RENEWAL

Have you ever reached a point in life where you wanted to change … desperately?

Maybe things aren’t working on a job, a relationship, or a circumstance. Maybe the dream you had for your life just doesn’t seem to be materializing. Perhaps emotions are mastering your days and keeping you up at night.

Life can seem as though we took a wrong turn and the only appropriate response is to scrap the plan/dream/ personality you have and find a new one. But as I wrestle with this dilemma in my own life … lo and behold - Ephesian 4:23-32 - and God speaks to me about RENEWAL.

Renewal involves the mind … putting off what I’ve stored there and letting God’s Holy Spirit guide me into new thinking.

Renewal definitely involves putting off some old and taking on some new – but not in the ways we would normally make changes.  

True renewal means to cease clamoring for material possessions and stop letting evil sit in our lap. The renewed person drops off whatever is not of God and picks up what is.

Renewal is a conversation changer. Our words are full of grace and truth – they serve to minister to others and build them up.

Renewal recognizes anger will come into our days, but insists it not reside through the night. Anger is to pass through our lives, not plant a seed that roots into sin.

My favorite wisdom from the renewal passage – involves holding my spot in the world for the Lord and not giving the enemy an inch. That’s right – we have a spot in the world – uniquely positioned in the place God has trusted us to hold for Him. Spiritual warfare – my favorite …

Perhaps I shouldn’t be too hasty to begin changes until … I walk a little more on this path of renewal.

Please leave a comment on what this passage in Ephesians says to you. Just click on the title of this blog and comment in the box provided. 

Looking forward to hearing from your spot!

GRACE AND THORNS

Anyone need this message today? Well I do. So I’m writing with my Bible and my heart open … because I could really use all the grace my Heavenly Father is willing to pour out today.

I say pour because God is generous with grace – it isn’t handed out by the teaspoon but by the wheelbarrow.

I Corinthians 12:9 – Paul’s answer from God after he pleads with Him to take away his “thorn in the flesh”.

         “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

So what is our thorn/Achilles heel in life?

The thing that grabs our hearts and twists … the emotion that always defeats … the physical problem that dictates our day … the person who makes us crazy … the darkness that speaks into life … the secret torment that snuffs out our finest efforts at Christ-like behavior?

Of course we have asked God to remove it.

At what point do I get the picture that God isn’t deaf to my pleas but rather has revealed:

         His grace is sufficient for me. This weak spot in my life is for Christ to rest His power on me. His perfect power has this moment, this person, this circumstance, this health concern, and this dark place. I’m going to be much stronger with Jesus’ power on me than any earthly plan I can create for this situation.

         His strength in my weakness … grace.

A NEW DAY

Today is the season 2 opening for BERNIE SAYS SO. The creator of the series is our son, Ryan, but he will be the first to tell you that BERNIE doesn't happen without a whole team.

The team he has assembled for BERNIE SAYS SO involves some absolutely brilliant people, some funny people, some people who have great attention to detail, the list goes on and on.  You wouldn't believe the number of people it takes to pull off a 2 -3 minute web series.

It has been a privilege to participate. This morning when the first episode of season 2 went live ... well I cried. Yep - silly I guess but ... I just felt such joy to have been part of this incredible journey. And let's face it ... I'm mom ... I'm ridiculously proud of our son and the tremendous perseverance he has shown.

So I got to thinking about our Lord. Just wondering how He feels about His team/family when they work together and accomplish His will?

Since I'm made in His image - I have to believe He smiles and His heart is made happy when we all come together and participate with Him in His grand design. 

We had some great times on set making Bernie.

Let's do honor to our Father and participate in this life He has given us ... let's be together with a common goal ... let's recognize each others gifts and at the end of the day ... let's rejoice that we got to be part of God's team.

 

TEMPTATION

A while back I was part of a drama team and one of the performances involved making temptation into a character. Obviously we chose a beautiful lady who was a strong Christian.  Beautiful … because temptation looks good. Strong in faith … so the part would cause no spiritual damage.

Don’t kid yourself … playing with temptation is dangerous.

A script can write the defeat of temptation in a drama.

In real life – it isn’t so easy.

But it is simple and anyone can do it … with help from a Friend.

Matthew 4

The first temptation – Jesus is hungry. The enemy’s answer is ready … if you are the Son of God - turn these stones to bread.

Command the good things into your life – you have that power if you really believe. It sounds a lot like some of the extremes of the “prosperity gospel”.

                  The answer – the Word of God is how to live. Jesus is magnificent in answering those who would try to elevate one piece of the Word over the other. Know God … don’t worry about the situation.

Still hungry … Jesus moved on and so did the enemy.

The second temptation – the enemy takes him to the pinnacle of the temple and encourages him to “cast thyself down”. You won’t be harmed … it is written that angels will take care of you.

The enemy knows the Word also … and uses it to his own purpose. It’s how Legalism … the letter of the Law and not the Spirit … reared its ugly head in Jesus’ day as well as ours.

                  The answer – The Word – right back at the enemy. The content and fullness of God’s Word has every answer to life’s rough spots. We don’t have to go throwing ourselves around.

Still hungry and under attack … Jesus and the enemy move to the heart of temptation.

The final temptation – The enemy takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows the kingdoms of the world. All that is needed is to worship him.

“Eat Pray Love”

“The Secret”

Prosperity … health … peace … happiness … the list is endless –

Some good things … but not to be worshipped.

That would be IDOLATRY.

                  The answer – The Word expresses it best … “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.”

And then angels came to minister to Jesus.

In Choosing a Battle …

Scripture reference: Deuteronomy 1 – 4

Embedded in this recount of Israel’s history and instruction is a glittering gem of wisdom. It is eternal wisdom. It is always true. Walk with me in the days of the trek toward the Promised Land …

Moses stands before the people reminding them of the Lord and how He has provided for them both judges and justice; geographical direction and promise; guidance and His presence.

The people of Israel have been instructed to pass through some lands and when they do … they are not to bother the people – don’t distress them – don’t meddle with them … because the land they pass through has been given to others.

But soon will come a territory where the Lord God has ordained His people to contend in battle against the people there. The Lord further instructs that He will place the dread of Israel on those people and the Israelites are to begin to possess the land that the Lord has given to them.

The land will be theirs not because the people of Israel are strong or the enemy is weak. Indeed in some places the enemies were towering giants and the cities were fortified to the max. The battle is won and the land is possessed because the Lord has given it into their hands.

Did you notice that glittering stone of wisdom?

Battles … are won when the battle cry is from the Lord.

Sometimes we are to merely walk through a territory with out bothering anyone … because it is not our “Promised Land”.

Are we perhaps exhausting ourselves in fights that are not ordained by God for land that is not ours to possess?

Asking for that which God knows is not our portion?

Moses recounts a poignant exchange where he beseeches the Lord God to allow him to cross and see the Promised Land. The Lord’s response:

         “Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.”

In other words the answer was no. Not because the Lord didn’t love Moses … He loved him greatly.

Moses’ last task for the Lord before his death?

To prepare Joshua … encourage him, strengthen him … for Joshua was to lead the people to their inheritance.

Fighting a battle that we are losing?

Asking for something not ours?

Perhaps the land doesn’t belong to us and the true task is yet to be revealed.

Deuteronomy 4:39 – “Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath…”

A SUGGESTED CHRISTMAS LIST

Out of money and out of time?

Gifts that don’t cost any money to give but are priceless to receive … and the time is always right.

1.   Time

2.   Forgiveness

3.   A smile

4.   A kind word

5.   Acceptance

6.   Mercy

7.   Hope

8.   Trust

9.   A gentle answer

Well feel free to continue the list … and please share with us!!

Last but not least … the greatest gift of all

              Love

Best received at Christmas through our Lord Jesus Christ.

When we run out of time and money and patience and hope …

     He supplies out of His riches … all we need.

     Merry Christmas!

AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME …

GALATIANS 4:4 – “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law …”

Something special in life that you’ve been waiting for?

A situation you wish would be relieved?

There were people waiting for the Christ … for many years.

 Simeon, a devout and religious man, waited patiently in Jerusalem for “the consolation of Israel”. The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Anna, a prophetess, waited - never leaving the temple. She worshipped night and day … fasted … prayed … watched. She was eighty-four.

(Luke 2:25-38)

Romans ruled over the nation of God. An angel appeared to a young woman. A census was taken by law, which required a young couple to travel to Nazareth. Mary found herself in the throes of labor without a place to stay. She gave birth in a manger.

The time had fully come.

God sent His Son.

Born of a woman.

Born under law.

An elderly woman gave thanks and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He was ready now to be dismissed from this world into peace for Simeon had seen the salvation of the Lord.

Ordinary people like shepherds were given a glimpse of heaven.

Wise men found a reason to search - to bow - to bring treasures to a stable.

A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of God’s people Israel.

Christ … the Savior … had arrived.

At just the right time … in just the right place …

Enjoy this season that celebrates perfect timing and perfect giving … all from God.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:14

A DIRECT QUESTION GETS A DIRECT ANSWER

MARK 10:17- 31 – The Rich Young Man

Today’s reading finds a person who approaches Jesus and asks the direct question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Millions of people would love to know.

The answer is right there … yep there … in the Book … over there … the closed one on the book shelf.  Yeah that’s it … careful … blow off the dust … head to Mark chapter 10 …

The problem with the question is that there is an answer. It isn’t a mystery – a way to eternal life really exists. However it is an answer created and upheld by God and sometimes we don’t like the whole answer.

Please note that to get the truth of how to inherit eternal life, a real person asked the real God … the real question. This guy didn’t head for the synagogue, or the wise men, or even the Ten Commandments.

For those of us who are severely less than perfect, it is a daunting idea to approach God with our questions. The Father knows us, we are human – frightened – proud – wanting our own ideas. So He sent His Son – to show us the way. Seeking answers for our life is all about having a relationship with Him.

So enter our young man who by the way is wealthy and from his conversation with Jesus, he is a very good person. How wise of him to realize that his own goodness wasn’t going to be sufficient for eternal life. Seriously how do folks think they can match God’s holiness?

So what was the answer?

Jesus gives the young man three things:

         Being obedient to God      

         Letting go of his life

         Then come and follow Me

Don’t everyone start yelling at once that salvation is by grace not works … calm down.

God is not bestowing grace on someone who is disobedient, clutches his own life and turns his back on Jesus.

What Jesus gave the young guy were the keys to a real relationship, one formed in Spirit and in truth. As Jesus points out later to His disciples … the guy could never do it on his own.  But with God … all things are possible.

Including stubborn sinners and “good” people (who are also sinners) unclutching their lives and entering a relationship with the Savior.

Much is made of the fact that the rich young man goes away sad … “because he had great wealth”.

I think that is normal.

We count the cost …

         Obedience

         Letting go of our life (and lifestyle)

         Doing things the way Jesus says is the right way

                  Turning the other cheek

                  Forgiving

                  Things belong to Him

                                    Etc etc

Yes we speak the words and ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior … to forgive our sins … that’s what entering the relationship looks like.

Then we look at our lives and release them to Him. If He wants the money, the things, changes in what we do … whatever … we let go day by day. Life and what defines who we are …  changes as we walk with Him. The relationship.

I have always thought the rich young man was sad because he was going to obey and it looked like it was going to be hard.  But then I imagine he met up with Jesus later – empty -handed and humble – only to find there were tremendous treasures he had never imagined waiting for him.

So how do we inherit eternal life?

A relationship is the only way.

         With God through His Son Jesus – in Spirit and in truth

         Putting down our life and taking up His

         Obeying God and walking behind Jesus … no backpacks allowed.

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?

This was a question I put to myself as I prepared to write. Because quite frankly, I’m not a believer in writer’s block … however … I felt stuck.

So I looked around.

When I get “stuck” in life it helps me to review God’s great work of creation. I never tire of the images Genesis produces and my imaginings of God at work.

As God went through the process of creation He made some broad strokes first, separating light from darkness; the waters below from those above.

He put together a way for the land to perpetuate vegetation, plants and fruits … they would bear seeds according to their kinds.

God put the environment in order. In the greatest lighting event ever done … lesser lights … a greater light … serving as signs to mark seasons, days and years. The stars were hung, the moon was assigned, the sun reigned … an order was born.

And on the fifth and sixth day, God dealt with life. Now there was an environment to receive and care for the greatest creation ever. The expanse of the sky was populated, as were the seas.

Each and every day, as God completed His work, He looked back and pronounced it “good”. No differently did the day end when the land produced living creatures at God’s commands … EXCEPT that when male and female were produced as “man” God pronounced it “very good”.

It’s crazy I know … same story … over and over as I age to pull me out of a “stuck” spot.

Never fails. Something different leaps out each time … real … eternal … useful to where I am now.

Life for me is a bit topsy-turvy at the moment. Our home is changing to a larger population and things are a bit messy. I have been sick for about ten days and a cough has wrapped itself around me refusing to let go.

So far plans of organization and medical assistance have not helped. Life just seems to be unfolding as it pleases. My workroom is piled into the middle of the house without much of any order … and I’m stuck.

So you might think that the order of God’s plan appealed to me the most this time.

Order is nice but … it was the stars.

The stars brought me around … assigned as “lesser” lights but with important duties … to be part of a team to mark days and nights … seasons … years.

But more than anything … to be the stars God made.

Whatever goes on around me … I have been assigned; created by God’s hand; called “very good” … that is where I am … how about you?

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW

MARK 8:34-37

         “”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

         What is my cross? … the hard stuff of life that looks like Jesus’ cross ... the one He took up and hung on for the sake of others.

 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but who ever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

Letting our grasping hands relax and release … determining our purpose will be for Jesus … and letting our hands stay held open to receive and give out.

Because … “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

None and nothing …

“If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

That sounds reasonable to me.

So let go of the ideas that:

 People should treat you better

Life should be easier

I’ve paid my dues - I deserve ___________

(whatever it is – no you don’t)

The paraphrase for today (Curt – are you out there?)

         Release everything in life to Him and for Him. Nothing valuable will be lost in this exercise.

         Stand up and worship God … no matter who is watching.

         For a day is coming when Jesus Himself will pick you out in front of everyone and return what you have given Him.

CHRISTMAS CRISIS

I was reading in the book of Ezekiel this week where God refused to allow the elders of Israel to inquire of Him due to their “detestable practices”.  For some reason that really hit me hard. Maybe because I have so desperately needed to inquire of the Lord recently and the idea of not being allowed to just seemed overwhelming to me.

         So I ask God about that – what about me Lord - do I have things that look “detestable”?

         Israel decided over and over to worship how they pleased, accepting the ways and values of the surrounding countries and cultures. This “blended” form of worship was displeasing to the Lord who did not want His people to follow the rest of the world. Rather they were to stand as a shining witness to the earth and bring glory to His name.

         And the single word came to me … Christmas.

         It happens every year this “Crisis of Christmas”. The busy rush of extra – shopping, wrapping, cooking, and attending holiday everythings!!!

         In the midst of the crazy pace, I squeeze in my reading of Luke, my thanksgiving for the birth of Jesus, some warm peaceful moments because God gave His Son for me.  But those are all mixed in with the culture of the world’s Christmas.

         Wasn’t that what God was so upset with Israel about?

God said to Israel - ‘You say, “We want to be like thenations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.” (Ezekiel 20:32).

Is that what I’ve done to Christmas Lord? I want to celebrate it like everyone else?  

         Dearly beloved – our season approaches.

         Let’s not let Christmas turn to Xmas … idolatry … a cultural pull to the shiny and frenzied rush …

         For unto us a child is born …  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests …

UNFAITHFUL

THE WORD: EZEKIEL 16

Labeled as “An Allegory of Unfaithful Jerusalem”, the 16th chapter of Ezekiel gives us a reason to stop and examine how we handle our covenant relationship with God. The story is graphic, describing a wife who was cherished and adored descending into prostitution and lewd acts. She leaves behind the husband who provided tender care, luxurious garments and jewels, and had made her into a perfect beauty.

Who is this queen who turns her back on her husband and flaunts her beauty in multiple adulterous relationships? Who is this husband who nurtured her and delivered her from a life of misery only to be left behind as she used the very gifts he gave to further herself in worldly pursuits?

Why should we care about an Old Testament chapter of an obscure allegory?

The Word of God is eternal and alive - breathing His presence into our lives. This allegory of an unfaithful Jerusalem whispers today to God’s people who are loved and cared for and yet …

         Find no time to study His word

         Pursue distractions instead of pursuing Him

         Stay silent when we should speak

         Talk when we should silently pray

         Lift our voices to Him and not our hearts

         Go to church but don’t enter God’s presence

         The list is endless … and the time will come as described in Ezekiel where God stretches out His hand against those who commit adultery against Him.

A covenant relationship should not be entered into lightly … particularly not with our Lord. He has rescued us and spread His garment over us … we are His beloved.

We are dressed in fine linen, our food is the finest, and we are adorned with gold and silver. 

Yes even today as I sit in an old T-shirt and faded exercise pants … I know my true identity and how I look to the Lord. I’m praying that I never forget that this is about a relationship … close … tender … faithful.

As the new day dawns … the Lord goes forth to see His bride …

May He find her not in the high places of idolatry or the depths of disgrace but rather on the mountain seeking His presence.

The fruit of the Spirit is … faithfulness.

COMFORT

From the first moment we enter the world … we need comfort.

The trauma of birth

Its cold out here

The lights are too bright

Shouldn’t I be sucking on something?

That need for comfort rises and ebbs as we live our days on this earth. Some day in our future when we pass from earth to heaven that need will end because we will be in God’s perfect presence and design. But for now … the need for comfort remains.

Over my lifetime I have experienced many moments and sometimes long periods of time where I longed for comfort from life’s sufferings.

         I have cut my hand and needed stitches. Comfort came pretty quickly and the experience had no real impact on my life.

         But what about the times like this:

“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” (2 Corinthians 1:8)

         The diagnosis that encases us with fear …

         The beloved family member who dies …

         The crushing blow when a lifetime dream disappears …

         The relationship that fails …

         The depression closing in on every side …

“… far beyond our ability to endure …”

Comfort is defined as:

         Soothing in time of grief or fear

         Easing physical needs

         Helping or assisting

         It is the capacity to give physical ease and well-being

                  **Note: It doesn’t necessarily mean fixing or making the hardship disappear.

This life-giving and peace-enhancing commodity called comfort isn’t found in a store or hospital or even with a best friend.

It is given by: “the God of all comfort” –

“… who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Did I hear that right? God comforts us in ALL our troubles.

For a purpose beyond ourselves … so that WE can comfort those in ANY trouble with the same comfort God gave us.

So what is your need for comfort today?

Is it physical … emotional … financial?

Is the loss so big it seems like there is no good tomorrow coming … ever?

Are you “despairing even of life”?

“… But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.” (2 Corinthians 1:9)

The answer for comfort is as close as your next breath … may the God of all comfort be with you today. Pass it on!!

LETTER TO GOD … from a Senior Saint

Dear God,

It’s me. You know my name but it seems most of the world addresses me by age.

These really are some of the best days of my life.  Thank you.

I finally understand a few things … I got to see my kids grow up … I have grandchildren and grand dogs and grand times. I really appreciate the fall colors, lunch with a friend, and the silver in my hair (I put a splash of purple in – what do You think?).

It is mostly what I imagined - this delectable slice of life where we slide in to home base. I talk to You more now … I read what You say about eternal life, heaven, dying to the earth to plant that final seed of life. 

It seems I’m ready for the entrance to heaven (thank You)… but how do I live the time between here and there? You see … those of us who are “seniors” seem a little bit invisible to the rest of the world sometimes.

We are called “honey” and “dear” but don’t seem integrated into life as much – especially after we no longer have “jobs”. It seems sometimes that seniors are put in a box on a shelf and brought out at holidays and special occasions and special needs.

I wish I could explain that I’m still the same me. Wrinkles and gray hair are just exterior stuff. When I hear music, I want to dance. When I see sadness, I want to comfort. When springtime comes, I’d like to run (but I walk faster instead). I watch movies and TV commercials with tears and laughter.  When I see my hubby, my heart still skips a beat. My emotions … thoughts … all still work really well (thank You).

Well I just wanted to talk this out with You. Thanks for always being there for me. I pray today for “senior” saints everywhere to know Your love, to be remembered by others and given an opportunity to share their lives until You call us home.

Here WE are Lord … send US!!

With love

SIMPLY JESUS …

The Word: Mark – chapter 1

The book of Mark is a simple direct gospel with emphasis on Jesus’ actions. Mark is the shortest of the gospels vividly showing the teachings, healings and ministry of Christ. It is a good place to stop if one is searching for clarity.

Life gets busy, messy and complicated … we need a source for focusing our lives when they take a scary turn or seem hopelessly ensnared with sin and culture. How many people who give up in despair might be salvaged and renewed if they sat down and read the book of Mark? Especially if they had a friend to walk through with them … the result of their lives could be much different.

There is no failure rate when following Jesus.

So let’s look …

1.   The first thing I noticed was that God had prepared for the life of Jesus. The Savior didn’t come upon the earth to “wing it”. We too have been prepared before our birth – Psalm 139: 13-14

2.   Contrary to what the world would tell us – there are right paths to walk in our lives.

 Jesus was baptized – although without sin – He showed by His actions the need for repentance and public declaration of walking with God.

Jesus was isolated and battled the temptations of the enemy. Jesus won.

*Psalm 23:3 – “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”

3.   Jesus had a message, a ministry and friends. Although His message and ministry were perfect … His friends were not.

We too have a message about the kingdom of heaven – “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.” We need to be prepared to tell that good news wherever God places us.

We too have a ministry … don’t pass through another day without asking God to show you what your ministry is. Jesus never left His ministry for one moment once He began … He persevered through life and death.

Jesus gathered friends even though He knew they were imperfect and would let Him down at the most crucial time of His life. As a loner, I struggle with this one but I’ve decided to walk in the path of Jesus – forgiving everyone of everything - remembering I stand in stark need of forgiveness everyday myself.

         Jesus was perfect … I’m a work in progress.

4.   Jesus prayed early, often and alone.

If the Savior – the Son of God needed quiet time … I’m pretty sure it’s essential to me.

5. Jesus believed in and fulfilled the Old Testament … let’s welcome the Word by reading and believing the whole Scripture. It will give us the knowledge and feel of God’s holiness, show us God’s character and trace the path of God’s heart.

And that is just the first chapter from the view of a person of limited understanding … imagine when you and God’s Holy Spirit sit down together and read the book of Mark.

May God Himself be your Teacher.

FORGIVING EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING

THE WORD:

         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.”

The world loves to paint with a gray brush. Particularly in America today, the gray brush broadly splashes over a multitude of basic areas. We are more comfortable with gray paint over our lives … the lines blur … my sin is shrouded.

Everything actually falls into two camps.

         Luke 11:23 – “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.”

Ahhh I can feel myself straightening up in my chair – ready to paint in black and white … but wait … my Father is taking my paintbrush just as I was ready to make a masterpiece of clear lines on others.

         Oh no – the black brush … I run to the mirror and there I stand completely covered in black. How can I ever go out now and make clear lines on others? My mind tells me that gray is not the color for the world but Jesus tells me I am not to paint.

John 5:22 & 23 – “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father; who sent Him.”

“Entrusted all judgment to the Son”. I sit still before the Lord and think of all the things He could have judged me for, but in His mercy has forgiven me. The list is long but suddenly it vanishes from my thoughts for in His great love – Jesus has had mercy on my soul. He held Himself completely to the cross when He could have gotten down ... just so that I - and all others who believe in Him - could have a way home to heaven.

I look around and the paintbrushes are gone but nearby where I have cried over my sins the mirror seems to beckon me forth again. I am afraid to see the ugly black covering me but I go and slowly open my eyes. My breath catches - I have been transformed to a glistening figure in a radiant white robe. Tears stream down my face as I realize the covering of Jesus – no paint colors over the top of things but rather a new creation from the inside out. I exhale slowly.

He intends this radiance for all …  for God never wanted anyone to perish but all to come to the knowledge of the truth. So then when I stand praying I need to let go of anything I have against anyone because that is what He said.  

No gray paintbrushes for God’s kids.  No black ones either.

From my journal pages …

I don’t normally share my journal with anyone … ever.

My husband has strict instructions to destroy my journals when I die – without reading them.

Do I sound like a control freak?

What will I do if he doesn’t follow my wishes?

         Point taken.

It isn’t that I have anything so spectacular there, but I use my journals to vent about life and relationships and you know … stuff!

So my fear is if anyone read my journals – they wouldn’t get a true picture of my life. Depending which part they read –my family could come away thinking I was an angry, raving nut (no comments please).

However, I came across this section and thought maybe it might be meaningful to someone. You see – I really wanted to hear God speak and so I promised Him 30 minutes of just listening.  Now I have edited out some personal parts but I think you will get the gist.

As background quite frankly I’ve had a rough year and was again trying to figure out how to “fix” my life.

The message from my Master:

         Open your eyes and look around. Have I not provided you with a pleasant land? Why do you look away from Me after all these years of My faithfulness? Have you not read of my feelings and My heart?

         Is it necessary that I put a bit in your mouth and guide you with a whip? For you know My character and My response of love and faithfulness to obedience.

         Just as you would discipline a wayward child, so I discipline My children. As you see the path of disobedience becomes a habit for a child – so also for the adult who is My child.

         Make your habits obedience, trust and love – let those be the path of your life.

         You care so much about what people think of you – their opinions are not the ones that count … but Mine is.  Live to please Me … seek Me … everything else will fall into place.

         Keep praying and confessing … I will heal you … receive it.

“Come now let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are scarlet they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson; they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land, but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1: 18-20)

Remember that one lamb is important to Me.

I like that the Lord spoke to me using His Word.

I like that on a day when I was the lamb who was wandering, the Shepherd came to find me.

I hope this helps someone today.

I highly recommend a quiet 30 minutes to listen for God’s voice.

YESTERDAY I CRIED …

Scripture reference:  LAMENTATIONS 3:22 and 23

         “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Yesterday I cried …

A surprising hurt sliced into my day … unexpected … handled poorly by me … knocking out some pillars that had held me in place …

We’ve all had those hurts… although they arrive in different forms.

When these hurts come – they can knock us to our knees – hopefully before our Lord. As Christians we not only have joy but we have grief, just as everyone else in the world. The Lord in His wisdom did not raise up a people for Himself who live in a bubble where no pain touches, or a people with an “easy” button, or endless blessing that distinguishes us. Rather our Lord provides for us at every storm a way to continue walking, to look up, to see Him.

NUMBERS 21: 4 – 8: An impatient, grumbling nation of Israel spoke against God in the desert and poisonous snakes were sent among them. As they repented, Moses prayed for the people. But rather than the Lord wiping out the snakes, He instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole where the people could look up if they were bitten and live.

         A vague foreshadowing of things to come?

         It isn’t a perfect life that marks a Christian.

         It isn’t a trouble-free existence that marks a Christian.

                  It is the “looking up” that marks a Christian.

LAMENTATIONS tells us that because of the Lord’s great love … we are not consumed.

         Not when an illness strikes

         Not when family disappoints

         Not when we totally blow the situation

         Not when a friend deserts us

         Not when death faces us

THE LORD’S COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL …THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING

Yesterday I cried … but this is a new morning of the Lord’s great faithfulness.

FROM ONE BEGGAR TO ANOTHER

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: JOHN 4

JOHN 4:13 -14

         Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I given him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus was tired, he was in a place where he didn’t fit in, he was thirsty … and yet He ministered to a woman whose life was in a quagmire of continuing sin. The woman was knowledgeable of religious boundaries and ideology and yet she didn’t know her encounter at the well was about to lead her to heaven.

Have things really changed so much? On this earth it is all about being able to pause and connect … or as a friend used to say “Witnessing is all about one beggar leading another beggar to bread.”

Jesus is hardly a beggar, but He led the way in humility and acceptance of people so that … everyone – everywhere … might hear the good news.

                  We sometimes get caught up in the results of “giving a testimony” but what a person does with the Bread of Life is between them and God. It isn’t our role to convince or make the message acceptable for a better shot at a conversion.

                  We give out a piece of Bread … a drink of Living Water.

                  People who are hungry and thirsty spiritually don’t need the rules of eating and drinking explained, or table manners presented … they need a drink of Water … a piece of Bread.

                  Jesus did not present a teaching watered down to the culture of the moment but rather in truth and spirit, He gave a drink to a thirsty soul.

In His life here, our Lord experienced all of life. He didn’t skip over the hard parts. In fact Jesus experienced pain in ways we never will. Yet when He was tired, lonely, thirsty, and faced with a person in need … He never turned away.

So a woman who others may have shunned had the opportunity to become a true worshipper of God. Scripture shows that she was so moved by Jesus speaking to her and knowing about her life – that she went and told others.

An encounter with Jesus produces a testimony about our life and His. Flesh gives birth to flesh but Spirit gives birth to spirit (John 3:6). So as we walk through this world, we will eat and drink - yet we will hunger and thirst again. But when we encounter Jesus – face to face as Paul did on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) – we are forever changed.

So how is your “spring of water welling up to eternal life” flowing today?

Don’t wait till you are feeling well-fed and comfortable to “testify”.

Be ready everyday to pass out Bread and Water.

From one beggar to another … lead someone to the Bread of Life today!

WHAT WOULD GOD SAY IF …

The Bible study group sat around the table after our dinner last night- we were a few people short due to unavoidable commitments. But as many groups, we decided a while back that even if some are absent we will meet and study the Word.

I thought about that decision because frankly, I would have been okay with skipping the group. Life is busy … my friends weren’t all there … I’ve read Ephesians lots of times.

So what would God say if … because we are missing someone, or tired, or thought we already knew what He has to say… we just didn’t show up?

Mark 13:13 “…but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Right before this, Jesus is talking about the signs of the end of the age, which include not only horrific earthly disasters but relationship carnage as well. So how will I measure up against that if I’m ready to skip Bible study for the lame reasons I listed?

What would God say if … I listened at all times?

How much conversation with my Lord have I missed?

So as we turned to the book of Ephesians … did I mention I’ve read it before? But guess what? I’ve never read the first two chapters of Ephesians before in exactly this set of circumstances in my life and surrounded by this group of believers.

It was all new.

It spoke to an issue I am struggling with today.

Supposedly written about 60 A.D. – TODAY it speaks to ME … but of course God’s Word is eternal … so today and everyday that we read it with Him – it speaks.

God’s Word will never lack the ability to address current culture.

         It is ETERNAL

God’s Word will never be wrong.

         It is INFALLIBLE

There will never be a problem for believers that God’s Word can’t address.

         It is PERFECT

Because the Word is LIVING – it speaks to us at all times where we are… God is that magnificent.

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Encouraging everyone today and everyday … don’t miss your conversation with the Lord!

What would God say if …