Thursday, April 30, 2009

Unbelieving Generation...Me?

"O unbelieving generation, Jesus replied,how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me...Jesus asked the boy's father, How long has he been like this? From childhood, he answered. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. If you can? said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes. Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, I do believe; Help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9: 19-24.

The "it" in this story was a demon that had seized control of this little boy from childhood. Boy, this one steps all over my feet! It doesn't matter how long I have walked with Christ my "It" always seems to be the same. There is an emergency in my family such as a medical diagnosis and I kick my plans and action into full tilt "it". I work endlessly trying to be everything for everyone in every situation without concern of setting any boundaries. I end up tired, exhausted, sometimes resentful and "all out burned out"! My "it" has often thrown me into the fire burning up my joy, peace and balance. My biggest challenge is recognizing that not only is God the only Savior for extreme situations but sometimes He would not choose me for specific situations. I am not to assume that God wants to use me for each person's trial. I know that God looks down and says, "Oh, Brenda - not again, how long....?"

The "but" in this story is the hope that the father knew he had in Jesus. I am trying to balance the "it" and the "but" and realize that I can only do this through Christ. The "help" that the man requested is the final step in surrendering our "it". It is the belief and recognition that Christ can and will deliver us from whatever our "it" may be. We all have something that has possessed us from childhood that prevents and limits us but we have something much greater in us than any of these "its". "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4.

We must identify our "it" so that we may ask God to help us overcome our unbelief of being a captive in whatever prison in which we have placed ourselves. Many times we actually sit down and place the shackles on our own ankles. "Help us, Lord, overcome our unbelief!"

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Who's Calling Who?

"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Isaiah 65:24.


In February, 2006, God placed on my heart the desire to go deeper in my intimate walk with Him. Through Bible Studies of Beth Moore and Charles Stanley, God began pulling me closer to Him. When God gently nudged me towards Him I felt my spiritual life growing. Little did I know the adversities which I would have to face later that year. In May, 2006 my father was diagnosed with cancer. In June, 2006 my father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we began the journey of life changes with him and his wife. Also in June, 2006 my daughter was diagnosed with a disease and would have to begin treatment.

When God originally placed on my heart His desire to draw me closer, I thought it was for Him. Now I understand it was to prepare and grow me towards total dependence on Him to guide me through the darkness. He didn’t “need” anything from me – He knew I would “need” from Him. He answered me before I even knew to call out. He wrote my life’s book and knew what the future chapters contained. “Your desire to pursue God comes from the fact that He has pursued you. It is our spirit answering back to God in His pursuit of us.” Beth Moore, A Woman’s Heart – God’s Dwelling Place – Introduction Video.

Since then I can look at those times back in 2006 and see that God was preparing me for this past year and everything it would bring. We will never find ourselves on a broken road without God first supplying us with the provisions required to walk that road. Each journey toughens our feet of faith allowing us to be more prepared for the next journey. When we have God tinted glasses, we are able to see more clearly the way He is building, growing and using our lives for the furthering of the Kingdom instead of seeing ourselves as a victim of circumstance.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Meet Him at the Well

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

I am experiencing a "restful time" at the present. The past year especially has been one of the toughest times in my life. Between the return of my dad's cancer, the diagnosis, battle and death of my sister, my husband's surgery, my son-in-law's relapse and the death of my other daughter's boyfriend has made up a yoke that had worn me down.

Any one of these could have been a challenge for me but the sum of these left me reeling and burdened. During the year God kept me going and gave me daily refreshment until the battles waged had retreated.

I feel now that He has led me into a "spacious place" of rest, reflection and learning. Presently, my dad's cancer has not spread, my brother-in-law and neice seem to be doing pretty well, and both daughters have successfully weathered their storms.

This is my time of rest as God promised so I will receive the flow of water as the gift He intended it to be. I am sure in no time my calendar will once again fill up, my time will disappear before my very eyes and burdens will begin piling up - it is the way of the world. But, thankfully I carry the well within and it is my choice when I will approach the well and dip my parched bucket for the filling of my soul.

This water costs nothing for any of us and it is ours for the asking if we will just recognize when our mouths are parched.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Making a Withdrawal

"But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer." Luke 5:16. (NLT)

Such a simple verse but a major ingredient for a successful prayer life. The dictionary states that to withdraw is to remove oneself from active participation; to become detached from social or emotional involvement.

The other night I had plans to meet a dear friend for dinner around 6:00. Other than our dinner I didn't have any plans until 9:00 that evening at which point I had to leave to pick up my husband at the airport. I never dreamed we would sit there for three hours until I had to leave. We had set this time aside and didn't have any preconceived notion of how long we would stay. There is nothing better than meeting a dear friend for dinner without placing time constraints on the time together. There is just the beautiful ebb and flow of two people who care about each other with a comfortable flow of thoughts, concerns and sweet conversation.

Such should be with God in our prayers. As we enter our time together our focus should be on things other than how long we have, what needs to be "covered" and the prayer etiquette of routine set by our own agenda of time. We would never set up a dinner date with a friend and repeat the same conversation. It would be different discussions each time powered by love, needs and sought after genuine advice.

Setting time aside for Christ is essential for knowing God and receiving fellowship. We would never accept a dinner offer knowing we only had ten minutes to run in, say hello and catch up on the run...many times that is our best when praying.

Withdraw, set aside time and sit at the table with Him. Talk...enjoy... taste..reminisce..and above all, linger....

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Do I Smell Smoke?

"They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them." Daniel 3:27

As a child I loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace because they wouldn't bow to the golden image constructed and commanded by King Nebuchadnezzar. My understanding of this story was pretty one-dimentional. Three men refused to worship something other than God, the king got mad, threw them in the fire, and God saved them.

Throughout my adult life I have been blessed over and over again by the intricacies of this story and how it applies to my life. Choices we make when faced with adversity will define our loyalty to God or disown our faith in God. As we all have experienced, life continuously serves as "ole King Neb" who constantly wills our circumstances and makes us choose whether we will bow down to pressure or stand up to fear. Through our pain and fear we make the choice whether to lay down in the furnace allowing the circumstances to set us ablaze instead of walking around claiming God's protection and future deliverance. Walking around in the fire shows our belief in God and His assurance that He is mightly to save and He will resue us from the fire. Sometimes we will be left in the fire for a while much like these guys so that our onlookers may see the "fourth man walking around in the fire". In the Bible story, King Neb knew instinctively that the fourth man walking around with the men was the son of God.

No matter what furnace we have been thrown into God will be walking with us if we trust Him to lead. When we are delivered from our furnace, and we will be, don't allow the smell of fire - bitterness and anger - to "linger on your clothes". Remember, love and bitterness cannot reside side by side in the heart.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Is Jesus in the House?

"'Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who as attacked by bandits?' Jesus asked. The man replied, 'The one who showed him mercy.' Then Jesus said, 'Yes, now go and do the same.'" Luke 10:36-37.

This was the response Jesus gave to an expert in the law who asked what he must do to receive eternal life. The Law stated the command to love God with everything in our power and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The gentleman asked for a more defined meaning of neighbor so Jesus told the parable of The Good Samaritan. At the end of the parable it was clear to the man that only one of the three people stopped to help the wounded man on the side of the road. Not only did he stop and help, but loaded him on his donkey and took him to an inn paying the price for him to stay there for a few days. As if that wasn't enough, the man had so much mercy and compassion that he told the innkeeper to allow him to stay longer if needed and he would pay the bill when he came back through. Now that is "hands-on-compassion". That is God living through His child.

How many times do we walk past the Samaritan and cross to the other side because of our fear, our time restraints or simply our judgement of that person. There are Samaritans everywhere we turn if we would just have "Jesus eyes" and a Jesus heart. Don't wait on someone else to "load the man on their donkey" for you may be the one God desires to use to show an image of His Son.

On the flipside when you are in pain and require mercy and compassion will "Jesus be in the house"?

Friday, April 24, 2009

Impact Moments

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. KJV

This was the response Jesus gave to the disciples upon restoring the sight of a blind man when they were walking together on earth. Jesus did not lead and teach in a classroom but upon the road on which they traveled. We, as parents, follow in that manner in an effort to make lasting impressions on our children and provide "impact moment" classrooms for teaching as we interact with them daily. Impact moments are moments that are unplanned and orchestrated by God wherein He partners with us in hopes of teaching one of His many principles.

Carol Kent, author of Becoming a Woman of Influence, writes "He (Jesus) used everyday events and interruptions to make truth memorable. He took advantage of what I call 'impact moments' - opportunities to teach or influence that are unplanned. Jesus knew that most people learn best if we walk beside them instead of ahead of them." p.30.

In reading this I couldn't help but to measure my daily walk upon this standard. Several questions came to mind for my evaluation. Am I taking advantage of God's life principles that I am suppose to be teaching? Am I surrendered enough to even recognize these moments when He presents them? What is my walk teaching others? What can I be taught from walking with others?

Impact moments not only shape our own faith but the faith of those walking beside us.
How do you measure up?

Thursday, April 23, 2009

As The Rooster Crows...

"Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.' And he broke down and cried." Mark 14:72b. NLV

"Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: 'Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.' And he broke down and wept." Mark 14:72b. NIV

The word disown means to refuse to acknowledge or accept as one's own. The word deny means to refuse to admit or acknowledge. As Christians it is tough for us to ever imagine ourselves either denying or disowning Christ. Based on these definitions in looking back to that dark valley of Kristen's drug addiction, I denied and disowned Christ when I was going through that season. I disowned Christ when I did not trust his promises and plans as my own. I disowned Christ when I allowed her drug addition to have more power over me than Christ's power. My denial was not an intentional decision to deny the things of Christ. My heart had been arrested by the fear of my daughter's death.

And when he thought thereon, he wept. Mark 14: 72b. KJV

It wasn't until after the fact that Peter realized his denial much like us. And when I thought thereon I wept. Looking back I realize that many times I had denied Christ. I denied Him the chance to love me, the chance to comfort me and the chance to deliver and save me. But God knows our hearts and thankfully our denials of Him are independent of His love and care for us.

How many times a day do you hear the rooster crow?

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A Stone's Throw

"On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed...An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him." Luke 22:40.

Jesus was standing in the shadow of his own death in anguish and exhaustion. He petitioned his inner circle to join him in prayer. He longed for the support, partnership and presence of his friends. As he faced death he not only asked for prayers for himself but wanted them to be aware of the temptation for which they would face when they were in the throws of fear once Jesus was arrested. The Bible states that they fell asleep exhausted from sorrow. The disciples didn't have malintent towards Jesus but was experiencing their own sadness for what was about to occur. Jesus knew their weaknesses would prevent them from standing firm in their faith and partnership with Him. The Quest Study Bible states in it's commentary that "Their (the disciples) boasts of allegiance appear pathetic in light of their behavior as the night wore on. Their failure to pray would make them an easy mark when assaulted by fear and temptation." p. 1516.

Much is the same with our walk. Jesus encourages us to pray for certain situations, for certain people and for our own strength. Through these prayers we invite resolution, peace and comfort into our lives and are strengthened. If we fall asleep allowing the world to lull us into it's own sense of peace and security we miss out on the angel of strength and we fall into the world's slumber - a slumber that keeps our minds closed and weakened. Just as the disciples, although we are justified in our fears and exhaustion we are not strengthened by them.

How many times have we been caught sleeping when God gives us a partnership He expects us to experience? In the words of Jesus in our darkest hour, "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." Luke 22:46.

Monday, April 20, 2009

In-As-Much Indeed

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40.

Yesterday most of the family attended our parents church in rememberance of our sister, Beth and her birthday. They announced a program, Operation In-As-Much, which is a service program for the church based on the above verse. In thinking about this name I was drawn to the story in the Bible surrounding these verses.

Today is Beth's birthday and in reflecting over the past year I am blessed to remember the many things people have shared with me while walking through this journey with her. Stories have been told of the tender things she did while caring for her patients, while walking the ailes of her church and doing her volunteering at Sydney's school to name a few. None of these things will be noted in the world's history books but her "in-as-much" will be recorded in an eternal book - the book of life. For every patient she tended with kindness, for each child at church she prepared activity bags for and for every effort to help Sydney's school out is being blessed in heaven.

The smallest "in-as-much" that we do will not go unnoticed by God and what we do unto others we do unto Him.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Riches to Rags

"God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them." Matt. 5:3

This is the New Living Translation of the beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (NIV) I have never heard the NLT translation but when I read this during my study this morning the verse really opened up for me. For me, "poor in spirit" has been sort of undefined and I would read over it quickly as I read the beatitudes.

With the NLT translation I started thinking about the opposite of poor which of course is rich, an abundance of...

There are so many ways we display our riches as we walk through life. Riches do not reside in our bank accounts, they reside in our hearts. When we look onto the situation of others and determine we would handle it a different way, we display our wealth of judgement. When we refuse to apologize and forgive someone who has hurt us deeply we display our wealth of pride. When we turn to means of comfort other than God we display our wealth of disloyalty.

To be poor in spirit is to give away all of these things that prevent us from experiencing the kingdom of heaven on earth - joy from the indwelling of God within us. The kingdom of heaven comes to us by exchanging all of our riches, whatever they may be, and trading them for r.a.g.s. (realizing always God's sovereignty)

Don't be like the rich young ruler who walked away saddened when Jesus told him he must give everything away to the poor to enter the kingdom of heaven. Turn your riches into r.a.g.s and experience the greatest wealth ever attained.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

How Big is Big?

“Before the spies lay down for the night, she(Rahab)went up on the roof and said to them, ‘I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” Joshua 2:8-9

Our spiritual reputation plays a large part in the spiritual development of our onlookers. If we are truly living in Christ our onlookers know that God is with us and will make us victorious. Many times people who have conflict in their lives draw closer to those who carry Christ in their heart. They know to align themselves with the army of God and to seek refuge from the battle within those who are led by God. Rahab knew intuitively that this was an alignment that would deliver her from the battle. She didn’t really know God but she had faith in God through His reputation and God rewarded her for her faith by sparing her family.

Many times when fear arises we reach out to God through the hope that He can resolve the pending conflict even if He is unknown intimately. We can know God in our lives but limit Him by our lack of faith. When faced with a situation that seems to be unresolvable by our own attempts we rely of the greater faith of those whose God seems to be paramount.

My husband and I began having difficulties with our first born daughter when she was 13 years old. At this time she began turning inward and became an extremely angry child. She abandoned almost all that she had been taught about Christian living and relied on her own understanding through this season in her life. As a result she lived in extreme darkness for eight years and developed a drug dependency. This period of time was a heart wrenching journey for all of my family and friends. Although many who knew us prayed continuously one event stands out above all others.

On a summer day during a family vacation my grandmother came to me with the desire for the family to enter into a prayer time with God for spiritual healing for our daughter. Led by my grandmother, the prayer warrior, the adults sat around a table and for one hour petitioned God for her return to the family, her reconciliation of sins and her spiritual healing. Each family member lifted their request in the name of Jesus Christ and my grandmother ended the prayer time with praise and thanksgiving that through the promises of John 14:13-14 and Matthew 18:20 our petitions had already been fulfilled.

My grandmother always prayed with a spirit of expectancy and claimed victory in a situation before it was resolved based on His promises in His Word. Her faith defined who she was in Christ and I never saw her waiver. Although I didn’t have enough faith to claim victory but much like Rahab, I knew with whom to align myself for victory. I always saw a reflection of Christ in my grandmother and I knew her faith would encircle my faith and God would bring victory to the entire family in this battle.

When we are truly tested our God becomes either smaller through our fear or larger through our faith. Times of adversity will warrant a change in perception of who God is.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Temple Trespassers

"For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord" 2 Corinthians 6:16-17.

If we claim to be one of God's children then according to God we carry in our hearts the temple of this holy God. If He lives with us is He enjoying the things we are watching on television and the items for which our attention is directed? If he walks among us is He pleased with the words that are coming out of mouths and the thoughts that are inhabiting our minds?

Are we standing out as Christians and setting ourselves apart or are we being pushed along in our days by our circumstances allowing our temple to be one of commonplace?

Join me in allowing the Holy Spirit to settle upon us this morning and reveal the truth about the condition of our heart. Also, ask Him to reveal what we are displaying in our temple that is not pointing to our Father and giving Him total honor and glory.

Live your life today so that anyone who comes across your path will know without a doubt who leads and guides you. Let us set ourselves apart as God has commanded~!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Romancing the Stone

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands...Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into the forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground." 1 Samuel 17:47-49.

I've got to tell you I have loved this story since childhood! Good vs. bad, strong vs. weak and the good guy wins. These few verses have amazing implications that we can implement into any Goliath we face. In theory, the odds of David winning this battle were very slim, David being a shepherd boy and Goliath being over 7 feet tall. The faith and audacity of David makes his own men ridicule his ideas about defeating the Philistine. Those closest to us sometimes send out these similar discouragements when we are facing battles. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to fill up our own "bag of stones" so that when the battle rages we are pulling from what we know - not what someone else is carrying in their bags. Our gathered stones of faith ensures our belief that as we run towards our challenges we can have confidence that God will fight our battles successfully.

If we never tend to our bags and collect what is required we run into battle ill-equipped and defeated before the charge. Our love relationship with God should be foremost in our lives in the calm times so that when we go into battle our stones are nice and smooth from all of the gentle carresses we have given them. Romancing the stone is giving our faith in God the proper attention, stroking and molding for facing our Goliaths in addition to building our love relationship with Him.

How are you romancing the stone?

Monday, April 13, 2009

Gotta Minute?

"So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

Prior to my father-in-law's Alzheimers anytime my husband was in a quandry about how to resolve something in his life or what direction in which to take regarding his life he would set aside time with his father. He would take a few days and visit him and hash over the decisions for which he faced. His dad would lovingly and patiently listen to him, consider all of the options and put into place his wisdom as it would apply to my husband's life. His father had built a relationship with my husband that created a safe, loving and consistent avenue for help in time of need.

My husband grieves this part of his life as his father does not have the capacity any longer to perform in this manner. His Alzheimer's has stolen and robbed him of this ability. Thankfully, my husband has His heavenly Father to approach on these matters.

Through Christ we have been given both access and authority to approach our Father and spend time hashing over the direction for our lives. God will never lose the capacity to listen and guide all of His children through life. Even in Alzheimer's my father-in-law is guided by his heavenly Father on that individual level that is unique to Bud and God. The throne room and the King meets us where we are whether that is desolation, aggrevation, consideration or devastation such as Alzheimers.

To approach boldly is to have confidence in seeking not only an outcome but the Mediator who will bring you the resolution.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Our Sweet Seedling, Beth

"What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body." 1 Co. 15:36.

This Easter Sunday comes with such a gift of message for me this year. Easter for me has always been a day of humility, gratitude and deep reflection for what Jesus did for each of us. It is a day that I could not quite grasp the depth of its meaning until this year. My sister's passing one month ago today has breathed fresh meaning into this unselfish act of Christ. He sacrificed everything so that Beth could be given the eternal gift of life. He suffered so Beth no longer had to. He died so that Beth could be resurrected with Him.

Without the death and resurrection of Christ, Beth's pain would have been unbearable and her death would have been without purpose. God is in the business of turning death into resurrection of something else - something better. For Beth, it is a better life, a better way, an eternal life starting a little earlier than it will begin for us.

Through her death this family ministry was resurrected and will provide the Way for many people to find Christ. Her life was planted as a seedling and God beautifully nourished and grew her until the seed became the life He determined at which point He brought her home to be with Him.

This devotion is for anyone who has experienced death in the recent past whether it is the death of a person in your life, the death of marriage, the death of financial security or the death of hope. Remember that in God's economy that all seeds must die before life can burst through - it is way of nature.

"So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body." 1 Cor. 15:42-44.

With every "death" you are experiencing remember that God will determine what life will be resurrected from your pain - who knows but that your pain will prompt a new ministry in your life. Allow this Easter Sunday to resonate upon you with a deeper meaning of fresh application and hope.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Vengeance is Mine!

"For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." Heb. 10:30-KJV

"For we know him who said, 'It is mine to avenge, I will repay,' and again, 'The Lord will judge his people.'" Heb. 10:30-NIV

"For we know the one who said, "I will take vengeance, I will repay those who deserve it." He also said, "The Lord will judge his own people." Heb. 10:30-NLT


Doesn't matter which translation we study God speaks loud and clear about revenge and judgment. I cannot help to draw a parallel between the day after the lynching and murder of Jesus and what has just happened in our community. The Minister of Music for the church I used to attend was a victim, along with her 2 1/2 year old daughter, of a tragic accident involving a twenty year old who was drag racing down a major highway. She was greatly loved by her friends, family and church and loved God with all of her heart. This senseless decision of racing created pain, suffering and anger in the life of those who loved the music director. She did not deserve this death nor did her 2 1/2 year old, much like Jesus.

God spoke these words thousands of years ago because He knew we would face situations that would provoke such a deep anger that without His intervention we would be unable to forgive. I love the KJV best because it speaks of vengeance belonging to Him - since we do not truly own our vengeance it is not ours to give to others. When we judge and condemn we are breaking one of God's essential commands - "Love others as I have loved you".

There have been many times I didn't receive the punishment I probably deserved from God because He looks deeper than our actions - He looks at our motives and truly knows who we are in Him. He has both the ability to forgive ALL indiscretions and the love to forgive them. On the flipside He has the right to judge and takes away our right to condemn.

Max Lucado states, "Judgment is God's job. To assume otherwise is to assume God can't do it. Revenge is irreverent. When we strike back we are saying, 'I know vengeance is yours, God, but I just didn't think you'd punish enough.' To forgive someone is to display reverence. Forgiveness is not saying the one who hurt you was right. Forgiveness is stating that God is fair and he will do what is right."

The driver of the other car didn't wake up that morning and decide to take the life of two people. God is able to look into his heart and know his motives and He will be the true Judge and Jury. Our community is charged to forgive this young driver but only with God's help are we able to accomplish this.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Pro Choice

"There are times when God sends thunder to stir us. There are times when God sends blessings to lure us. But then there are times when God sends nothing but silence as he honors us with the freedom to choose..." Max Lucado, Cast of Characters, p.110.

Choosing Christ is pretty black and white with no gray areas. Even on the cross Jesus hung between men who had to choose as they faced their impending death. The tenacity of one criminal mocking Jesus verses the honor and respect the other criminal displays for Jesus symbolizes the struggle of man. I suspect we have hung on both sides of Jesus but luckily the cross provides eterenal life when choosing Christ, apart from our actions. Once we have chosen Christ as our Savior we then journey on our spiritual walks with secondary choices a million times a day.

I love this paragraph from Max Lucado as he describes the different ways God speaks to us and allows us to choose what we will do with His leadings. We can choose daily how to respond to God as our spiritual rose unfolds according to His planting - not ours. The freedom to choose allows us to water and nourish the rose or starve the rose. Once saved, while our roses may wilt they will never be uprooted and thrown out of the garden.

Thank you Christ for dying so that we may live!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The Burning Bush

"One day Moses was taking care of Jethro's flock. When Moses led the flock to the west side of the desert, he came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire coming out of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up...When the LORD saw Moses was coming to look at the bush, God called to him fron the bush, 'Moses, Moses!'" Ex. 3:1-6.

I remember when God laid on my heart to complete my grandmother's book which she had been working off and on for almost 20 years. It wasn't until she had declined both physically and mentally that I heard Him call me to this task. I was both ill- equipped and unprepared for that which I was called. Many nights I was frustrated and confused and didn't really have the ability to get clarification from Grandmother. Although many times my clarification and encouragement came through her own writings there were many times it was clear I was way over my head. I plodded through it and thankfully God provided through me all of the touches need to bring this project to completion. In spite of me God was able to work through me.

I sometimes wondered if God had called me earlier in life to accomplish this when Grandmother would have been available to assist. I had to entertain the harsh fact that maybe I had not been surrendered enough to hear the call.

Had I walked right by my burning bush earlier in life? Was my focus towards the destination up ahead instead of on the path wherein the glow of the bush could be seen? We will never know all of the burning bushes we have hurried past but if it is God's will there will be another bush up ahead. Just because we miss God's voice in one instance doesn't mean He will not get our attention through another means.

Being surrendered is the key to recognizing when God is doing something and requires our partnership. What steps are you doing on your present path to ensure you do not miss the burning bush?

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Roll Out The Red Carpet

"It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way - a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" Mark 1:2-3.

Talk about a hero - this passage was speaking of John the Baptist. He was the forerunner to Christ to point everyone to the Messiah. While he ushered this point of time in he was not your typical hero. He was a "wild and wooly" desert dweller who dressed in camel haired vest and never shaved. He lived in the wild and ate locusts and honey. He did not conform to the world of that time nor did he fear the Law. He used whatever circumstance he faced to further his goal of pointing to the Lord's coming. He rolled himself out as a red carpet preparing the way for the King. Everyday he aligned himself with one purpose - the purpose of predicting the coming of Christ and getting the hearts of men prepared to receive the new way - the Christian way.

Whether we are in the desert or on the mountaintop what kind of red carpet are we rolling out? Does our carpet end at the door of the malls, the bars or the altar? We should always be voices calling to point to the Lord. We have a responsibility to use our experiences and point to Him to introduce our Savior and encourage others to reach out and grab the King's golden ring!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Recognizing God's Voice

"When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" John 10:4.

As a mother of three and grandmother of three, this verse holds such an endearing place in my heart. A parent's voice is recognized by the loving and continual communication of love between parent and child. This is exemplified in a baby when its mother enters the room and she begins speaking. From early on in the life of a baby they learn to recognize, depend and respond to its parents' voices. How many times have we held someone else's child only to have them strain to find their mother as she speaks? There is a comfortable and secure awareness on the part of the child that now all is alright since they have heard the soothing and loving voice of the one they recognize as mother or daddy. They even begin to cry in an effort to find themselves back in the arms of their parent.

Our Father desires for us to have this instant recognition of His voice. It is only through our efforts and pursuit of "knowing His voice" that we may recognize and enjoy the security and awareness that our loving Father desires to protect, nurture and guide us through our lives. Knowing His voice involves reading and meditating on His word, continual communion with Him during the day, both believing and anticipating that He is going to speak to us.

What steps can you take to position yourself daily to "recognize His voice"?

A big part of “knowing His voice” is recognizing His presence!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Saturday School

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

I was so blessed by this morning's Bible Study. I am using a book from Max Lucado called Cast of Characters for my morning devotions. Today's study was on the beloved disciple John during the weekend of the crucifixion of Jesus. Max was writing of the tradegy John experienced on Friday of losing a beloved friend and teacher to a brutal death. He explained how John didn't know of the impending resurrection on Sunday but simply lingered on Saturday because he wasn't ready to leave Jesus. He wanted to remain close to Him. Of course, tragedy turned to triumph on Sunday and Max leaves us with life application question?

"John chose to linger. And because he lingered on Saturday, he was around on Sunday to see the miracle. When you are somewhere between yesterday's tragedy and tomorrow's triumph, what do you do? Do you leave God--or do you linger near him?" Max Lucado, Cast of Characters, p. 90.

In pondering this question, I went back to my "Saturday season" when my daughter was in the depths of drug addiction for over 8 years. My Saturday didn't occur until I crucified my fears and chaos to God and decided to wait patiently on Him. I placed my out of control emotions behind the sealed stone and allowed Christ to carry my cross at year 6. My Saturday was another 2 years of waiting on Him to resurrect something...anything. Then on Mother's Day almost five years ago the sealed stone was moved and my daughter's life was resurrected. He was bringing her home and she has been clean and sober for 5 years on May 14! My "Saturday season" was definately one of "lingering near Him" and the triumph was worth the wait.

I am presently in another Saturday season with my Dad's cancer but I know that when that sealed tomb is open there will be triumph following tradegy.

What Saturday season are you in?

Sunday, April 5, 2009

What's In Your Closet

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

When choosing an outfit for a special occasion, we try on many combinations. We go to great lengths to make sure what we step out of our closet wearing shows our best foot forward. Our goal for clothing ourselves is to choose something which both flatters and feeds into our confidence.

Spiritually speaking, we sometimes shop from the wholesale garment rack. This rack, compliments of Satan, tempts us to choose the garments of pain, anger, resentment and bitterness. The garment of love never hangs on this rack for love takes time, patience, gentleness and forgiveness. Love will always cost more and will never be attained through cheap imitations.

Your garments are based on the choices that make you up as a person. The wonderful things about clothes is you can always discard the old and put on the new. The clothing of love comes at a price that we do not have to pay. It has already been paid and His name is Christ.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Outstanding Debt

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

Last night I came downstairs when I started feeling what I call "fleeting grief". It is grief that crashes over me but quickly recedes back into the endless water. I am one of those who love facebook and wrote on the status line that I was missing my sister, whom just arrived in Heaven three weeks ago. I went back to bed and received a pretty good night's sleep. After my morning devotions this morning I pulled up my facebook only to find ten responses of loving, encouraging and praying people in Christ.

I was overwhelmed and humbled, but not surprised, to find that on a Friday night so many people took the time to love me, encourage me and pray for me. This is the continuing debt that the Bible speaks of. It is a debt that Christ will never finish paying. It is a debt that is continuously paid with change from the heart, mind and spirit. It is a God debt that will never be paid off thanks to the unending and unfailing love of Love Himself.

I pray that you are surrounded with these same debtors as you are their debtors in Christ.

Friday, April 3, 2009

The Bridge to Somewhere Perfect

"Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads up to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19.

During the election we heard so much about the "bridge to nowhere" we were tempted to put it on our desired vacation list. This path was one of the most well-known places in the world but not for a valued reason. It was a path exemplified to show waste, no value, misrepresented efforts and self-edification. The word "edification" means to build up or strengthen, especially in morals or religion.

This exhortation commands that in every effort we make peace and strength our desired destination in one walk - the walk in Christ. Christ is our bridge towards peace and edification. With every effort we must align our minds and our footsteps to follow the path led by Christ. If we are following the Bridge we cannot go anywhere but where the Bridge is funneled on the other side. Christ is peace and to walk in Him it will always lead to perfect peace and mutual edification - the strengthening and building up of His body, the Church - the Bridge to somewhere Perfect.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Delighting in the Lord

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

To delight in someone is to find joy in their presence, to welcome their unique qualities and to express pleasure in their company. Women of Faith Study Bible-p.894.

The disciples whom Jesus pursued first responded resoundingly with delight. They followed, served, learned and taught as a result of spending time with Jesus and "delighting in Him". Their journey was earthly but our spiritual journey with Him can offer us this same delight.

We walk with Him and experience miracles. We pray with and to Him to receive peace and comfort. We watch Him has He performs wonderous works in the lives of others. We go to the mountain with Him and kneel together. We walk with Him on the water when the storms become too rough.

This approachable character of Christ is just as accessible for us when we delight in Him as He was for the disciples thousands of years ago.

Delight in the Lord and you will experience the desires of your heart as He placed them in you.