Gardens of Gratitude

“The LORD God planted a garden…and there He put the man…And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food…Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it…Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.” Ge 2:8-22.

I can only imagine what a beautiful place the Lord planted for Adam as his home. I am confident that as Adam looked around, he was overwhelmed with the beauty…the moss-covered path to walk down that split the beautiful fruit trees. The babbling brook splitting its path around the rocks. The sapphire colored sky and the birds that had taken to flight. The gentle wind that brushed his hair into his face. As if that weren’t enough, when he awoke from rest the discovery of his beautiful partner Eve who would share this beautiful garden with him. Did they walk hand in hand with their newly discovered love? Did Eve stop along the way, bending down to gather an array of colorful and fragrant flowers? Did a bunny hop across their path as they were walking between the trees? As they experienced all the goodness that God had given them, their hearts must have been so grateful for these blessings. And yet, there was still dissatisfaction in their hearts for the one thing they didn’t have…access to the one tree that stood in the center of their lives. At what point did their hearts of gratitude turn to thoughts of lack? Did they get bored…curious…resentful that God would withhold something good from them?

Before we judge too swiftly, I know that there have been times in my own life when I had every reason to be grateful for the garden that God planted for me. I have played in the fields of a beautiful childhood, strolled the paths of life with a loving husband by my side, and nurtured and cared for the amazing children with whom God entrusted me. And yet, sometimes in the secret place of my heart there have been tinges of ingratitude for a few things I didn’t have.

Today is a beautiful and meaningful day to consider all of the blessings that God has planted in our gardens. I pray that you and I will take the time away from the busy responsibilities of carving turkeys and baking pies today. I want to experience the joy of fellowship with those in my garden. I want to remember those who have walked the garden stones previously with me making my life better. I want to have more conversation today and less eating and fussing with dishes. I don’t want to think about tomorrow but fully breathe in the blessings of today. I want to be completely engaged in my Garden of Gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving! You are all in my garden and I’m so blessed that God planted you there.

Higher Thoughts

“The LORD said, ‘Do you have good reason to be angry?” Jonah 4:4

Many years ago, Bruce and I were at his brother’s house after he and his wife had just had twins. My sister-in-law had experienced a tough pregnancy being in and out of the hospital. Finally, the babies were born and life with 3 little children under the age of 3 began taking its toll on her. She had gotten a babysitter to watch the children so we could sneak out to a neighborhood restaurant. She and Jay had not yet been out since they were born, and she was so excited for the evening. She had bought an outfit, finally had the time to style her hair and apply make-up to a beautiful face that probably hadn’t worn make-up in a while. She came down the stairs and entered the room and looked at her husband and asked, ‘How do I look?’ I thought she looked beautiful in her new outfit that boasted bright earth tones, but Jay’s response was one we still say 30 years later. He replied, ‘Orange…you look orange’ referring to her outfit. Not the thing to say to a postpartum soul and exhausted new mommy. Needless-to-say, anger hung in the room for the next little while. Crystal had already made up her mind in advance how the story was going to end. She would seek Jay’s approval, and he would give both his blessing and validation.

Sometimes, we as believers have in our minds what it is that our life is supposed to look like. We have already written the script in our mind. When God allows something difficult to flow into our path that rewrites our story it is easy to feel anger. Many times, praying for God’s will to be accomplished really means asking Him to sprinkle blessings on our will. We come to Him with preconceived ideas seeking His stamp of approval on choices we have already made. When our expectations bump up against God’s reality contrary to our will, we must make a decision whether to receive it with humility and surrender or store up bitterness in our hearts. God has every single detail of your life and mine in the palm of His hand and sees the complete landscape of our lives. If God never gave us one more blessing wouldn’t it be enough if our life ended today? So, I ask myself today and I challenge you to consider, ‘Do we really have a reason to be angry? With everything God does on our behalf and in our best interest, must anger really be a part of the one or two prayers that haven’t yet been answered?’ Just like Jonah, it is easy to go and ‘find a plant under which to pout' when God doesn’t respond the way we expect Him to. When we realize that everything God allows in every situation is good…loving…prosperous…purposeful we can lay down our plans and reach for the beautiful plans He has for us.

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8-9

The Repenting Heart of God

“If that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it.” Jeremiah 18:8

Until this morning I had never read that there are verses in the Bible that says God repented or changed His mind. When I think of repentance, I think of an expression from the heart that is a response to sin committed. But we understand words and translations with limited knowledge when it comes to Scripture. We know that God does not sin, so it behooves us to understand the translation. In the Hebrew, shub is the word consistently used when talking about man’s need for repentance. It translates ‘to turn from sin to God.’ The Hebrew word nacham is the word relating to God’s repentance. It translates as ‘being moved to pity.’ God has a responsibility to convict sin, but thankfully He has the love to draw us back to His heart through circumstances He allows. His repentance is a response to our genuine plea for forgiveness and taking up new behavior. ‘When Scripture speaks of God repenting, it doesn’t imply that He’s done something wrong or made a mistake but just that He’s chosen a compassionate response as a result of another’s decision.’ Jonah – Navigating a Life Interrupted, Priscilla Shirer, p. 123.

We don’t have to look any further than our own parenting to understand this concept. There were times we had to correct our children’s bad choices through discipline. The punishment would continue until we felt they had a true heart of sorry. Many times, the punishment would be lessened or lifted based on their desire to reconcile the situation. As parents, Bruce and I were more than happy to restore them to full fellowship and blessings. Many times, our plan of discipline was altered by their change of heart. I believe this is what this concept means…God longs to restore fellowship with His children, leaving space for grace in His discipline. God is always eager to extend His love, mercy and forgiveness, giving us multiple chances to step back in full fellowship with Him.

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

The Best BOGO Ever!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

This beautiful verse on which all others hinge was the first Bible verse I memorized as a child. I’m sure that at that time I had little awareness of what this verse really meant. I had no idea of the pain that must have shattered the Father’s heart as He momentarily turned away from Jesus on the cross. I had no idea that the Son who died for little old me was perfect in every way to atone for my sins. I certainly had no way to comprehend that because of His choice to die, I now had a choice to live. But I do now, and it never ceases to humble me at the price Jesus paid. It was the most precious purchase ever made on my behalf and on your behalf.

I’m all grown up now with grown up problems and grown up decisions. But I walk out my journey with the simplistic message of the empty cross. God traded His throne in perfection for a cradle in the dirt and took on the flesh of Jesus. Jesus the Son died for you and for me. The Holy Spirit took up residence in our hearts the second we believed and equipped us with everything needed. Because of these events we are cleansed…we are rescued from sin…we are promised eternity.

Because Jesus paid that price, I not only get to live out eternity with Jesus, but I get to run back to both my earthly father and heavenly Father…it was a buy one, get one free (BOGO) purchase that will continue to be the greatest gift ever bought for me. So, if there is an empty place at the Thanksgiving table this year, we can take great comfort that by accepting the gift of Jesus, we get the gift of future reunions with our loved ones. 

Walking Out our Question Marks

“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” De 31:8

This is one of my favorite verses and it always brings comfort to areas of my life that still hold a question mark. We all have questions marks when facing tomorrow, but we don’t face it empty-handed or empty-hearted. As believers, we all have a spiritual arsenal we carry within us. One of greatest weapons when considering our unknown future up ahead is to cling to God’s mercies and miracles from past experiences. When we feel scared, we can reach into our little spiritual bags and cling tightly to His past faithfulness as a promise for a future victory. When we feel exhausted, we can call upon the Lord and repeat His words back to Him as a petition. ‘Lord, you promise that your grace is sufficient for me… Lord, you tell me to cast my cares upon you…Lord, you encourage me to come to you when I am thirsty.’ When we feel heartbroken, we claim the promise from God that He has and will come to heal our broken hearts and bring freedom from tough circumstances.

We walk this earth on a path of question marks, but our passage this morning reminds us that the path is led by God who has already walked it for us. Our future is His history and never in the history of the world has God failed anyone…not one person. His track record is the only perfect track record ever recorded. Because every single promise He gives to us will be fulfilled, we never have to fear that He will forsake us.

Whatever your question mark ends up being, God has already stamped an exclamation point on the end of the story. It is a beautiful story of God’s faithfulness…mercy…sustaining grace…undying love. It is a story of how you took God at His word! That is what is up ahead for you and for me. We are indwelt by His spirit…we are equipped for our journey… we are postured for triumph…we are promised of His constant presence. What a spiritual arsenal we possess as we face our questions marks of tomorrow!

Going About our Day

"As you are going make disciples…in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Growing up with grandparents being Wesleyan ordained ministers the phrase ‘Great Commission’ was understood by the time I was in middle school. They would share that not only was it a privilege, but it is the one command that every believer is given, and every single person is equipped to accomplish. The Great Commission was the cornerstone that resided in the heart of Jesus. He understood that His mission was to seek out those who didn’t know God and explain the love and saving grace of God. Jesus understood what most of us forget…the Great Commission doesn’t live on the other side of the world. It is intended to be shared as we go about our business each day as believers. With the Holy Spirit living inside us, we are given the opportunities to share our stories that point to God. With the Holy Spirit prompting us we have the awareness to see those around us who are lost and in need. With the Holy Spirit comforting us we have the compassion to comfort others and invite them into God’s family of fellowship with believers.

Today I have a list of errands and this is a good reminder for me to keep my spiritual radar out as I go about my day. As I shop for groceries this morning, I pray for eyes to see a person who needs to know Jesus. As I spend time with my daughter today, I will look beyond my own interests and have a listening ear connecting God to the situation. While preparing dinner tonight I can go ahead and say a few prayers for God to reveal His heart to certain people I know who don’t intimately know Him.

Making disciples is not just about sharing the gift of salvation with an unbeliever, although that it one of the highest callings for us all. Making disciples is more about having eyes to see and ears to hear opportunities to share the love of God, expanding another person’s knowledge of the character of God. Some days my awareness of this command disappears as soon as I have to sit in traffic. Some days my desire to check a bunch of boxes of completed tasks takes greater priority over my desire to make disciples. It is all about being spiritually intentional, and focusing on the importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world desperately needing the good news. So, as you go about your day and as I go about my day may we recognize the movement of God and the call to participate in the Great Commission.

An Offering Made by Fire

“Then the priest shall take from the grain offering a memorial portion, and burn it on the altar. It is an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD.” Leviticus 2:9

A few years ago, Bruce had a partial knee replacement. I watched first-hand how painful it was for him to move or bend the knee. I knew that part of Bruce’s morning routine was kneeling by the bed in prayer as soon as his feet hit the ground. One evening we were talking about different people who needed prayer. I assumed that since the surgery he just laid in bed in prayer before he got up. He told me that he had not changed anything in his spiritual routine. In fact, he had prayed in advance to be able to continue kneeling after the surgery. Painful as it was, he would get out of the bed, arrange his leg as best he could with the least amount of pain and proceed with his prayers. I remember the word ‘offering’ coming to my mind as I pictured him kneeling and praying for others.

I sincerely believe that when we pray during our most painful times…physically, spiritually or emotionally… our petitions ascend into heaven as a sweet aroma to the Lord. When we place our suffering on the altar of prayer, we invite God into those areas that hurt…areas that are broken…places that need repair. And just like Bruce’s knee, day by day through our prayers our wounds heal a little and our hearts settle into hope. I can’t even imagine what it is like to be the Father looking down on the frailties and brokenness of His children. When He hears our prayers for others in the midst of our suffering, I have no doubt it moves the heart of God. Anything that moves His heart is sweeter than any aroma we have ever experienced. The sweetest offering ever placed at God’s feet will be some of the most difficult times in our lives...those seasons of walking through the fire. So, when you are hurting…pray. When you are lonely…pray. When you are depleted…pray. And watch what the Lord will do for you, in you and through you.

The Colorful Cross

“Now Israel loved Joseph…he made him a tunic of many colors.” Ge 37:3 “So it came to pass…they stripped Joseph of his tunic…they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty…and they lifted him out…and sold him.” Ge 37:23-28

I have not read this story in many years, but it is certainly a story from which to draw application as believers. Israel, Joseph’s father favored his son, and out of his deep love made a robe for him with his own hands, displaying brilliant colors. Joseph experienced several dreams which prophesied that his family and all the nation would one day bow before him. Once he shared those dreams, they became enraged in addition to the jealousy they already had felt. They concocted a plan to remove him from the picture when they saw Joseph approaching them. No doubt he stood out on the horizon with those bright colors on his tunic. Once he came upon them, they stripped the robe off him and sold him to the Ishmaelites. But he didn’t need a robe to continue being favored. God began a string of circumstances that led Joseph into leadership with Pharaoh, gaining authority and status over all the land.

We too have a Father who has personally handled our lives, favoring us with love and blessings. Once Christ died for us, we have been given a robe of righteousness that displays His brilliant colors of grace, peace, hope and salvation. People should be able to see us from afar, recognizing that Christ is in us. We are favored children; we are chosen people and even when others try to strip us from favor and tear us down, we are protected. We are to reflect the beauty and radiance of Christ Jesus for a hurting and searching world. Whenever it seems someone has stripped us from our peace and joy, we must remember that we belong to our Father, who will never separate us from His favor.

When Roosters Crow

“Immediately a rooster crowed.  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus…who said, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.’ So he went out and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:74-75

This morning as I was considering this heart-breaking scene, I decided to put myself in Peter’s sandals.  The day had to have been a gut-wrenching display of torture as Peter watched his friend and mentor experience the brutal treatment.  As a physically broken Jesus dragged His own cross through the streets I wonder if Peter was running along side through the crowd.  As Peter witnessed Jesus being flogged and nailed to the cross, was he thinking that he might be next?  Traumatized and frightened, he feared that through his association with Jesus he might also be chosen to endure what he had just witnessed.  Did he see the leers and hear the cheers arise as Jesus fell down?  I can’t even imagine the hysteria that surrounded the crucifixion, but I can certainly understand Peter being scared half to death.  And so, with the trauma of the day and terror in his heart the multiple denials came…and immediately the rooster crowed…and tears were shed.

We probably all know what it is like for our emotions to prompt regretful actions.  Sometimes the person most surprised by our sins or weaknesses is our self.  The rooster crowed the morning that I had to disclose my hidden secrets about spending.  The rooster crowed the morning I signed my divorce papers 35 years ago.  The rooster crowed when after years of bitterness for a family member God revealed my heart. 

What was it for you when the rooster crowed?  What set of circumstances were set up that caught you at your weakest moment, during your most fearful time?  The image of the crow of the rooster in our story has always brought me sadness.  But this morning I am blessed by the reality of not when the rooster crowed, but the moment after when awareness filled Peter’s heart.  That crow marked a change of heart in a man for whom Jesus had great plans despite his denial.  That crow marked a line drawn in the spiritual sand where Peter would become the rock on which Jesus would build the church.    Whatever we have done, there is always life after the rooster crows.  Our greatest failures can be used to carry out God’s greatest successes.  It is when we discover our weaknesses and flaws that God will use our stories to accomplish great things in His name.