Today is the Day to Love One Another

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”~John 13:34-35 NLT

Today, I had one of those moments when I was surprised and a bit embarrassed about something I had done long ago.  During grade school, I was relentlessly bullied by one particular student that made it her mission to make me feel miserable about myself.  She did a good job, and I have a difficult time even as an adult thinking about her without attaching those negative childhood feelings. 

A friend was seeking elementary classroom pictures for a class reunion, so I quickly scanned and sent her the pictures that I still have. I also scanned the back of one of the pictures where in my 5th grade cursive handwriting I had written the names of all the students. After sending the file, I turned to the back of the picture to read over the names. I was disturbed to see that I had clearly written the word "stinks" after the bully's name.  My first adult reaction was to be embarrassed by what I had written.

I quickly emailed the old friend, and asked her to please not share the back of the picture because I didn't want that to be seen at the reunion. As I waited for her reply, I thought back to those days of being bullied, and joyfully celebrated that those days are in the past and no longer plague my daily life or thoughts.Today is a new day, and the past no longer exists except in the mind.  

As I thought about this, I realized that sometimes even as an adult, I make the same kinds of error in judgment that I did in 5th grade when I wrote on the back of that picture. Although, I try to be kind and caring to others, there are those people that bring out the worst in me and hurt me. I want to lash out when I feel that pain. They want me to be someone I'm not, and don't accept me for who I am. Sometimes in relationships, I may find that I'm the one with the unreal expectations wanting someone else to be who they're not. Yes, it can be troubling when we don't accept one another for who we are. The result may be a relationship that isn't able to grow in a healthy manner because people begin to wear masks to survive rather than being honest about who they are or how they really feel. 

Our daily assignment from God calls us to be kind and caring to one another.  Days will come when we might fail to make the grade, but we have to start each day with the same goal in mind: to serve God by loving and caring for others. It's not always easy, but it's a requirement. Jesus tells us that carrying out His plan, "will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Today is a new day, and the past is history. Only today can we make every effort to love one another. Tomorrow awaits, but what we do today can have a profound effect on the choices we make when it arrives. As my fifth grade teacher always said, "Practice, practice, practice. That is how we learn."

Heavenly Father:

Thank you for accepting us for who we are. Help us to learn to accept others for who they are. Let us reflect your love in our behavior and actions in a way that brings others closer to you.

Amen.

Wisdom and Gentleness

There's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life. Wisdom puts light in the eyes, and gives gentleness to words and manners. ~Ecclesiastes 8:1 The Message Bible

Rarely, does spring arrive the first few days of March in the Midwest. It normally likes to toy with the senses as it comes and goes throughout the month dropping hints that it will eventually settle in for the season. However, spring was giddy this year and couldn't wait to arrive on the scene with its warmth and aroma. It not only arrived, but it had no intention of leaving. Winter was put to rest as spring showed its dominance.

This surprise left me unprepared for what lie ahead. Years ago, I lost count of how many hosta plants grow in our yard along with many other perennials.  I usually spend the month of March cleaning them off a little at a time preparing for spring's arrival.  The sunny days and warm temperatures invited my plants to begin growing much earlier than expected. I found myself scurrying to take the time needed to tend to their individual needs. Some plants had sprouted much higher than others, and it now would take much more time and gentleness to remove winter's debris that lay atop each of them.

As I crawled through the yard uncovering one plant at a time, it was easy to see that each plant had individual characteristics and needs. Some plants took very little effort to uncover, but others took much more time and energy. Leaves were wedged between their individual sprouts, and in order to not harm them, I gently used my fingers to remove anything that would obstruct their spring growth and beauty.

As I took a break and stood on occasion, to give my knees and back a little rest, I marveled at the transformation that was taking place in the yard. It started revealing spring in every direction. Spring had visually and physically brought new life to this yard that looked so dreary and dead from winter's harshness.

Sometimes, we can find ourselves a lot like those perennials that grow in our yards. We can be bogged down by the ugliness that covers that beauty and newness that lies beneath the surface of our lives. Winter sets in and leaves us wondering if we can ever find a way to be strong enough to sprout the beauty of life through the heaviness we feel around us. If we have faith to call out in prayer to God for help, we may soon find his gentle response to our needs. I can't count the times that God has sent just the right person into my life to gently help remove the dark debris that can sometimes hover over me and remind me that underneath lies a precious child of God loved completely.

Yes, God is very wise, and He often sends gentle loving people into our lives, so that we can feel the warmth and grace of the Sonshine that will remove those layers of darkness. Growing in and through Him is a remarkable way to see life transform into a beautiful faith filled arena overflowing with abundant grace.

Let us pray,

Wise and Gentle Father,
Thank you for the gift of springtime that reminds us that as the seasons come and go, You know our every need. Help us to grow closer to You so that we may come to trust that even when the layers of darkness try to cover our lives, You will send Your loving and gentle children to remind us that we are loved eternally by You.
Amen

Seek Silence and Listen

"For the past twenty-three years—from the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, until now—the LORD has been giving me his messages. I have faithfully passed them on to you, but you have not listened. Again and again the LORD has sent you his servants, the prophets, but you have not listened or even paid attention. Each time the message was this: 'Turn from the evil road you are traveling and from the evil things you are doing. Only then will I let you live in this land that the LORD gave to you and your ancestors forever.'"~Jeremiah 25:3-5 NLT


The first Spring rain arrived this morning with just a touch of thunder and lightening. I sat silently listening. The birds were chirping in between rain showers, and as cars passed by our home, I could hear rain being thrown off the pavement from car tires. I didn't have to be in the rain to know it was raining. The signs were obvious. I knew that if I was heading outside that I would need to dress appropriately for the rain, or I was going to get wet.

I realized that although I can be silent, the world around me is rarely silent. Something is always in motion. Even as I sit at my computer, I hear the computer running, the refrigerator kicking on and off, the clock ticking, the sound of vehicles passing by, and that big thud I just heard was Rosie, our 14 pound cat jumping onto the recliner. The world really doesn't know how to be silent.

Jeremiah struggled in this scripture reference to find a way to make people stop and listen. He was frustrated that although he continued to tell them that their actions were displeasing to God that they continued to move forward with their selfish ways of thinking and of worshiping idols rather than God. Jeremiah was able to see and hear what was happening around him, and the signs were obvious that if the people continued on this path that God's wrath would be poured upon them. 

Reading the story, it's easy to wonder why couldn't they just be silent and truly listen? God wanted them to have a wonderful life with Him, but they were just too busy creating their own lives outside their relationship with Him. The world then, shared a commonality with the world today. It does not know how to be silent. Sitting in silence and just listening can often be so much more difficult that being in motion, and even if we can be silent, the world will not. I think that is why the verse, "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." from Psalm 46:10 is key to a relationship with God. Taking those precious quiet moments to pray, study scripture, read devotions, and reflect on God's place in our lives may be the greatest gift we can give to God. God will use those quiet and still moments to send us out in motion to be the kind of caring people He created us to be.

Yes, the signs are obvious that the world needs more disciples. We don't need to even leave our homes to know that love and compassion are desperately needed to enrich the lives of others. And as the signs of the rain this morning signaled that an umbrella and raincoat would come in handy, we know that we need to dress our hearts and minds appropriately so that we are protected in a world that holds a lot of uncertainty and fears. That's where those quiet moments of silence come in handy. Those prayers, studies, devotions, and reflections strengthen us in ways that even we may not be able to dream possible. We will have everything we need, and all it takes is a little silence on our part to strengthen our relationship with Christ. God is calling us to listen.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father,
Help us to take time to slow down, be silent, and listen so that we may grow closer in our relationship with you. Remind us that you will equip us with all we need to go out and be your disciples. May our lives reflect our love for You and Your love for us in all we do.
Amen

Call in the Professional

"Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: 'Ye were bought at a price', and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

A few years ago, small patches of odd grass began appearing in our front yard. They seemed insignificant, and it seemed that surely some type of weed killer would take care of the problem. When the weed killer was applied the first year, the odd grass looked as though it had died back. The next Spring, it appeared again, and there were now more patches of this odd grass. Again, weed killer took care of the problem. Last year, the odd grass became very troubling. The patches were no longer small, and the bad seed had blown into the backyard. The backyard soil isn't as healthy and the odd grass spread like wildfire last summer. Weed killer didn't seem to phase it! So, the question remains what to do about this odd grass that is choking out the healthy grass in the yard. It may be time to call in a professional because our home remedies just aren't working anymore!

Life can have those troubling things that pop up like that odd grass that is now growing abundantly in our yard. As Christians, we know that our sinful nature wants to pop up where we least expect it. You may have had what seemed to be a perfect day, and then it happens. You know, that sarcastic remark that jabs someone in a passive aggressive manner, the excuse that has no real basis and directs away from the truth, the gossip that shouldn't be shared, and the masks that are worn when we're too afraid to be honest about our feelings are all just a few of the sins that can pop right smack into what once seemed liked a near perfect day.

Bonhoeffer, in the quote above, talks about costly grace. When we get ourselves into sinful situations, we can't just fix things ourselves by looking over what we do or trying to mend it ourselves. We need to truly call in the Professional to help change us. I understand from this reading and from my own human understanding of grace, that the grace that we as Christians dwell in each day came at a high cost to God. The suffering and pain on that cross was not an invitation to go out and sin while not worrying about it, because grace will cover it. It was to help us understand that sin causes pain to God, and if we're not careful it can take over our lives just like that odd grass growing in the yard. Bonhoeffer has also written that we can't just "bestow grace on ourselves" because only God can truly forgive us.

So, as those small sinful moments pop into our lives, maybe immediately we need to head for the cross. The cross that reminds us of that pain and suffering that our humanness causes God. It is there we go to truly ask God to forgive us, but even more than the forgiveness, we go asking to be changed as we move forward. We ask God to forgive us and mold us into more faithful disciples. This is something that we can't do ourselves, and we need to call in the Professional. You see, our own home remedies just can't begin to take care of the problems.

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father of Grace,
The sinful moments of our daily lives continue to pop up even sometimes when we least expect them. Help us to understand that the grace you grant us came with a price, a costly price. Keep our hearts healthy as we come to learn that growing closer to you entails true repentance for our sins. Only you can bestow true grace upon us.
Amen

Prayer: A Gentle and Respectful Answer

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV


Facebook has opened up an entire new line of communication in this 21st century. What used to take days or even weeks to share information is now instantaneous. A unique opportunity exists to stay in touch with others on a daily basis. We glimpse into the lives of others reading about the joys, celebrations, sufferings, and uncertainties that come into their lives. Some may argue that this is too much information, but as a Christian I, personally, look at this as a place to share my love for God in a way that may reflect His Love into their lives. I'm so thankful for the daily reminders that people are in need of prayer in their lives. Prayer: a gift that strengthens those being prayed for and those praying. Yes, prayer is that direct line of communication where God can understand every word we say even better that we can ourselves. 


Yesterday, a young woman and single mom passed away from lung cancer leaving behind 3 teenage daughters and many mourning her loss. I have been blessed to follow her journey on Facebook. Family and friends share that she was courageous until the end because her hope was in the Lord. She came to understand that the material items that drive our economy no longer had any place in her heart. Her heart was driven by the need to show love and be loved. She had no doubt about the answer of how to face each day; her hope was in the Lord. Heartache and tears overflow at her loss here on this earth as a celebration begins that she is with our Lord and Savior no longer suffering.


I've felt privileged to pray daily for this young woman and share messages with her over the past few months to remind her that God's Love for her cannot be surpassed. Her loving and gentle spirit has taught me that when we face some of the darkest hours of our lives that God will give us all we need to face each day. His promise is quite clear. We will dwell in His house forever. (Psalm 23:6)  


Staying in touch with one another through our many different environments we dwell in each day enables us to be God's communication tools. In the churches earliest beginnings, the need for community was vital to Christians growing in their faith. Whether we are introverts or extroverts, God calls us to care for one another. It is through gentleness and respect that we can share with others about this beautiful hope we have found in God. Prayer is one of the most simple yet most profound ways we each can care for one another. Prayer will undoubtedly catapult us into action to do what is needed to help those we pray for if we only trust that God will send us in that direction. 


Let us pray,


Heavenly Father,
Today let us give thanks for those that have learned that even through suffering that Your love and promises are enough to face each day. We pray for those that have lost the battle here on earth, but rejoice in knowing that they will dwell with You forever.
Amen

Leading a Selfless Life

     "There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!” 


     So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord."~Acts 9:36-42 NLT


     Often times when talking about those raised from the dead in the Bible, Jesus and Lazarus are the two that come to mind. There were others. Many may not realize that an ordinary woman named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) was also raised from the dead. In my mind, I imagine Tabitha resembling Mother Teresa in the environment in which she lived and shared her love for the Lord. What is intriguing about this story is that Peter was the facilitator of raising Tabitha from the dead. I have many questions about this story. Why was this woman raised from the dead? Why a woman when women were thought of so lowly during this time in history? Why and what moved Peter to do this? What made her so different? The questions could go on and on.


     Winding forward a couple centuries, I look at the inspirational impact Mother Teresa had on not only the environments in which she lived, but on showing the world the difference one person can make. She was the Tabitha in today's world. Her love for humanity transcended all religious lines. Whether, Catholic, Protestant, other religions, or even those who claim no religion each saw in her what I think we all wish we could see in ourselves. I've never heard a negative comment about her. Again, I find myself asking so many questions. How was this woman able to live a life so selfless? How could a woman giving such simple things each day be so unique in a world where fame and fortune dominate the news and goals of most? Why was her mercy so abundant? What made her so different?


     I've made a full circle and have come back to that same question. What made each of these women so different that God used them to teach us about our own individual lives?  Tabitha and Mother Teresa may have been two of the best examples in history for us to study in our Christian lives. They understood that reaching out and caring for others were central to being a disciple of Christ. They were willing to give their hearts, minds, spirits, and talents to serve a Living God. Their daily lives were Christ directed.


     Peter's role in the story is also very interesting. Peter on his own did not have the ability to raise Tabitha from the dead, but through Peter's intercessory prayer Christ granted this miracle to occur. So, why Tabitha? Never underestimate the power of simple kindness. Peter heard the stories of the acts of kindness that Tabitha gave so selflessly and may have realized this was a teaching opportunity. Through Christ, he was moved to show others that daily faith in action finds us in favor with our Lord and Savior. Tabitha had blessed others, and Christ may have wanted others to understand that through blessing others it is pleasing to Him. 


     Had I been there to see Tabitha raised from the dead, I think I would have really had to stop and evaluate my life. Maybe, after reading the story, I need to evaluate my life in the here and now. What simple acts of kindness and care do I share daily with others? How can I replace many of my selfish mannerisms with selfless giving to the glory of God? At the end of the day, do I stop and ask, "Lord, have I tried to please You today?" Tough questions! Trust me when I say, I am not happy with my own personal answers. 


     So, this Bible story is filled with questions, but one fundamental teaching seems clear to me. Leading a selfless life devoted to Christ is pleasing to Christ. I should probably put that on my refrigerator door to remind me so that I can remember to work on this daily. What a beautiful story from scripture to dwell upon this day and in the days to come! 


Let us pray,


Heavenly Father,
Often the world teaches us selfish behavioral understandings that lead us in the wrong direction. Help lead us to a more selfless life as we care for others in a way that is pleasing to You.
Amen

Sign Up with Jesus

"I've used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon I'll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I've revealed to you. I won't continue making requests of the Father on your behalf. I won't need to. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly. First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."~John 16:25-28 The Message Bible

Geography is my weakness. I dreaded the college geography class more than any other class, but unfortunately, it was required for my degree. I struggled to find ways to memorize where all the countries, cities, terrain, and waterways were throughout the world. I was always looking for some creative way to memorize what was expected of me to pass the tests. Some might call these mental cheat sheets. I made up sentences, acronyms, stories, and even visual pictures to find ways to locate the geographical areas of the world. It worked, but after the test was over, I will be honest in saying that I was relieved that the unit was completed, and I remembered very little about what I was supposed to have learned. For whatever reason, my mind isn't attracted to geography!

When I read this passage from John, I thought about how Jesus wants us to understand how simple it is to have a relationship with God through Him.  Prerequisites aren't needed. The laws of the Old Testament continue to be valuable and help guide us, but they are something we can learn about, a little at a time, as we go through life. Tests aren't necessary. Creative writing, acronyms, cues, or cheat sheets won't be needed.  He only asks that we love and trust him. If coming to Jesus were a college class the key to success is quite simple; all that will be needed is to come to Him and sign up. He will be the teacher, and we the students. It will be a class where everyone learns at their own pace, comes from a different place, and has a different hunger for learning. He will have the time and patience that each individual needs to succeed.

In this personal relationship with Jesus, there will be moments when we feel amazing instances of grace or success, and there will also be those moments where we feel defeat or failure. However, the grade is always the same with the simple action of loving and trusting Him. We can count on a passing grade each time we put ourselves into action because whether we succeed or fail,  He will help carry the burdens and get us through. The slate is wiped clean, and we start each day with a crisp new page in the story of our individual lives. So, remember if you are struggling in some area of your life, whether it be a geography class or a terminal illness, we each have challenges that come in an array of sizes, but all we have to do is sign up with Jesus, and that guarantees us a life filled with grace.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Teacher,
Thank You for making it so simple to have a relationship with You.  Remind us that we need only come to You with our love and trust, and our relationship together will grow stronger with each passing day. Help us come to learn that Your Love and Grace are enough.
Amen