers. Oh, you'll also need an uropygial gland, also known as the preening gland. That's the real secret. It's not enough to have the feathers. You need the oil. 

In the natural, ducks have a preening gland located near the base of their tail. They use their 

bill to spread the oil over each and every outer feather. This coats their feathers with an oily substance that contains diester waxes that help waterproof feathers and keep them flexible. 

The following list is found at:  Preening: How and Why Birds Preen

Preening serves several essential purposes for birds, including:

·         Aligning feathers for optimum waterproofing and insulation.

·         Aligning feathers into the most aerodynamic shape for easier, more efficient flight.

·         Removing feather parasites and body lice that can destroy feathers or carry disease.

·         Removing tough sheaths from newly molted feathers.

·         Creating a healthier appearance to attract a mate.

With so many reasons to preen, it is no surprise that many birds engage in this behavior for several hours a day.

What if you and I engaged in a similar act several hours a day? What if we purposed to preen ourselves daily, just as the ducks do? What do you think might happen??

In the bible the Holy Spirit is often symbolized by oil. Oil was used to anoint kings and priests for service. Its use represented the presence of the Lord over the one being anointed. It  also represents the Holy Spirit's soothing, healing presence. In James 5:14-15  we are instructed to anoint the sick with oil and pray over them. 

Oil also moisturizes dry skin, It is used to reduce friction between two parts. Oil can be medicinal. Oil is representative of so many good things that we, as believers, need in our lives. 

Now, let’s take our examples from the ducks in the natural and apply it to our lives in the spiritual. If we, as Christians, found ourselves immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit daily (spiritual preening) we would find very similar results happening in our lives.

·         If our spiritual feathers are oiled and waterproofed then the effects of offense are going to be minimal. We will find that we can swim in deep waters of things that would ordinarily drag or bog us down. No longer weighted by these things we may see our lives beginning to thrive as we are able to feed ourselves without the threat of drowning.

·         Spiritual preening aligns us into the most effective shape for easier, more efficient service.

·         The oil of the Holy Spirit, time spent with Him, will remove parasitic people and situations from our lives.

·         Spiritual preening softens our hearts, smooths our rough edges and allows love to grow in us more freely. Our perspective of others is changed to be more in line with how the Father sees those around us.

·         Spiritual preening produces a glow and makes us more attractive in our character and our service to others.

Ducks do not preen once or twice a week. They preen daily and throughout their day. If they did not preen daily they would not be able to float, swim, dive and thrive. The ducks preen instinctively. It is second nature to them. They are ducks. It is what they do.

I challenge you to let your time with the Lord become second nature to you. I challenge you to walk so closely with the Holy Spirit that, when offense comes, you will instinctively preen your feathers. Tap into that oil, coat yourself daily. If you do you will be free from so many things that would otherwise weigh you down.

You will soon find that all that ‘stuff’ just rolls off like water off a duck’s back. 

Looking Back to Go Forward

Many years ago I used to be the manager of a Subway Restaurant. I loved that job. I often worked alone and, when I had free time and all the tasks were done, I would sit and read my bible. I also had a corner in the back that I liked to pray in when the store was without customers. 

One night a lady walked in to place an order. She seemed different than most customers. I recall her hair was a special shade of bright red and she was dressed very well.

 As I made her sandwich we chatted.  I don't recall what our specific talk was about, but I recall that she spoke of friends of hers that worked in mental health. I told her about the kids I knew at the time and the church we were attending. We chatted back and forth until her order was complete.  As I was ringing up her order I asked her if she was also a mental health worker due to her references. She responded that she was not. She told me she was a country music singer. I thought that was neat and asked her what her name was. I wanted to know so that I could listen for her music. 

She looked at me and calmly replied, "My name is Naomi Judd." I was stunned. My response was, "Oh! I know who you are." I did not ask her for an autograph. She left the store, but shortly after a man came in with signed copies of her picture, both for me and my church kids.

After they left I went next door and down the hall. Our store was connected to Junior Foods, a service station. I told the girl working that night what had happened. Ms. Judd had been in her store first before coming into mine. The girl in Junior Foods told me that she thought there was something familiar about the lady but didn't realize who she was.

I tell you this story to let you know what God shared with me about that event so long ago. He told me that He can cross my path with anyone He chooses. He also showed me that, just like that girl in Junior Foods, we often miss what God has placed right in front of us. We may have a slight sense of something that seems familiar, yet we fail to see it. 

Be sensitive to what the Lord would want to say to you and to what He desires to show you. Take time to become familiar with people or situations that come before you. I have no doubt that you will often be surprised by what you learn. Perhaps, as you continue to talk or ask questions, you may realize that your first impression of something or someone is not what it seemed to be. 

You are not insignificant, unseen, or unnoticed. You matter to God. He really does know you by name. He loves you. Be willing to be amazed when He takes your from your prayer closet and places you in front of people you never thought possible. Remember, when He does that, if you will continue to trust Him, He will give you words to speak that will benefit you and your audience, as well as glorify Him and His Son, Jesus. 

God will supply everything you need from beginning to end. Many blessings to you all.

Taking Inventory- Do You Need Help?

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is not hard to find a new story on yet another child being abused or killed as a result of abuse. Unfortunately, the stories are so common that we may find that we have become desensitized to what we read or hear. We have a moment of sadness for the victim and shake our heads in disbelief as we read the details to what led to the abuse or death of yet another child. 

I wanted to write to you, the parent, and ask you to take an inventory of your interactions with your child(ren). Do you find that you tend to yell too loudly, call your child names to demean them or scare them with your actions? Have you ever hit your child, smacked them on the back, thrown them down or against a wall or caused injury any other way? Maybe you have once...or twice. Maybe it happened and you felt incredibly horrible about it. Maybe this has become a vicious cycle that you do not know how to break free from. You carry it around like a dark secret that you are afraid to share with anyone. 

I am asking you to take inventory of how you respond to your child in those moments of anger and to ponder whether you need help. Maybe you grew up at the short end of the switch, belt or fist. You may think that since you survived, and you look back over your life and "turned out okay", that your kids will be fine with the same type and degree of discipline. If your discipline is leaving bruises, black eyes and/or broken bones, you need help.

Is it more shameful to ask for help with learning how to lovingly discipline your child or to carry around that heaviness of knowing that you may be spiraling out of control at times and don't know how to stop? 

I ask you to take inventory of your actions because true change only comes when we acknowledge that something in us needs to change, especially for the benefit of our children. More than likely, you love your child(ren) very much and are grieved if ever you have been the cause of their pain. If you are carrying around dark secrets of mistakes you have made, I would encourage you to take a moment right now and pray. The Lord can grant you peace, can empower you with the courage to make the right changes and seek the right help. He can give you wisdom on how to go forward with your children in a different and healthier way. 

Prayer is a first step for those that choose to pray. After that, you need to find someone with whom you can be accountable to, so as to prevent any further injury to your child. When you bring your actions into the light of disclosure and accountability, the darkness that had once consumed and controlled loses its grip. Things hidden in the dark cannot remain hidden when the light is shined upon them. 

Please get help in relation to the degree of how much you feel you are out of control. Most parents want only the best for their children. Most children are satisfied with true, quality time spent with their parents/guardians. I urge you to improve that quality by getting help if you know you need it. 

I write this as a parent and as a concerned citizen in regards to the safety and well-being of all children. I do not have any formal training in regards to social work, child development or any other thing you may think is needed. I write from the heart and without judgment. Parenting can be tough and you can often feel alone in the battles you face, especially if you feel like you are losing your battle. 

Humans are a fickle crowd. One day they hail you as king and the next they cry out, "Crucify Him!" Not much has changed in just over 2000 years. It can be hard to know who to trust with your shortcomings, but for the benefit of you and your children, find someone. If you need help, get it. Sometimes you may have to be your own support. Other times you may find the support of just one. 

If you are one who does not need help, then endeavor to be a friend to one who does. We can all play a part in the well-being of children. If we take an active role maybe, just maybe, we'll read fewer stories with tragic endings. 

Pursue Your Vision!

I have a daughter who is eight years old. We live in a small town where activitites are often limited for young and old. Recently, two local ladies decided to create a gymnastics program for kids from preschool age up to sixth grade. They meet once a week and offer two classes at present. A few months ago, another lady in our county had a vision to start a local chapter of the group, American Heritage Girls. It is a faith-based scouting program. My daughter is involved in both.

As I was looking through my photos of her recent activities and reflect upon just the last couple of days, I am so thankful. I am thankful for the people in our town and our small communities that had a desire to do something, even something different for the first time. Some had a desire for their child(ren) and that single desire gave birth to an idea that, in turn, has blessed dozens of other families. Rather than focus only on the need of their household they allowed a vision to form which, in turn, has led to something great and positive for our county.

I am also thankful for the church bodies that are also obedient to the vision of how they can positively impact their local communities. Although we cannot always attend every event offered by every church, each vision that is brought to reality has it's measure of ifluence upon those who do attend. May we always support one another. It doesn't take much to share a post about something going on, even if we, ourselves, cannot attend.

School will soon be out and VBS (vacation bible school) season will soon begin. Thank you in advance to all the churches, volunteers and visionaries for the task you are getting ready to undertake. It has eternal value.

I would also like to encourage those of you that have a dream or vision of something you would like to see done or be a part of. The dream may be big and the task seem daunting, but I can guarantee you that the people that have already put their vision into action did so with uncertainty, lack of experience, lack of provisions and lack of people needed for the task. However, what they did not lack was that desire on the inside that kept urging them on, despite what they could not see.

The vision you have may have risks involved, but if your vision is from the Lord, then can it really fail? Yes, I believe it can, but only when we mistakenly try to do God's part, rather than simply being obedient to the parts He has called us to. The reults of a God-given vision are not ours to manipulate. Whether we have one or one-thousand, based on what we see with our often limited sight, the outcome remains in the hands of God.

We are less likely to suffer burnout or discouragement if we keep our focus on what He has called us to do. Don't be ruled by what you see or are told by others. The great thing about being led by God is that we get to be part of something that is often, otherwise, impossible or improbable. How cool is that?

What if I mistake the vision and fail? If you do, then dust yourself off, pray about it, re-evaluate and regroup according to what you learned. Try, try again.

What if I make mistakes? Mistakes can be embarrassing, so I would recommend a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself. People willing to laugh at you are never in short supply, so always try to be the first one to laugh at yourself. Also, always be willing to be honest and take responsibility for any mistakes made.

What if I succeed? Congratulations! It may be at that moment that you can close your eyes, let out a sigh of relief and simply relish in what God just did through you.

Dreams and vision are awesome and it is easy to get lost in simply imagining. Pursing them is your next step. Let go of your fear and doubt, take a step of faith and see what good things can happen.

When I Die

When I die please don't feel obligated to attend my funeral. In fact, I prefer my family skip having a funeral on my behalf. They are costly, long, emotionally draining and unnecessary, at least in my opinion regarding me. I prefer to be cremated, and for my family to hold a private gathering at some point after, if that will help them to cope with any loss they may feel.

Personally, I prefer to not have people attend my final event when, most likely, they never participated in life with me. Often when someone dies, all of a sudden people that never had anything to do with them, perhaps people who even disliked them, feel compelled to show up in an effort to show respect for the deceased and his or her family. Why?

How do we respect someone more after they die than when they were alive? What is the point? I know that some may read my thoughts and think I sound very harsh. That is not my intention. The following is a helpful, albeit not complete, guide to help you (in a slightly Jeff Foxworthy style).

You might be excused from my afterlife festivities if you:

1. Don't know my kids' names without looking on Facebook.
2. Have never had a conversation with me that went past general small talk that you would make with a stranger in the grocery line.
3. Didn't know I died until you heard it 2 or more days after, read it in the paper or heard it on the radio. (I cannot include FB because sometimes news travels faster there than anywhere, even before all of someone's family can know.)
4. Really didn't want to go anyway but was feeling guilty if you did not show up.
5. Heard that I died but had trouble remembering which one I was at church without a few clues.
6. Disliked me in life for whatever reason, real or imagined.
7. Only planned to attend out of boredom, curiosity or in hopes of a free meal.
8. Already had plans that day.

On the other hand, you may be included if you:

1. Are good friends with my husband, children or any other family member AND your intention is to truly show emotional support to them.
2. Plan to contribute to the lives of my children in a way that is positive, builds them up, helps them to feel loved and supported, especially during their loss.
3. Actually took time to know me while I was here, even if we only had the chance to share in a few real conversations.
4. Simply want to be there, regardless of what we knew about each other. (Unless #7 above is your reason)

In exchange, I promise you the same. If you and I could not find, or make time, to know each other while you were living, then I promise not to honor your memory under false pretenses. I will show support and genuine care to your loved ones, as I may know them, and do my best to not forget that their grief extends beyond the ceremony.

Life is short enough. Let's live each day more purposefully. Live and love on purpose. Let go of unforgiveness and any judgmental attitudes you may have. Take time to know each other as much as you can. Expand your circle of friends as often as you can. I pray your life be enriched by those around you, as well as enriching to others.

Let's Build a Tower!

We can look out for one another in so many ways. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Maybe not his keeper but you can be a hand up, an encouragement, a defender of basic human rights, and a protector of the vulnerable.

If you aren't sure how you can do or be that, then take a moment to reflect. In your sphere of influence how can you make a difference? What do you possibly look the other way on? Have you talked to the Lord about it, or is He possibly urging you in your spirit about something that needs to be done but you have pushed that to the side?

"But what will others think if I......?" What will the Lord think if you don't? How will you feel if you let that moment go by and you do nothing? At some point we have to stand up and be counted. We have to stand up and be willing.

"What if it costs me my friends or my family?" If you are being lovingly obedient to the Lord, then the results, the aftermath of those actions are for Him to work out in your life. Our time on this planet is so temporary. Our pursuits are so often frivolous.

Can you imagine what we could accomplish if we pooled our efforts and applied them to things that hold eternal value versus things that hold temporary pleasure and offer false and temporary security?

"Mine, mine, mine!" It is often one of the first words learned by a child as well as acted out in their behavior. Shouldn't it be one of the first words we relinquish when we say yes to God?

In Genesis 1:1-6 we read the story of the Tower of Babel:

“Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. ² And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. ³ Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. ⁴ And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

⁵ But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. ⁶ And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.”

In verse 1 we see that the people were united in language. In verses 5 and 6 we see that the Lord acknowledges the unity of the people and how their goal could truly be achieved because of their unity and the fact they all spoke the same language.

God divided their languages because in verse 4 the people said to each other, “…let us make a name for ourselves…” It seems pride and prestige were the goals they had in mind.

This story encourages me because it tells me that when we unite as a people, and more importantly, for the right reasons, we can accomplish anything. If we set our pride and desire for self aside, if we were united in an effort to truly uplift, encourage and defend one another, what would that look like? How awesome would that be?!

I propose we build a tower. Not a tower of bricks and mortar but a tower of community, action, love, healing, hope and purpose. Let’s acknowledge each other equally. We have different gifts. We have different goals. Our ministries may vary but we can be united in love, even with those who were deemed by others as unlovable. Maybe that is the true test of unity…simply loving sincerely, without wondering what we are going to get for our trouble.

Are you willing to unite with others? Are you willing to build that tower? Are you willing to work beside another whose personality may not be what you are used to, whose back-story is so different from your own?

In verses 2 and 3 we read that before they built the tower these people had journeyed together and dwelt in the land of Shinar together. Then, one day somebody had an idea. That idea led to a great collaboration of effort, talents, strength and vision. Who have you journeyed beside and dwelt with in this land?

So, what about it, do you want to build a tower?

All Things

Many times, as Christians, we shout the familiar verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" as we plough through our days, frantically trying to do...all...things. We totally understand the first part, but I wonder how often, when we are doing all things, that we are doing them through Christ who strengthens us?

As we are shouting and proclaiming this verse which, for many, has become their mantra, could it be that we miss the whisper of the Lord as He gently reminds us to, "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)

Perhaps He would also reminds us that, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Yes, by all means, do all things but do them in His strength. Rest in His presence. Be filled with His spirit. Sit and rest. Love Him and be loved by Him. Perhaps it is not whether or not you do everything, but it is more about the things, the all things, that you do when you allow yourself to be strengthened by Him.

Doing everything is not the same as doing all things. Doing everything will most likely result in burnout, fatigue, bitterness and a whole host of other things that are not becoming nor needful in the life of a believer.

However, doing all things through Christ is supernatural. When we truly live that verse, then what we do becomes anointed. Our words and actions become empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our lives become impacting in a way that doing everything could never achieve.

I encourage you today to stop trying to do everything. Instead, simply seek to do all things through Christ who (willingly wants to) strengthen YOU. 

You may find that you actually accomplish more this way.

Rubber Bands

I have been thinking about rubber bands. They are quite unassuming when you look at them. Some are colored for variety. Many are a standard color of tan. They come in different sizes.  On their own they may not seem to have a purpose. In fact, they may even look out of shape. If you saw one lying on the ground you might not even give it much notice. However, rubber bands can be quite amazing. They can have many purposes, depending on the need at the time. 

For some, a rubber band can be worn as a bracelet, often a child's fashion accessory. For others, a standard rubber band makes a great hair tie or pony tail holder. For a bit of amusement you can fling a rubber band across the room as a projectile, often aimed at another in fun and jest. Probably the most common use for a rubber band is wrapping it around multiple objects to hold them together. You can imagine how many more uses that a rubber band lends itself to. 

In pondering all these wonderful thoughts I realized that people are like rubber bands, or we should be. We should lend ourselves to many uses in the lives of others. In particular, we should be always ready to wrap ourselves around one another, especially when it seems like another may be falling apart. Just as we wrap a band several times around an item to make sure it is snug, we should do the same with our family, friends, loved ones and anyone we see with a need. It may take several people in the life of one to wrap themselves around him/her to make sure enough support is given. 

We want to make sure not to wrap ourselves too tightly, for that may damage the very one we hope to secure. Likewise, too loose and we may have something slip through. Of course, we all know that rubber bands can become weakened, brittle and even break from time to time. This is caused by exposure to the elements, especially heat. One way you can protect rubber bands is by storing them in your refrigerator or freezer.

We can translate that tip like this: We, as people, when being utilized as rubber bands, may find it necessary from time to time to "Chill out". We may need to take a break from the elements that could weaken our usefulness. We need not isolate ourselves for then our service becomes unfulfilled. Once the heat in our life has cooled we need to return to a place of use.

Another cause for rubber bands to become brittle and break is that sometimes they have been used for one thing only and left in that stretched, stress state. The bands become stiff and dry and more easily suffer brokenness. We must care for ourselves and realize that we may need to be utilized for more than just one purpose. Again, we may find that, from time to time, we need to chill and relax as we recoup and retain our elasticity.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Paul writes, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you."

Maybe one day we need to be a hair tie and the next day we need to be a fun projectile. Maybe we need to become a replacement eraser atop a pencil. Whatever the need may we place ourselves in the Master's hands so that He may utilize our seemingly unassuming selves for His glory so that some may be saved. By being a rubber band may we become all things to all people. Let's not be afraid to stretch ourselves in an effort to minister and love those around us. 

Personally, I plan to be a colorful rubber band...maybe a green one...or red...or....

For fun tips on how you can use your rubber bands check out this site:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/04/26/40-practical-tricks-for-an-ordinary-rubber-band/

Are You Yielded?

Can you imagine becoming so filled and affected by the love of God that our actions to minister, to serve, to love, to go, to do...all would be done as a reflex reaction to that love? I wonder how much we would begin to do simply in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit once we were yielded to the point that we heard Him daily. Would we become more impulsive? Would our choices to obey confound those closest to us?

I remember being in a service several years ago. We had may teens in that service and the message was truly anointed. Several teens were so affected that they got up and went outside. Some were on the side of the building and a couple were in the front yard. I remember one boy in particular. He was bowed under a tree weeping so hard. He was weeping because he just felt and experienced the love of God. It overwhelmed him and so he wept as he struggled to accept God's love. The two on the side of the building also were in need of prayer.

The whole scene was beautiful, but not to everyone. The minister that evening only saw chaos because of the few that went out before the message was finished. What appeared unsettled and out of control was in complete control of the Lord. It seemed like we could not minister fast enough to those under conviction and in need of prayer. The Holy Spirit did not seemed bothered one bit, but it bothered the one called to deliver His message that evening.

If that one who was bothered by the interruption had been more yielded to what the Lord was doing I wonder how that evening might have been even more amazing in the hearts of those young ones. Instead of rejoicing and being in awe of God at work that one chose sullenness, offense and jealousy. That one had been yielded for a time when sharing God's word but forsook that yielding when hearts and eyes were turned only upon the Lord.

May we consciously choose each day to be yielded to the Holy Spirit, even if that means that we are no longer being seen or heard. May we simply be found in service to the needs of those around us.

How fantastic would it be if every week, when we go to church, we find fewer and fewer people there because they chose to be completely yielded to the plans of the Lord? What if those plans took them to another state, town, country or church? Would we rejoice at the spontaneity of the Lord or would we be sullen, judgmental or jealous?

The question is not whether or not God calls you to leave everything around you that is familiar. The question is, "Would you go?"

Double Standard

Recently I have been pondering the idea of a seeming double standard imposed on Christians by non-Christians. How often have you heard something like this:

 "I can't believe you said (did) that. I thought you were supposed to be a Christian."
or
"I'm not going to church. It's just full of hypocrites."

One of my favorite songs by DC Talk begins with this statement,
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today
Is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips
Then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle.
That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

I agree that oftentimes Christians misrepresent the message of the gospel of Christ, whether in word or deed, and especially when they refuse to love others as God loves them. I get that. I am referring to the times when a Christian may say or do something that a non-Christian would deem inappropriate, lacking in love, compassion or tolerance for a professing Christian. This would not necessarily be a behavioral lifestyle...more like isolated incidents.

Oftentimes instant judgment is issued and his/her viewpoint against Christians, Jesus or faith in general gets validated in their eyes. They seem to want to have an I-Told-You-So moment. All of a sudden they think every misconception they hold against a Christian becomes absolute truth.

Let's flip the example. Let's say that I caught Maggie Unbeliever being kind, thoughtful and loving. Maybe she even volunteered with helping the disadvantaged. What if I responded to her by saying, "Gee, Maggie, I am really surprised to see such genuine niceness and care from you. I can't believe you did that. I thought you were an unbeliever. How is it possible for you to be so compassionate?"

That sounds kind of ridiculous. You might think to yourself, "Well, of course unbelievers can be kind, thoughtful, generous, etc. You don't have to believe in God to be those things!" Really?

Would it be fair to say that you don't have to be an unbeliever to have a moment of anger, frustration or a bit of sarcastic wit? Now, if those things were present day in and day out, then I would seriously urge the believer to stop and reflect upon those behaviors. We truly are called to walk in genuine love and compassion, in word and in deed.

If we are going to be Christians then we need to "walk the walk" as they say. I don't credit (or blame) unbelievers for my faith in God and belief in Jesus. My faith and choices in such are my own.

Likewise, unbelievers, those that rail against the Christian and want to hang blame for their unbelief on another's example, need to own their unbelief. Ultimately, what you reject is not my, or another's, example. What...no, Who you reject is Jesus. You reject God's love, His plan for salvation and an opportunity to know, do and experience more than you ever could on your own.

I really do love everyone. Some people are hard to like at times, but I wouldn't turn anyone away in a time of need. One of the stories about Jesus that has always stuck with me is found in John 14. He is walking with two of His disciples and talking about things to come. They have questions and it is evident that they simply don't understand. Jesus understood that they didn't understand.

I try to be the same way. I love to talk about Jesus and even discuss differing points of view. However, if you want to debate in an effort to be right or to be antagonistic you should know that 2 Timothy 2:23 says, " But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." I will not argue with you, but I will choose to understand that you may not understand.

Finally, for those of you that have been at the receiving end of a sour, loveless or legalistic Christian...don't hang your eternity on their example. Seek God anyway. Go to church anyway. Their example will not be sufficient for your excuse.

Me and Moses

It has been about 15 months since I had a "Leave if you must" choice to make. It was heartbreaking. I left behind so many that I loved and left a place where I felt like I "had a place". From that leaving I arrived in another place where I have yet to really "find my place". It still hurts for several reasons. It is not as often on my mind, but nights like tonight find me somber, reflective and uncertain.

The uncertainty comes from feeling like the Lord is asking me to begin a task that is daunting when considered. It is a task that ties all places together and then goes beyond that.

I think about when God called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. Moses insisted he was not good enough for the job. In fact, he gave God four excuses plus one plea:


1. "I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
 God answered, “I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you.”


2. "When I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ So what can I tell them?”
God said, “I am who I am. You must tell them: ‘The one who is called I Am has sent me to you.’  Tell the Israelites that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me."

God went on further to say, "Go and gather the leaders of Israel together and tell them that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to you. Tell them that I have come to them and have seen what the Egyptians are doing to them. I have decided that I will bring them out of Egypt, where they are being treated cruelly, and will take them to a rich and fertile land—the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
“My people will listen to what you say to them. Then you must go with the leaders of Israel to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has revealed himself to us. Now allow us to travel three days into the desert to offer sacrifices to the Lord, our God.’ I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless he is forced to do so. But I will use my power and will punish Egypt by doing terrifying things there. After that he will let you go.
“I will make the Egyptians respect you so that when my people leave, they will not go empty-handed. Every Israelite woman will go to her Egyptian neighbors and to any Egyptian woman living in her house and will ask for clothing and for gold and silver jewelry. The Israelites will put these things on their sons and daughters and carry away the wealth of the Egyptians.”

3. “But suppose the Israelites do not believe me and will not listen to what I say. What shall I do if they say that you did not appear to me?”
 So the Lord asked him, “What are you holding?” “A walking stick,” he answered.
 The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” When Moses threw it down, it turned into a snake, and he ran away from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach down and pick it up by the tail.” So Moses reached down and caught it, and it became a walking stick again. The Lord said, “Do this to prove to the Israelites that the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has appeared to you.”

Before he could say anything the Lord spoke to Moses again, “Put your hand inside your robe.” Moses obeyed; and when he took his hand out, it was diseased, covered with white spots, like snow. Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your robe again.” He did so, and when he took it out this time, it was healthy, just like the rest of his body. The Lord said, “If they will not believe you or be convinced by the first miracle, then this one will convince them. If in spite of these two miracles they still will not believe you, and if they refuse to listen to what you say, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the ground. The water will turn into blood.”


You would think after God appeared to him in the burning bush and settled all the above concerns that all of that would have been enough for Moses, but he still had one more point of order to bring up.


4. But Moses said, “No, Lord, don't send me. I have never been a good speaker, and I haven't become one since you began to speak to me. I am a poor speaker, slow and hesitant.”
The Lord said to him, “Who gives man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or dumb? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? It is I, the Lord. Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say.”

Wow. Moses was firm in what he felt he was not...even to the point of pointing out that his shortcomings hadn't improved during their chat. Amazingly God did not fire him from his newly appointed role.


But Moses answered, “No, Lord, please send someone else.”
At this the Lord became angry with Moses and said, “What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. In fact, he is now coming to meet you and will be glad to see you. You can speak to him and tell him what to say. I will help both of you to speak, and I will tell you both what to do. He will be your spokesman and speak to the people for you. Then you will be like God, telling him what to say. Take this walking stick with you; for with it you will perform miracles.”

Finally, Moses agreed. He was originally called on his own but his insistence of his lack of credibility and ability gained him a companion. I often wonder how the story may have been different for Moses if he had simply been obedient in the beginning. His rebellious insistence followed him on their journey and in the end he was not permitted to enter into the Promised Land.

Moses had to go and minister to a people that were both his own and not his own. His past mistakes caused him to flee, but the Lord's call on his life required him to return, face and overcome all those obstacles.

The Lord has not called me to a role such as Moses, but I can be reminded from his story of how not to respond to His call. I don't know if this task will include or require co-servants, but I do know that if it does it will not be due to my arguing with God.

I have always found Philippians 2:20 to be a comfort verse for me. Paul is writing to the Philippians and simply states, "For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state."

It would certainly be a delightful wonder to work alongside others in a shared vision and interest, however that point is simply a minor detail. May my reply to the Lord simply and always be, "Here am I! Send me."

 

A Love Greater Than Dominoes

In the Book of Exodus we read that God gave the ten commandments to the children of Israel. Most people are familiar with the ten commandments whether they were raised in church or not. We have laws in place that still uphold many of these commandments, such as laws against murder, thievery, false witness and adultery. In short form the commandments found in Exodus 20 are:

1. You shall have no other Gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

For the past few years I have referred to the tenth commandment as the domino sin. I think it has the potential to cause the most damage in our lives and in the lives of others. I call it the domino sin because when we begin to covet without restraint it can lead to us breaking many other commandments as a result.

For example, if a person were to covet another man's car, and that desire were left unchecked, it may lead to him lying or stealing in an effort to get what he wants. If the desire is great enough a person may even commit murder to attain what they covet. That is what happened to King David when he looked upon Bathsheba bathing.

David allowed his desire for Bathsheba to lead to adultery, deception, plotting and murder. Like dominoes falling, one after another, the sin of coveting caused him to commit many other sins. He placed his lust in a position greater than God and, thus, his lust became his god. It could be said that his actions were not honorable and would have shamed his parents. He slept with Bathsheba while she was married, set Uriah, her husband, up to die in battle and then took Bathsheba as his wife. David nearly took out every commandment when his coveting took control.

When David was called to account for his actions by the prophet, Nathan, he repented. The Lord spared his life but his sin cost him the life of his son. Sin always comes with a price. What we do in seemingly secured secrecy will eventually be found out and drug into the light.

While we are not ruled by the rituals and the letter of the law we are still accountable for the choices we make. The law of God is written on our hearts.  (Hebrews 8:10)

When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment He gave this answer, "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." (Matthew 22:36-40)

In John 13:34-35 Jesus told his disciples, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Romans 13:8-10 sums it up nicely, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.  For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness” , “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

Love the Lord. Love your neighbor. That sounds simple enough, yet people are struggling every day. Christians are struggling every day.

John 3:16 is a familiar verse. In fact, it is almost too familiar. "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 so loved. Do you know that love? If you do not know that love, then it is going to be especially hard to love God, much less your neighbor.

We read in 1 John 4:7-11
^"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."

Verse 19 is an important key. It reads, "We love Him because He first loved us."

God gives us everything we need to succeed in this world. He even loved us first and most so that we may have a supernatural supply of love to love Him in return. When we make full contact with His love how can we not love Him? How can we not love our neighbors?

The domino sin may have the greatest potential for harm, but God's love has the greatest potential for good. God's love produces life, sets captives free, heals wounds and restores wholeness where there was once brokenness. God's love provides salvation and restoration.

No matter how your life has been laid down by the domino sin or any sin it can be restored. God loves you. He wants you to know Him and his love. God's love and redemption will never be more fully explained than that moment when a person makes a choice, takes a chance and finally yields to the greatest love that will ever pursue them. The greatest minds will never know God through logic or finite reasoning. God is infinite. He cannot be measured.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

It is my hope that you will consider Jesus and be transformed by the love God offers so freely through Him. Put away your dominoes and embrace a love that is greater.

~Many blessings to you all~