A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AT THE BOTTOM

       Someday I may write about life from the top … but not today. Because today I am feeling at the bottom, so rather than giving a fresh coat of paint to things … I think I’ll just say where I’m at … I feel lousy.

         Yep – you heard me. Yes I am a Christ follower and I’m not proud of how I’m feeling tonight but there it is – I’m depressed – sad – overwhelmed. I feel like my life is a disaster.

         And I’m not alone.

         And God is okay with hearing where I’m really at even if others are not.

         David wrote some of the best psalms starting at this point.

         But I’m not writing psalms – I’m writing a Christian blog of hope and encouragement … so … how is this going to work?

         I have no idea. But the blog is due and I’m depressed so here we are.

         Sometimes don’t you ever feel down? Of course – we all do. And it isn’t necessary to act like we are on top of the world when life has kicked us hard. What is necessary is to stay in touch with the truth. Because in the mire of disappointment, heartache, suffering etc. -  the truth can be hard to find.

         And here is the truth …

         Jesus is the same One I have loved and trusted – He hasn’t changed.

         Nothing has happened to me (or you) that God lost track of, wasn’t able to handle, didn’t care about or any other crazy idea the enemy is selling.

         While the distinct possibility exists that I may feel worse tomorrow – the fact is that “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

         Therefore I plan to cry …

                  Not forever because of course another truth is that the day is coming when God will wipe away all the tears … but right now I am sowing for a harvest of joy.

          I also plan to pray …

                  That is never a waste of time because all the prayers of the saints are kept in golden bowls in heaven (Revelation 5:8)

         My circumstances haven’t changed during the writing of this blog and neither has the truth.

         I feel better.     

AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP

An old friend showed up the other day. The meeting brought back memories, not all of them good. She was dressed in dark clothing, which I never liked.  But long ago I learned not to judge by a mere appearance.

         Seeing her walk toward me from a distance, quite frankly I thought about ducking down another street to avoid her. She always brings a bit of a depressing atmosphere initially.

         But then I remembered our times past – how she stood by my side during some of my darkest days and turned them bright again. I remembered how her influence served to lead me to the Lord in times of trouble, how she stood by me as I groped my way through sorrow.

         I felt a little ashamed of my first response to try and avoid her.

         So I braced myself and smiled. I looked her right in the eyes and said, “It’s nice to see you. You always make my life better.”

         She lifted her head and her eyes were the loveliest, softened blue – they seemed to look at me and know me deeply. My old friend smiled at my greeting and stood still.

         Then she gently took my hand and we walked together toward Jesus.

         Oh I’m sorry – I haven’t introduced you. Of course I’m sure you know her – maybe you try to avoid her also. But I promise you, if you meet her in the right circumstances, she is a good friend to have. You just have to get past her looks.

         Please meet my dear friend … Suffering.

I Peter 4: 12 & 13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.”

Philippians 3:10: “ … the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings …”

SUGGESTED READING: I PETER 4

Click on the title of this blog to leave a comment. 

DO WE BELIEVE AS DEMONS OR DISCIPLES?

I have a young friend who loves the book of James.  No – no – you don’t understand … SHE LOVES THE BOOK OF JAMES!!!!!

            There is something about coming across a person with a genuine love of God’s Word and enthusiasm for a deeper faith that just ignites the rest of us. Or a new believer who is ready to believe and do everything exactly as God wants … don’t they just take you to a different place?

            We need that zeal. The flame that bursts with new energy as it surges forward to work out a life for God. No it isn’t where our salvation comes from … but it is the fruit that shows we are saved.

            Jesus Christ was not lukewarm.  He worked every moment of every day on earth unless He was drawn apart to a solitary place to pray. No one could see Jesus and not know He was different. They may reject what He offered, but He was totally on fire for His Father.

            JAMES 2:19 – “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.”

            This lukewarm assent that there is a God is not the belief of a disciple but of demons. The belief of disciples is DIFFERENT!!! As disciples we live our salvation out in front of the world not in pride … but in service to Christ.

            What good is a faith that sees a person without clothes or food and wishes them well? True believers will be shopping for groceries and gathering clothes.

            What good is a belief of salvation that fails to hold out a hand to lift a sinner from the mud?

            What good is reading JAMES chapter 3 … then going out in the world with an unbridled tongue? 

            In the book of Acts chapter 16 when the jailer asks what he must do to be saved … the answer is a simple and truthful “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” 

            A belief that passes a person from death to life is not lukewarm. It is not a mere acknowledgment that changes nothing in their life. It is not the belief of demons.

            So today – may we BELIEVE in JESUS CHRIST out loud, up front, in truth, in action, in EVERYTHING.  May we believe as disciples.

God bless you as you work and live today for Him.

Dedicated to my young friend who loves the book of JAMES. 

WHEN I THINK ABOUT YOU

Sometimes when I think about You … I have questions.

         Ephesians 2: 8&9 – talks about being saved by grace not by our works – I get that – You are the way, the truth and the life and no one enters heaven except through You.

But then verse 10 talks about us being created in Christ Jesus to do good works … works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.

        So then … works are important?

Sometimes when I think about You … I think about eternal life.

         John 3:16 - … whoever believes in You shall not perish but have eternal life.

         So then … will I really live forever with You?

         Sometimes when I think about You … I think about believing … there seems to be more to it.

         James 2:19 says that even demons believe … that there is one God … and shudder.

         So then … how do I believe enough?

Sometimes when I think about You … I want to do something.

         I want to do exactly what pleases You.

         John 6:29 – says that my work is to believe in the One that God sent. That would be You – right Jesus?

         So then … can it really be that simple? 

A whisper stirred in the night air and a childlike heart turned to Jesus … a door opened that could never be closed … the dialogue of a lifetime commenced … the kingdom of heaven advanced. 

         When I think about You … 

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Since I was young, I’ve always had this idea that if I could just get to the right spot in thinking, circumstances, emotions … some magical “sweet spot” … my life would change and all would be well.

I’ve never found that “sweet spot”. My life has never magically worked out. In circumstances of conflict, I’ve held the naïve view that if we just talk honestly – well everything should work out right?  We will understand and hug. Yeah – that hasn’t happened either.

I’m older now and one would think I could let go of these somewhat childish ideas, but even recently I’ve been bugging God about this. Isn’t there just a place in our faith where we arrive and all is calm? A place where trials are past, misunderstandings melt, people love me all the time for who I am not what I can do for them? A morning we wake up knowing that our doubts are conquered, our gifts are sure, our purpose makes sense?

And now bear with me to the answer I received …

God’s creation is magnificent - so always the Word in Romans 1:20 has made sense to me - “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Many times I have seen God’s ways and character in His creation – really no one could miss it! So once again I lay on my bed asking God for help – shouldn’t I be farther along than I am? But this petition had finally met the moment in time that my Heavenly Father knew I was ready for the answer.

“How does darkness turn to light? How does the night pass and the new day dawn?” From darkness to light is a process by God’s hand ... I breathed in My Heavenly Father’s answer …

And so I understood … as the stars need their nest and the moon its cradle to light the world dimly – so my life needs its times of darkness that stars of faith may shine in the most unlikely spots.

I lay on my bed thinking about that passage from darkness to light each day for the decades of my life. Never has God’s power or divine nature wavered. Not one time.

You’re probably thinking I should have figured out many years ago that there was no “sweet spot” of arrival. Perhaps. But I prefer to think at just the right time Jesus gave me new wisdom to carry me on from this day through the rest of my nights until I wake up in the brightest light ever.

May you trust through the darkness and hope in the Son.

            Much love … Bev

MISSED APPOINTMENT and other downward spirals...

So we are posting blogs on Mondays and Thursdays.

Yes I know today is Friday … I missed my appointment to post.

As I was beating myself up for failing to post, a few things went through my mind:

         I’m never going to finish this book if I can’t keep up with a simple blog.

         What’s the difference – there probably isn’t anyone reading anyway.

         I’m hopeless.

And then a little voice said:

“Really?”

“The blog is ready – just post it a day late. It isn’t the end of the world.”

“If one person reads it and feels drawn to think about God or give their life to Christ … it’s a good day.”

I decided to shelve the original post for today (well for yesterday) and watch this argument with myself. As I backed up to observe my alternately beating myself down and trying to prop myself up, I realized I was involved in a downward spiral.

Have you ever done that?

One mistake … one failed appointment … a relationship that didn’t work …

Do you allow yourself to be caught up in a whirlpool of doubt about your purpose? Do you ever begin to doubt your life is going to be used by God?

It happens to all of us. We are imperfect. But we serve a perfect God. And He has given us a few tidbits to get back on track. Let’s listen to His conversation rather than ours.

         James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

         Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

         Philippians 4:6 and 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I feel better already.

I finished the blog. I presented to God a request to finish the book. I thanked God for helping me.

I’m a day late – but there you are reading (at least I know a few are) – thank you.

And God just gave me peace. May you be blessed and comforted by the verses above. Bible verses work best when they are lived not just read.

See you Monday!

JESUS RESPONSE TO THE RESUME

You are not anonymous to me.

I know you – when you sit down and when you stand up – if you travel I know your whereabouts ... anywhere. (Read Psalm 139)

 I know the number of hairs on your head.

The purpose you seek:  To believe God and to glorify Him.

The truth: I am the way, the truth and the life. (Check out John 14)

You sound weary – Come to Me and I will give you rest. My benefit package is out of this world.

About your skills:

Smiling through pain – I know about suffering – and I weep with those who weep. But I can give you real reasons to rejoice.

Techno – savvy – I have ways that you haven’t even dreamed of to turn knowledge to wisdom. My technology is beyond your imagination. Check out the transfiguration. (Matthew 17)

The empty place in your soul – I can fill it with springs of living water.

So about qualifying for a position with Me …

            Everyone sins and so is separated from God. But We decided long ago to grant a way of salvation that would leave no one left behind except by their own choice.

            I came. I lived. I taught. I died … for you.

I took on your sin and I submitted to being crucified. I paid your debt all the way to death. I was obedient to God the Father and obedience is ALWAYS rewarded.

            And then …  the history of our relationship did not end but begin.

I rose from the dead. I am in heaven standing before the Father asking that my death be counted on your account. He always says yes to me.

            So unless you turn down the offer – you are welcome in the company of saints. 

            It requires your decision … what have you decided?

            Welcome. Now remember you are new and will have some questions, will make some mistakes, will not understand everything about the company. But you will never be out of work again.

            Congratulations. Angels are rejoicing about the new hire.

THE RESUME

NAME: Anonymous (please)

ADDRESS: I’m standing right next to you

OBJECTIVE: The truth about God.  A purpose for my life.

Also would like to work in an area of friendship and safety. Open to the idea of a small group or church.

PRIOR POSITIONS:

·      Present: Sinner (but nothing awful – well maybe in 2007 but not much else)

·      2008 to 2015: Establishing Myself (job; spouse; hobbies; bank account; 401K)

·      1986 to 2008: Student – I was taught what the world had to offer – I picked what looked good to me

·      1981 to present: Family member – I’ve held the position but haven’t done much with it

SPECIAL SKILLS:

·      Have become adept at smiling when in pain

·      Can conceal the empty space in my soul unless caught off guard

·      Technically savvy

·      Am able to make small talk about dozens of topics

·      Stress management

·      Health management

·      Financial management

References available upon request.

I’m hoping someone out there has a position for me because right now I’m feeling pretty desperate. Life seems empty. I’m afraid of aging and death.

Thanks for your consideration.

NEXT: RESPONSE TO THE RESUME

WHEN IS CHEERING SOMEONE ON OUT OF LINE? ... NEVER!!

I know this isn’t our usual stuff. However, I had an unusual experience recently and I’d like to share it.

Our oldest granddaughter recently graduated from junior high. I know many of you can identify since we just passed through the season of graduates. We were super proud and saw lots of other parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles … well lots of other proud folks.

Our experience started out okay – we were invited down to take pictures of our graduates – after all the night was about them. Wasn’t it? But after the initial glow of glory for the kids, something strange happened.

Adults sabotaged the night. Probably well-meaning adults, but nonetheless the night became skewed in another direction. There were speeches … long speeches. Students fidgeted, parents were bored and yet without regard to the stars of the evening, the speeches continued.

The excitement of the event began to seep away. It was revived a bit when a student speech emerged slightly overshadowed by the dignitaries who spoke. Then the moment we all had been waiting for … time to announce our graduates.

But wait … one more order of business. The educator stood at the microphone reminding us that cheering for our students should not resemble cheering at a Hawks game. After all this was different.

Darn straight – I don’t know the Blackhawks. But I know and love my granddaughter – I was there when she was born.

Furthermore we were directed to wait to cheer until the entire row was announced, to be respectful of other students (as if we were too stupid to think of being respectful on our own … as if not cheering for our kids was respectful?)

Well we have a problem. I’m a grandmother and a rule follower. However, students don’t graduate in a row. They graduate one precious person at a time. Additionally if the evening weren’t taken up by speeches from adults and awards to adults – there would be plenty of time to cheer on our kids.

So yes – when her name was called our family stood, cheered, and experienced great pride in her accomplishment. She came off the stage with a big smile, as proud of her crazy family as we were of her.

Congratulations Lindsey … we love you!!!

WHEN CHRISTIANS ERODE

There are catastrophic times when all at once an avalanche slides over homes, a tsunami wipes out a city, an earthquake fells an area, a forest fire sweeps away a mountain community.

         But how much change has happened on the earth by simple erosion over a long period of time. No one really notices as pieces of earth dislodge slowly, seeping into a nearby stream. There isn’t a hue and cry when a river, over generations, lowers itself from previous rocks where it once proudly swept.

         I wonder if the enemy has used the same technique. When he loses the war for our souls … does he shift to a daily skirmish to break our spirit?  Slowly picking at our weaknesses, creating doubt about our strength, reminding us at every turn how we still sin – the enemy seeks erosion where he cannot win through catastrophe.

         How about giving us pride in our Christian walk? Perhaps the enemy prefers the erosion of a judgmental spirit toward those who aren’t doing what we believe they should. Or how about the erosion of satisfaction with what WE have and do – eroding the thankful spirit and grateful heart.

         There is erosion within us every time we make ever so slightly a turn away from God. Perhaps ten years or a generation will pass before it is noticeable but make no mistake – erosion leaves its mark … on the earth and on the soul.

         Hebrews 6 – talks about the process of falling away and the harm it brings, perhaps even positioning us in a state of no return. I like verse 9 for us today: “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case – things that accompany salvation.”

         So don’t be unaware that the enemy prowls through the earth. Don’t let him have even a tiny foothold. In danger of erosion? There are safeguards to keep free of its destruction.

         Today I spent time with the Lord telling Him some things I could never share with another person. I want my faith to stand the test of time. I want the next generation to see Jesus held me firmly through the times of catastrophe and the darkness of a single night.

Even now the enemy whispers in my ear how I have failed.  It’s true.        

Then Jesus gets in front of me and suddenly not a single speck of my soul is lost.

NEXT TIME: WHEN IS CHEERING SOMEONE ON OUT OF LINE? NEVER!

A PERSPECTIVE ON THE LENGTH OF OUR DAYS

We’ve all known people that we feel have died too young. But as we examine God’s Word it turns out that our days are ordained and written before we came to be (Psalm139:16). No lifespan is too short for God’s plans and purpose.

We have watched people who are older and suffering – perhaps thinking it would be better for them to be released. Again handing the reins of life over to God where they properly belong – we pray. No lifespan is too long for God’s plans and purpose.

Life is sacred.  All life.  Any age.

For the child who never saw the light of day and for the senior whose eyes have grown dim … God sees and cares about the moments of life and the decades.

And for the rest of us who are cascading over the waterfall of life? Depending on our age and circumstances it can feel like each day lasts forever or like the decades slipped away in the still of the night.  

But it is a finite ride.

Psalm 90: 10 and 12 –

“The length of our days is seventy years – or eighty, if we have the strength; …”

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

    The expected lifespan of man has been altered a couple of times in the Bible – this is the last one I find. The Holy Spirit whispering to us – encouraging prayer to have a perspective on our lifespan – that we might gain a heart of wisdom.

    A heart of wisdom … knowing how to spend our precious time given by God on earth … before we enter eternity …

    Can you hear that sound? It is the sands of time, the splash of the waterfall ride … listen and live.

NEXT TIME: WHEN CHRISTIANS ERODE

ASSUME GOD IS RIGHT!

Assume: To put on; to take upon oneself; to invest oneself formally with; to take up or receive  … well you get the drift …  assumptions are operating systems we use unless something proves them incompatible with life. Assumptions are like a handrail we use to keep ourselves steady and to make sense of our world.

The word assume has gotten a bad rap sometimes like it’s a negative thing to do -  but in reality – life requires some assumptions or we would make ourselves crazy before we ever got out the door in the morning. For example:

         I assume I will be able to breathe when I wake up in a new day

         I assume my car will start

         I assume if I’m tired I need to rest

         I assumed when I was younger that teachers were smart

         I assumed when I was younger that government officials cared about people

The list could go on and on. There are just things we don’t argue or doubt each day. Take a look at my list. The items listed aren’t 100% guaranteed. I’ve been wrong on occasion. I tweaked a couple of these over the years and one of them was completely annihilated.

But what if one day we decided to assume God is right? What if we assume that the Lord of all creation actually knows what He is talking about? If I have confidence in my car starting – what if I have confidence that God really does breathe into people and into scripture?

If I’m tired – what if I assume that Jesus welcomes me and wants to give me rest?

What if I assume there really is a Holy Spirit that guides me and leads me into all the truth?

What if I assume that there really is a way of salvation – just one way – and it is exactly what God said?

What if I assume that heaven exists … and eternity … and a right and  wrong way to live … what if there are blessings … faith that heals … prayers that are stored in a golden bowl … heard … answered.

What if I assume God actually knows how many hairs are on my head … what if He is really that God?

Of all the many assumptions the world offers us … let’s commit to the best, highest, most likely to be true assumption of all time … let’s assume that God is right!!

Headed out right now to see what He says … how about you?

ACCURATE JUDGMENT – APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENT – UNCANNY MERCY

THE WORD:  Please read John 8:1 – 11 – Seriously His word is perfect. Mine is not.

This is the familiar story of the woman caught in the act of adultery who was brought to Jesus by “teachers of the law and the Pharisees (religious leaders)”. 

It must have been quite a sensation to drag the woman in and stand her in shame before a multitude … and Jesus.

The religious leaders asked Jesus what He would say to do, their motive to trap Him by the question. Jesus did not let their agenda influence His actions. He quietly bent down and wrote on the ground. In response to their continued questioning, He straightened up and gave a brilliant and convicting answer:

            “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Of course there was no one.

So what happened here?

An accurate judgment (she was caught in the act)– an appropriate punishment (the Law of Moses said to stone her) – an uncanny mercy (Jesus). It wasn’t that what the woman had done wasn’t a sin deserving of death – God’s laws don’t change. What we see is God, through His Son Jesus, has an extravagant mercy to the repentant sinner.

The woman in the grasp of “righteous” people had no hope of escaping the judgment and punishment that adultery deserved. But then …  the presence of God in the person of Jesus stood up. Meeting His warm eyes  - how must she have felt when the only One who could condemn her … chose not to!

As a probation officer for 20 years, I watched a lot of people in the grasp of the consequences of breaking the law. They had various reactions. I always had a good feeling about the ones who looked down in sorrow and then looked me in the eye and listened to what they had to do.

I imagine myself like that when I come to ask forgiveness from Jesus. Sometimes I have waited until I have beat myself to a battered mess or maybe someone else has … it makes walking to Him difficult and its tough lifting my eyes.

But then I feel His presence and the mercy runs in warm waves over my soul. I can hear Him saying to the woman and to me:

            “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

NEXT BLOG IS: ASSUME GOD IS RIGHT!

TEENS GET READY!!!

This blog is dedicated to my favorite age group – TEENAGERS!!!! Of course pre-teens are welcome also because you will shortly inhabit my favorite age group.

Adults you are welcome to listen and I love you – most of my friends are adults – but hey – teenagers are an important part of the church – no I didn’t say the church of the future … teens are a critical part of the body of Christ TODAY!!!

So get ready for what?!!

Those of you who know me … you know what’s coming … I can hear Nenna saying it now … that’s right …. YOKING!!!!!!!

WHAT IS YOKING?

Visualize two oxen bound together by a large wooden harness fastened around their necks and held in place by leather fasteners. The yoke is used in order to get the strength of both working together to one task. Two oxen in the field without a yoke can move their own way, but introduce the yoke and they are bound together.

THE WORD

2 Corinthians 6: 14- 16  “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God….”

            SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 2 CORINTHIANS chapters 4 -6

We are expected to be out in the world – we are witnesses for our Lord Jesus. Each of us holds our own particular position in the world for Him. As we move through our area of influence - sprinkling the salt of Jesus and shining His light – we form relationships.

Some of these are acquaintances – maybe some school friends who we have for a moment in time but in the scope of a lifetime they will not necessarily be a constant. These are people we interact with but who are not really influential in our lives.

We have best friends – people we have lots in common with or we really like their personalities. We influence each other. They are important in our lives. What they think matters. We spend a lot of time with them.

Since I’m talking to teens – I’m assuming most of you aren’t married? Yeah, good.  But now we enter the time of hanging out with a group – maybe even choosing someone we are attracted to who gets a little more of our time and attention.

EMERGENCY CHECK YOKING PROCEEDURE HERE!!!!

We can’t afford at any age to “yoke up” with someone who will be going in the other direction from the path that Christ has for us.

By all means reach out and touch the world for Jesus – everybody you can get to – show them what Jesus is like– tell them who Jesus is– invite them to fellowship in a group of believers … but no yoking.

What do I do now to follow God’s will?

PICK YOUR YOKE

            Jesus is talking to us in Matthew 11:28 - 30

“Come to me, all 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.”

Making this decision to follow God’s Word at this time in your teen years can bring you to God’s first best choices for you in all things ahead. May He bless you richly and may His Holy Spirit give you life and fruit.

Questions, comments, topics you want to hear?  Let us know either on our facebook page or email us - yashmeajourney@gmail.com

GO TELL IT!!         

THE FLAVOR OF REMEMBRANCE

Memorial Day is here and as I think about all the people who laid down their lives in serving this country – I am amazed and grateful. Sacrifices made selflessly that impacted their families, their friends, and the freedoms of this country.  In remembrance, I sit still for a silent moment of thanksgiving and prayer.

The moment leads me to think about other remembrances in my own life. I am not a sentimental person and as a general rule do not keep physical things to remember special people or events. But I do remember …

I believe in the power and promise of remembrances … something to remind me of a loved one who has died, to remind me of my own “Exodus” experiences in life with God, to remind me that a sacrifice has been made for me to have life and freedom … oh yes … remembrances are necessary.

It just isn’t necessary to have “stuff” for remembrances … a quiet moment with flavor will do. Life has many flavors scattered from the bitter root to the sweet fragrance of mercy. I prefer sweet to bitter. How about you? While bitterness may be an initial flavor in mourning and suffering, it was never intended for long-term tasting.

But what of the most important remembrance ever given? Our Lord Jesus knew that He would be killed. He was willing to make that sacrifice because He knew His death would flavor an entire world with salvation … with true peace … with mercy and love. Jesus needed to be remembered, His death needed to bleed into the lives of those surrounding Him at crucifixion and on through generations until His return.

What kind of remembrance can be used for the most important moment the world has ever known? Jesus created His own before He left. It didn’t involve any piece of His clothing or special momento because it was going to have to serve an entire world for all generations. It involved an action of sharing with ordinary things representing extraordinary truth.

Given first to the disciples of Jesus and now to all of us who claim Him as our Lord:

 He spent time with His disciples – celebrating the Passover meal

He gave thanks

He shared … wine for His blood, bread for His body

“DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME …”

Brilliant.

A sweet flavor … a beloved Savior … sharing His life … IN REMEMBRANCE

            Today in memory of Him – let’s say thanks, share a meal, and tell of His sacrifice.

NEXT POST – TEENS GET READY!!!

A ROCK IN MY SHOE

I know – I know – not the best title you’ve ever heard.

But that’s what happened. It was like this:

I was up north by myself and needed some exercise so I started off walking down the road. I decided to walk to town making a wide loop, part of which took me on the highway. I had a purpose and a plan. I felt pretty good.

But then I was thinking - it’s dangerous walking along a highway … by yourself … things are moving very fast.

And of course as you can tell by the title, I got a rock in my shoe. Not in the back part of the walk where it is peaceful and few cars whiz past but right on the main highway. I had some choices:

            Walk the rest of the way home with the rock in my shoe (it was a long way).

            Stop, get out of the traffic, and take the rock out (ugh – I’m going to look ridiculous and it will be hard).

The first choice was so much easier but it was going to impact my walk all the way back to the cabin. The second choice would make the walk easier but I would have to take my shoe off (which was double knotted like a kid’s) and I worried about balancing while I was operating so close to a highway. And face it – I’m lazy.

 I started daydreaming about what God might be saying to me by this experience.

Life moves fast. Take time for my walk with God.

Sometimes I make lazy spiritual decisions.   

Sometimes the easiest path is bad for my walk.

Doing something right for my walk might put me at risk.

What a great blog this is going to make.

            But only if I make a decision… well maybe I could do the easy thing but write it the way I should attend to my walk.

            But no … if I’m going to share the spiritual journey – I need to walk it.

So …  I prayed - I got off the road – I balanced - I unknotted my shoe - I looked ridiculous - I removed the rock … and I walked home thinking how there isn’t any situation where God is not walking with me … ready to teach me … ready to lead me … how full of His grace my life is!

The apostle, Paul, had an amazing walk with the Lord. He experienced great revelations, saw Jesus on the road to Damascus, taught crowds, stood up for God’s plan of salvation no matter the cost … and he had a “thorn in his flesh”. Paul knew the thorn served the purpose of keeping him humble … but thorns are painful.

So three times he prayed for God to take it away. It never says what this “thorn” was but the Bible does record God’s answer to Paul.

            2 Corinthians 12:9 “… My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

            So Paul went on with his life and his thorn because he believed God. I do too. I could get the rock out of my shoe but trust me … I still have some thorns … and that’s okay. God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness.

FORGIVE ME

For those of you who checked in today to read a little devotional thought  – thanks so much but I need to have a little conversation with myself.

What?

Oh of course you are welcome to listen but … well this isn’t going to be pretty.

***

“Okay look I know today hasn’t been great. But you know these things happen and the bottom line is you need to forgive.”

You don’t understand … this really hurt! And its not the first time and let’s be real it won’t be the last time. I’m sick of it. And what does that mean anyway to forgive? I’m just not sure what that means. (pouty face)

“Well you seem to know what it means when you ask God to forgive you when you’ve done something wrong. So I’m pretty sure you do know what it means.”

Yes well … I ask!!! They didn’t ask me to forgive them. Of course if they did I would. But they didn’t. So I’m just going to … I’m going to …  (angry face)

“Exactly. Where are you going with this? You’re going to …  not forgive?? Or maybe you think there are other options?”

I’ll forgive when asked! (self-righteous face)

“You’ve been asked.”

No that isn’t true – they never ask for forgiveness. And the things are done in such a way that I can’t even … oh I can’t even confront it. It’s like a passive-aggressive -(I have been wronged face)

“Stop.”

What do you mean stop? I want to explain my side. You don’t understand!!!” (misunderstood face)

“First of all – I understand. Have you forgotten you are talking to yourself? It isn’t necessary to tell your side. God already knows it. And God is the one who asked you to forgive.”

Well then I want to talk to God. (hopeful face)

Mark 11:25 “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Oh. (convicted face)

#Prayer Life

I Chronicles 5:20 – “They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to Him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him.”

The battles of life can be overwhelming. Often it appears as though the odds are stacked against us; the power is on the other side; success appears impossible.

At times when I feel weak, Psalm 18 tells me these things:

·      The Lord is my support

·      My God turns my darkness into light

·      With His help I can advance against a troop or scale a wall

·      It is God who arms me with strength

·      He trains my hand for battle

·      His right hand sustains me

·      He stoops down to make me great

The account of God’s deliverance in I Chronicles shows the path from weakness and sure defeat to strength and certain victory … we cry out to the Lord during the battle.

He answers us not because the prayer is spoken but because the heart is engaged in trusting. 

So many times we worry or struggle over the words of our prayers but God hears the heart. The perfectly worded prayer that is merely spoken is as though heavy stones landed on dry dust. But the cry of the heart that trusts in God is a miracle of flight directly to our Lord’s listening ear.

In my 40+ years of following Jesus, I have cried out at many times. I have not always received what I wanted however I have always been given:

·      The support of God

·      Light for my path

·      The ability to move forward

·      Strength for the moment

·      Training in battle

·      God’s right hand in mine

·      The sense that God bent down and kissed my forehead

Part of prayer life is crying out when the battle rages. Never mind the words you use. Its your heart He listens to … the sound of battle will recede as your arm grows strong … as light shines … and God stoops down.

Pray without ceasing in the battle.

MUSTARD SEED WITNESSING

2 Chronicles 20:17 – “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you … “

Really you need to read before that too …

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 

… and the whole chapter, and the book of 2 Chronicles and the Old Testament and the New Testament …

I digress - which means I’m getting off track – sorry – moving on …

I was walking in the sweet warm air around the track that circles the park near my house. I passed a few people along the way but my mind was taken up with that verse from 2 Chronicles.  The direction given so many years ago is applicable today – take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.

The words are still so completely true. I looked around the park at the beautiful green grass and trees. I remembered how God told Abraham to look around as far as he could see -  that would be his land – and the land of his offspring. Is this my land to be God’s witness to all who are near? Is this my position?

Sending a text with the verse to my sons I strolled forward. A couple walked toward me in the distance and I heard a stirring in my heart, “Share the verse”.

I reminded God I had shared the verse with my sons …

 “Share the verse”

Now we know that feeling: “I’m going to look stupid; how do I stop them; they are going to think I’m nuts”.

 On the other hand - He is God. He saved my life. It’s a small mustard seed to plant.

“Excuse me do you have a moment?”

“I’m really not a nut…”

Well actually a case could be made for that… Bev get to the point.

Deep breath – be gentle – and humble – just do it already!

“I have this verse I’m supposed to share with someone and you guys are the only ones around.”

            Okay – seriously – that’s your line – you so look like a nut!

But …  I say the verse and then explain I don’t know what it will mean for their life but have a great day. Slowly I turn and start to walk.

The man stops me, clearly he is pondering, and then tells me they had been reading in Revelation that morning.

REALLY THAT IS MY FAVORITE BOOK!!  God’s here!!!

“It said – I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.”

“Oh”, I blurt out, “We blessed each other.”

            We all smile and move back into our lives. From the moment in eternity where we touched for God’s purposes – I resume walking. My heart is pounding because I was so nervous to say that verse to strangers. But as I walked my heart rate slowed and a smile came to my face.          

            We all have verses that are precious to us. What if we packed them each day with our stuff for work or wherever we are headed out to, a little mustard seed of witness to take out into the world? What if we planted a verse out there everyday?

            What would God do with all those seeds as we take our positions and stand firm? What would His deliverance look like?

            The vast armies that stand against the Lord’s people are still out there. The same as in the book of 2 Chronicles – “powers of this dark world …spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”

            Let’s take our positions – look around in every direction – stand firm

                                    See the deliverance the Lord will give us.

Mustard seed witnessing –  one verse … shared.

GO TELL IT!!

MERCY ME

Hosea 6:6 – “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice…”

James 2:13 – “… Mercy triumphs over judgment!”

The church was the very picture of cleanliness and order, arrayed in a beautiful white painted exterior. Inside a large cross stood solidly on the stage to the right of the preacher. A bright white screen gave announcements and words to the songs as the congregation joyfully sang.

Soon in solemn stillness, an offering plate passed among the people and each put in their hard earned money. The plate overflowed.

The door at the back of the church hesitantly opened and a woman stepped through into the beautiful sanctuary. She had harsh features, a short dress, and dark brown hair with bright red dye streaked outrageously on one side. Her earrings jangled a discordant note in the assembly.

The preacher squinted slightly and saw that this “woman” was actually a teenager. He slowly came down from the pulpit. The congregation watched in silence. As he drew closer, the smell of cigarette smoke assailed his nostrils. The girl’s stomach protruded slightly out from the tight dress.

Although it was time for the service to begin, the preacher sat down next to the teenager and smiled. While they spoke quietly, a breeze rippled through the church and soon the strangest thing began to happen.

The oldest person in the church, Mary, who had been widowed for many years came over and sat next to the girl on the other side. The young teenager looked to the preacher and then to Mary; slowly tears began to slide down her face.

One by one the senior saints of the church came forward and welcomed the new person. Pregnant, unmarried, homeless and frightened- this was Sarah. Soon the younger members got up and came to greet her also.

By the end of the very unusual service, somehow the offering plate was in Sarah’s lap. She slowly placed it in the seat next to her then turned to Mary. The wrinkled hand gently held the young one and together they stepped toward the cross. Sarah knelt and tears poured from her eyes and from her heart. Angels rejoiced.

John 7:53 – 8:11. 

What if?