"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.~Philippians 2:1-4 NLT
Whenever a new technological gadget comes on the market, we see long lines of people waiting long hours and even days, right before the item becomes available, to be the first one in line when the storefront doors open to purchase it. The media shows pictures of make-shift tents that have been pitched for shelter as consumers endure all weather conditions to do whatever it takes to be at the front of the line. The hours and days pass waiting to be first. The next step for most that purchase the gadget, is to show everyone what they have and others yet do not. Often times, it is only a matter of days before the gadget is plentiful for anyone to purchase, but something deep inside drives this want to have it first.
Children in their early years catch on very quickly to the fact that being first or the winner comes with rewards. Sometimes I worry that children are so focused on being first and/or the best that whether they are participating in sports, the arts, or academics that they no longer have the time or energy to truly develop their passions that dwell within their hearts. The children are driven by the culture we live in to be the best in everything they do. As the childhood years pass by, many children find themselves scheduled from morning until night with no free time to just enjoy being a child. At the end of the day, many children lay exhausted from trying to fit so much in so little time.
As adults, the culture spawns the idea that the more you have, the more successful you are. The more prominent you are in the community propagates an understanding that you have earned and achieved a higher status than most. Often times the home a person lives in or the car they drive subconsciously spells out s-u-c-c-e-s-s-f-u-l to the onlooker and possibly to the one living within that life as well.
As Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians, he was encouraging a different lifestyle. He reminded us that Christ asks us to take the focus away from ourselves and our needs to look beyond ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others. One interesting part of this passage in this translation relates this message: "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." We are asked to be humble, as we care for others with the time and resources that each of us has in our own unique lives. The one main point I believe he was trying to reveal in this passage is to live our lives as a servant to God. It's as if he wanted us to ask this question of ourselves as we start each day, "What can I do to better serve our Lord and Savior today?"
As the culture encourages us to be successful, Jesus encourages us to follow Him and His teachings. His encouragement sends a different message than what our culture expects from us. He challenges us to think outside ourselves rather than focused on ourselves. Following Him entails giving away more rather than wanting more. It's about getting in touch with the passion that has been instilled within each of us because we are told in the Bible that we have each been given individual gifts to share. As each day draws to a close, success might be described as knowing that throughout the day, our hearts were drawn to the Love of Jesus through our thoughts, prayers, and actions.
And, yes, the rewards are great as we grow closer to Jesus. Standing in long lines to have what is the newest gadget, performing at an excellent level, or achieving cultural success is not a prerequisite to these rewards. When the worldly demands are too overwhelming, we can find refuge in Jesus.We come to learn that we are loved unconditionally for who we are, flaws and all. This is an eternal love that blankets us through all the storms of life. We are all rich when we live our lives with the common purpose to serve others through the Love of Jesus rather than centering our lives around ourselves. In some ways, we become successful in the eyes of Jesus when we strive to achieve a servant lifestyle.
Let us pray,
Father of Purpose,
Help us to trust that living our lives for the common purpose to resonate the Love you have for each of us, is a life filled with contentment and success. Guide us to be humble when serving others and remind us that there is no greater reward than to know we are Your child.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Living in His Presence
"But you, Israel, are my servant.
You're Jacob, my first choice,
descendants of my good friend Abraham.
I pulled you in from all over the world,
called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side.
I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'
Don't panic. I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." Isaiah 41:8-10 The Message Bible
Yesterday evening, I found myself sitting at the Ash Wednesday service thinking and dwelling on the darkness that exists within me and the world that I inhabit. This particular evening was more dark than usual as my worries and fears were traveling half way around the world, where a loved one is serving at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. The fear and worry continue to be overwhelming as the news reports continue to show more violence as hatred surges with the intent to kill, torture,capture, and injure those serving there that we hold so dear.
The Isaiah verses above remind me of two important things that I must dwell on as the days progress. 1. God's promise that He is with those that have put their trust in Him. 2. God will provide strength to those who turn to Him. I have to trust in these promises that God will lead His people with strength regardless of what lies ahead. However, the verses fall short of the assurance that everyone will be safe here on earth. The verses let us know that we are safe in His presence. His presence is not necessarily this earth, but in our relationship that we share with Him. Parts of me don't want to think this way as I can't imagine the pain for those grieving for loved ones that have already lost their lives in this uprising, but other parts of me find great comfort in knowing the beauty of this understanding.
My first Lenten devotion yesterday helped me gain focus to start the journey. The question asked about how I am following Jesus. The first thought might be to list the things we are doing to follow Jesus, but I somehow felt a nudge that my heart and mind had a few different thoughts about the question. I started thinking about the most important thing to me is to follow Jesus in His presence. As my husband and I discussed these thoughts, I elaborated a little more. I used this analogy to explain my answer. In some ways, I think of Jesus as a person training me for a job. He follows me around all day to see what I'm doing, to give helpful advice, to critique my work, and to just be an eye that I stay on task. I need Him to succeed in a demanding workplace. So, my answer to how I am following Jesus is that I am trying to live my life in a manner that reflects Jesus' presence every hour of my life.
Living in His presence could be life changing. It means that when the dark fears and worries arise, we have comfort in knowing that God is with us and will give us the strength we need to face whatever comes our way. God tells us over and over again throughout the Bible to not worry, but the fact that He keeps telling us that shows that worry and sin are very closely related. It seems that regardless of how hard we try to eliminate these things from our lives, we just can't get a grip on totally removing them from our lives. The good news is that we know where to go when sin or worry takes over our lives. We can turn to Jesus for forgiveness, strength, and love that will overcome the pain that these two enemies, sin and worry, use to abuse our lives.
Praying and knowing others are praying brings me great comfort because I know that God hears our every prayer. Prayer is a way to deliberately bring us into His intimate presence like a child being hugged and held by its parent. It's like a timeout to say I need to feel You close to me. So, I will be taking many extra timeouts in the days to come as I pray for those serving in our military that are in harm's way including someone we love very much whose mission is to bring peace to an area saturated with evil. My prayer will be, that all that turn to Him, will feel and dwell within His loving presence as each hour passes.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us the blessing of living in Your presence each and every hour of the day. Thank you for the promise that You are with us and will give us the strength to face the challenges of life here on earth.
Amen
You're Jacob, my first choice,
descendants of my good friend Abraham.
I pulled you in from all over the world,
called you in from every dark corner of the earth,
Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side.
I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'
Don't panic. I'm with you.
There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you." Isaiah 41:8-10 The Message Bible
Yesterday evening, I found myself sitting at the Ash Wednesday service thinking and dwelling on the darkness that exists within me and the world that I inhabit. This particular evening was more dark than usual as my worries and fears were traveling half way around the world, where a loved one is serving at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. The fear and worry continue to be overwhelming as the news reports continue to show more violence as hatred surges with the intent to kill, torture,capture, and injure those serving there that we hold so dear.
The Isaiah verses above remind me of two important things that I must dwell on as the days progress. 1. God's promise that He is with those that have put their trust in Him. 2. God will provide strength to those who turn to Him. I have to trust in these promises that God will lead His people with strength regardless of what lies ahead. However, the verses fall short of the assurance that everyone will be safe here on earth. The verses let us know that we are safe in His presence. His presence is not necessarily this earth, but in our relationship that we share with Him. Parts of me don't want to think this way as I can't imagine the pain for those grieving for loved ones that have already lost their lives in this uprising, but other parts of me find great comfort in knowing the beauty of this understanding.
My first Lenten devotion yesterday helped me gain focus to start the journey. The question asked about how I am following Jesus. The first thought might be to list the things we are doing to follow Jesus, but I somehow felt a nudge that my heart and mind had a few different thoughts about the question. I started thinking about the most important thing to me is to follow Jesus in His presence. As my husband and I discussed these thoughts, I elaborated a little more. I used this analogy to explain my answer. In some ways, I think of Jesus as a person training me for a job. He follows me around all day to see what I'm doing, to give helpful advice, to critique my work, and to just be an eye that I stay on task. I need Him to succeed in a demanding workplace. So, my answer to how I am following Jesus is that I am trying to live my life in a manner that reflects Jesus' presence every hour of my life.
Living in His presence could be life changing. It means that when the dark fears and worries arise, we have comfort in knowing that God is with us and will give us the strength we need to face whatever comes our way. God tells us over and over again throughout the Bible to not worry, but the fact that He keeps telling us that shows that worry and sin are very closely related. It seems that regardless of how hard we try to eliminate these things from our lives, we just can't get a grip on totally removing them from our lives. The good news is that we know where to go when sin or worry takes over our lives. We can turn to Jesus for forgiveness, strength, and love that will overcome the pain that these two enemies, sin and worry, use to abuse our lives.
Praying and knowing others are praying brings me great comfort because I know that God hears our every prayer. Prayer is a way to deliberately bring us into His intimate presence like a child being hugged and held by its parent. It's like a timeout to say I need to feel You close to me. So, I will be taking many extra timeouts in the days to come as I pray for those serving in our military that are in harm's way including someone we love very much whose mission is to bring peace to an area saturated with evil. My prayer will be, that all that turn to Him, will feel and dwell within His loving presence as each hour passes.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us the blessing of living in Your presence each and every hour of the day. Thank you for the promise that You are with us and will give us the strength to face the challenges of life here on earth.
Amen
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Let the Lenten Journey Begin
"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience."~Galations 6:4-5 The Message Bible
The past two winters have been bitterly cold and blanketed the Midwest with one snowfall after another. It was quite a surprise that this winter has been so mild with little to no snowfall while enjoying daily temperatures above average day after day. Even in the mild winter, I find myself yearning for those first signs of Spring because they mysteriously fill my soul with hope and excitement. I already have my garden laid out on paper and can't wait to taste those homegrown vegetables. Each year when November arrives, there is a feeling that Spring will come, but we've got to persevere through the cold winter first. We understand the days will be cold, the snow may come whether predicted or not, the dark hours of the day increase, and that it's going to take a lot more energy to heat our homes and drive our cars to get through the winter. Winter reminds me in many ways of the journey of Lent.
Tomorrow is the first day of the 2012 Lenten journey. Not all Christian denominations focus on Lent, but for those of us that do, it's a sharp and intentional way of changing our thoughts and actions as we journey through these next weeks that lead to Good Friday and Easter. Often I hear this question posed during Lent, "What are you giving up for Lent?" It's a question that's been asked through the generations. I wonder how different the response would be if the question was changed to, "What am I going to 'give to' during Lent to respond to my love for Jesus?" I, personally, like the second question a little better than the first. I know it's somewhat a play on words, but I believe Jesus doesn't ask us to "take away," but he asks us to "give to." He commands us to give to the poor, the needy, the widow, the hungry, the sick, the unwanted, and the distraught. Some may argue that through giving we are actually giving up something. But, are we really?
Think of a time that you did something really special for someone that you were able to see and feel the recipient's response. How did it feel when you looked in that person's eyes and saw their appreciation? I'm guessing that you probably felt that you had received more than you had given. I know that is how I felt. Sometimes when I start on a project, I can grumble a bit here and there about how much there is to do, but as I progress I always learn that Jesus has brought the gift to "my" life. I've also been blessed to be surrounded by people that help balance me. It's as if Jesus put them in my life to remind me that life isn't all about me. Every time you think about and act upon what you can give to better the lives of others, you are bettering your own life. It's not really a question of, "What can I give up?", but rather a question of "What can I give?"
Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. My goal this Lenten season is to think of one thing I can "give to" rather than "give up" each day to grow closer to Jesus. It can be as simple as spending more time reading my Bible, helping a friend, stepping in where I see a need, sharing a hug, or spreading God's Love whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. It's a way for me to take a sharp and intentional direction in my faith walk as I journey through Lent.
Lent reminds me of those November days when I think about the winter months ahead that lead to Spring. It's a time to refocus my energies and survive the darkness, but always with the knowledge that I'm heading to the light and blessings that I know Easter will bring. Some things are gong to take more energy because it's the nature of the season. Nestled in the darkness and doubt, Jesus will find ways for me to grow closer to Him as I learn more about giving. So, as Paul writes in the verse above, "Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life," we find motivation to give to others through our own unique selves. As the Lenten journey begins, it's a time to intentionally and intensely focus on giving of myself in response to my love for Jesus. Amidst the darkness, I have no doubt that I will find Light at the end of the journey.
Let us pray:
Father of Light,
Tomorrow we begin this journey through Lent. Help us recognize opportunities to give to others in a way that reflects our love for You and to give ourselves to You in all that we do. Thank you for reminding us that even Jesus had to endure the darkness here on earth before returning fully to the Light.
Amen.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Power to Overcome
"It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin."~Romans 7:21-25 NLT
My name is Debbie, and I am addicted to sugar. Yes, I could see myself standing up at a Sugaraholic Anonymous meeting sincerely stating those exact words. Cravings for sugar have existed within me all my life. The more sugar I eat, the more sugar I want. So, the battle rages within me to make good decisions based on the truths I've come to understand about staying healthy. Although, I comprehend the truth, I sometimes fail and push the boundaries.
Several years ago, I noticed that for the first time in my life my weight was starting to creep up on me. The pounds were starting to add up. I knew I was going to have to change my lifestyle in more than one way. I began running again and found that just adding exercise maintained the weight I felt was acceptable. I thought I had found a way around my sugar addiction. If I exercised, I could still eat most anything I wanted and not gain weight. Well, when I turned 50, I found out a terrible truth, and that was that I was now going to have to not only exercise, but eat healthy as well, and GIVE UP MOST ALL THOSE SUGARY TREATS! Did I say GIVE UP MOST ALL THOSE SUGARY TREATS? I still tremble about the moment I realized that a weekly Snickers bar would no longer be a part of my life.
At first, it was mind over matter, I read everything on food, exercise, calories, good fats, bad fats, and I became a health nut. My co-workers couldn't believe that I could turn down the candy and sweets that came in the door most every day. I was very proud that I had accomplished this. I thought the addiction was beat, but then it happened. It was just a little treat here and a little treat there. I was still running, but I was falling right back into my bad eating habits. It was then that I realized I can't do this on my own. I had given myself all the credit for this great accomplishment, and I became grimly aware that I needed help. It was then that I prayed to God and asked for help. I'm getting back on track now, and I no longer count on myself to beat my sugar addiction because I know God is helping me, and with Him all things are possible.
When Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, I believe he came to realize that he, like most others, was addicted to sin. He didn't want to sin. He wanted to follow the laws, but it didn't seem to matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't do it on his own. Feeling miserable about himself, Paul found help and relief through Jesus. Jesus was there to take away those miserable feelings of failure by taking on the burdens of sin, and He was there to give counsel on how to navigate our lives in a Christ like way that leads away from our sinful nature.
As the years pass, I know there will continue to be those moments when I really want to choose sugary treats instead of healthy ones, but I hope that I, like Paul, find a way to hand this burden of sin over to Jesus. I know He will instill within me the ability and strength to make better choices, and I need to listen to that little voice inside that I so often refer to as the Holy Spirit to guide me away from sin to live my life in a more Christ like manner. If I learn to listen for guidance to tackle the little daily struggles in my life, I believe I will be more apt to deal with the bigger trials in life. Once you count on Jesus for the little things, it becomes natural to count on Him for the big ones. Whether the need be great or small, we can count on Him to lead us.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Counselor:
Each of us is born with a sinful nature, and we continue to make wrong decisions sometimes even when we know better. Help us grow closer to you so that we may become more receptive to listening as you counsel us throughout our lives whether it be in small or big decisions. Thank you for sending Jesus to take the burden of our sins from our lives so that we can start each day fresh and new with You.
Amen
My name is Debbie, and I am addicted to sugar. Yes, I could see myself standing up at a Sugaraholic Anonymous meeting sincerely stating those exact words. Cravings for sugar have existed within me all my life. The more sugar I eat, the more sugar I want. So, the battle rages within me to make good decisions based on the truths I've come to understand about staying healthy. Although, I comprehend the truth, I sometimes fail and push the boundaries.
Several years ago, I noticed that for the first time in my life my weight was starting to creep up on me. The pounds were starting to add up. I knew I was going to have to change my lifestyle in more than one way. I began running again and found that just adding exercise maintained the weight I felt was acceptable. I thought I had found a way around my sugar addiction. If I exercised, I could still eat most anything I wanted and not gain weight. Well, when I turned 50, I found out a terrible truth, and that was that I was now going to have to not only exercise, but eat healthy as well, and GIVE UP MOST ALL THOSE SUGARY TREATS! Did I say GIVE UP MOST ALL THOSE SUGARY TREATS? I still tremble about the moment I realized that a weekly Snickers bar would no longer be a part of my life.
At first, it was mind over matter, I read everything on food, exercise, calories, good fats, bad fats, and I became a health nut. My co-workers couldn't believe that I could turn down the candy and sweets that came in the door most every day. I was very proud that I had accomplished this. I thought the addiction was beat, but then it happened. It was just a little treat here and a little treat there. I was still running, but I was falling right back into my bad eating habits. It was then that I realized I can't do this on my own. I had given myself all the credit for this great accomplishment, and I became grimly aware that I needed help. It was then that I prayed to God and asked for help. I'm getting back on track now, and I no longer count on myself to beat my sugar addiction because I know God is helping me, and with Him all things are possible.
When Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, I believe he came to realize that he, like most others, was addicted to sin. He didn't want to sin. He wanted to follow the laws, but it didn't seem to matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't do it on his own. Feeling miserable about himself, Paul found help and relief through Jesus. Jesus was there to take away those miserable feelings of failure by taking on the burdens of sin, and He was there to give counsel on how to navigate our lives in a Christ like way that leads away from our sinful nature.
As the years pass, I know there will continue to be those moments when I really want to choose sugary treats instead of healthy ones, but I hope that I, like Paul, find a way to hand this burden of sin over to Jesus. I know He will instill within me the ability and strength to make better choices, and I need to listen to that little voice inside that I so often refer to as the Holy Spirit to guide me away from sin to live my life in a more Christ like manner. If I learn to listen for guidance to tackle the little daily struggles in my life, I believe I will be more apt to deal with the bigger trials in life. Once you count on Jesus for the little things, it becomes natural to count on Him for the big ones. Whether the need be great or small, we can count on Him to lead us.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Counselor:
Each of us is born with a sinful nature, and we continue to make wrong decisions sometimes even when we know better. Help us grow closer to you so that we may become more receptive to listening as you counsel us throughout our lives whether it be in small or big decisions. Thank you for sending Jesus to take the burden of our sins from our lives so that we can start each day fresh and new with You.
Amen
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The "Right" Way
"The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24 NIV
Have you ever pictured what the perfect world would be like? Kindness and love would be everywhere! People would take time to listen and would love you unconditionally. You would be loved for who you are. Everyone around the world would have their needs met, and their would be a sense of harmony. Yes,it would be wonderful.
Sometimes I think we can find ourselves getting up in the morning and thinking the world could be a perfect place if more people thought the same way we do. Our thoughts, opinions, and actions all reflect what we think to be the "right" way of doing things. Maybe we're all a little guilty of believing that we could create the perfect world if given the chance. If I could elect the candidates for office that I thought were the "right" candidates; if I could create policies that are the "right" ones for the employees; if I could make sure that food and basic human needs were distributed across the world with the "right" intentions; if I could teach my spouse the "right" way to do everything; if I could lead my children down the "right" path, and the list goes on and on and on. Yes, we each have a lot of thoughts, opinions, and actions that reflect what we feel to be "right."
I will be honest in saying that political campaigns reflect to me the poorest of the human spirit. People are so focused on pointing out and relishing in the faults and mistakes of a candidate that they can't even begin to see all the wonderful attributes that a person has as a human being. I wonder what God thinks when He follows us through our days. How does he feel when we are so disrespectful of others and not willing to reach out with an ounce of grace?
I consider myself an independent thinker and voter. Yes, I, too, have a long list of things that I think are "right." But in those moments when I cross over to the point of not being able to see the good in others, I know it's time for me to sit down and have a talk with God about where I need help.
Each generation learns from the next. We can't expect our children to respect and care for other children when we as adults can't grant that same blessing to others. The truth is that there is good in all people, but we can't see the good if we've made a decision about them based on biased knowledge and disrespect. Our children listen to everything we and the media says. We are forming their opinions without letting them develop them on their own. Bullying exists at all age levels, and when we believe we are always "right," it doesn't allow others around us to feel safe or confident in coming to their own understandings. It's easier to go with the bully than stand up for what you believe in.
In Psalm 37, there is much emphasis on doing what is right in the midst of all the wicked and evil that exists in the world. We are assured that if we stay committed to God that we will have no worries. We have to stand firm and be followers of Christ when the rest of the world wants us to join them in bashing others. Let's all take the negative energy that could be used to hurt others and turn it into a positive energy to support those we see as strong leaders and for those we love and care about. I'm trying every day to improve in this area. It's not easy. The negativity trap is so easy to fall into as we work our way through daily struggles.
So, the perfect world will probably never exist here on earth, but we know that someday with our faith and commitment, we will find that perfect place and those who believe will be rewarded. Let's all rejoice that God has provided us the "right" direction to live our lives.
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reminders throughout Your Word that we are asked to be different in a world filled with negativity. Keep us on the "right" path as you lead us to become more caring and respectful human beings.
Amen
Have you ever pictured what the perfect world would be like? Kindness and love would be everywhere! People would take time to listen and would love you unconditionally. You would be loved for who you are. Everyone around the world would have their needs met, and their would be a sense of harmony. Yes,it would be wonderful.
Sometimes I think we can find ourselves getting up in the morning and thinking the world could be a perfect place if more people thought the same way we do. Our thoughts, opinions, and actions all reflect what we think to be the "right" way of doing things. Maybe we're all a little guilty of believing that we could create the perfect world if given the chance. If I could elect the candidates for office that I thought were the "right" candidates; if I could create policies that are the "right" ones for the employees; if I could make sure that food and basic human needs were distributed across the world with the "right" intentions; if I could teach my spouse the "right" way to do everything; if I could lead my children down the "right" path, and the list goes on and on and on. Yes, we each have a lot of thoughts, opinions, and actions that reflect what we feel to be "right."
I will be honest in saying that political campaigns reflect to me the poorest of the human spirit. People are so focused on pointing out and relishing in the faults and mistakes of a candidate that they can't even begin to see all the wonderful attributes that a person has as a human being. I wonder what God thinks when He follows us through our days. How does he feel when we are so disrespectful of others and not willing to reach out with an ounce of grace?
I consider myself an independent thinker and voter. Yes, I, too, have a long list of things that I think are "right." But in those moments when I cross over to the point of not being able to see the good in others, I know it's time for me to sit down and have a talk with God about where I need help.
Each generation learns from the next. We can't expect our children to respect and care for other children when we as adults can't grant that same blessing to others. The truth is that there is good in all people, but we can't see the good if we've made a decision about them based on biased knowledge and disrespect. Our children listen to everything we and the media says. We are forming their opinions without letting them develop them on their own. Bullying exists at all age levels, and when we believe we are always "right," it doesn't allow others around us to feel safe or confident in coming to their own understandings. It's easier to go with the bully than stand up for what you believe in.
In Psalm 37, there is much emphasis on doing what is right in the midst of all the wicked and evil that exists in the world. We are assured that if we stay committed to God that we will have no worries. We have to stand firm and be followers of Christ when the rest of the world wants us to join them in bashing others. Let's all take the negative energy that could be used to hurt others and turn it into a positive energy to support those we see as strong leaders and for those we love and care about. I'm trying every day to improve in this area. It's not easy. The negativity trap is so easy to fall into as we work our way through daily struggles.
So, the perfect world will probably never exist here on earth, but we know that someday with our faith and commitment, we will find that perfect place and those who believe will be rewarded. Let's all rejoice that God has provided us the "right" direction to live our lives.
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reminders throughout Your Word that we are asked to be different in a world filled with negativity. Keep us on the "right" path as you lead us to become more caring and respectful human beings.
Amen
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Christ Forward - One Step at a Time
"And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."~I Corinthians 2:1-5
Whenever I have to stand in front of people to speak, the anxiety sets in. My heart palpitations seem erratic, and I have a strange sense of fear that only I know when I'm in this type of situation. I always find myself frantically praying to God to grant me peace within and strength to do what is needed. I honestly have a part of me that glances at the door and wonders if there is time for an escape, but it is then, at that moment, that God's grace brings me back to reality. My weakness and great fear are answered by the Holy Spirit calming my spirit. As I proceed forward and begin to speak whether it be in front of a podium, talking to a small group, or assisting in Communion, a sense of peace takes over. God has equipped me with all I need to carry out the task in front of me. It's as if the Holy Spirit has carried me when I couldn't carry myself.
Often, I think there are many of us that don't feel equipped or worthy of what we are asked to do. We can find ourselves in situations where we might feel that our actions, feelings, or thoughts aren't wise enough to share or help resolve a problem. When Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Corinth, I see the struggles he had in balancing his own human wisdom with God's wisdom. He wanted to be careful that the messages he sent were related through God's Power and Spirit and not through his own human understanding. He had to count on God's wisdom as he stood in front of crowds and writing letters to choose the right words and relay God's Message and not his own.
Finding that wisdom in our lives, is a lifelong process. Sometimes the steps are small, but it's a "Christ Forward" way of life. The steps always move forward in the direction of Christ, as long as we continue to pray, learn, serve, and grow in and through the Word of God. Occasionally, we may find ourselves taking a step or two backwards. The world's wisdom can get in the way. It's so important that we learn to let God help mold our way of thinking rather than society. Sometimes the greatest wisdom learned is when things don't go the way we plan. It is then, in our weakness, that God's strength and wisdom can fill us with peace when everything around us may be falling apart. Starting the day with a prayer asking God to grant us wisdom can become a way to direct our daily lives. He knows we're trying and is with us every step of the way.
Each time we're asked to do something that we fear or may cause us to tremble, remember that we have been equipped with all we need to move "Christ Forward." God's wisdom is so much greater than we can imagine. Within that wisdom is the gift of Grace. Grace that blankets us and reassures us that regardless of what happens in this "Christ Forward" movement way of life that we will be loved and cared for whether we succeed or need to learn more for the next time. As our wisdom grows, it's important to give credit where credit is due. It is through God's wisdom that we become more truly wise. We do indeed serve an awesome God!
Let us pray,
Loving and Wise Father,
Each day we are confronted with decisions in our lives about how to love, care for, and serve others. Grant us Your wisdom and peace as we move one step at a time "Christ Forward," to grow closer to you.
Amen.
Whenever I have to stand in front of people to speak, the anxiety sets in. My heart palpitations seem erratic, and I have a strange sense of fear that only I know when I'm in this type of situation. I always find myself frantically praying to God to grant me peace within and strength to do what is needed. I honestly have a part of me that glances at the door and wonders if there is time for an escape, but it is then, at that moment, that God's grace brings me back to reality. My weakness and great fear are answered by the Holy Spirit calming my spirit. As I proceed forward and begin to speak whether it be in front of a podium, talking to a small group, or assisting in Communion, a sense of peace takes over. God has equipped me with all I need to carry out the task in front of me. It's as if the Holy Spirit has carried me when I couldn't carry myself.
Often, I think there are many of us that don't feel equipped or worthy of what we are asked to do. We can find ourselves in situations where we might feel that our actions, feelings, or thoughts aren't wise enough to share or help resolve a problem. When Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Corinth, I see the struggles he had in balancing his own human wisdom with God's wisdom. He wanted to be careful that the messages he sent were related through God's Power and Spirit and not through his own human understanding. He had to count on God's wisdom as he stood in front of crowds and writing letters to choose the right words and relay God's Message and not his own.
Finding that wisdom in our lives, is a lifelong process. Sometimes the steps are small, but it's a "Christ Forward" way of life. The steps always move forward in the direction of Christ, as long as we continue to pray, learn, serve, and grow in and through the Word of God. Occasionally, we may find ourselves taking a step or two backwards. The world's wisdom can get in the way. It's so important that we learn to let God help mold our way of thinking rather than society. Sometimes the greatest wisdom learned is when things don't go the way we plan. It is then, in our weakness, that God's strength and wisdom can fill us with peace when everything around us may be falling apart. Starting the day with a prayer asking God to grant us wisdom can become a way to direct our daily lives. He knows we're trying and is with us every step of the way.
Each time we're asked to do something that we fear or may cause us to tremble, remember that we have been equipped with all we need to move "Christ Forward." God's wisdom is so much greater than we can imagine. Within that wisdom is the gift of Grace. Grace that blankets us and reassures us that regardless of what happens in this "Christ Forward" movement way of life that we will be loved and cared for whether we succeed or need to learn more for the next time. As our wisdom grows, it's important to give credit where credit is due. It is through God's wisdom that we become more truly wise. We do indeed serve an awesome God!
Let us pray,
Loving and Wise Father,
Each day we are confronted with decisions in our lives about how to love, care for, and serve others. Grant us Your wisdom and peace as we move one step at a time "Christ Forward," to grow closer to you.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Pass it On
Listen, dear friends, to God's truth, bend your ears to what I tell you.
I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb;
I'll let you in on the sweet old truths,
Stories we heard from our fathers,
counsel we learned at our mother's knee.
We're not keeping this to ourselves,
we're passing it along to the next generation—
God's fame and fortune,
the marvelous things he has done. Psalm 78:1-4 The Message
Antiques have different meanings to different people. I've always marveled at how much a dainty antique dish can bring at an auction, while a much more beautiful and charming piece goes for pennies on the dollar in comparison. I have family members that are always looking for that unique antique to carry home with them. Their house is filled with pieces of history.
I do have a few antiques in my home, but the difference is that every antique I own has some type of inherent value. The items weren't purchased by me, but came to me in different ways. My crown jewel antique is my china closet that was my great grandmother's. Inside I have personal trinkets that special people have given to me or have been passed down to me throughout my life. All the items arrived in my life through the hands and hearts of those I love. Each week when I dust it, I peek inside and take a little trip down memory lane with one of the gifts that seems to catch my eye that week.
I, like anyone, can see the beauty in many antiques, and I can understand the calling many feel to honor the past through the things that were once used and touched by our ancestors. For me, personally, I cherish the antiques that are more than just a piece of history. I want to hold dear the sensation of connecting to someone special that has played a role in my becoming who I am today. I want to look at that chipped piece of depression glass and visualize a great grandmother pulling out her best dishes during the depression and try to imagine what life was like for her. A small worn duck reminds me of time spent with my grandmother laughing and cooking together. I want to gaze at that hand-made gift from one of my children and remember their smiling faces when they were young. These antiques are chosen antiques that hold personal value and are symbolic to how love has shaped my life. They are only reminders to keep these people in my heart and mind. What treasures!
As Christians, we have a deep and profound responsibility to share the Good News in whatever ways we can, but there is nothing more important than helping teach our children God's Word and trusting the Holy Spirit to bring them to our Father. Is there any greater reward than passing on the knowledge that God's love is so vast that they can always dwell in His presence? Psalm 78 reminds us that we have a mission to fulfill as we pass on to future generations the gifts we have come to know. This isn't an antique that can be picked up at a sale and placed on a shelf. It's a blessing that is being passed on from one generation to the next that has deep meaning and is a treasure to be cherished!
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
The world is a very fast paced and ever changing place. Help us to share with our children the knowledge and understandings that you continue to bring into our daily lives. Give them strength to stand for what is right and the ability to serve you with wisdom and respect. Let them come to know that there is no greater Love.
Amen
I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb;
I'll let you in on the sweet old truths,
Stories we heard from our fathers,
counsel we learned at our mother's knee.
We're not keeping this to ourselves,
we're passing it along to the next generation—
God's fame and fortune,
the marvelous things he has done. Psalm 78:1-4 The Message
Antiques have different meanings to different people. I've always marveled at how much a dainty antique dish can bring at an auction, while a much more beautiful and charming piece goes for pennies on the dollar in comparison. I have family members that are always looking for that unique antique to carry home with them. Their house is filled with pieces of history.
I do have a few antiques in my home, but the difference is that every antique I own has some type of inherent value. The items weren't purchased by me, but came to me in different ways. My crown jewel antique is my china closet that was my great grandmother's. Inside I have personal trinkets that special people have given to me or have been passed down to me throughout my life. All the items arrived in my life through the hands and hearts of those I love. Each week when I dust it, I peek inside and take a little trip down memory lane with one of the gifts that seems to catch my eye that week.
I, like anyone, can see the beauty in many antiques, and I can understand the calling many feel to honor the past through the things that were once used and touched by our ancestors. For me, personally, I cherish the antiques that are more than just a piece of history. I want to hold dear the sensation of connecting to someone special that has played a role in my becoming who I am today. I want to look at that chipped piece of depression glass and visualize a great grandmother pulling out her best dishes during the depression and try to imagine what life was like for her. A small worn duck reminds me of time spent with my grandmother laughing and cooking together. I want to gaze at that hand-made gift from one of my children and remember their smiling faces when they were young. These antiques are chosen antiques that hold personal value and are symbolic to how love has shaped my life. They are only reminders to keep these people in my heart and mind. What treasures!
As Christians, we have a deep and profound responsibility to share the Good News in whatever ways we can, but there is nothing more important than helping teach our children God's Word and trusting the Holy Spirit to bring them to our Father. Is there any greater reward than passing on the knowledge that God's love is so vast that they can always dwell in His presence? Psalm 78 reminds us that we have a mission to fulfill as we pass on to future generations the gifts we have come to know. This isn't an antique that can be picked up at a sale and placed on a shelf. It's a blessing that is being passed on from one generation to the next that has deep meaning and is a treasure to be cherished!
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
The world is a very fast paced and ever changing place. Help us to share with our children the knowledge and understandings that you continue to bring into our daily lives. Give them strength to stand for what is right and the ability to serve you with wisdom and respect. Let them come to know that there is no greater Love.
Amen
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Those Hidden Faults
"How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin."~Psalm 19:12-13
Childhood memories are very selective. I will be honest in saying I don't have a lot of joyous ones. My memory is plagued with images that I often try to block out. Sometimes this selective way of remembering things is a crutch for me to blame my own sinful thoughts and behavior on. Even joyous memories can sometimes be tainted. I remember a time when my parents purchased me a new dress for school in the early Spring. As a rule, the only new clothes we received were when school started, or on Christmas, Easter, and our birthdays. I was so excited to wear this new dress to school. In this three room country school, with students through sixth grade, there was quite a diverse group of children on the playground at one time. We used to have races running around the building. Even then, children found great fun in bullying the kids that didn't fit in. I was one of those kids. As I ran around the building, two older boys were waiting on the corner, and purposefully tripped me right in front of a mud puddle. My knees gave way, and I landed in rock and mud tearing my new dress, skinning my knees and wrists, and covered in mud. The tears overflowed as they all laughed. A childhood memory that still haunts me to this day. I still wonder how kids can be so mean?
When I think of the way my childhood memory is so selective, I often realize that it tends to not remember the areas where I did things to others that I wish I hadn't. I tend to remember what others did to me. Did I forget the hurt I may have caused, or did I not retain the memory because I was possibly the one laughing? I'm sure that memory list is much longer than I would like it to be.
Some of these memories have instilled within me the desire to work harder to not be the one enjoying someone else's suffering. That sounds simple, but the problem is that we can be drawn in so easily. Sometimes frustration, injustice, and simply a different point of view create this want to lash out at someone just because they don't think the same way we do. Somehow deep inside some of us lives the desire to always want to "be right." I speak from experience that even when I'm sure I'm right, that time will often tell a different story. I think that learning time and time again that my views are not always "right," has softened my heart to listen more attentively to what others are feeling more than what they are saying. Honestly, we are all a culmination of the lifetimes we have each uniquely experienced. We couldn't all feel the same about all issues even if we made a decision to do so. However, we do have the ability to tune into the feelings that others have about issues and try to soften their hearts in small ways. Sometimes, it's by just listening and not fueling the fire of the discussion. Often a soft and kind word thrown out when a strong opinion is voiced is like a bucket of water on a fire. It won't necessarily put the fire out, but it will calm the fire long enough for the discussion to regroup in thought and maybe help each person learn a little more about the issue from different perspectives. I think that God wants each of us to be good listeners and gentle heart softeners. The world could use a lot more of these kind of people.
When David wrote Psalm 19, he focused on all the good in the world created by God, but his fears that he could somehow fail God were troubling him. He worried about the sins lurking in his heart and the hidden faults that even he didn't recognize. He cried out to God to not let these sins control him. He wanted to be better than he was at that moment. Sometimes I can feel like David. I know that my heart can stray to the dark side when seeing some situations, and I need the gift of forgiveness on a regular basis. The sins that I fear the most are those hidden faults. The ones that I can't see because I'm so sure I'm right. Those are the dangerous ones in my life. David goes on to write in verse, 14, "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." I find myself, too, turning to God asking earnestly for the ability to grow closer to Him, so that the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart are honorable in reflecting God's presence in my life. It's not an easy task, but with God all things are attainable.
Let us pray:
Forgiving Father,
Often we aren't able to see within ourselves the hidden faults that can be destructive and keep us from growing closer to you and doing your work in the world. Help us from this moment forward to mature in our faith as we trust that You will reveal to us the path away from our hidden faults. Send those people into our lives that will help soften our hearts and send us out as people to soften the hearts of others so that all will come to know and respect one another with a joyful and caring heart.
Amen.
Childhood memories are very selective. I will be honest in saying I don't have a lot of joyous ones. My memory is plagued with images that I often try to block out. Sometimes this selective way of remembering things is a crutch for me to blame my own sinful thoughts and behavior on. Even joyous memories can sometimes be tainted. I remember a time when my parents purchased me a new dress for school in the early Spring. As a rule, the only new clothes we received were when school started, or on Christmas, Easter, and our birthdays. I was so excited to wear this new dress to school. In this three room country school, with students through sixth grade, there was quite a diverse group of children on the playground at one time. We used to have races running around the building. Even then, children found great fun in bullying the kids that didn't fit in. I was one of those kids. As I ran around the building, two older boys were waiting on the corner, and purposefully tripped me right in front of a mud puddle. My knees gave way, and I landed in rock and mud tearing my new dress, skinning my knees and wrists, and covered in mud. The tears overflowed as they all laughed. A childhood memory that still haunts me to this day. I still wonder how kids can be so mean?
When I think of the way my childhood memory is so selective, I often realize that it tends to not remember the areas where I did things to others that I wish I hadn't. I tend to remember what others did to me. Did I forget the hurt I may have caused, or did I not retain the memory because I was possibly the one laughing? I'm sure that memory list is much longer than I would like it to be.
Some of these memories have instilled within me the desire to work harder to not be the one enjoying someone else's suffering. That sounds simple, but the problem is that we can be drawn in so easily. Sometimes frustration, injustice, and simply a different point of view create this want to lash out at someone just because they don't think the same way we do. Somehow deep inside some of us lives the desire to always want to "be right." I speak from experience that even when I'm sure I'm right, that time will often tell a different story. I think that learning time and time again that my views are not always "right," has softened my heart to listen more attentively to what others are feeling more than what they are saying. Honestly, we are all a culmination of the lifetimes we have each uniquely experienced. We couldn't all feel the same about all issues even if we made a decision to do so. However, we do have the ability to tune into the feelings that others have about issues and try to soften their hearts in small ways. Sometimes, it's by just listening and not fueling the fire of the discussion. Often a soft and kind word thrown out when a strong opinion is voiced is like a bucket of water on a fire. It won't necessarily put the fire out, but it will calm the fire long enough for the discussion to regroup in thought and maybe help each person learn a little more about the issue from different perspectives. I think that God wants each of us to be good listeners and gentle heart softeners. The world could use a lot more of these kind of people.
When David wrote Psalm 19, he focused on all the good in the world created by God, but his fears that he could somehow fail God were troubling him. He worried about the sins lurking in his heart and the hidden faults that even he didn't recognize. He cried out to God to not let these sins control him. He wanted to be better than he was at that moment. Sometimes I can feel like David. I know that my heart can stray to the dark side when seeing some situations, and I need the gift of forgiveness on a regular basis. The sins that I fear the most are those hidden faults. The ones that I can't see because I'm so sure I'm right. Those are the dangerous ones in my life. David goes on to write in verse, 14, "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." I find myself, too, turning to God asking earnestly for the ability to grow closer to Him, so that the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart are honorable in reflecting God's presence in my life. It's not an easy task, but with God all things are attainable.
Let us pray:
Forgiving Father,
Often we aren't able to see within ourselves the hidden faults that can be destructive and keep us from growing closer to you and doing your work in the world. Help us from this moment forward to mature in our faith as we trust that You will reveal to us the path away from our hidden faults. Send those people into our lives that will help soften our hearts and send us out as people to soften the hearts of others so that all will come to know and respect one another with a joyful and caring heart.
Amen.
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