May 25, 2014
“Since you have been
raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of Heaven,
where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Colossians 3:1
Occasionally I question my decision to leave behind my young
family for a three-week trek in Africa. Sometimes my choice feels irresponsible,
and even a tad-bit selfish. However, if I believe in the reality of God’s
Kingdom I would be foolish not to follow God wherever He leads.
Colossians 3:1-2 remind me to set my sights on the realities of Heaven, to think about the
things of Heaven, not the things of earth. When I consider the reality of God’s
Kingdom my priorities change.
Hebrews 9:27 explains that “each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.”
God will judge my final resting place based on my faith in Christ’s provision
for my sin. Ephesians 2:8 tells me that God saves me by His grace when I
believe. The salvation of my soul depends on faith and faith alone.
However, as a believer God will also judge the value of my
“work” on earth. Did I spend time and energy loving God and loving others? Did
I spend my resources helping make known the great news about God’s Kingdom?
2 Corinthians 5:10 reads, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive
whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.”
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 tells me that “on judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each ‘builder’ has
done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work
survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the
builder will . . . be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of
flames.”
At the end of time my work will be evaluated, not for dollar
value but for Kingdom value. At first
glance, returning to Africa seems crazy. But if I consider the reality of God's Kingdom, returning to Africa seems the
only responsible way to live.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Guilted Into Giving?
April 19, 2014
"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give
reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who
gives cheerfully.'" 2 Corinthians 9:7
Ever felt guilted into giving? I have.
As followers of Christ we know we should give to others. We read in Scripture that God loves a cheerful giver. We want to support those in need but honestly, we have our own desires for spending too. How do we learn to give from a heart of generosity rather than from a heart of guilt? I believe James 1:5 provides us with the answer. "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
Some might respond, "But if I ask God about giving of course He'll tell me to give!"
God likely will lead us to share with others. But consider God's promises to those who respond to Him with generous hearts.
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and He will repay you!" Proverbs 19:17
"'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do,' says the Lord
of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will
pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!
Try it! Put Me to the test!'" Malachi 3:10
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones
who is My disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not
lose their reward." Matthew 10:42
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6
"And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have
everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." 2 Corinthians 9:8
"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have
shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
I listed too many promises to read in one blog, didn't I? And yet God's Word contains many more promises such as these!
If God owns the universe and everything in it (Psalm 24:1) then why would God ask us to lend to the poor? Maybe, just maybe God asks us to give as a test of our devotion to Him.
Giving proves easier when we first recognize that everything we have comes from God--our very faith, our family, our furnishings and our finances. God has entrusted us as stewards of His things. When we receive a request for support our only reasonable response is for us to inquire how the Owner would have us best utilize His possessions. Sometimes God asks us to give a little; sometimes God asks us to give until it hurts, trusting Him to meet our needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Put it into Practice I have a request toward which you can consider giving (you saw this coming). I am not asking you to give . . . not immediately, anyway. I am asking you to pray. Ask God if and how He would have you respond to this opportunity. Do not give in order to receive. Do not give out of guilt. Give out of your trust in God and your love for people in need.
In less than two months I will travel to Africa to lead three different women's conferences. Though fundraising efforts continue for the first two conferences, the greatest need is for the group of women coming from remote parts of Congo. The women will travel 1-2 days each way for the conference. Our team will spend two days teaching the women and equipping them to begin Bible study groups in their villages. Two hundred dollars will cover the cost for one woman (including her travel each way, hotel, food and border crossing requirements). An extra ten dollars will provide her with a Bible. Thirty-five women await funding.
Two-hundred and ten US dollars. Its a lot to ask, but would you? Would you simply ask God what He would have you to do?
Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to the ministry with whom I will travel, Equip Disciples, at 2126 Belmont Park Drive, Arlington, TX 76017. Donations can also be made on-line at Equip Disciples (please note, however, 3% of your on-line donation will go to Paypal). Designate "Equip Women Conferences" on your donation.
"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give
reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who
gives cheerfully.'" 2 Corinthians 9:7
Ever felt guilted into giving? I have.
As followers of Christ we know we should give to others. We read in Scripture that God loves a cheerful giver. We want to support those in need but honestly, we have our own desires for spending too. How do we learn to give from a heart of generosity rather than from a heart of guilt? I believe James 1:5 provides us with the answer. "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."
Some might respond, "But if I ask God about giving of course He'll tell me to give!"
God likely will lead us to share with others. But consider God's promises to those who respond to Him with generous hearts.
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD--and He will repay you!" Proverbs 19:17
"'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in My Temple. If you do,' says the Lord
of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will
pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!
Try it! Put Me to the test!'" Malachi 3:10
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones
who is My disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not
lose their reward." Matthew 10:42
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6
"And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have
everything you need and plenty left over to share with others." 2 Corinthians 9:8
"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have
shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
I listed too many promises to read in one blog, didn't I? And yet God's Word contains many more promises such as these!
If God owns the universe and everything in it (Psalm 24:1) then why would God ask us to lend to the poor? Maybe, just maybe God asks us to give as a test of our devotion to Him.
Giving proves easier when we first recognize that everything we have comes from God--our very faith, our family, our furnishings and our finances. God has entrusted us as stewards of His things. When we receive a request for support our only reasonable response is for us to inquire how the Owner would have us best utilize His possessions. Sometimes God asks us to give a little; sometimes God asks us to give until it hurts, trusting Him to meet our needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Put it into Practice I have a request toward which you can consider giving (you saw this coming). I am not asking you to give . . . not immediately, anyway. I am asking you to pray. Ask God if and how He would have you respond to this opportunity. Do not give in order to receive. Do not give out of guilt. Give out of your trust in God and your love for people in need.
In less than two months I will travel to Africa to lead three different women's conferences. Though fundraising efforts continue for the first two conferences, the greatest need is for the group of women coming from remote parts of Congo. The women will travel 1-2 days each way for the conference. Our team will spend two days teaching the women and equipping them to begin Bible study groups in their villages. Two hundred dollars will cover the cost for one woman (including her travel each way, hotel, food and border crossing requirements). An extra ten dollars will provide her with a Bible. Thirty-five women await funding.
Two-hundred and ten US dollars. Its a lot to ask, but would you? Would you simply ask God what He would have you to do?
Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to the ministry with whom I will travel, Equip Disciples, at 2126 Belmont Park Drive, Arlington, TX 76017. Donations can also be made on-line at Equip Disciples (please note, however, 3% of your on-line donation will go to Paypal). Designate "Equip Women Conferences" on your donation.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
April 10, 2014
"Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10
I'm going.
After two years, the praying, waiting, hoping, longing will cease as I return to Africa this summer. (Okay, so the praying will continue but the focus of my prayers will change.)
The decision to return to Africa proved difficult. Over and over I questioned, How can I willingly leave my young family behind for an extended period of time?
Telling the kiddos nearly broke my heart . . . and theirs. One of our daughters ran out of the room crying. Seriously. I thought, How can I do this to them? The answer?
The joy of the Lord gives us strength.
In Nehemiah's day, hope had just begun to emerge for God's people. After seventy years of exile the remnant of Israel could finally return home. Under Nehemiah's leadership dedicated workers rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. People once again filled the land. To commemorate their new beginning the Israelites gathered in the town square while Ezra the priest read aloud the Book of the Law of Moses (what you and I know as the first five books of the Bible).
As they listened to God's Word, sadness and despair overcame God's people. The revealing of how God wanted them to live ignited godly sorrow as all Israel considered how they had lived. Nehemiah encouraged the people, “Go and celebrate with a
feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with
people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord.
Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Part of me felt dejected and sad when God made clear His desire for my life. I knew it would prove hard to obey all God had asked my family to do. But I need not despair. God takes great pleasure in our obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). Though the task which lies before me seems hard, I find strength knowing my obedience will bring the Lord great joy.
In his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes, "If, however, we obey God, He will care for those who have suffered the consequences of our obedience. We must simply obey and leave all the consequences with Him." (see January 11)
As I return to Africa I need not feel dejected and sad over the thought of leaving my family behind. The same God who takes
care of me will supply all my family's needs from His glorious riches, which
have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). I can respond like the people in Nehemiah's day who, "went away to eat and drink
at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great
joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them." (Nehemiah 8:12)
What has God asked you to do? Do not despair. Simply obey. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.
If you would like to make an impact on the life of a woman half-way around the world, consider making a donation toward the cost of our work in Africa.
"Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10
I'm going.
After two years, the praying, waiting, hoping, longing will cease as I return to Africa this summer. (Okay, so the praying will continue but the focus of my prayers will change.)
The decision to return to Africa proved difficult. Over and over I questioned, How can I willingly leave my young family behind for an extended period of time?
Telling the kiddos nearly broke my heart . . . and theirs. One of our daughters ran out of the room crying. Seriously. I thought, How can I do this to them? The answer?
The joy of the Lord gives us strength.
In Nehemiah's day, hope had just begun to emerge for God's people. After seventy years of exile the remnant of Israel could finally return home. Under Nehemiah's leadership dedicated workers rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem. People once again filled the land. To commemorate their new beginning the Israelites gathered in the town square while Ezra the priest read aloud the Book of the Law of Moses (what you and I know as the first five books of the Bible).
As they listened to God's Word, sadness and despair overcame God's people. The revealing of how God wanted them to live ignited godly sorrow as all Israel considered how they had lived. Nehemiah encouraged the people, “Go and celebrate with a
feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with
people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord.
Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Part of me felt dejected and sad when God made clear His desire for my life. I knew it would prove hard to obey all God had asked my family to do. But I need not despair. God takes great pleasure in our obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). Though the task which lies before me seems hard, I find strength knowing my obedience will bring the Lord great joy.
In his devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes, "If, however, we obey God, He will care for those who have suffered the consequences of our obedience. We must simply obey and leave all the consequences with Him." (see January 11)
As I return to Africa I need not feel dejected and sad over the thought of leaving my family behind. The same God who takes
care of me will supply all my family's needs from His glorious riches, which
have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). I can respond like the people in Nehemiah's day who, "went away to eat and drink
at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great
joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them." (Nehemiah 8:12)
What has God asked you to do? Do not despair. Simply obey. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.
If you would like to make an impact on the life of a woman half-way around the world, consider making a donation toward the cost of our work in Africa.
- $26 will purchase a study Bible in the local dialect
- $50 will help cover the cost for one woman to attend a two-week Bible training conference
- a donation of any amount will help cover the cost of translators, printed materials, food distribution for the women (rice, eggs, beans and potatoes), as well as facility expenses
To make a tax-deductible donation visit www.equipdisciples.org. For more information click on the Africa tab or e-mail me at jennyhander[at_sign]cyjministries.com.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Transcending the Wuld
March 29, 2014
"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God;" 1 John 3:1
"For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26
As my husband and I prayed with the kids last night our five year old began to cry. Our prayers were for friends of ours who are in the process of bringing home their daughter from another country. Once we said amen I asked our daughter, "Why the tears?" In her five year old voice she replied, "I think it is nice that [our friends] love [their daughter] so much they traveled half way around the wuld (world) to get hur (her)."
Did anyone else hear the door of opportunity fling open?
I took a step back and addressed all three of our children (the fourth had already fallen asleep) . . .
Yes! Our friends love their daughter so much they traveled half way around the wuld to bring her home. Home to a place where she will experience unconditional love from parents who desire the absolute best for her.
God loves US so much that Jesus left Heaven--a completely different wuld--to bring US home. Jesus didn't even pack a bag for His trip. He simply came to our wuld as a baby; a baby who grew into a Man; a Man who gave His sinless life as a sacrifice for our sin-full lives. Jesus loves us SO much He transcended the wuld to bring us--God's beloved sons and daughters--home. Home to a place where one day He will wipe every tear
from [our] eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or
pain. All these things [will be] gone forever. Revelation 21:4
"See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God;" 1 John 3:1
"For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26
As my husband and I prayed with the kids last night our five year old began to cry. Our prayers were for friends of ours who are in the process of bringing home their daughter from another country. Once we said amen I asked our daughter, "Why the tears?" In her five year old voice she replied, "I think it is nice that [our friends] love [their daughter] so much they traveled half way around the wuld (world) to get hur (her)."
Did anyone else hear the door of opportunity fling open?
I took a step back and addressed all three of our children (the fourth had already fallen asleep) . . .
Yes! Our friends love their daughter so much they traveled half way around the wuld to bring her home. Home to a place where she will experience unconditional love from parents who desire the absolute best for her.
God loves US so much that Jesus left Heaven--a completely different wuld--to bring US home. Jesus didn't even pack a bag for His trip. He simply came to our wuld as a baby; a baby who grew into a Man; a Man who gave His sinless life as a sacrifice for our sin-full lives. Jesus loves us SO much He transcended the wuld to bring us--God's beloved sons and daughters--home. Home to a place where one day He will wipe every tear
from [our] eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or
pain. All these things [will be] gone forever. Revelation 21:4
Thursday, March 27, 2014
On the Mountain with God
March 27, 2014
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain. Stay there,
and I will give you the tablets of stone on which I have inscribed the
instructions and commands so you can teach the people.'" Exodus 24:12
I have a friend who is on the mountain with God. Actually, she's still cruising at 36,000 feet (or at whatever altitude planes fly) on her way to another country in effort to bring home her precious daughter. I imagine her heart feels full of anxious anticipation and joy beyond expression--feelings that come from following God into the unknown.
Journeying with God up the mountain proves anything but easy. The trek requires faith; a certainty that the One who called you up the mountain will neither fail you nor abandon you . . . nor the family and friends you leave behind (Deuteronomy 31:6). The course demands determination, endurance and sacrifice. But meeting God on the mountaintop produces in us an experience far greater than anything this world can offer.
Moses met with God on a mountaintop. The climb surely proved challenging for Moses. Twice, Moses had to scale the mountain carrying two stone tablets--gear that I assume most mountain-climbers would rather leave behind. But Moses did the work. And once Moses reached the mountaintop he experienced God like few people ever would. While on the mountain God equipped Moses with what he needed to teach and share with God's people. Moses' time with God proved so great that when he returned to the bottom of the mountain, his face shone brightly for all to see.
What mountain has God asked you to climb? I can affirm that the journey will prove well worth the effort, hours of training and sacrifice required. Your time on the mountain with God will equip you with an experience which you can use to teach and share with God's people. You will return home shining brightly for all to see (Matthew 5:16).
Friend . . . you know who you are. We are here at the bottom of the mountain waiting to welcome you home!
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain. Stay there,
and I will give you the tablets of stone on which I have inscribed the
instructions and commands so you can teach the people.'" Exodus 24:12
I have a friend who is on the mountain with God. Actually, she's still cruising at 36,000 feet (or at whatever altitude planes fly) on her way to another country in effort to bring home her precious daughter. I imagine her heart feels full of anxious anticipation and joy beyond expression--feelings that come from following God into the unknown.
Journeying with God up the mountain proves anything but easy. The trek requires faith; a certainty that the One who called you up the mountain will neither fail you nor abandon you . . . nor the family and friends you leave behind (Deuteronomy 31:6). The course demands determination, endurance and sacrifice. But meeting God on the mountaintop produces in us an experience far greater than anything this world can offer.
Moses met with God on a mountaintop. The climb surely proved challenging for Moses. Twice, Moses had to scale the mountain carrying two stone tablets--gear that I assume most mountain-climbers would rather leave behind. But Moses did the work. And once Moses reached the mountaintop he experienced God like few people ever would. While on the mountain God equipped Moses with what he needed to teach and share with God's people. Moses' time with God proved so great that when he returned to the bottom of the mountain, his face shone brightly for all to see.
What mountain has God asked you to climb? I can affirm that the journey will prove well worth the effort, hours of training and sacrifice required. Your time on the mountain with God will equip you with an experience which you can use to teach and share with God's people. You will return home shining brightly for all to see (Matthew 5:16).
Friend . . . you know who you are. We are here at the bottom of the mountain waiting to welcome you home!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Identify - The Words of Our Testimony
March 22, 2014
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings
good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God
of Israel reigns!" Isaiah 52:7
Our church begins a 5 week evangelism study this coming Sunday. I always considered evangelism a gift--one which I failed to receive thereby excusing me from the practice of evangelism. While Ephesians 4:11 describes evangelism as a spiritual gift given to some (but not necessarily all) believers, Christ did exhort every one of His followers to discipleship. Jesus' parting words were, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).
John 4 tells the story of an unlikely woman who Jesus intentionally reached with the message of His saving love. I enjoy reading the story of the woman at the well because of how this woman responds following her encounter with Jesus. After the Son of God reveals Himself as the Messiah to this woman she runs with unrestrained passion to tell others about her experience with the Living God. The woman's story sparks interest throughout the town of Samaria. The people of Samaria come to listen to Jesus and many place their faith in Him. People came to listen because of her words but they believed because of His word (John 4:1-42).
Romans 3:11-12 tells us that, "No one seeks God, all have turned away." In his book, Follow Me (Tyndale, 2012), author David Platt emphatically reminds us that we do not invite Jesus into our hearts. The word invite implies that we initiated the relationship. Ephesians 1:4 tells me that, "Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes."
Long before I ever took my first breath, before my great-great-great-great-grandmother ever took her first breath, God loved me and chose to make a way for me--and for you--to enter into fellowship with Him. Sin keeps us from God (Isaiah 29:2). But through His death Jesus invites us into fellowship with God. We simply accept the invitation. Our purpose is not to invite others into fellowship with God. God sent His invitation to all people through the cross. We can, however--like the woman at the well--invite others to come to know more about God's invitation. We can vouch that God's invitation is worthy of an R.S.V.P.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings
good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God
of Israel reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7) But Romans 10:14 asks, "How can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how
can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can
they hear about Him unless someone tells them?" We must tell others, those who God brings across our path, the news that our God saves!
Revelation 12:11 says, "They [those accused by the enemy] overcame him [the enemy] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony." Testimony simply means giving your account of an event. As we share with others our personal experience with God many will want to know more about God.
Remember what happened with woman at the well. As she shared her testimony with the people in her town those people wanted to hear more about God from God. People came to listen to the very Word of God and many believed. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. God draws people nearer to Himself through our story, and then saves them through His story.
Consider where or with whom God wants you to take your feet--beautiful or not--to share your experience of Him.
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings
good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God
of Israel reigns!" Isaiah 52:7
Our church begins a 5 week evangelism study this coming Sunday. I always considered evangelism a gift--one which I failed to receive thereby excusing me from the practice of evangelism. While Ephesians 4:11 describes evangelism as a spiritual gift given to some (but not necessarily all) believers, Christ did exhort every one of His followers to discipleship. Jesus' parting words were, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).
John 4 tells the story of an unlikely woman who Jesus intentionally reached with the message of His saving love. I enjoy reading the story of the woman at the well because of how this woman responds following her encounter with Jesus. After the Son of God reveals Himself as the Messiah to this woman she runs with unrestrained passion to tell others about her experience with the Living God. The woman's story sparks interest throughout the town of Samaria. The people of Samaria come to listen to Jesus and many place their faith in Him. People came to listen because of her words but they believed because of His word (John 4:1-42).
Romans 3:11-12 tells us that, "No one seeks God, all have turned away." In his book, Follow Me (Tyndale, 2012), author David Platt emphatically reminds us that we do not invite Jesus into our hearts. The word invite implies that we initiated the relationship. Ephesians 1:4 tells me that, "Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes."
Long before I ever took my first breath, before my great-great-great-great-grandmother ever took her first breath, God loved me and chose to make a way for me--and for you--to enter into fellowship with Him. Sin keeps us from God (Isaiah 29:2). But through His death Jesus invites us into fellowship with God. We simply accept the invitation. Our purpose is not to invite others into fellowship with God. God sent His invitation to all people through the cross. We can, however--like the woman at the well--invite others to come to know more about God's invitation. We can vouch that God's invitation is worthy of an R.S.V.P.
The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings
good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God
of Israel reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7) But Romans 10:14 asks, "How can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how
can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can
they hear about Him unless someone tells them?" We must tell others, those who God brings across our path, the news that our God saves!
Revelation 12:11 says, "They [those accused by the enemy] overcame him [the enemy] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony." Testimony simply means giving your account of an event. As we share with others our personal experience with God many will want to know more about God.
Remember what happened with woman at the well. As she shared her testimony with the people in her town those people wanted to hear more about God from God. People came to listen to the very Word of God and many believed. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. God draws people nearer to Himself through our story, and then saves them through His story.
Consider where or with whom God wants you to take your feet--beautiful or not--to share your experience of Him.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
What to Wear?
March 11, 2014
"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention
to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or
pearls or expensive clothes." 1 Timothy 2:9
I need a good pair of jeans. Wait--correct that--I want a good pair of jeans. Not an expensive pair of jeans. Just a pair of good ol' denim comfort. My nearly-one-year-post-baby body has yet to return to its previous size but my postpartum wardrobe fails to fit either. What's a mama to wear?
A fashionista I am not (as many of you nod your head in agreement). I want to look nice but I find it hard to loosen my purse strings enough to shell out money for anything other than basic wardrobe components. Two weeks ago I ventured into a popular store for the first time only to find myself blinded by the display lights and sparkleliness of the store's offerings. I believe makeup and jewelry and accessories and dressing nicely are fine things to do; American culture somewhat commands it. But Scripture tells me of another fashion trend to which I can chose to adhere.
Paul's instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:9 is not an exclusive command toward extreme propriety. Nor is Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 an exclusive command with regards to the length of women's hair. Paul's main concern in both instances in Scripture is the heart of God's people, specifically the women of God.
"The Lord doesn’t see things the way [we] see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Paul encouraged the women to refrain from rebelling against cultural norms, to resist the desire to draw attention to themselves but to instead focus on drawing attention to God.
One commentary notes, "It would be well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free
from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money in
relieving the sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and
their children" (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:9).
That stung a bit.
Please understand, I am not suggesting a return to long sleeves, floor length dresses, hair buns, bobby pins and make-up-free faces. However, reading the words of the elderly commentator caused me to reflect on the desires of my heart. Do I desire to maintain the latest fashion trends for myself and for my children more than I desire to help the needy and the poor?
Paul proceeds to explain to Timothy that godly women have another option when it comes to making themselves attractive. 1 Timothy 2:10 reads, "For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." Proverbs 31:25 says that the noble woman clothes herself with strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come.
What a relief! Its okay that the latest fashion trends escape my closet. I desire to present my best self before the Lord, yes. But God cares more for how I serve others than He cares about what I wear.
As John describes the great marriage feast which awaits believers in Heaven he says of the bride (which is you and me), "it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints" (Revelation 19:8).
Good deeds do not grant us passage into Heaven. Only faith in the provisions of Christ Jesus guarantee us an invitation to the great wedding banquet. However, if we spend our time serving orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27) and alleviating the needs of the poor and the afflicted (Isaiah 58:10), God will clothe us with the finest fashions for all of eternity.
"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention
to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or
pearls or expensive clothes." 1 Timothy 2:9
I need a good pair of jeans. Wait--correct that--I want a good pair of jeans. Not an expensive pair of jeans. Just a pair of good ol' denim comfort. My nearly-one-year-post-baby body has yet to return to its previous size but my postpartum wardrobe fails to fit either. What's a mama to wear?
A fashionista I am not (as many of you nod your head in agreement). I want to look nice but I find it hard to loosen my purse strings enough to shell out money for anything other than basic wardrobe components. Two weeks ago I ventured into a popular store for the first time only to find myself blinded by the display lights and sparkleliness of the store's offerings. I believe makeup and jewelry and accessories and dressing nicely are fine things to do; American culture somewhat commands it. But Scripture tells me of another fashion trend to which I can chose to adhere.
Paul's instruction to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:9 is not an exclusive command toward extreme propriety. Nor is Paul's instruction to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 an exclusive command with regards to the length of women's hair. Paul's main concern in both instances in Scripture is the heart of God's people, specifically the women of God.
"The Lord doesn’t see things the way [we] see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Paul encouraged the women to refrain from rebelling against cultural norms, to resist the desire to draw attention to themselves but to instead focus on drawing attention to God.
One commentary notes, "It would be well if the professors of serious godliness were wholly free
from vanity in dress. They should spend more time and money in
relieving the sick and distressed, than in decorating themselves and
their children" (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Timothy 2:9).
That stung a bit.
Please understand, I am not suggesting a return to long sleeves, floor length dresses, hair buns, bobby pins and make-up-free faces. However, reading the words of the elderly commentator caused me to reflect on the desires of my heart. Do I desire to maintain the latest fashion trends for myself and for my children more than I desire to help the needy and the poor?
Paul proceeds to explain to Timothy that godly women have another option when it comes to making themselves attractive. 1 Timothy 2:10 reads, "For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." Proverbs 31:25 says that the noble woman clothes herself with strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come.
What a relief! Its okay that the latest fashion trends escape my closet. I desire to present my best self before the Lord, yes. But God cares more for how I serve others than He cares about what I wear.
As John describes the great marriage feast which awaits believers in Heaven he says of the bride (which is you and me), "it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints" (Revelation 19:8).
Good deeds do not grant us passage into Heaven. Only faith in the provisions of Christ Jesus guarantee us an invitation to the great wedding banquet. However, if we spend our time serving orphans and widows in their distress (James 1:27) and alleviating the needs of the poor and the afflicted (Isaiah 58:10), God will clothe us with the finest fashions for all of eternity.
Monday, February 24, 2014
In Need of a Cleanup?
February 24, 2014
"And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the
presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty
consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean,
and our bodies have been washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:21-22
Warning--the following post contains subject matter suitable only for mamas and the most dedicated daddies. I consider my husband a dedicated dad but even he turns green in the face anytime the kids get sick to their stomach.
Yes, this entry is about the dreaded stomach bug. My goal is not to over-spiritualize the circumstances of life but to share how I believe God reveals His love to us even in the most grotesque situations.
Two weeks ago half of our family fell victim to the stomach bug; a virus so nasty we count its duration in hours, not days. Our youngest suffered effects from the virus the longest, for an exhausting 72 hours.
Our little one first grew sick one day after lunch. As the hours passed I waited to determine if his sickness would prove a one-time occurrence or if he indeed had the bug. As night fell I listened ever so closely to the baby monitor. Suddenly I heard an all too familiar sound. I rushed into our baby's room to find him covered--from head to toe--in proof that he had a stomach bug. But as grotesque as my son appeared, as rank as he smelled I also recognized the desperation of his circumstances.
My son was in need of a cleanup. A desperate need. My son needed a cleanup he could not perform on himself. The mess proved too large, too foul, too repulsive for anyone else to clean. This was a mess only a loving parent could step-in and perform.
Did I turn away from my son in disgust? No. The thought of abandoning my son in his condition never even entered my mind. My son needed a savior. And at that late-night hour I was the only one who could help him.
Oh friends, do you see the parallel?
Before we enter into a relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus, WE are the child covered in the mess of sin. The effects of sin prove too large, too foul, too grotesque for anyone else to make us clean. Only our Heavenly Father has the power and strength to make us clean. We are made clean only by the blood of Christ.
How many people do you know who believe they must clean themselves before they come to God? Maybe you find yourself in need of a cleanup today. Don't attempt a cleanup alone. The mess of sin proves too powerful to handle on our own.
God invites us to come boldly--just as we are--to His throne through faith in Christ. There we will
receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it
most. (Hebrews 4:16)
"And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the
presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty
consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean,
and our bodies have been washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:21-22
Warning--the following post contains subject matter suitable only for mamas and the most dedicated daddies. I consider my husband a dedicated dad but even he turns green in the face anytime the kids get sick to their stomach.
Yes, this entry is about the dreaded stomach bug. My goal is not to over-spiritualize the circumstances of life but to share how I believe God reveals His love to us even in the most grotesque situations.
Two weeks ago half of our family fell victim to the stomach bug; a virus so nasty we count its duration in hours, not days. Our youngest suffered effects from the virus the longest, for an exhausting 72 hours.
Our little one first grew sick one day after lunch. As the hours passed I waited to determine if his sickness would prove a one-time occurrence or if he indeed had the bug. As night fell I listened ever so closely to the baby monitor. Suddenly I heard an all too familiar sound. I rushed into our baby's room to find him covered--from head to toe--in proof that he had a stomach bug. But as grotesque as my son appeared, as rank as he smelled I also recognized the desperation of his circumstances.
My son was in need of a cleanup. A desperate need. My son needed a cleanup he could not perform on himself. The mess proved too large, too foul, too repulsive for anyone else to clean. This was a mess only a loving parent could step-in and perform.
Did I turn away from my son in disgust? No. The thought of abandoning my son in his condition never even entered my mind. My son needed a savior. And at that late-night hour I was the only one who could help him.
Oh friends, do you see the parallel?
Before we enter into a relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus, WE are the child covered in the mess of sin. The effects of sin prove too large, too foul, too grotesque for anyone else to make us clean. Only our Heavenly Father has the power and strength to make us clean. We are made clean only by the blood of Christ.
How many people do you know who believe they must clean themselves before they come to God? Maybe you find yourself in need of a cleanup today. Don't attempt a cleanup alone. The mess of sin proves too powerful to handle on our own.
God invites us to come boldly--just as we are--to His throne through faith in Christ. There we will
receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it
most. (Hebrews 4:16)
Monday, February 17, 2014
Living Through the Wait - Part II
February 17, 2014
"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount
up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will
walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31 NASB
In my previous post I described the unfortunate outcomes of a few Old Testament friends who failed to wait upon God. Though I would place the older Israelite generation in the same category as those who failed to wait well, the Israelite children proved more faithful than their parents while waiting in the wilderness.
The first practice I notice about Israel's wait in the wilderness is that the children of Israel received their nourishment daily from the very hand of God. Each morning God placed before His
children a bread-like substance called manna, which literally means,
"What is it?" The children of Israel waited forty years to enter the Promised Land. But the children of Israel began each morning with the same practice--seeking out the food their Master had provided.
God has given the same daily nourishment
to us through His Word. Like the children of Israel it is up to us to seek out each morning
that which God has provided. At first we may read God's Word and
ask, "What is this? What does it mean?" But the more we pursue God's
Word the more the pallets of our souls will learn to crave this
spiritual manna. "People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
While waiting in the wilderness Israel also became very attuned to God's movement in their lives. Scripture tells us the Israelites wandered
through the wilderness for forty years. But God never lets His people
wander alone (Hebrews 13:5). God led the children of Israel in a pillar
of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Numbers 14:14). The Israelites rarely knew when God would call them to move or even where God would have them to move next. Instead, Israel learned to seek God's direction daily. I envision the children of Israel poking their heads out of their tents to ensure God's continual presence in their lives.
While in a
season of waiting we must remember we are not alone. God is in the
could, He is in the fire, He is in the depths of the deep. God will show us when it is time to change direction. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6 NASB
The third practice I notice about the Israelites time of waiting is that they continued to worship God with all their heart. Much later in Scripture God's people would have to travel longer distances to worship God in his temple. In the wilderness, however, God camped among His people. God instructed His people to build the tabernacle right smack dab in the middle of their camp. Each morning when they awoke the Israelite children had a visual reminder of the One whom they were to worship.
To whom do we give our attention each morning when we awake? When life grows hard do we, like Job, fall to our knees in worship (Job 1:20)? Or do we turn and desert Him (John 6:66)? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
While in the wilderness the Israelites had no other choice but to wait upon God.The
Israelites' time of waiting deepened their desire for, their trust in
and their worship of God.
For what are you waiting?
For a baby, whether through conception or adoption?
For a husband, whether waiting for a husband or waiting for a husband to change?
For healing, whether physical, relational, emotional or spiritual?
For a job?
For circumstances to change?
During our time of waiting let us continue to seek the Bread of Life each morning, to watch for God's movement in our lives and to worship the One who loves us most.
God Himself gives life in the wait.
"You
will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of
joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:11 NASB
"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount
up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will
walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31 NASB
In my previous post I described the unfortunate outcomes of a few Old Testament friends who failed to wait upon God. Though I would place the older Israelite generation in the same category as those who failed to wait well, the Israelite children proved more faithful than their parents while waiting in the wilderness.
The first practice I notice about Israel's wait in the wilderness is that the children of Israel received their nourishment daily from the very hand of God. Each morning God placed before His
children a bread-like substance called manna, which literally means,
"What is it?" The children of Israel waited forty years to enter the Promised Land. But the children of Israel began each morning with the same practice--seeking out the food their Master had provided.
God has given the same daily nourishment
to us through His Word. Like the children of Israel it is up to us to seek out each morning
that which God has provided. At first we may read God's Word and
ask, "What is this? What does it mean?" But the more we pursue God's
Word the more the pallets of our souls will learn to crave this
spiritual manna. "People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
While waiting in the wilderness Israel also became very attuned to God's movement in their lives. Scripture tells us the Israelites wandered
through the wilderness for forty years. But God never lets His people
wander alone (Hebrews 13:5). God led the children of Israel in a pillar
of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Numbers 14:14). The Israelites rarely knew when God would call them to move or even where God would have them to move next. Instead, Israel learned to seek God's direction daily. I envision the children of Israel poking their heads out of their tents to ensure God's continual presence in their lives.
While in a
season of waiting we must remember we are not alone. God is in the
could, He is in the fire, He is in the depths of the deep. God will show us when it is time to change direction. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6 NASB
The third practice I notice about the Israelites time of waiting is that they continued to worship God with all their heart. Much later in Scripture God's people would have to travel longer distances to worship God in his temple. In the wilderness, however, God camped among His people. God instructed His people to build the tabernacle right smack dab in the middle of their camp. Each morning when they awoke the Israelite children had a visual reminder of the One whom they were to worship.
To whom do we give our attention each morning when we awake? When life grows hard do we, like Job, fall to our knees in worship (Job 1:20)? Or do we turn and desert Him (John 6:66)? "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
While in the wilderness the Israelites had no other choice but to wait upon God.The
Israelites' time of waiting deepened their desire for, their trust in
and their worship of God.
For what are you waiting?
For a baby, whether through conception or adoption?
For a husband, whether waiting for a husband or waiting for a husband to change?
For healing, whether physical, relational, emotional or spiritual?
For a job?
For circumstances to change?
During our time of waiting let us continue to seek the Bread of Life each morning, to watch for God's movement in our lives and to worship the One who loves us most.
God Himself gives life in the wait.
"You
will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of
joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever." Psalm 16:11 NASB
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Living Through the Wait - Part I
February 16, 2014
"I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning." Psalm 130:5-6
I loathe waiting. I would much rather do. I am a person of action, eager to check the box beside each activity on my list so that I can move on to the next thing. I call it being productive.
But for now I must wait. Wait for the inevitable. I want to fast-forward time or to at least dictate when the wait will end. But I cannot. For now I simply must wait.
It is distracting, this waiting game. How does one continue on with normal life, with daily activities while consumed by anticipation? How do you invest emotionally in the here-and-now while your mind wanders miles away? How do you live through the wait?
I turn to the stories of old, those whose stories were written down for our example (1 Corinthians 10:11). I recall many Old Testament friends who had to wait. Some friends waited well. Other friends failed to wait, and reaped disaster upon their heads.
In Genesis 15 God promised Abraham and Sarah a baby. More than ten years passed. Sarah could wait no longer and arranged for her husband to conceive a child through another woman. Through Sarah's servant Hagar, Abraham became the father of Ishmael of whom God said, "[He] will be a wild man, as
untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and
everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility
against all his relatives.” (Genesis 16:12) Abraham and Sarah failed to wait upon God, and birthed a separate nation as a result.
In 1 Samuel 13 King Saul prepared his troops to enter into battle against the Philistines. After waiting seven days for the prophet Samuel to arrive King Saul began to fear the desertion of his men. Rather than waiting for Samuel to offer a sacrifice to God as was commanded, King Saul presented the burnt offering to God. "What is this you have done?" asks Samuel once he finally arrived. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you [and] now your kingdom must end." King Saul failed to wait upon God, and lost his kingship as a result. (1 Samuel 13:8-14)
Let us consider King Saul's replacement, David. David waited well. After King Saul's misstep God instructed Samuel to anoint the young shepherd boy as the next king of Israel. Yet David would have to wait years for the fulfillment of God's promise. What did David do to pass the time?
Immediately after his anointing, David returned to the field to care for dirty, smelly, unappreciative sheep. Next, God added to David's daily responsibility the task of serving the very king he would eventually replace. In the midst of David's dutiful service the king grew jealous of David's popularity with the people. King Saul began to pursue David, forcing David to live life on the run. Finally, after over fifteen years of faithful service to God, David became king. How did David endure the wait? By continuing to faithfully complete the tasks God placed in front of him. (1 Samuel 13-2 Samuel 2)
What about the Israelites? God's chosen people endured a time of waiting as well. As a result of unbelief God sentenced His people to wander the wilderness for forty years. While in the wilderness some Israelites grumbled and were destroyed by the angel of death (1 Corinthians 10:10, Numbers 16:49). Some Israelites put God to the test and died from snakebites (1 Corinthians 10:9, Numbers 21:5). Other Israelites acted immorally and died in the same day (1 Corinthians 10:8, Numbers 25:9). But the children of these unfaithful Israelites waited well, and as a result of their patience they entered the long-awaited Promise Land (Numbers 14:31).
How do we wait like the faithful children of Israel?
For now, you'll have to wait . . .
In all honesty I have rambled on long enough for one post. I will share tomorrow three practices I have observed from Scripture during the Israelites' time of wilderness waiting.
"I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning." Psalm 130:5-6
I loathe waiting. I would much rather do. I am a person of action, eager to check the box beside each activity on my list so that I can move on to the next thing. I call it being productive.
But for now I must wait. Wait for the inevitable. I want to fast-forward time or to at least dictate when the wait will end. But I cannot. For now I simply must wait.
It is distracting, this waiting game. How does one continue on with normal life, with daily activities while consumed by anticipation? How do you invest emotionally in the here-and-now while your mind wanders miles away? How do you live through the wait?
I turn to the stories of old, those whose stories were written down for our example (1 Corinthians 10:11). I recall many Old Testament friends who had to wait. Some friends waited well. Other friends failed to wait, and reaped disaster upon their heads.
In Genesis 15 God promised Abraham and Sarah a baby. More than ten years passed. Sarah could wait no longer and arranged for her husband to conceive a child through another woman. Through Sarah's servant Hagar, Abraham became the father of Ishmael of whom God said, "[He] will be a wild man, as
untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and
everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility
against all his relatives.” (Genesis 16:12) Abraham and Sarah failed to wait upon God, and birthed a separate nation as a result.
In 1 Samuel 13 King Saul prepared his troops to enter into battle against the Philistines. After waiting seven days for the prophet Samuel to arrive King Saul began to fear the desertion of his men. Rather than waiting for Samuel to offer a sacrifice to God as was commanded, King Saul presented the burnt offering to God. "What is this you have done?" asks Samuel once he finally arrived. "You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you [and] now your kingdom must end." King Saul failed to wait upon God, and lost his kingship as a result. (1 Samuel 13:8-14)
Let us consider King Saul's replacement, David. David waited well. After King Saul's misstep God instructed Samuel to anoint the young shepherd boy as the next king of Israel. Yet David would have to wait years for the fulfillment of God's promise. What did David do to pass the time?
Immediately after his anointing, David returned to the field to care for dirty, smelly, unappreciative sheep. Next, God added to David's daily responsibility the task of serving the very king he would eventually replace. In the midst of David's dutiful service the king grew jealous of David's popularity with the people. King Saul began to pursue David, forcing David to live life on the run. Finally, after over fifteen years of faithful service to God, David became king. How did David endure the wait? By continuing to faithfully complete the tasks God placed in front of him. (1 Samuel 13-2 Samuel 2)
What about the Israelites? God's chosen people endured a time of waiting as well. As a result of unbelief God sentenced His people to wander the wilderness for forty years. While in the wilderness some Israelites grumbled and were destroyed by the angel of death (1 Corinthians 10:10, Numbers 16:49). Some Israelites put God to the test and died from snakebites (1 Corinthians 10:9, Numbers 21:5). Other Israelites acted immorally and died in the same day (1 Corinthians 10:8, Numbers 25:9). But the children of these unfaithful Israelites waited well, and as a result of their patience they entered the long-awaited Promise Land (Numbers 14:31).
How do we wait like the faithful children of Israel?
For now, you'll have to wait . . .
In all honesty I have rambled on long enough for one post. I will share tomorrow three practices I have observed from Scripture during the Israelites' time of wilderness waiting.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
My Lil' Sinner
January 22, 2014
"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned." Romans 5:12
Sometimes I find the concept of natural sin difficult to grasp. Scripture tells me I entered the world with a sinful nature. Really? A cute little baby a sinner? But just the other day I saw in my own cute little baby the consequence of natural sin.
My 9-month old loves to crawl. He has yet to learn how to crawl on his hands and knees but with our tile floors he can scoot himself on his belly through our home faster than any army-guy I know. Recently I caught a glimpse of our little one rounding the corner toward our office in which lies many tempting items for Baby--wires, uncovered electrical outlets, buttons on the computer, etc. "No, no," I said to our son. He looked over his little shoulder at me, grinned his four-tooth grin, turned back and began to crawl into our office as fast as his little body could wiggle.
"My lil' sinner," I gasped!
No one taught our son to disobey. At 9-months old my son fails to realize the implications of his choices. It is simply his nature--our nature--the nature which descended to us from Adam and Eve.
In Genesis 2:17 the Parent said, "No." But the daughter and son failed to heed the Parent's warning. The children looked over their shoulder, turned back and moved forth in their actions. The children believed that what lied ahead would prove better, more entertaining than what the Parent had already provided for them.
All--ALL--have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23, emphasis mine) The penalty of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
The sin of one
man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful
grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through another man, Jesus
Christ. And
the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of
that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free
gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty
of many sins. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings
condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings
a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:15-16, 18)
My lil' sinner needs a Savior. So do I. So do you.
The Savior's name is Jesus.
"When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned." Romans 5:12
Sometimes I find the concept of natural sin difficult to grasp. Scripture tells me I entered the world with a sinful nature. Really? A cute little baby a sinner? But just the other day I saw in my own cute little baby the consequence of natural sin.
My 9-month old loves to crawl. He has yet to learn how to crawl on his hands and knees but with our tile floors he can scoot himself on his belly through our home faster than any army-guy I know. Recently I caught a glimpse of our little one rounding the corner toward our office in which lies many tempting items for Baby--wires, uncovered electrical outlets, buttons on the computer, etc. "No, no," I said to our son. He looked over his little shoulder at me, grinned his four-tooth grin, turned back and began to crawl into our office as fast as his little body could wiggle.
"My lil' sinner," I gasped!
No one taught our son to disobey. At 9-months old my son fails to realize the implications of his choices. It is simply his nature--our nature--the nature which descended to us from Adam and Eve.
In Genesis 2:17 the Parent said, "No." But the daughter and son failed to heed the Parent's warning. The children looked over their shoulder, turned back and moved forth in their actions. The children believed that what lied ahead would prove better, more entertaining than what the Parent had already provided for them.
All--ALL--have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23, emphasis mine) The penalty of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
The sin of one
man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful
grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through another man, Jesus
Christ. And
the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of
that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free
gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty
of many sins. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings
condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings
a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. (Romans 5:15-16, 18)
My lil' sinner needs a Savior. So do I. So do you.
The Savior's name is Jesus.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Bringing our Kids to Jesus
January 11, 2014
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him." Matthew 19:13
Today I found myself captivated by the actions of a particular set of parents. I did not witness these parents' actions firsthand nor was it something I read about in the news headlines. I happened upon this non-traditional mom and pop in Matthew 19:13.
In his gospel Matthew tells us, "one day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them." But Matthew goes on to admit, "the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him [Jesus]."
Why did I find the actions of these parents worthy of reflection? Because the reaction of the disciples to the parents leads me to believe that in biblical times most people failed to place any value on children. Why else would the disciples have considered the children a "bother?" Yet regardless of the value (or lack thereof) that the world placed on their children these parents risked everything to lead their children to the King.
Matthew's story forces me to ask myself: Am I willing to bring my kids to Jesus even if it means enduring ridicule and rebuke? Or am I more concerned with what the world might say about my efforts to lead our children to God?
The ways of the world run contrary to the ways of God.
The world says, "Me first," but the Word says, "Deny self." (Matthew 16:24)
The world says, "Get revenge," but the Word says, "Turn the other cheek." (Matthew 5:39)
The world says, "Money and achievement matter," but the Word says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor," and, "Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." (Matthew 19:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:58)
During a time when most of the world failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God a few wise parents refused to conform to worldly thinking and instead took their beloveds directly to Him.
Is the world really all that different today? During a time when most of the world fails to recognize Jesus and His Ways may I refuse to conform to the ways of the world and instead take my children straight to Him.
As we begin a new year with new routines and new schedules, or maybe instead of returning to the same ol' schedule, let me consider how I can make more time, be more intentional about bringing my kids to Jesus.
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him." Matthew 19:13
Today I found myself captivated by the actions of a particular set of parents. I did not witness these parents' actions firsthand nor was it something I read about in the news headlines. I happened upon this non-traditional mom and pop in Matthew 19:13.
In his gospel Matthew tells us, "one day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could lay His
hands on them and pray for them." But Matthew goes on to admit, "the disciples scolded the parents
for bothering Him [Jesus]."
Why did I find the actions of these parents worthy of reflection? Because the reaction of the disciples to the parents leads me to believe that in biblical times most people failed to place any value on children. Why else would the disciples have considered the children a "bother?" Yet regardless of the value (or lack thereof) that the world placed on their children these parents risked everything to lead their children to the King.
Matthew's story forces me to ask myself: Am I willing to bring my kids to Jesus even if it means enduring ridicule and rebuke? Or am I more concerned with what the world might say about my efforts to lead our children to God?
The ways of the world run contrary to the ways of God.
The world says, "Me first," but the Word says, "Deny self." (Matthew 16:24)
The world says, "Get revenge," but the Word says, "Turn the other cheek." (Matthew 5:39)
The world says, "Money and achievement matter," but the Word says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor," and, "Give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." (Matthew 19:21 and 1 Corinthians 15:58)
During a time when most of the world failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God a few wise parents refused to conform to worldly thinking and instead took their beloveds directly to Him.
Is the world really all that different today? During a time when most of the world fails to recognize Jesus and His Ways may I refuse to conform to the ways of the world and instead take my children straight to Him.
As we begin a new year with new routines and new schedules, or maybe instead of returning to the same ol' schedule, let me consider how I can make more time, be more intentional about bringing my kids to Jesus.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Monotony of Motherhood
January 8, 2014
"Then He said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.'" Luke 9:48
As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes motherhood feels monotonous. Caring for the same kids with the same needs can leave a mama feeling tired and worn out, longing for a change of pace. But before I give in to the cravings of my flesh I turn to the Word to remind myself of what God has to say about these little ones.
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
Jesus says that when I welcome my children I am welcoming Him. And when I receive Jesus I get the Father too.
Jesus' words grant me a new perspective on my early risers.
When I fix breakfast (again) for my children, I fix breakfast for Jesus. When I wash my children's dishes (again), I wash dishes for Jesus. When I pull out our school books (again) I teach my children about Jesus. When I kiss the tiniest scrape or bandage a bleeding wound; when I change my tenth diaper for the day (and then change my shirt which caught remnant from the diaper); when I moderate Lego disputes; when I wash hair; when I brush teeth; when I read a bedtime story, sometimes two; I do it all as unto Jesus IF and only if I receive these children in His name.
Father, forgive me for the times that I fail to see my children for who they are--gifts from You. Help me to break the monotony of motherhood by seeing each need of my children as an opportunity to serve You.
"Then He said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.'" Luke 9:48
As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes motherhood feels monotonous. Caring for the same kids with the same needs can leave a mama feeling tired and worn out, longing for a change of pace. But before I give in to the cravings of my flesh I turn to the Word to remind myself of what God has to say about these little ones.
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me also welcomes My Father who sent Me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” (Luke 9:48)
Jesus says that when I welcome my children I am welcoming Him. And when I receive Jesus I get the Father too.
Jesus' words grant me a new perspective on my early risers.
When I fix breakfast (again) for my children, I fix breakfast for Jesus. When I wash my children's dishes (again), I wash dishes for Jesus. When I pull out our school books (again) I teach my children about Jesus. When I kiss the tiniest scrape or bandage a bleeding wound; when I change my tenth diaper for the day (and then change my shirt which caught remnant from the diaper); when I moderate Lego disputes; when I wash hair; when I brush teeth; when I read a bedtime story, sometimes two; I do it all as unto Jesus IF and only if I receive these children in His name.
Father, forgive me for the times that I fail to see my children for who they are--gifts from You. Help me to break the monotony of motherhood by seeing each need of my children as an opportunity to serve You.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Building Little Temples
January 1, 2014
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20
I have such good intentions.
Our children recently received a package in the mail from a camp they attended this past summer. The package contained a calendar and three sets of postcards. The inside cover of the calendar explained the significance of hand-written correspondence. My children immediately wanted to "write" on the postcards. But I had better intentions.
I refused to surrender the post cards until I had a chance to sit down with our children and read the information from the inside cover of the calendar. But about that same time a bowl shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces on our kitchen floor. The postcards--and my good intentions--would have to wait.
"Hand over the postcards," my husband said. "But I want to read the calendar to them first," I protested. "Hand over the postcards," my husband repeated with a sympathetic smile on his face. "But I need to teach them how to use a postcard," I pleaded.
Some may call it Type-A personality (and those some may have a point). I call it good intentions.
I want to play Ladderball with my kids. I want to make crafts with my
kids. I want to visit the elderly in nursing homes and to serve others
as a family and . . . the list continues. Yet the demands of raising a
family seem to consume most of my waking moments. When my list of good
intentions remains undone I grow utterly discouraged.
King David had good intentions too. David desired to build a temple for God. David spent much time and effort making preparations for building God's dwelling place. But God prevented David from following through with his good intentions. Instead, God chose one of David's sons, Solomon, to build His Temple. In 1 Chronicles 28:20 David tells Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
I too am building [little] temples for God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19 Paul writes, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?"
Two of our children have professed their faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:13 tells me that when our children made their professions of faith God placed His Spirit in our children. Two of our children are temples for God (they're just still under construction). My husband and I pray that the foundations in our other two children will one day prove strong enough to also become temples for God.
Proverbs 16:3 tells me to commit my actions to the LORD, and my plans will succeed.
Proverbs 22:6 promises that if I direct my children onto the right path, when they are older, they will not leave it.
Rather than feeling discouraged when I fail to accomplish my good intentions I must remember the words of David to his own son. God is with me. He will
see to it that all the work--all the work--related to building [little] temples of the Lord is finished correctly.
"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly." 1 Chronicles 28:20
I have such good intentions.
Our children recently received a package in the mail from a camp they attended this past summer. The package contained a calendar and three sets of postcards. The inside cover of the calendar explained the significance of hand-written correspondence. My children immediately wanted to "write" on the postcards. But I had better intentions.
I refused to surrender the post cards until I had a chance to sit down with our children and read the information from the inside cover of the calendar. But about that same time a bowl shattered into hundreds of tiny pieces on our kitchen floor. The postcards--and my good intentions--would have to wait.
"Hand over the postcards," my husband said. "But I want to read the calendar to them first," I protested. "Hand over the postcards," my husband repeated with a sympathetic smile on his face. "But I need to teach them how to use a postcard," I pleaded.
Some may call it Type-A personality (and those some may have a point). I call it good intentions.
I want to play Ladderball with my kids. I want to make crafts with my
kids. I want to visit the elderly in nursing homes and to serve others
as a family and . . . the list continues. Yet the demands of raising a
family seem to consume most of my waking moments. When my list of good
intentions remains undone I grow utterly discouraged.
King David had good intentions too. David desired to build a temple for God. David spent much time and effort making preparations for building God's dwelling place. But God prevented David from following through with his good intentions. Instead, God chose one of David's sons, Solomon, to build His Temple. In 1 Chronicles 28:20 David tells Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord
God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will
see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
I too am building [little] temples for God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19 Paul writes, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?"
Two of our children have professed their faith in Christ. Ephesians 1:13 tells me that when our children made their professions of faith God placed His Spirit in our children. Two of our children are temples for God (they're just still under construction). My husband and I pray that the foundations in our other two children will one day prove strong enough to also become temples for God.
Proverbs 16:3 tells me to commit my actions to the LORD, and my plans will succeed.
Proverbs 22:6 promises that if I direct my children onto the right path, when they are older, they will not leave it.
Rather than feeling discouraged when I fail to accomplish my good intentions I must remember the words of David to his own son. God is with me. He will
see to it that all the work--all the work--related to building [little] temples of the Lord is finished correctly.
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