A Purpose for Blogging

 Psalm 46:5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Today is a magnificent day for the Christian! It’s the day we celebrate and recognize the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Today, being Easter is the genuine reason I had not planned on blogging. I don’t want to mess up any thoughts you may have on the most High God – the Redeemer of the world! I don’t want to take away or distract through my own insufficiencies from the magnitude of what HE has done. We really DO serve a risen King!

 However, my heart is steered toward writing today, so I felt it best to be obedient.

I was asked a few weeks ago, by a non-Christian, what was my purpose for blogging, “about God so much,” as it was phrased. “Don’t you get tired of it?” he asked. At that particular moment the question caught me by surprise. Sometimes, I do that … that whole hindsight is 20-20 thing. I should have said this! I really needed to say ‘that!’ Why didn’t I say such n’ such? I can often think of 100 things AFTER the fact. I asked the person to give me a few minutes so that I could consolidate my answer. Life Moment: Sometimes it makes people nervous when you talk about the Lord on a personal level. Be a voice for His honor anyway! He’ll bless you.

The reason I write is to show people how ordinary days are filled with God in extraordinary ways. I attempt to connect the dots where God is working and molding us in His image. I attempt to get others to look within and then look UP for solutions! One writer said, "Our lives are filled with God, His mercy, if we take time to recognize the little things, or the big things." I thought that was an excellent concept.  I write because I feel like Christians need encouragement. I feel a purpose to communicate through my own learning experiences, or perhaps those I’ve witnessed or those shared through friends. (Mostly I use myself for illustrations). I write because only I know how truly unworthy I was/am that God sent His only Son to die for ME. I put pen to paper in the blog form because people need a source of reliable first-hand information! We just relate better, most of the time, to other people. (The Bible is the infallible Word of God. We can’t do better than that!) In my opinion, people need personal connections. I write to encourage a personal connection with HIM. I write because He lives! I share intimacies and details to illustrate how human we are, and how much God HE is. {I hope that what I lack in talent I compensate for in passion!}

That wasn’t a concise answer was it? My auto-pilot answer to the gentleman’s question….”I have a work to do. I write because I have an unquenchable burning desire to tell the world that Jesus is the answer.”  

“To what?” He asks. “It’s the answer to your life?”  Yes, Jesus is THE answer. For everything. And everyone.

Look within –ask yourself, “What is my work? What is my passion?”

Look UP & Happy Easter friends!

A Day in Nain

Our church family lost a much loved member this week. Hearts are heavy even though we can rejoice that our dear friend -sister has now seen the face of our Savior, and she is with Him in heaven. What a sweet promise of reunion we have! That is to say, the Christian has this heavenly home to look forward to.

So, as my mind turns to thoughts of her upcoming memorial service and the tears of sorrow that her family (and church family) will shed, I thought about the mother in Nain.

Typically in a funeral procession or a memorial service, the attendants sit quietly and

 reverently out of respect. Hands are clasped. Voices are whispered hushes. Eyes are big with anticipation prior to seeing the grieving family. Hearts are heavy. Mouths closed. Silent prayers are often lifted up. I know the immediate moments before my husband speaks and ministers to the family during the service; he is praying for wisdom and asking God to guide him with the right words and thoughts to convey. It’s a serious atmosphere.

But Jesus didn’t do that! Not that day in Nain. He approached the heartbroken mother of a departed (dead) boy. I’m paraphrasing the situation for learning purposes, but he approached this grieving mom. He whispered something to her that made her turn and look at her beautiful son. With the tone of a teacher instructing a student, or a parent instructing their child, Jesus commanded the boy to arise! To be alive and dead no longer! The King James Bible records it this way:  Luke 7:14, 15 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

The young lad obeyed. (He had no choice! This was voice of GOD speaking).

One writer described it like this, "Limbs began to move. Skin once cold and pale began to turn pink from blood flow. Internal organs instantaneously started to function. His heart began to beat. His eyes opened. The boy jumped up and Jesus returned him to his mother."

What a miracle! What a reunion! This dear mom didn’t have to wait until heaven…she was reunited the moment Jesus spoke to her son with His resurrecting power! Amen! Life Moment: Who do YOU want to be reunited with in heaven? The Bible tells us that we MUST be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.

A short time later, Jesus communed with his disciples – they ate their evening meal together.  One minister wrote, "Peter was struck by the irony of it all. Here was this “GOD-MAN” who had just raised the dead. Literally. Yet, there He was in the midst of the dinner table, enjoying good food and company. “Who are you?” Peter may have silently asked. Perhaps he thought that Jesus should have been arrayed with fine robes, guarded by angels, wearing a crown of jewels befitting the Son of God!"

But isn’t it just like Him to remain so humble? He is the ONLY resurrected Savior! Accessible to all – the Jew and the gentile. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

I do have a longing for the Christian – I wish we would readily learn that when Jesus says something, it happens! When God speaks to our hearts – we need to obey! When Jesus speaks – we need to listen!

** If you don’t know how to accept the gift of salvation through receiving Christ as your Savior, or need further information on “the sinner’s prayer” please email me today! It only requires childlike faith.

Look UP my friends!

Ghandi and Wal-Mart

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.”  Wow. That sentence saddens my heart to a great degree. Allow me to repeat - “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.”  My opinion on his comment is that he is saying some Christians don’t reflect Christ in their daily lives; therefore, the example(s) of Christians he is familiar with is disappointing.  I cannot disagree a whole lot. We’re all disappointed in specific things sooner or later: politics, the work place, persons of faith, relationships, celebrity figures and so forth. Think about it for a minute or two, and you’ll be able to recall your own list of disappointments centered around people – whether you personally know them or not.

Not to be overly simplistic, but if you will continue reading, I have an illustration. In the United States we have a Wal-Mart® in most cities. I wasn’t initially thrilled when Wal-Mart’s presence began putting the “little family store” out of trade, but over time I realized that many people’s needs are met through their local Wal-Mart store. It’s often a “one stop shop,” as we say. People love convenience! The super-store serves a purpose to many people. Pricing alone is one big consideration. Where else can you get an eye exam; buy tires for the car, diapers for the baby, milk, bread, and new pillow cases at the same time? A Friday night in a Wal-Mart can offer its own variety of entertainment if you enjoy ‘people watching.’ In today’s commerce the box stores – or super stores are American fixtures. It’s what we do.

However, no place is perfect! I’ve had an experience with a non-service oriented cashier - numerous times, in several different commercial stores. Haven’t you? A rude waitress? An inconsiderate hostess? An unfriendly telephone operator? A hostile cashier? Well, sure! We’ve ALL had those unfriendly, unprofessional encounters. These isolated experiences haven’t made me boycott ALL super-stores, box-stores, or commercial ware houses. I still need an eye exam, milk and pillowcases! It would be silly if I refused to go to another super-store wouldn’t it? Life Moment: A few people may NOT represent the entire mass.

Just last week, I was about six inches from two flight attendants openly bickering over the serving cart. One attendant was attempting to dominate the other; the entire situation grew to a very awkward and visibly unprofessional level. By no means was either attendant a superlative representative of their employer. However, I’ll still fly again, as situations deem it appropriate.

A few bad experiences haven’t overshadowed my overall mindset. It’s an example of how we must purpose in our hearts not to judge others too harshly –or prematurely! We must allow for mistakes – after all, we are just human, right?  

The Christian should be generous in a few characteristic traits…I outline them below.

A)     Smile. When you greet someone just smile. It soothes the soul, and it offers warmth.

B)      Don’t complain or criticize too loudly. Be discreet when voicing a frustration. Please refrain from being the ‘doody-head’ as my six year old friend says, in the check-out line (or work place) who bellyaches about everything! Loudly! People may think you’re naturally obnoxious. Be careful not to be the “critic” in the room. That isn’t how the Christian wants to be perceived.

C)      Be careful in our judgments! Judging is for God to do, not us. Taking a stand toward others (preferably as compassionately as possible) is fine, but first you must do as Jesus says, and "Take the plank out of your eye before you try to remove the speck from another's eye", otherwise you will only be perceived as a hypocrite.

D)     Give God your ALL. Regardless. (This means give up your self-perceived right to hate, seek revenge, retaliate, and/or hold a grudge toward others. We cannot grow in light if we’re consumed by darkness. The Christian KNOWS that light and dark do not mix.

E)      Last but not least, love others as you love yourself. (That’s hard! Especially if you may not like someone. C’mon. You don’t like everyone. EVERYONE?! It isn’t possible. Be honest with yourself. You thought of at least ONE person you don’t like, right?! That’s normal. But, its how we treat that person that counts.)  Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

So, I respectfully ask what do Ghandi and Wal-Mart have in common? The need to forgive human error...and don't judge people by the masses.

Look UP my friends!

Think about Joe...

2 Corinthians 12:6 -8 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

It sounds weird now that I’m actually writing it down, but I haven’t been able to focus on anything but my left ring-finger all afternoon. I burnt and blistered myself when I was reaching into the oven for a hot pan. (The price I pay for fresh lemon bars! And my own carelessness.) Boy, has it consistently throbbed, ached, and reminded me of its tender condition ALL day. Even as I type today’s post, I have applied an ice bandage to help draw the burn out. I’m trying to stay focused, but it’s hard to stay focused when we’re in pain isn’t it? Pain, “thorns in the flesh,” and other aches really hurt! That’s a fact. They also distract and can otherwise consume our thoughts until a resolution or healing comes. Have you ever experienced a thorn in the flesh? Ever accidentally stabbed yourself with the thorn of a rosebush? Ouch!

What immediately comes to my mind is the Apostle Paul - he had a thorn in his flesh. We read in the Bible that he prayed three times for the Lord to take it away. There are several interpretations on what Paul was talking about; whether it was of a fleshly temptation, a stubborn adversary, a chronic illness, or something else. No one really knows exactly what Apostle Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, nevertheless, he knew what it was, and it troubled him. As we say in the south, “It just plain ole’ hurt!”  Paul’s “thorn” was real and it really upset him to some degree; it was a pierce in his flesh. The Christian should think what could hurt so much that the Apostle Paul prayed three times for God to remove it. In my opinion, the Apostle Paul must have known that this thorn could only be removed by God Almighty.  So, this was not an ordinary thorn. It was given to Paul by God for a specific purpose.  I don’t believe the Apostle Paul prayed those three prayers solely for himself, but for all Believers who were to come after him; the Christian, and those who are called by God into ministry, we will have a thorn in our flesh, something that we wish in our hearts was not there, and yet, it is that specific thing which keeps us completely humble, and in total submission to the Lord, serving Him entirely. Life Moment: Isn’t it interesting that thorns come with gorgeous flowers such as roses? Thorns do not necessarily come from those things perceived as ugly. The thorn from a beautiful rose hurts just as badly as a thorn from a cactus plant.

I recently read about Joe Townsend – a family man and professional pilot. By the time he became a pilot for a commercial airline, Joe was ‘living the dream’.  He was ‘the man!’ One weekend, Joe was flying his wife, Kelly, and two young daughters, Laura and Tara, home from a family vacation. Shortly after takeoff, their small plane suddenly lost all power. On sudden impact, Joe’s forehead had rammed into the instrument panel. A knob on the panel broke through his skull, damaging the areas of the brain that organizes motor skills and balance. Joe could no longer see or move his arms and legs, but somehow paramedics and ground crews were able to get him out alive.  Joe’s injuries were cataclysmic. His left leg was broken in three places and his right arm was deeply cut from reaching out to shield his daughter. During the crash, Joe’s ankles split separately, separating his feet from his legs. Both his kneecaps were busted, and he had internal injuries from colliding with the steering yoke.
Worse than his own injuries – the loss of his entire family. One daughter had survived shortly after the crash, but soon died during surgery.

Brandon Fletcher recalled that day. “When we have bad calls like that, the first thing that goes through my mind a lot is, ‘God be with them. Help them, but most of all, help us.’ We need all the direction and guidance we can get in situations like that. There was a lot of praying going on that morning.” The next morning, family members confirmed the news. “And that was the worst day of my life,” Joe commented. He also learned that his wife and daughters had already been buried. He never had a chance to say goodbye. “I sobbed so hard,” Joe recalls. “The sobbing was like a knife was in my chest, in my heart, turning. And I finally cried out, ‘Lord, help me! And amazingly, within 30 seconds I had complete peace.” A few days later, he was transferred to St. Mary’s hospital’s rehabilitation program. His vision began coming back and Joe started the daunting task of learning to walk again. “Even as messed up as I was, where I could not do anything for myself, I would never give up,” says Joe. “And I always had hope.”

It's hard to understand how life goes on, but it does. People heal through God's grace. Today, Joe has remarried and has a happy, blessed life. He says he plans to fly a plane again someday. Joe says God gives him the strength to carry on, and that his thorn in the flesh makes him a better person.  “There’s a poem, Footprints in the Sand. I’ve had some tough times and through the adversity that I had to face, I leaned on the Lord to carry me,” says Joe. “And that’s when He was there for me.”

Looking down at the keyboard, I notice my ice is melting – the next time I make lemon bars, I’ll protect my fingers!  Suddenly my burnt finger and my own thorns don’t seem nearly as significant. Think about Joe…

Look UP my friends!

What Time Is It?

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Redeeming the time…

Time is an extremely important aspect of our lives. There’s nothing like it! We need it. However, the Christian must manage it successfully; or at least have our priorities straight! It’s almost a rite of passage for teens to wish their days away to become adults, and adults sometimes wish they could go back and hit the “do over” button from their youth. T-I-M-E. We all crave it!

 I’ve heard so many friends and colleagues make comments such as, “I need a few more hours in the 24 hour day!  I need an extra day on the weekend to get things done. If I could stop time for a few hours each day, I would love it.” I admit I’ve made similar sentiments before…when we perceive ourselves as LACKING sufficient time, our eagerness to gain it back or make up for “lost time” magnifies.

Let’s turn our thoughts to the concept of time – specifically about today. Let’s break it down. What IS today? It’s a 24 hour period of time never experienced before – never to be repeated - nor will we ever relive it exactly as we did today. There is no today, except today! You may never live to see another day, exactly as this day. TODAY is tangible, it is now, it IS the day the Lord has made. For you. You will not have today tomorrow.

Perhaps you are closer today than you were yesterday in making an important decision, making a step you need to take, determining a choice that is over-due in coming, acknowledging a sin that you need to renounce. TODAY is the day to make those choices! Before the sun sets and tomorrow’s demands overshadow today’s necessities…move forward Christian! Ask God to direct your paths. He will.

I recently spoke at length with a young lady, about the age of 18. Bright, talented, ambitious. Characteristics that made me feel hopeful for this current generation of kids.  She had burning questions about humanity and why things work or don’t work and questions for which there are no good answers. The longer she spoke, the more clearly I began to identify her underlying issue.  (Life Moment – try not to interrupt when someone is trying to expose their soul to you) This was the year she thought her dad would stop drinking. That her siblings would take more initiative and do household chores without being repeatedly asked. This would be the year that her mom would yell and cry a lot less, and the family would spend more time together on the weekends.  This year they would get along together as a family.

She was disappointed. Her last year at home…hadn’t lived up to her dreams. She graduates this year, and she plans to move out of her parent’s house this summer. She said, “This school year has just been – poof! Gone! I’ll be on my own next year. Before you know it, I’ll be old – like 25.” (I couldn’t help but grin on that sentence). “My life is almost over! Oh my stars, what time is it?!” she exclaimed, as she scrambled to find her I-phone in her bag, and dash out to her car. (Time had run longer than we both anticipated).

Does any of that sound familiar? The young lady was right – painfully right. Have YOU experienced a “time crisis” before? Our hopes and dreams from yesterday – are history. Yesterday becomes today…and if we’re blessed, today becomes tomorrow. But, it’s not too late…you still have TODAY.

Young people, tomorrow you’re going to be thirty. Adults, tomorrow you’re going to be 75. Poof! There goes time! You can’t get it back. It is vital to use TODAY as best you can. Don’t look for someone to blame. Don’t look for reasons on why things aren’t the way that you want them to be. God wants you to act and behave in HIS best interest. If you act in His best interest, your best interest will automatically follow.  Life Moment: We should pray constantly, and act cautiously.

I hope the Christian isn’t the one in the group who complains, complains, and complains! You know there’s ALWAYS one. You are the one who fosters the atmosphere around you. Your home. Your office. Your cubicle. Your room. YOU must take personal responsibility for your life. Purpose in your heart to serve the Lord, and He will deliver right on time, every time! Try not to carry over someone else’s mood into your zone!

Instead of just reading these words, how about taking a moment…Search your heart and ask God to help you make the best use of today – and if there’s a tomorrow – to help you make time for Him and to move forward with your God-called life.

(I sincerely hope the young lady’s parents realize how much she desires time with them! Oh, how short are the days when the little ones leave the nest…)

Look UP my friends!

His Wife Cooked 32,000 Meals

 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart – Psalm 119:2

I recently saw a church sign that said there are some questions that cannot be answered by Google®.  It made me laugh out loud, but it rings true, right? A few more noteworthy church signs of late –

·          We don’t appreciate spring until we’ve been through a tough winter!

·          If we were never sick, we wouldn’t appreciate good health!

·          It takes the cold to appreciate the warmth of the sun! (The same could also be said by inserting “SON” for sun).

·          If we knew not evil, heaven’s race would not be run!

These simple statements are just that, simple, but can be quite profound to the true Believer. It is factual that we must continue LOOKING and GROWING as we journey through this pilgrim land. I recommend a self-assessment of your spiritual nourishment.

Maybe you’ve read or heard of the following example of Christian sustenance…

A faithful church member wrote a letter to the editor of the newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me I can’t remember a single one of them. So I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.” This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me those meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”

Can I get an Amen? If we skipped or missed meals on a regular basis, we would stay hungry! Life Moment: Take a minute to examine your heart. Are you hungry for God? Status quo? Are you making Him a priority? Where you were five years ago compared to today? Two years? One month?

It is extremely important to stay committed, hungry, and faithful to your local Christian body of fellowship. I, myself, don’t like to miss a meal! However, don’t be confused on a technicality. It’s not the church membership, vacation Bible school attendance, or a goodly deed which saves us; it is the ONE whom we go to worship. It is HIM who nourishes us - who literally saves us.

I can say with all assuredness that while I adore my husband and the life that God has given us, “I’m just a pilgrim passing through!” There is a song by the Carter Family that so greatly captures these thoughts, “This world is not my home! I’m just passing through! My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me – to heaven’s open door – and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore!”

How about it, Christian? Are your thoughts on heaven? Or are your roots too deeply invested in transient things verses eternal things? Are you focused on staying the course for the One and True Living God? Just as we eat a physical meal every day, we require daily nourishment from our Heavenly Father. It’s what keeps us healthy! Thank God for our physical and spiritual nourishment!

During this pre-season of Easter, I encourage you to stay nourished. Turn down the radio. Turn off the television. Take a moment to slow down – 15 or 30 minutes. Read His Word. Listen to God-honoring music. Pray. Keep your thoughts on the Power of the Resurrection. Stay committed.

If you get knocked down, know that Christ is there to carry us through. I understand that it sounds too simplistic, but it is a truth I’ve experienced many times. He will carry us when we need Him to!

Faith grasps the invisible, believes the implausible and receives the impossible!

When you are DOWN to nothing....God is UP to something!

 

Look UP my friends!

Sometimes Mondays Live Up to Their Reputation

2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution

Sometimes Mondays live up to their reputation. It was that kind of Monday for me today – lots of unexpected stress, obstacles, and pressure. Let it be said that working with the public can be quite demanding. (Christians aren’t oblivious to these worldly dynamics (stress or anger). We face trials just like everyone else!  It is our faith that helps us to survive. It’s our FAITH in Him that allows us to keep a positive attitude and keep going forward).  We all KNOW that God ‘has the whole world in His hands,’ but it’s a different manner altogether to actively practice it. To live what we speak of in faith!

I had that moment, where the ultimate event can send us over the edge of sanity – the preverbal straw that broke the camel’s back had reared its ugly head.  By Grace, and grace alone, I kept my composure. I began talking with the Lord; claiming His promises. Just reminding myself that my problems are not HIS problems. He‘s the Creator of the universe! He parted the Red Sea for Moses. Jesus walked on the water! He saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The Resurrection itself! The list could go on and on, in both the Old and New Testaments. Remember Balaam and his talking donkey?  So I ask myself…my big problems?? My situations? They really aren’t so big.

My thoughts turned to the Apostles and the suffering that they endured for the Faith – I highly doubt anyone I personally know will ever be persecuted like these great men, and I know some tremendous Christians! That isn’t a criticism. This is a reminder of the price that has been paid – the ole’ Blood Stained Banner! Let’s take a closer look at 8 or 9 of the Apostles. I won’t cover all today since the list is lengthy – but it will really help us to keep perspective in perilous times! (Side Note: Earlier I received an email with much of this information broken down in it...if you'd like the email send me a note and I will forward it to you).

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia; Killed by a sword wound.
Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by Horses through
the streets until he was dead.  Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous Preaching to the
lost.  John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in huge basin of boiling oil
during a wave of persecution In Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from
death.  John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison Island of Patmos.
He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos . The apostle
John was later freed and returned to serve As Bishop of Edessa in modern
Turkey . He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

 Peter -  was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross.
According to church tradition it was because he told his tormentors
that he felt unworthy to die In the same way that Jesus Christ had
died. James - The leader of the church in Jerusalem , was thrown over a hundred
feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to
deny  his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall,
his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.
      * This was the same pinnacle where satan had taken Jesus during the
Temptation.

James the Great -  Son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus Called him to a
 lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was
ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman officer who guarded James watched
 amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer
walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he
 declared his new faith to the judge and Knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian
 Andrew - Was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. After being
whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with
cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led
toward  the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: 'I have long desired
and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body
 of Christ hanging on it.' He continued to preach to his tormentors
for two days until he expired.  Jude - Was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

 Paul - Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in
 A.D. 67.  Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his
many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire.
These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity,
 form a large portion of the New Testament.

 Let us be reminded: Our sufferings and trials here ARE indeed inconsequential compared to the intense persecutions and cold cruelties faced by the apostles and disciples during their  times for the sake of the Faith! Keep up the good work, Christian! He is worthy.

Look UP my friends!

Knowing the Fundamentals

Jeremiah 8:11  For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Sometimes things happen too fast! We find ourselves in the middle of a precarious situation before we even realize it. In my experience, when things go bad, they go quickly!

For instance, when I was a late teen, I was quite thrilled that my dear friend and roommate had purchased a new red Ford Escort – stick shift. (Don’t laugh! It was the 80’s and Escorts were cool then). I became very excited since she had become excited. With her hard working job, she had earned this reward…a new car. She maneuvered the car beautifully – we certainly took our share of spins on winding country roads and local bends. I loved riding with the windows down and singing together at the top of our lungs. Reflecting back, I suspect I looked like some kind of peculiar Labrador with my head persistently stuck out of the passenger side window. Boy was that fun!

The day soon arrived when she offered to let me drive her car. Wow, was I happy girl! After my hasty explanation of which pedal did what, (She was making sure I knew the fundamentals) Of course I knew how to drive the stick-shift car! I’d seen her do it a hundred times. Piece o’ cake.

 I followed her instructions; pushed in the clutch, and extended my left leg as far down as it would go. With toes trembling, I pushed the pedal down. Then with my other food, I gently pressed on the gas pedal.

Nothing happened.

I pushed harder with my right foot. Nothing happened except a grunt from the vehicle.

I gave it a deep push. Fred Flintstone style.

Bam! My driving skills immediately unraveled. The car went in reverse, not forward gear!

Kaboom! I had backed over her mom’s HUGE beloved rose bush. Dirt was flying! Animals ran for their lives! Don’t ask me how…but it seemed like it was the size of a tree (not really, but the brain can exaggerate fears!).

The motor stalled. I panicked. With my friend laughing and trying to coach me into forward gear, I tried and tried to move the vehicle OFF the rose bush. I couldn’t do it. We could see dirt flying and in my mind I’m pretty sure it was like a scene from the Wizard of Oz where things were flying through the air. I could envision those well manicured limbs and blooms flying off in a rage of debris.

I finally surrendered – I gave up, lest I totally destroy her mom’s yard. I struggled to climb out of the car without scratching the doors and my legs in the process. We switched seats. And without too much effort, she pulled away and off from this Redwood-sized rose bush. I was so scared! It was definitely unsettling for my nerves.

I later took full responsibility for tearing up her mom’s yard, beloved rose bush, and everything else in my path of destruction. Ah, what a beautiful moment. Her mom and dad listened to my disjointed ramblings – I felt the need to use the most animated and dramatic expressions I could muster. It had all happened so quickly, I really didn’t know how it happened. They remained completely calm through the entire ordeal of my explanation. I don’t recall what I said, but by the end of my re-enactment I probably blamed the bush for jumping out in front of me on purpose. (Kidding!)

Life is like that – things can spiral out of control before we know it. We are pressured on every side! Life Moment: The Christian is often battling against something in the spiritual realm, and may not realize it. There ARE spiritual warfare situations. It is important to pray for peace during these times!
Are you feeling anxious, pressured and uncertain about how to cope with a continuous flow of stressful events? Does your life feel out of control? In times like these, let’s be reminded to focus our thoughts on HIM. Spend a quiet evening at home and I can almost guarantee a taxing circumstance is waiting to attack via your telephone, television, doorbell or computer. No one is immune today from a plethora of demanding or stress-filled situations originating in their jobs, relationships, financial pressure or a dozen other things on any given day. The world is at a constant state of unrest…but the Christian CAN and DOES have peace! We must know the fundamentals! Amen.
Stress is not found in debauched transportation, a broken appointment, a virus-filled computer, or children or employees that don't behave according to your expectations. Stress is not waiting on hold, being over drawn or waiting for anyone. These are just events. What makes them stressful is how we allow ourselves to react to them. The Christian can look to the Bible for help. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I once heard a preacher say that, “Stress is not about what is going on "out there", but what is going "in here", inside your own mind.” That’s so true! So true, right?

The adversary is trying to pin us down and keep us distracted so that we don’t wholeheartedly serve God. We need to be aware of what obstacles and hindrances are working against us, in this spiritual warfare way. It’s those things that spiral out of control quickly! In His mercy, God made a way out of the dominion of the god of this world. (Note – little ‘g’) Through the forgiveness of our sins, and the power of His resurrection, we can overcome the pressures the enemy brings upon us. God has given us victory – over everything – even death, hell, and the grave!

Back to my original illustration – about 6 months later I had the opportunity to visit my grandfather. He lived several states away. He unexpectedly asks, “You can drive a stick-shift, right?”  You know my answer…

A bold and resounding, “Yes!”

Look UP my friends!

Homesick for Heaven

Christians believe that the most wonderful thing that can happen to them

is to go to heaven, but few of them are in a hurry to make the trip.

- Source unknown

Ouch! Reality check time! That comment stung a little bit, but it coincides with this evening’s post. Have you ever been consumed by thoughts of our heavenly home? It seems like HOME has been my preoccupation for the past several weeks, but especially today, yet for no particular singular reason. Do you relate to that? I’ve just wiped tears away ALL day! It’s just one of those times when my cup runs over. Tears of joy. Tears of sorrow. Tears from missing our friends and family. Tears…knowing I am not worthy of the mercy shown on the Cross.

Tears come to my eyes when I meditate on Who is there! Who we’ll be reunited with!? Finally seeing the face of our Savior! To bow at His feet and cry holy, holy, holy! I cannot get the images and thoughts of heaven out on my mind of late. Maybe it’s because the Christian is focusing his thoughts on the Resurrection of our Lord this month (not that we don’t rejoice daily in His resurrection, His power, and His life giving blood). Or, maybe I’m just homesick to see HIM. To be reunited with loved ones! How thankful I am that the Christian has this promise! Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

About 5 years ago, I heard an extremely disturbing conversation. It has lingered with me. I was alongside my husband visiting someone in the hospital. The gentleman had several visitors. We didn’t want it to be awkward with such a large crowd gathering in a confined space, so we felt like it was our time to leave. (Life Moment – Most people in the hospital aren’t up for extensive, lengthy visits. That’s MOST people, not all. We should be sensitive to what is an appropriate length to stay. That’s just my opinion). Before departing, as is customary, my husband asks if it would be okay if we prayed with the person.  The gentleman agreed. But before he could initiate the petition to our heavenly Father, someone in the room said, “I’m really worried about this surgery.” Sobs could be heard. Big wet tears started falling from the senior lady’s face (It was her brother in the hospital, scheduled to have cardiac bypass surgery the next morning).

She composes herself; by this time most everyone had a few tears in their eye. The patient speaks up and says, “Shoot, I don’t even WANT to go to heaven. Stop that mess!” Everyone’s eyes probably got huge! Golf-ball sized at least. She cried out, “Why would you say such an awful thing?!” He looks at her…stone faced…no emotion whatsoever. “Because HE will be there!” he spoke as he pointed to another man in the room (his brother).

We didn’t know it at the time, but there had been a rift between the siblings for decades. Both brothers seemed to loathe each other. Wow. The room was silent. One of those rare times when you “could hear a pin drop.”  

My immediate reaction was to feel so terrible for the man who said this grisly comment (I wasn’t sure if he was using bad humor or what) and then I felt really bad for my husband who still needed to pray! In front of these people – and with the man who just said this! I instantly started praying. Hard!

I was also reminded – here was a gentleman facing open heart surgery in less than 12 hours and he was saying such careless and cold things about our eternal home?! Yikes!

Well, it was one of those life moments when God steps in when we cannot walk alone. My husband prayed a sincere, beautiful, heartfelt prayer. Everyone in the room was physically stirred and moved by the presence and atmosphere of God. Everyone held hands and just soaked in the breeze from heaven’s shores…

Except the patient.

Some stories just don’t have a happy ending, friends. He survived the surgery. But is that enough? No.

For the Christian, our heavenly home awaits! Our real home is on the other side of Jordan! It is as real as the very breath that I’m breathing.

Please, I implore you, make SURE you know HIM today. As the song says, ‘I want to stroll over heaven with YOU!’

Look UP my friends!

The Father's Enthusiasm

Romans 8:32 "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all..."

I read a story about a troubled teenager who ran away from home – it was in a devotional book by D.L. Moody (legendary Evangelist of the 19^th century – 1837-1899). The young man ran away and refused all invitations his father sent for him to come back home. His dad reassured him that all was forgiven and that he and his mother just wanted their relationship restored – to please come home! The young man went so far as to scoff at his mother and father. He rejected all attempts of reconciliation.

Years later he received a letter notifying him that his father was deceased. Both father and  mother had passed into eternity. Would he come home to attend the funeral of his last surviving parent? His first reaction was rejection – an immediate no. However, his conscious began to get the best of him and he thought he should at least show some modicum of respect to the memory of so good a man, as his father. So, just as a matter of form, he took the train to the funeral service. He saw his father buried at the gravesite and returned to his childhood home, his heart as stony as ever.

When his dad’s will was read later that night; the son learned that his father had remembered him in the will, and that his inheritance equaled his other two siblings, the two who had not gone astray. This broke his heart. He realized then, too late, that his dad had never stopped loving him. He would be denied reconciliation and for what reason? His dad loved him! Life Moment: Forgiveness comes too late if you're dead. Also, guard yourself from feeling resentful when God shows mercy to people you think don’t deserve it. How do you feel when others get rewards greater than they deserve?

This is just the way our heavenly Father treats His children! He loves us in spite of our sin, in spite of who we are, and in spite of our rejection of Him. It is His love that brings the wayward and hard-hearted back into the fold.

Most Christians are familiar with the story in the book of Luke, Chapter 15, about the “Prodigal Son,” or the “Lost Son” as it is often referred to. I love this story! It has several tremendous lessons within the one illustration, separation/reunion; jealousy/forgiveness; but for today’s post let us be reminded about the aspects of compassion and refuge. Even today, after centuries of teaching about God's grace, the father's willingness to forgive his runaway son is shockingly charitable.  What always brings tears to my eyes is the part where his father saw him, and ran to him in love and great empathy. Verse 20 of Chapter 15 says, “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.”
Compassion - ran — These two words emphasize the father's enthusiasm. In ancient societies, it was considered improper for an older man to pull up his robes to run. His actions, representative of God's feelings for repentant sinners, show enthusiastic acceptance, love and joy. His father RAN and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Oh what a beautiful picture this paints!

Like the Prodigal son, our thoughts need to turn HOMEWARD. (Our heavenly home). We should often think about the security we have in Christ – the shelter of His arms is our true resting place. Our refuge! Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Bringing our thoughts back to heavenly things and heavenly places can take work, but it is a worthy endeavor. We must push aside fears of rejection. God does not reject us; it is we, which reject Him. What if the father in the prodigal’s situation had not run TO him, but away from him or chased him away? What if the father had been worried about what his neighbors thought?
When our thoughts run “amok” it can lead to insecurity, arrogance, depression, or unnecessary anxiety. It’s at those times when we run askew that we need to seek directions toward the road HOME. We need to turn off “auto pilot” within ourselves and treasure the gifts from our Heavenly Father. Look to HIM for unceasing compassion and protection. The prodigal thoughts fade when we stay connected with ourselves, with our families, and most importantly with our Father in heaven.

Have you ever experienced a “run and hug?” I have! It is incomparable. Do you know what the catalyst for this type of hug is? It is love - love so intense it can only be expressed by an intense emotional outburst and outpouring of expression.  The father in the prodigal son’s situation could not help himself – he was so overjoyed he had to RUN to meet his son.

How thankful the Christian should be after wandering around in the dark, perhaps looking for that which does not exist, not only to be accepted (taken) back, but He runs to us as we peak over the horizon! {Amen and hallelujah!} How happy we should be that we are the prodigal daughters and sons of the Almighty God!

Look UP my friends!

Polishing Our Image

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

How do you feel about marketing yourself? Self-promotion can be very awkward and the concept of “marketing” for the Christian can be perceived as a shallow, self-centered, arrogant approach to life. And in many aspects, I do agree with that perception. However, no matter how we analyze it or evaluate it, we place labels on people on a regular, sometimes daily basis. After all, big corporations invest millions and millions of dollars branding their specific product or service. People actually LIKE labels! Everyone is perceived in some way! We are all labeled!

Are you old enough to remember “Where is the beef?” Or “Hey Mikey…he likes it!” You know what candy “melts in your mouth, not in your hands,” don’t you? There’s a particular watch that “takes a licking but keeps on ticking.”

In a consumer driven society, it is easy to be seduced into thinking if we “brand” ourselves a certain way, or buy particular items that we’ll be thin, beautiful, wealthy, and trouble-free! Let us be reminded that the Bible is concise about “branding” of ourselves – we are NOT to be conformed of the world it says. This means in one definition that we aren’t to be fixated on materialistic possessions. But it also means that the true Christian’s light will shine in dark places! (As we discussed in yesterday’s post).  Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 Sometimes life is a matter of our “owning” our perceived character or allowing others to define who we are from their own perceptions or misconceptions of us. If we don’t own it, we risk being labeled in a light that doesn’t accurately embody who we are.

The Christian is especially vulnerable for being mislabeled. It is important to know who you are as well as WHOSE you are!  In essence, the Christian has a brand!  Just as every person is unique and divinely different – so is the Christian. But as a whole, Christians are expected to be kind, loving, honest, and compassionate. It goes with the brand, right?! {Life Moment – we cannot win followers to Christ by making ourselves more attractive to the world}

People respect, value and want access to “who you are” because:

• It answers naturally formed questions – helping to build a relationship with people you don’t even know. What you say; how you act is a witness for Christ! (Ever had anyone to ask you…”You’re a Christian aren’t you? Or “You must be a preacher.” Or “You’re so nice; are you a Christian?”)
• People are innately curious and want to know why you are the way you are, and why you do what you do. {If I had a dollar for every time I was asked this question!}
• You get to resolve and correct misconceptions that may have been formed about you, but more importantly about God – about His Son - turning a negative reputation into a positive one.  

You’ve heard stories over the years haven’t you – about why people don’t attend God’s house. Once I heard someone say they didn’t go to church because giving to the offering was mandatory, and they didn’t think it was fair. (Not true! I’ve never been MADE to give anything) Years ago, someone told me they heard church members were forced to sing in front of people. (Again, not true.) One time I was told a family didn’t go to church, because in their words, “Nobody shook my hand and the preacher was rude. I know he was using me as an example.” I asked the person if they knew the pastor – they had never met him personally. So you see…Christians can have the wrong kind of labels!

Let us be reminded to cast ourselves in manner which is pleasing to God – the Christian’s “brand” is humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiving, and NOT ASHAMED of the gospel!

What would your personal brand say about you? Would people you don’t know be attracted to your open love for God?

 Let's be concerned more for HIS image verses our own.

Look UP my friends!

This Little Light of Mine...

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

When our niece was little, we used to spend an enormous amount of time together – doodling in the kitchen, playing games as a family, talking, snuggling on the bed together watching television, going shopping, or just being outside with the pets. But as kids do in rites of passage, once she turned thirteen, she preferred being in her own room, talking on the phone, or spending time with her friends independently.

I knew it was a part of growing up, but it sure did make my heart ache sometimes. Part of me still misses the days when we’d curl up with a bowl of popcorn to talk with each other.

One stormy night, the electricity went out. “Ugh, I hate this!” she whimpered from her room. Grabbing candles and a flashlight, I headed for her room. Soon we were draped in tented shadows and moonbeam images underneath the blankets on her bed. It’s amazing how comforting a flashlight can be! Life Moment – like the light from our Savior! He can break through any shadow of darkness. He is the Light to a lost and dark world!

“Tell me stories about when I was a baby,” she said. Soon I was recreating memories and images of times gone by and we were giggling and snuggling together like when she was a young child. The phone abruptly rang. “Yeah, our power is out. I’m hanging with my aunt Kimmie. I’ll call you back.”

Music to my ears! Tears filled my eyes. It was in that moment I realized the power outage didn’t just leave us in the dark, it gave us an opportunity to see each other in a different light. Through the darkness came a gift.

The Christian is a bright light in a dark world. Ever tried to use a flashlight when the sun is shining? It doesn’t work very well. There has to be darkness present for the light to be seen. Darkness seems to be covering the world. Have you ever seen such a lack of morals as we see today? In many places morals are a thing of the past. Men’s consciousness has been scorched. Who would have thought that we would live in such lewdness and licentiousness as we do today?

But let’s be reminded of the Good News! The Christian has Good News to bring…it is a simple message. Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and He is coming back for His children. What better time than the month of Easter to pause and reflect on the resurrection! How amazing and wonderful to serve a risen Savior! I cannot say it enough… He’s coming again!

Our primary purpose isn’t to make money or climb the career ladder – rather, it is to be a light for Jesus! Let your light shine! What does this mean? Consider the following:

I)                    The Christian shines a light on the fact that Jesus lives!

II)                  The Christian shines a light on the fact that religion doesn’t mean salvation.

III)                The Christian shines a light on the fact that by HIS stripes we are healed!

IV)               The Christian shines a light on the fact Jesus paid for all sin – past, present, future.

I encourage you to be a bright light in a dark place somewhere this week!

Look UP my friends!

Twenty-Two Hundred Mice

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

"Over-crowdedness can kill humanity." At least, that is a brief summarization of Dr. John Calhoun’s philosophy. His study on caged mice had a huge impact on how physicians treat those with mental illness. We must learn something from Dr. Calhoun – The Christian must take a moment to realize the same killer of the mice in his study is still with us today. It wasn’t the lack of food, water, oxygen, or activity that killed the mice in his research. It was their lack of alone time. Allow me to explain…I will paraphrase when possible, but some information is directly from his body of work.

Dr. Calhoun built a large nine-foot square cage for his first 8 mice. The original mice had a generous amount of space, given the cage comfortably held about 160 adults. Within short order, the mice began to produce. He observed closely as the mice population grew to over 2,200.

The report stated, "The mice were not neglected from physical needs – they always had fresh water, food, good air quality, and other necessities. Even the room was kept at a comfortable temperature. The only restriction was that Dr. Calhoun had ensured the mice could not escape from their nine-foot square cage."

Interestingly, when the mice population reached its peak, the entire colony’s infrastructure disintegrated. As noted in his work, he noticed the following:

A)     The males who had originally protected their territory – withdrew

B)     The female mice became aggressive – they pushed out their own babies

C)     No particular social role was formed for the young, healthy mice

D)     The young mice became extremely self-indulgent – they also failed to reproduce

The good doctor later stated, "After five years, EVERY mouse died. They all died despite of plenty of food, water, oxygen, comfortable temperatures, and being relatively healthy. No disease among the colony was ever found."

I understand that we aren’t mice and we don’t live in cages, yet, Calhoun’s research conveys a few points for the Christian worth meditating on.

I.                    Beware of a life without privacy! We continually find ourselves pushing too hard, going too often, doing too much, giving to excess, and fizzling out at the end of the week, or the day. Constantly over-extending ourselves is draining in many ways. If we make it a habit to commit a little bit to everyone, then undoubtedly someone gets slighted in a time of need. We must realize that juggling too many balls will cause us to get dizzy – at some point we will drop the ball! It can be compared to a firefighter putting out little flames all over the ground. We stomp, and stomp, and stomp thinking the fire will dissipate. But one keeps popping up, and we find ourselves scurrying everywhere, all over the place, and never putting out the fire.

II.                  Do not rationalize your “business.” Even though the Christian knows that a key to knowing God requires us “to be still,” (Psalm 46) you allow yourself to be distracted by too many things, too many times a day, too many times per week. By doing this, our spiritual growth is hindered. You cannot grow in the area that matters most, if you’re constantly struggling to be everything to everyone all of the time. It isn’t possible!

Be aware of the danger of living a life without privacy! By privacy, I mean the quiet time in your home, the silence in your mind, the physically alone time in your vehicle to and from work, the beginning of the day before you pray, the end of the day when you close in prayer, the personal time you MUST incorporate into your daily life. To linger in His presence, to shut out the noise of the world, is an extreme gift, but it requires a particular consciousness! The Christian MUST grow. It requires discipline.

As I stated earlier, the same killer of these mice in Dr. Calhoun’s study remains prevalent today. Life Moment: For parents, if you keep up the overcrowded schedule for weeks and months on end, your young are at high risk for not reproducing qualities worth living for. Our young people must know what YOUR priorities are. We make time for that which we love, right? Ask yourself: Is it really a worthy investment if God isn’t first?

Remember what happened in Calhoun’s research – not one mouse survived. Not one little creature survived the over-crowdedness of their lives.

Let’s spend quiet time in His Word…in worship…in prayer.

Look UP my friends!