He's Calling You

October 9, 2011


"So they called the blind man. 'Cheer up,' they said. 'Come on, He’s calling you!'" Mark 10:49

Bartimaeus was a poor, blind man. His physical limitations forced him to depend on others for even the most basic of needs. Unable to actively embrace the beauty of this world we find Bartimaeus perched along the side of the road. Hopeless. Forgotten. Doubting his significance in life. Questioning, "Is there any purpose for me?"

Then enters the Savior. The Christ. The One of whom it was foretold that when He should come, "the eyes of the blind would be opened" (Isaiah 35:5).

Satan whispers, "He doesn't want you, Bartimaeus. You're nothing but a blind beggar. What would the Christ have to do with you? You were born blind; your father was blind. It runs in your family. Don't you know there's no hope for you?"

But Bartimaeus dismisses the enemy's lies. Bartimaeus has heard rumors of the healing power of the Christ. Bartimaeus' ears capture the rumblings of a crowd. Seated on the ground Bartimaeus begins to feel the vibrations of a stampede of footsteps which follow the Healer. Could it be Him--the Christ? Should I ask for help? What if He turns me away? Desperate for hope, Bartimaeus shoves doubt and fear aside. As God in flesh approaches, Bartimaeus stands in faith and cries, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!" (Luke 10:48)

Time stood still for Bartimaeus. How would the Holy One respond to the cries of a poor, desperate beggar? Would Bartimaeus be cast away in shame or welcomed with open arms? Truth be known, we struggle with similar doubts.

Jesus stops.

"Tell him to come here."

The crowd rejoices. Because if there's hope for Bartimaeus, there's hope for them too.

“Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, He’s calling you!”

Only Heaven knows the hope that lies in those three little words.

He's calling you.

We do not call Him first. We can call upon Him because He first calls us (John 15:16).

How will you respond to His call?

"Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus."

“'What do you want me to do for you?' Jesus asked."

"'My rabbi,' the blind man said, 'I want to see!'”

"And Jesus said to him, 'Go, for your faith has healed you.' Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road" (Mark 10:50-52).

The gracious invitations Christ gives us to
come to Him, are great encouragements to our hope, that we shall speed
well if we come to Him, and shall have what we come for. Let the guilty,
the empty, the tempted, the hungry, the naked, be of good comfort, for He calls them to be pardoned, to be supplied, to be succoured, to
be filled, to be clothed, to have all that done for them, which their
case calls for (Matthew Henry Commentary on Mark 10).

If you find yourself beside a lonely road, take note of His footsteps. Listen for His voice. He's calling you. Call upon Him. Tell Him exactly what you need (Philippians 4:6).

By First Giving Thanks, There Is Always Enough

October 4, 2011


"So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then He took the
seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave
them to His disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd. They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food." Mark 8:6, 8

Last night my husband and I had one of our quarterly-ish budget meetings. Hashing out our finances proves almost as much fun as a root canal (no offense, honey--it's the topic of discussion, not the company!). Once again it seems we need to tighten our purse strings.

Fear and doubt become frequent (and unwanted) visitors during hard economic times. When I feel tempted to fret I must turn to the One who promises to supply all my needs (Philippians 4:19).

Each of the four gospel writers included the account of Jesus feeding 5,000-plus people with only a few loaves of bread. What I find most intriguing about this story is that by first giving thanks to God for what He had, God supplied His Son with with more than enough food to feed the crowd.

Philippians 4:6 reads, "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done."

When fear says, "You'll never have enough," God says, "Do not worry. Tell Me what you need. Thank Me for all I have done."

Matthew 6:33 reads, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."

When the world says, "If it's going to be it's up to me," God says, "Seek Me first. I will give you all you need."

When my husband lost his job last year my dad sent us a sizable check "just in case." Thankfully, after a few months we were able to return the check to my dad uncashed. Matthew 7:11 reminds me, "If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." Though my earthly father loves me dearly, my heavenly Father loves me even more. Though my earthly father could afford to supply us with the resources to cover several months worth of living expenses, my heavenly Father's resources are glorious and unlimited (Ephesians 3:16).

I fail to understand how He does it. Our budget almost never works on paper but somehow we've always had more than enough.

What are you in need of today? Money? Faith? Hope? Patience? Endurance? Peace?

Seek His kingdom first. Tell Him what you need. Thank Him for what He has given. Then you'll experience more than you'll ever need.

He Comes to Us

October 1, 2011


"He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling
against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them . . .. Then He climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped." Mark 6:48, 51

I am unsure of which part of the aforementioned Scripture I find more fascinating--the fact that Jesus noticed that His disciples were in trouble, or the fact that He went to them.

Friends, we have a Savior who "hems us in from behind and before" (Psalm 139:5). He stands very much aware of the trials we face. Indeed, the very circumstances in which we find ourselves had to first pass through His sovereign hand. Though we may not understand why God allows trouble to come our way we know He has promised, "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Jesus saw that they were in serious trouble.

He sees.

Jesus came toward them.

He cares.

Jesus climbed into the boat with them.

He comes alongside of us amidst our circumstances.

And the wind stopped.

And His presence calms even the mightiest storm.

In what "boat" do you find yourself?

Will you allow Jesus to climb in?

Feeling Filthy?

September 23, 2011


"So the angel said to the others standing there, 'Take off his filthy
clothes.' And turning to Jeshua he said, 'See, I have taken away your
sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.'” Zechariah 3:4

Ever felt so immersed in sin that you deemed yourself unworthy to stand before God? Ever whispered these phrases of defeat, "God could never forgive me for the things I have done. Surely He feels repulsed by me." Sister, you are not alone. Did you know that all--ALL--have sinned and fallen short of God (Romans 3:23)? No one stands righteous before God. Nope, not one (Romans 3:10). The Good News? On account of our Redeemer, our story doesn't have to end in shame or defeat.

God's Word teaches us that our battles are not against flesh-and-blood but against an enemy who remains unseen (Ephesians 6:12). Our enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy goes by many names: Satan, the devil, the father of lies. But the one name that I find most disturbing is--Accuser.

Satan's primary goal is to separate us from God. Disguising himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), he'll stop at nothing to keep us distanced from the Father. One such tactic the enemy uses is that of accusation. "God could never love someone like you," he taunts. "Think of all the things you've done. All the harm you've caused. All the disgust and filth you've amassed," the harasser continues.

Satan doesn't just attack you. He attacks even God's most high. Zechariah 3:1 reads, "The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua."

The Good News?

God has rejected Satan.

Once desiring to be God, Satan lost his right standing before the Lord and was forever cast down in defeat (verse). God declared victory the day Christ was raised from the dead. Check! Therefore, there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). all who call upon His name verse

God's response to Satan in Zech reads, "“I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”

God not only rejects Satan's accusations against us, He clothes us in garments of white.

"Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. ⁴
So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy
clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your
sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”

No sin is too grievious to be forgiven by God. 1 John 1:9 reads, "

fogivenss comes by salvation, salvation is a gift, can not be earned. Gift you must receive. Profess Jesus

Feeling filthy?

Christ died to remove your filth. In Him, you stand clean. Come to the Lord and allow him to clothe you in garmets of snow.

No condemnation

Small Beginnings

September 22, 2011


"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10

The Difference of a Decade

September 11, 2011

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good." Genesis 50:20

Where were you when you first heard the news ten years ago today? News that our people, our country, our freedom and liberties were under attack?

I
received the news while sitting on my living room couch brushing my teeth before work.
I realize the couch may seem an unusual place to brush one's teeth.
However, the clock read 7:45AM (CST), nearly time for me to leave for
the office. A reporter from the Today show announced that someone
had mistakenly flown a plane into one of the World Trade Center towers.

How in the heck does someone accidentally fly a plane into a building, in downtown New York no less, I wondered as toothpaste foamed in my mouth. I ran to my bathroom to spit (you wanted to know where I was ten years ago today didn't you?) and returned to my living room horrified to hear the answer to my question revealed.

Someone doesn't just accidentally fly a plane into a building.

They
train for years, studying the way of the people over which
they wish to rule, learning to master in deception. They conceal their true identity and invade a land they can't call their own. And when their
intended victims least expect it--they attack.

But
friends, as much animosity as we may feel against those who carried out
the attacks on our country ten years ago today, Ephesians 6:12
reminds us that our battle is not "against flesh-and-blood enemies, but
against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty
powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly
places."

Our enemy is the true master of deception (John 8:44). The one who came to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The serpent who disguises himself as an angel of light
(2 Corinthians 11:14) in a land he will never rightly call his own.

But God.

God says, "What others intend for harm I promise to use for good."

Though I'll always remember the image of the twin towers on September 11, 2001, the picture that burns more brightly in my mind is that of a country which stood united. Many lives were lost that day; spouses were widowed; children were orphaned; traveling by air proves more complicated than it once did. But God used the events of September 11, 2001 to bring about much good in our beloved homeland. Through the events of September 11, 2001, God revealed to this nation our greatest need--a need for revival, a need for someplace (or Someone) in which to place our hope, a need . . . for Him.

As I reflect on the past ten years I realize my life looks completely different than it once did. I can't say God necessarily used the events of September 11, 2001 to change the course of my life. Rather, God used a different event--one the enemy meant for harm--to bring about much good in my life. The event I'm referring to is the loss of my sweet child.

I always assumed I would return to work as a research engineer for a prominent snack food company in North Texas after having children. More of a math and science person, writing and speaking and teaching were not occupations I would have ever considered including on my dossier. But the death of my daughter caused all of my hopes and dreams to fall apart.

Out of sheer desperation I eventually called out to God and asked Him to show me how His promises of goodness would ever hold true for me as a bereaved mother. Not knowing what to do with the rest of my life I asked God to lead the way. As I drew nearer to Him through His Word I realized God had filled me with a desire to reach out to other women enduring hard times. My life looks unlike anything I ever envisioned. On account of my relationship with God and the place(s) He has led me through that relationship, my life is more full and more rich than I ever imagined. God took what the enemy meant for harm and used it for good.

What about you?

As we pause to remember the events which occurred ten years ago today, I invite you to take a moment to reflect upon your own life. How has God used for good what someone else intended for harm? If you've yet to see good result from your struggles, would you consider asking God to lead the way?

Fireproof Faith

September 9, 2011


"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Yesterday my husband forwarded to me an e-mail from college-friends of ours. Our friends wrote to assure us of their personal safety and to confirm that they, along with so many others, had indeed lost everything they owned in recent fires which have spread across our state. The e-mail moved me to tears, not because our friends wrote of hopelessness or desperation, but because they wrote of abundant hope and joy amidst a true fire. I felt so inspired by their fireproof faith that I wanted to share some of what they wrote here with you.

The message began, First of all & most importantly, the family is safe and our faith in the Lord is stronger than ever! . . . all property was lost with the house &
belongings but again - the family is safe & that’s the blessing!

Their faith in the Lord is stronger than ever? Praise Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

The message continued, had 10 minutes to evacuate, taking only
a few belongings, two changes of clothes, 2 dogs, & 3 cats.

They described the aftermath as everything was incinerated
except some of the limestone rock, the slab, & the tin roof.

They explained the devastation to their children (and to us) as this, Sometimes it helps for all of us to take a childlike perspective on life’s curve-balls & faith in God: I simply told them that there was a bad forest fire and that our
house & all of our stuff was gone – but that’s okay b/c all of our
stuff came from the store.  Also, our whole house came from the store in
little bitty pieces and some workers put them together to make a big
house.  There are still stores and there is always more stuff.  The most
important thing to remember is that you boys & mommy & daddy
came from God and we can’t be replaced!  So as long as we have that,
we’ll be okay and we are blessed!

They are blessed? Praise God who pours out blessings too great to contain (Malachi 3:10).

The message continued, Kids react the way we react & at this point in life, they
believe what we believe.  I’m thankful for that b/c we truly believe
this & it’ll really be okay.  This is an inconvenience more than
anything – not some doomsday, life changing episode.

Kids believe what we believe? Praise God for parents who have committed themselves wholeheartedly to  His commands; who repeat them again and again to their children; who do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with them (Deuteronomy 6:6,18).

Our friends closed their message by sharing, not a personal address to which we could mail donations, but rather by sharing the address of their church saying, We have many needs but so do many others. Anything sent to this
fund will be distributed to those in need including [us] by people who are excellent stewards of these resources.

Placing concern for others above concern for themselves? Praise God for believers who meet together in one place and share everything they have, who sell their property and possessions and share the money with those in need (Acts 2:44-45).

Father I fall to my knees and thank you for instilling in our friends faith which withstands true fire. I pray you reward them and others like them boldly for their faith in you. Your Word promises that if we seek your kingdom first you will meet all of our needs (Matthew 6:33). You promise to supply our needs from your glorious riches which have been given to us through our relationship with Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Father, the need is great. I pray you meet the spiritual need by supplying the physical and emotional needs. Help us, Lord, move our hearts to lift in prayer those affected by the floods and fires, and to go, give and serve as the hands and feet of Your Son. I pray protection over those who go in Your Great Name. It is in the powerful, peace-giving name of Jesus I pray, Amen.