Tell Someone!

August 30, 2011


"So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ." Romans 10:17

Driving in my car this weekend I listened to a shocking statistic on the radio: less than one percent of the population in Wales has a relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe I heard incorrectly, as I find that number nearly incomprehensible, but I think the gist of the story remains the same. "Lord, send workers their way!" I prayed. However, the speaker then revealed something I find even more troubling: Christianity once prevailed in Wales. Consider the massive cathedrals. At one time the people of Wales prioritized their faith and their need for a place of worship. Today, according to the speaker, the church remains largely unused.

What happened?

I realize some people groups remain unreached by the Good News. But once you've heard and received the message of the gospel, how does one go backwards? I know of just one way--we fail to remember the greatness of God (Deuteronomy 8:18). We stop seeking His Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). We become remiss in telling our children about the wonderful works of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7). Romans 10:17 says that faith comes from hearing. When we stop speaking, others stop believing.

One of the magnets on our refrigerator contains this quote from Edmund Burke, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

Satan would love nothing more than for us to believe that others don't need to hear us speak of our faith. The past two summers I have enjoyed the privilege of attending She Speaks, a Christian speakers and writers conference for women. Over 650 gals attend this conference each year. Immersed in a sea of women I find it easy to doubt that I have anything of significance to offer to the body of Christ. Listening to highly experienced, greatly talented speakers tempts me to question whether I'll ever be able to communicate as effectively as these wonderful ladies. However, when I feel tempted to waiver in the message God has placed upon my heart, His Word speaks truth. In Luke 10:2, Jesus said the harvest is GREAT and the workers are FEW.

Sisters, let us continue to share the Good News with all we meet. Let us heed the words of Deuteronomy 6 and begin with our own families. Maybe you believe but don't feel confident in your ability to communicate the message of Christ to others. Nonchalantly pass along a link to this blog. Pray along with me that God would make us sensitive to the spiritual needs of those around us. Pray that God would renew our sense of awe over Him. A sense of wonder and gratitude so strong we can't help but to tell someone!

Faithful Obedience

August 25, 2011


"All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32

Yesterday my husband and I received a substantial monetary gift in the mail—anonymously. No signature. No return address. Only a card reading, "God laid it on our hearts to send you this." What causes a person  to give generously—and anonymously—to another person? Faithful obedience.

Acts 2 describes a time when the early church began to form. Christ had risen from the dead, appeared to hundreds of individuals, and ascended back to heaven leaving believers with the promise of His return. Scripture tells us that upon hearing the Good News believers everywhere devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals. They met together in one place and shared everything they had (Acts 2:44-45). "There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need" (Acts 4:34-35).

The early believers recognized that all they had came from God, and they were eager to share what they had in order to meet every need. These men and women who gave so generously understood that God never asked us to take care of ourselves. God asks us to love Him first, and to love others as we love ourselves. Not to love ourselves. But to love others as ourselves. God promises that if we do these things, He will meet our needs (Matthew 6:33). God promises to supply all our needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

I stand fully aware of what God's Word says. But do I heed His message? Faithful obedience places the needs of others, and the desire to please God, above the concern for self. Am I willing to step out in faith, to give freely to another person in need, trusting my Father in Heaven, who sees what is done in secret, to reward me? That kind of obedience takes faith—great faith—that God will indeed do all that He says He will do.

To the person (or persons) who heeded God's gentle nudging of your heart, know that you have blown us away by your faithful obedience to Him. Know that we have asked Him to pour down on your head His abundant blessings. And know that from this point forward I will analyze all handwriting samples in attempt to identify you so that I can place a big fat hug around your neck! I pray that God will grant me with the ears to hear and the faith to obey a similar call.

Feel free to leave a comment sharing a time when another believer generously shared all they had (whether it be time, money, a caring heart) with you.

A Call to Persevere

August 20, 2011


"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise." Hebrews 10:23

Life is tough.

We come to know Christ as Savior and Lord, and He alters us completely. We find ourselves renewed; ready to engage the world with the power of Christ working in and through us. We expect the world to change. It doesn't. Instead our surroundings remain eerily consistent. We continue to endure strained relationships, bills to pay, a job to pursue, and mortal bodies which fail us daily.

Is it worth the effort?

Is a relationship with God through Christ worth pursuing when we routinely face trouble and hardship and persecution and famine and nakedness and danger and sword?

A relationship with Christ is worth continuing even if the effort to maintain that relationship requires us to sacrifice everything within us.

Hebrews 10:35-37 read, "Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay."

God sees your effort to hold fast to His ways, and He will reward you greatly for your patient endurance.

Hebrews 10:32-34 read, "Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions."

Though life is hard, stand your ground. God has better and lasting things stored up for you.

Scripture says blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).

The apostle Paul tells us to rejoice in suffering because—there's more to come. Continue to shout your praise even when you're hemmed in with troubles, because you know how troubles can develop passionate patience, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping you alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, you're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—you can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into your life through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:3-5, The Message)

So when you face a troubled marriage . . . persevere.

When you face a rebellious child . . . persevere.

When you face a difficult work environment . . . persevere.

When you face financial hardship . . . persevere.

When you face the loss of your health . . . persevere.

When you face the temptation to abandon your faith . . . persevere.

Galatians 6:9 reads, "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." Sometimes we must spend a lifetime planting before we reap a harvest. But one day a great harvest will come.

How will you respond to His call to persevere?

Beautiful Feet

August 17, 2011


"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Check out my guest post running today at www.lanierlanding.blogspot.com. I pray you'll join me in petitioning the Lord for the healing of this little one. Enjoy!

Deciding the Impossible

August 16, 2011


"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13

"We'd like for you to consider placing a DNR order on your daughter's medical chart."

DNR.

Do Not Resuscitate.

As a new mama, those were the hardest words I'd ever had to hear. 

How do you decide the impossible? How do you gather the strength to approve the removal of a life-support system? How do you give an order that grants permission for your loved one pass from this world into the next? How does one sit and watch their beloved struggle to breathe while taking no action to intervene?

Through the power and hope of Christ and Christ alone.

The day my daughter passed away in my arms my faith in God became more real to me than ever before. Suddenly my life--and the life of my child--depended on it. At times my faith wavered. I contemplated God's sovereignty. I questioned how a loving and compassionate God could allow my daughter to die. But in the end I recognized that only God's promises stand the test of time. The raw exploration of my faith chipped away the parts of my foundation which were built on false beliefs, and led me to the place of true, authentic faith in Him.

I believe there is a God. I believe God's Word--every bit of it. I believe God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. I believe that by professing faith in the atoning work of the cross we will live life eternal in Heaven with God and His Son and with others who have professed the same faith in Christ. I believe that in Heaven there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).

It is my faith that gives me hope. It is my confident hope that gives me the courage to decide the impossible.

My daughter was sick. Very sick. Though I'd have given anything for the chance to care for her here on this earth, it was obvious her little body would have required immense medical support to survive. When doctors asked us to consider placing a DNR order on her chart we knew there was no right or wrong answer. My devoted childhood pastor advised us to consider which option would lead us to a place of peace. Would we find peace amidst our vicious fight to save our daughter? Or would our peace lie in allowing her to return home to her Maker?

Though it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make God faithfully led my husband and me to a place of peace. And on August 24, 2005 our beloved daughter did indeed pass from the loving arms of her mama into the scarred hands of her Savior.

I wrote in greater detail about our decision in my first book. I write today to simply encourage those who face similarly impossible decisions. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him (Romans 15:13).

My (Homeschool) Help Comes From the Lord

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2

Six days into our new homeschool year and already I notice a significant difference between the workload of this year and last year. Last year I could get away with being half-engaged while the other half of me wondered if God had truly called me to homeschool. This year I have two young students who require--and deserve--my utmost devotion.

Taming the Mean Girl Inside

August 9, 2011


"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18

Just in case I've given anyone reason to think of me as a saint . . .

Just in case you think I live by the Spirit at all times . . .

Just in case you think I'm full of sugar and spice and everything nice . . .

I'm writing to set the record straight. There's a mean girl inside of me, and yesterday—she escaped.

My day began as any other normal day. Quiet time—check. Shower accomplished and game-face (i.e. makeup) applied—check, check. Breakfast, laundry, a bit of housecleaning—check, check, check. No inclination that the mean girl in me was preparing to make a big debut.

Come late morning the girls and I headed to an eye-glasses store to replace my oldest daughter's prescription lenses. In defense of the mean girl I must explain that for some reason any time I address issues with my daughter's eyesight my emotions run high. I remember that the only reason my daughter requires eyeglasses is because of all she . . . and her late twin sister endured six years ago. I praise God that the only outstanding complication with which our daughter struggles is her eyesight; an issue which is easily resolved with prescription lenses. But it makes this mama's heart tinge with pain just the same.

(Mind you none of this serves as an excuse for what happened next.)

With our selections in hand I asked the nearest employee, who just so happened to be the store manager, for assistance. It was then that I realized I'd left a coupon for a discount off of my daughter's glasses at home. The manager kindly explained that I had to have the coupon in my sweet little hand to receive the savings.

Unfortunately, that caused the mean girl inside of me to rise.

Before I knew it the mean girl in me shoved the nice girl—the girl who had her quiet time that morning, the girl who teaches a weekly Sunday school class—to the ground, and began to wreak havoc in the eyes and hearts of those standing witness. She asked the manager if he really intended for her to drive all the way back home with three little ones in tow just to get a coupon he could find on the store website. When he insisted that was indeed the case, the mean girl tossed three pairs of sample frames back on the table and stormed out of the building with those three little darling ones in hand, only to discover that one of the sample frames she had not-so-kindly pushed aside was actually her daughter's real glasses. The mean and now embarrassed and ashamed-of-her-behavior girl had to re-enter the store, reclaim her daughter's glasses, and then flee from the store before anyone noticed the tears streaming down her oh-so-humiliated face.

Ever met that mean girl?

Of course you haven't. She only lives in me.

We try ladies, don't we? We have our quite time. We pray. We love, or at least we attempt to.

Why is it us Jesus girls still sometimes fall flat on our faces?

I dunno why. But I do know this—as His daughters God calls us to strive toward a higher standard. A standard which is not met through our own strength (obviously) but through Christ's strength in us.

God calls us to—as much as it depends on us—live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). God calls us to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). God calls us to bless those who curse us and to pray for those who hurt us (Luke 6:28). God calls us to feed those who are hungry for Him and to help those who are in trouble (Isaiah 58:10).

What's a mean girl to do?

Repent. Ask forgiveness. Receive forgiveness. And then, try again.

On my way back to the car I asked the Lord my God to forgive me. Inside the car I asked my kids to forgive me. Once I returned with the coupon in hand I asked the store clerk to forgive me. When we returned to pick up my daughter's new glasses (which were ready in a few hours!) I asked the store manager to forgive me.

When we claim to be children of God we serve as representatives of His Great Name wherever we go. May He give us the strength to bring glory and honor to Him in all that we do.

How you tame the mean girl inside of you? Leave a comment to share your ideas.