Hydrated Living

Leaders: What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do

2012-02-10T06:01:00.065-06:00

Have you ever been in a situation so beyond your comprehension or capabilities that you felt immobilized? Frozen in fear? Undone by uncertainty? On your knees before God in bewilderment?

Well, you're not alone. In fact, some of Scripture's strongest leaders found themselves in such a position.

King Jehoshaphat became the fourth of King of Judah following Solomon's death. A God-fearing man, King Jehoshaphat sent Levites and teachers of the law throughout his kingdom to teach the people God's Word and rid the land of Asherah poles and Baal worship. He relied on God.

He took the throne at age 35 and reigned for 25 years (2 Chron. 20:31). He was powerful, respected, feared, and a strong leader. You'd think nothing would take him by surprise.

Seventeen years into his reign, we find King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 facing an overwhelming, vast enemy army. As a leader, people expected him to know the answers. A plan of attack. The path to victory.

Yet in 2 Chronicles 20:12, King Jehoshaphat utters this leadership-transforming prayer: "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

Why is that so transforming as a leader?

1) Getting people involved makes a difference. King Jehoshaphat knew the problem far exceeded his capabilities, so he gathered the people to seek God's guidance together.

"Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him." (2 Chron. 20:3-4)

As leaders, we may fall into the deadly spiritual trap that we're supposed to have all the answers in every situation. Yet when we face an overwhelming problem or task, gathering people around us to seek God's guidance and formulate a plan based on His direction builds strong teams. Teams focused on God rally together for victory.

2) Wise leaders take the problem to our Problem-Solver. King Jehoshaphat knew that if he tried to win that battle on his own, his entire kingdom would have been annihilated. So instead of standing in pride, he knelt for guidance.

"Lord, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You." (2 Chron. 20:6)

As leaders, if we stand in pride to the exclusion of wisdom and common sense, the casualty list can be extensive and devastating.

3) Kingdom-focused leaders place worship at the forefront. Before organizing a plan of attack, King Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and appointed worship leaders. He set a God-focused example for the rest of his people.

"After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army ... and the Lord set ambushes against the men ... who were invading Judah, and they were defeated." (2 Chron. 20:21-22)

He placed worship at the vanguard of the attack. So instead of a battle cry, the enemy faced a wall of praise. And what happened? God defeated the enemy without King Jehoshaphat's army ever raising their swords. They stood in awe and watched God defeat their enemy with His almighty strength. (2 Chron. 20:24)

If you're a leader in any capacity whatsoever, 2 Chronicles 20 provides invaluable wisdom.

King Jehoshaphat placed God at the forefront.

Not pride.

Not ego.

Not anything or anyone else.

God and God alone.

May we do likewise.

Let's chat: What leadership principles could you add to the list above? What's worked for you? Have you learned lessons the hard way?
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The Wall in Your World

2012-02-08T06:01:00.108-06:00

We all have something in our lives that we've struggled with for a long time.

Maybe even years.

Whether it's a habit, a compulsive behavior, a lofty goal, getting out of debt, repairing a relationship, or extending forgiveness, each of us have a wall in our world.

Maybe, like me, you have more than one.

I call them walls because of Nehemiah's example in the Old Testament.

In January, I listened to a sermon podcast from Andy Stanley called The One Thing. The message focused on Nehemiah's determination to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem that had been laying in rubble for over 100 years.

Nehemiah was a Jewish man who had probably never been to Jerusalem. Yet God placed a burden on his heart to rebuild the wall in order to return protection and direction back to God's people there.

Nehemiah gathered money, supplies, and the people of Jerusalem, set the vision, and began rebuilding the wall. Jerusalem's enemies and surrounding war lords didn't appreciate Nehemiah's interference in their blatant plundering of the city, so they launched attacks against the workers. Started rumors against Nehemiah. Came up with other distractions to stop progress on the wall.

But once Nehemiah climbed up on that wall, he declared one life-transforming statement: "I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down." Neh. 6:3 (ESV).

No matter the attacks or distractions, Nehemiah rebuilt that wall with relentless determination. He didn't come down until the job was finished.

Our walls can be different things. We could stand on the wall of great parenting and not get distracted by overcommitment until that job is finished. Climb up the wall of building a great marriage or a thriving ministry. Stand firm on the wall of leading a healthier lifestyle or getting out of debt.

But something keeps getting in the way. Lack of motivation, laziness, inattentiveness, defeated thinking.

Regardless of the wall in our world, you and I need Nehemiah determination to finish strong.

To close our ears to distractions.

To pray God's armor around us each time the enemy tries to sabotage our efforts.

To keep our eyes on God instead of less important tasks.

And when it's all said and done, God will get the glory, just like He did when Nehemiah finished the wall: "So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God." Neh. 6:15-16 (ESV)

I've listened to Andy's message every day (literally) since I heard it. It reminds me to climb up on my wall each and every day with Nehemiah determination and say, "I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down."

This time next year, I believe my wall will stand strong and tall - though not necessarily completed. It will take a lifetime of Nehemiah determination and the strength of God Almighty to ensure that particular wall doesn't erode or crumble over time.

But I've climbed on my wall.

And I'm not coming down.

Let's talk: Can you identify your wall? Have you climbed it before?
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The Lavish Gift

2012-02-07T06:01:00.044-06:00

Have you ever received a gift so lavish that words failed you?

One that touched your soul so profoundly that your heart experienced tangible waves of God's relentless love?

My lavish gift arrived on a chilly March evening as I stood on the cold concrete floor in the middle of my bare living room. Exactly one month before, a judge had signed papers sadly ending my 13-year marriage.

I was in the rebuilding process. Spiritually, physically, emotionally. God had carefully began the process of sheltering and mending my black and blue heart.

Into that emptiness, God sent a lavish gift. A friend's voice on the phone echoed in the hollow space. An anonymous benefactor just paid for my passage on a 9-day cruise with a group from my church to sail up the New England coast into Canada to see the Fall foliage.

All I had to do was say yes.

I stood, opening and closing my mouth like a fish out of water, as the tears flowed. That person (or persons) simply wanted to provide an avenue for me to get away with God so that the healing process could begin.

Acadia National Park, Maine (Cruise, Oct. 2010)

That was a year and a half ago. And the benefits of that amazing, soul-refreshing time still ripple in my heart today. I don't know whose hand extended the gift.

But I know Whose hand was behind it.

Their lavish generosity far exceeded monetary value. That time away allowed me to breathe again. Slow life to a stroll. Refocus direction. Listen to God's guidance. Allow Him to resurface my heart.

And I know one thing.

One day I'll pass such a blessing forward. God will let me know when. And whom. And why.

Let's talk: Have you ever received an anonymous gift (large or not) that touched your heart in a very special way? Did you accept it? Did it inspire you to look for ways to pass forward an anonymous blessing to someone else?
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This Privileged Loneliness

2012-01-13T05:01:00.005-06:00

Christmas decorations still hang, forgotten.

Wheezing cats snooze fitfully nearby. Whiskers and paws twitching.

Oblivious, blurred fingers type a staccato beat into the night.

The keyboard's "M" barely visible from wear and tear. Only whispers of soft music break the loud silence. The fireplace blaze reduces to embers as the drama unfolds.

Nearing the end of writing my latest Bible study, The God of All Comfort, I'm thanking God for this privileged loneliness.

This self-imposed solitary confinement necessary to translate interviews revealing soul-scarring events. Essential to capture. Difficult to articulate.

Theirs and mine.

The history of real pain. The drama of spiritual struggles. Stories of anger, misplaced expectations, fear, abuse, loss, and betrayal. They shout for space on the pages.

And God whispers into the chaos.

Comfort.

Bruised lives redeemed by a faithful Healer. Hope offered by a murdered Messiah. Restoration freely secured by a risen Savior.

"For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." (2 Cor. 1:5)

No one likes suffering, yet there's healing in the telling. Abundant comfort.

As the laptop screen glows long into the night, gratitude overflows as I recall the faces of these story-sharers. The profound impact they've had on my spiritual journey. Honored by their trust to reveal great pain redeemed by an even greater God.

A holy experience.

And I'm already praying.

For the lives He will touch by these stories in light of His Word.

And the shadowed hearts He will usher back into His glorious light through them.

And somewhere in these stories, I pray you find yours.

Pouring amazing grace through the chapters, God gushes His love into our empty wells. Faithfully demonstrating how His life-giving Word works healing in us.

Received, His soothing comfort then offered through us.

In spite of our discomfort.

If we let Him.
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A Cherished Circle

2011-12-28T07:00:00.502-06:00

Notes from Handel's Hallelujah Chorus still hung in the air. Applause, hugs, and congratulations had been received. The Christmas concert, a resounding success.

Guests milled about the sanctuary, so they retreated to the privacy of a small chapel. One by one, long black dresses and tuxedos appeared. The doors swung shut, silencing the extraneous. Lights softly illumined beautiful stained glass.

A hush fell as they gathered.

Black music folders lay forgotten in red padded pews. Discarded bow ties littered the well-worn railing.

The rest of the orchestra had put way their instruments and gone home. I sat unnoticed toward the back packing up my flute as the heartwarming scene unfolded. I was an intruder. A privileged spectator.

Near the altar, an unbroken circle of over thirty teenagers and two adults stood hand in hand. As the high school choir director spoke, all eyes looked expectantly to him. His words of affirmation swaddled those precious young people. Praises for music well sung for their school, their families, guests, and most importantly, God Almighty.

But they had gathered to say goodbye.

Their visiting music intern was returning to college to complete his degree. He had worked with the kids all semester teaching them music. Affirming their talents. Weaving confidence into their lives.

And he was loved.

Even though I had never met him, that circle revealed volumes about the college intern. Only special people touch the heart of a teenager.

The choir director began the prayer time, and invited seniors to pray in turn. He asked the music intern to close out the prayer.

One by one, the choir director and seniors poured love like oil over that amazing young man. Through laughter and words choked with emotion, they let him know the profound impact he had made on their lives.

Tears flowed freely. Theirs and mine.

Beautiful, simple prayers. Nothing profound; but all heartfelt. They each thanked him for enriching their lives with small kindnesses that added up to priceless. They prayed for his safe travel. A successful college finish. For God to bless him abundantly. And asked God to bring him back to visit.

They didn't want to be forgotten. They know adults can forget teenagers. Dismiss them as unimportant. Irrelevant. Screw ups.

As his turn came about, the intern struggled to form words, overcome by the palpable love captured in that circle. He expressed gratitude to the choir director, praying blessings over him and his gifted mentoring. He thanked God for the joy of working with such incredible young people, praying blessings over their lives and continued studies.

A more touching scene I have never witnessed.

Wherever God takes that young man, the memory of a cherished prayer circle will go with him. Forever etched in his soul. Cradled in his heart.

To remind him that he made a difference.

As I sat there in awe, I prayed: God let me see them.

As the busyness of life clamors for attention, sometimes I don't notice the young people God puts around me. As 2012 dawns, I pray God opens my eyes wide. To see and invest in the lives of young people.

That music intern didn't ask for their admiration. Or demand their respect. He didn't woo them with worldly gifts.

He listened.

He invested time.

Gave his heart.

Infused God's love.

May it be said of me, Lord.

Discussion: How do you invest in the lives of young people? What works? What doesn't?

So How Many was "A Multitude of Heavenly Host?"

2011-12-22T06:00:00.081-06:00

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests’” Luke 2:13-14.

Those verses bring wondrous images to our mind. But as a visual person, I have to smile as I think of the shepherds. In my mind’s eye, I picture them peacefully going about their work. Then, without warning, an angel of the Lord makes an unexpected, eye-bulging appearance.

And if that wasn't enough, suddenly a great army of heaven appeared. You know God must have rooted those shepherds’ feet to the top soil for them to stay put long enough to hear the message they had been chosen to spread!

Now imagine with me for a moment what the shepherds actually witnessed that extraordinary night. They saw "a great company of the heavenly host." Scripture does not mention the number of angels present, but a word search reveals much.

The Greek word for host (stratia) refers to “the heavenly bodies, stars of heaven--so called on account of their number and order.” The heavenly host present at Jesus’ birth were so numerous they were compared to the stars. Who can count the stars, much less number and order them, than God?

The King James Version translates Luke 2:13 to say “a multitude of the heavenly host.” Let’s do the math. If one heavenly host is as numerous as the stars, how many is a multitude of heavenly host?

Don’t you just love the mind-boggling vastness of our God?

Stratia also refers to “an army or band of soldiers.” An entire army of angels descended around those shepherds! Can you imagine the volume of the angels' praises? That multitude of heavenly host were caught in the pull of divine fascination as they gave glory and worship to God for what He was causing to happen on the earth.

They knew that the baby in that manger was no ordinary baby. He was the Son of the living God. And He was coming to set the captives free!

On that extraordinary night, God’s promise of eternity set into motion.

In a wooden manger of human anonymity.

Before a most unlikely earthly audience.

Accompanied by praising angels too numerous to count.

I don't know about you, but I would have loved to be there.
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Just Who Were the Wise Men?

2011-12-15T00:01:00.180-06:00

At one time or another most of us have wondered about the precise identity of the Magi. How many were there? Were they really kings? Why did they go to Bethlehem?

Most of our ideas about this fascinating group come from people who design Christmas cards rather than theologians. There were likely many more than three Magi since traveling in large numbers with spare animals provided safety. Many assume only three due to the number of gifts presented to Jesus.

The limited information we have about the Magi come from Old Testament books (such as Daniel, where the Magi or Wise Men appear in several texts), as well as the writings of Herodotus and other historians.

The Magi were members of an Eastern priestly group descended from the Medes. This hereditary priestly tribe (somewhat like the Levites in Israel) had been selected to function as priests in their pagan rituals. From the Babylonian to the Roman empires, they maintained a place of tremendous prominence and significance in the Orient.

As high ranking, official, priest-type people, the Magi rose by virtue of their wisdom (and astrological and astronomical abilities) to respected advisors to the kings and courts of Babylon, Persia, and Media.

In fact, the Magi became so important that no king ever took the throne of the Persian or Parthian Empire who were not trained in their laws. In their official capacity, the Magi recognized and coronated kings.

Significantly, these official eastern king-makers found their way to Jesus. When they found the One born as the Lord Jesus Christ, they honored Him as King.

In Matthew 2:2, the Wise Men stated, “We saw HIS star… .” It wasn’t just some random star. The Magi interpreted this significant astrological phenomenon that a Jewish King had been born. So they traveled to Jerusalem expecting to find a new king in Herod's place. Only after Herod informed them of the Hebraic prophecies indicating Bethlehem (Mt. 2:5-6) that the Magi set out for their final destination, following the star that went ahead of them (Mt. 2:9).

The Magi did not undertake their long journey to simply lay eyes on the King of the Jews. They had a specific goal in mind: Worship. The Magi traveled many miles over many months to worship Jesus with their greatest earthly treasures. Yet many in today's culture find it difficult to travel ten minutes by car to sit in a padded pew.

Also, the Magi likely noticed that they were not headed toward a place that looked like it should house a king. But they persevered. They kept their eyes on the star lighting the way and stayed on course without giving up.

This busy Christmas season as many distractions bombard us, I pray that we don't give up seeking Jesus above all else. That instead of crowded stores we seek quiet time with the Savior born to us that day in the City of David.

The Magi faithfully followed where God guided them. Because of their perseverance they found the object of their search: God’s 3D grace, love, and humility brought to life in a child.

And they worshiped.

May it be said of us this Christmas, as well.
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Meet Bible Study Author: Stephanie Shott

2011-12-13T05:00:00.023-06:00

I love our media age, because I met Stephanie through Twitter. As a lover of Bible studies, I noticed her tweet about her new study of Ecclesiastes, Understanding What Matters Most. So naturally, I tweeted back and asked her to tell me about it.

Read on! (AND...be sure to see at the end how you can win your own copy!)

Donna: Tell us about your new Bible study and what you hope readers will get out of doing this study.

Stephanie: We all want to know our lives count. And in our Christian conversations we talk a lot about living for eternity and having an eternal perspective, yet if we are honest, we often live as if this life is all there is. Eternity is real and it awaits each one of us. There are no escape clauses.

Understanding What Matters Most is a six week study through the book of Ecclesiastes. It’s a journey that gives the reader an opportunity to personally sift the gamut of real life experiences and define their lives by what matters most. There are questions designed to examine the heart and inspire application.

Although many avoid Ecclesiastes, it is chock-full of wisdom - not only for Solomon, but for each of us. However, there are three overriding lessons I pray that each reader will walk away with.

***1. We all long to define our existence with significance, yet the only way to truly do that is to make our eternity intentional. It’s a minute by minute choice of the will to filter the way we respond to life through the lens of eternity. I pray that Understanding What Matters Most will equip each reader with the necessary tools to do just that. We're all looking for answers, and Ecclesiastes really helps us understand how to make decisions and deal with our circumstances based on what is and what is not important in light of eternity.

***2. The study of Ecclesiastes is certainly not for sissies! It deals with real issues and real life circumstances. I hope that readers will grasp the concept of eternity and the reality of our ultimate day of reckoning; I pray the truth of that reality will help them live each day in light of THAT day.

***3. A more subtle but profound lesson we can learn from this study is to see the grace of God at work in Solomon's life and understand that same grace is available to us. Solomon was the wisest man to walk the planet, yet he blew it big time! Solomon’s life is proof that wisdom doesn’t always equal perfection! The beautiful truth is that God still used Solomon, even after he failed. I hope readers never forget that God is so much bigger than our failure - that His love for us transcends our ability to mess things up - that as long as we have breath, He still has a plan for our lives and the days we are given under the sun.

Donna: How did God lay this book on your heart to write?

Stephanie: When I began writing Understanding What Matters Most, I didn't begin in hopes of publishing a book. Understanding What Matters Most was birthed from my own place of need. It was during a time when God had called us to the mission field and my 19 year old son didn't feel led to go. My maternal heart began to wrestle with the details of the call. I didn’t have a problem with the going...it was the leaving that gripped my heart and clouded my view. Who was going to take care of him if something went wrong? What if he got hurt? What about our parents? I was trying desperately to make sense of that which didn't make sense at all.

That's when the Lord gently led me to Ecclesiastes and gave me a bird's-eye view of Solomon's own attempts to make sense of the details of his life. After he ran the gamut of life experiences, he understood what matters most. I knew I needed that kind of clarity. Not only for the circumstances surrounding our call to the mission field, but to help me walk through life with the imprint of eternity on my heart. My study of Ecclesiastes gave me the tools I needed to filter the essential from the non-essential in light of eternity. When God put it on my heart to send it to a publisher and they said yes, that’s when I knew He wanted to use it for more than just notes for a conference.

Donna: Who would you say would benefit from your book?

Stephanie: It’s primarily a Bible study for women. However, since I’m a veteran homeschool mom who remembers how hard it was to find a good Bible study for my children, I would also like to encourage homeschool moms to use it as a study for their high school students. What a great opportunity to walk through Ecclesiastes as they sit at Solomon’s feet and get a clear picture of how empty the pursuits of this life can be and how important it to live each day with eternity in view!

Do you have a website or blog where readers can find out more about you or how they can book you to speak at their next event?

http://www.stephanieshott.com/

Where can we find your Bible study?

http://tinyurl.com/6j9vqby (Amazon)
http://tinyurl.com/6cj2elt (Christianbook.com)
http://tinyurl.com/63obfhr (Barnes and Noble)
http://tinyurl.com/3kxhgql (Booksamillion.com)

BIO: Stephanie Shott is a popular, practical and passionate speaker and Bible teacher who travels to share hope for the hurting, peace for the weary and truth for all. You can find her at:

Website: http://www.stephanieshott.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Stephanie-Shott/1303068879
Twitter: http://twitter.com/stephanieshott
Email: stephanieshott@me.com
Phone: 904-343-7400

It has been a joy to introduce Stephanie to you, and I pray that God draws many closer to Him as they study Ecclesiastes through her book, Understanding What Matters Most.

TO WIN A COPY OF STEPHANIE'S STUDY:

1) Be sure to comment on this post below; and
2) Share it on Facebook and/or Twitter (and let us know you did, in case we miss your post).

The drawing takes place tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. for one blessed winner!
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Why Gold, Incense, and Myrrh?

2011-12-09T00:01:00.045-06:00

I love picking out gifts. I love seeing the receiver's eyes crinkle at the edges, mouth turn up, and hear squeals of delight. That's assuming my gift hit the mark.

We're in the gift-giving season. Stores hawk their wares at discounts to ensure our material happiness on Christmas Day.

But what about the gifts the Wise Men presented to Jesus? What was the origin and meaning behind the gifts given in worship? The symbolism is mind-boggling.

GOLD: Gold, mentioned more frequently in the Bible than any other metal, held great value because of its rarity, beauty, workability, and durability. The Israelites used gold extensively in the Old Testament Tabernacle. (Exodus 25 and 26)

Gold was a gift for a king and associated with kings. Throughout Scripture, kings wore gilded crowns and carried golden scepters. Solomon possessed so much gold that it's mentioned twelve times in 1 Kings 10.

Gold was a gift for a king. Jesus was a King.

FRANKINCENSE: An odiferous resin obtained from the bark of certain Arabian balsam trees, frankincense (referenced interchangeably with incense) was an ingredient in the holy incense used in the Old Testament Tabernacle. (Exodus 30:34-38)

Incense, used later in the Temple in Jerusalem, was always offered as a fragrant offering - an aroma pleasing to God. The Old Testament priests stored incense in a special chamber in the front of the temple and added it to the offerings so that, when burned, the incense's sweet savor would rise as an offering to God. Exodus 30:37 tells us, "the incense is for God, not the people."

Incense speaks of deity.

MYRRH: This beautiful perfume also came from a little tree in Arabia. We see myrrh referenced in Proverbs to perfume beds and put on clothes. In her preparations to be presented to the king, Esther's beauty treatments included myrrh. (Esther 2:12)

Myrrh was also an anesthetic and used for burial purposes. Myrrh was a gift for a mortal. Its perfume made life a little less odorous and burial a little less repulsive. People often gave myrrh as a gift for one who would die. Jesus was a man and it was clear from the beginning that He would die. Myrrh was a gift for a King and a man, for Jesus was both.

So when the Wise Men came bearing gifts for Jesus:
     By the gold they proclaimed Him to be a King.
     By the myrrh they proclaimed Him to be a man.
     And by the incense they proclaimed Him to be God.

The Wise Men's gifts hit the mark exquisitely, don't you think?

What is the most meaningful gift you will give this year?
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Bible Study Gift For You: "One Extraordinary Night"

2011-12-08T04:59:00.091-06:00

Our Savior appeared like no one expected.

He loved people like no one else did.

He suffered death like no one should.

And rose victorious like only a Savior could.

That's what Scripture tells us. Bible study is the single most important thing that has shaped (and continues to shape) my spiritual walk. God's living, active Word - there's nothing like it.

And this time of year, I can't get enough of the Christmas story recorded in Luke 2: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

That powerful story is the subject of "One Extraordinary Night", a 4-lesson Bible study I wrote about that stunning event which changed the course of history.

And I want you to have it.

If you subscribe to follow my blog by email (right), I will email the complete 4-lesson Bible study today as my gift to you. Nothing would give me greater joy! (And you will not receive any email other than the one sending you the Bible study.)

The study delves into the culture of the shepherds, the heavenly host present that night, and transports you to a shepherding hill outside of Bethlehem to uncover what Jesus' birth truly signified. It digs deep through God's incredible Word about that story full of wonder.

The path for us to spend eternity with Him started there.

My prayer is that you choose to share this study with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and anyone else who would like understand what God did on that breathtaking night. This time of year they're more open to the soul-saving message of Christ than any other.

So...
1) Subscribe to follow my blog by email by December 31, 2011;
2) Leave a comment here about someone you may like to share it with, and
3) "One Extraordinary Night" is yours.

Merry Christmas and God's blessings!
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How Do You Spell C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S?

2011-12-06T05:00:00.125-06:00

As a young girl, one of my favorite Christmas songs started on page 70 of the old Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook. I played that tune over and over on my flute until the pages became dog-eared and worn.

Although the tune was catchy, my fascination went beyond notes. It told a story, but I didn't understand the words. It talked about a Redeemer. But that Redeemer was a child.

How could a child redeem anyone from anything?

Church was not a regular part of my childhood, so the story of angels, wise men, and a shining star captured my imagination.

In His amazing wisdom, God chose to tuck that particular song in my heart. I pulled out that same old songbook last week, and marveled at the yellowed, well-loved pages. And I came upon that song. I picked up my flute and played it through several times. The song stuck in my head for days.

I realized that I still sing it to this day - but with much more gusto. And tenderness. As a Christian, I understand it now. I sang it during my talk on Sunday night at a women's advent dinner. Only 2 women out of 300 recognized the tune, but most, if not all of them, understood the meaning of the words.

The song, called "C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S," was originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1961. It goes like this:

"When I was but a youngster, Christmas meant one thing: I'd be getting lots of toys that day. I learned a whole lot different when mother sat me down and taught me to spell CHRISTMAS this way:

C is for the Christ child, born upon this day,

H for herald angels in the night.
R is for our Redeemer,
I means Israel, and
S is for the star that shone so bright.
T is for three wise men, they who traveled far,
M is for the manger where He lay.
A is for all He stands for,
S means shepherds came, and that's why there's a Christmas Day!"

Beautiful way to tell a story full of wonder, isn't it?

Here's a YouTube link to listen if you like [be prepared - it's old school!]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLl95DnsN90&feature=related

Do you have a favorite Christmas song from childhood? What made it your favorite?
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One Extraordinary Night

2011-12-01T08:50:00.001-06:00

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night." Luke 2:8

It started out just as another ordinary night.

Nothing special.

The usual routine.

Shepherds watching over their flocks.

They humbly and industriously went about the business of their calling. Performing the mundane. The routine.

That's where God meets us most often.

Shepherding had a lowly place and shepherds were considered social outcasts. However, they were no ordinary shepherds. And that was no ordinary night. They had been chosen for a divine appointment scheduled from the beginning of time.

Stationed on the hills outside of Bethlehem, these men were Temple shepherds. Their skillful care ensured that there would be unblemished lambs to sacrifice to God each morning and evening in the Jerusalem Temple not far away.

They lived outside in the fields with their flocks watching for thieves and predatory animals. Working in shifts, some protected the flocks while others rested. All was as it should be that night. Nothing seemed out of place.

Being social outcasts of the day, the rabbis looked down their noses at shepherds. They despised shepherds as next door heathens. Perceived as untrustworthy, shepherds were not allowed to give testimony in court.

But that’s not how God saw them.

God passed over the self-important, the High Priest, Herod the Great, the Jewish religious leaders, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the politicians, Rome, and Jerusalem.

God was coming - and not just for important people. He came to the shepherds. He came for you. He came for me.

These shepherds didn’t realize they were about to hear the heavenly announcement that would change the course of all eternity. A night unlike any other in all Creation. One evening destined to change the history of the world.

These shepherds would be eye witnesses and give testimony to a story full of wonder. God, contained in the body of a newborn, descended. So that one day we could ascend.

One remarkable,

     stunning,

          amazing,

               astonishing,

                    life-changing,

                         God-saving,

                              extraordinary night.

How will you celebrate it?
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What Christians Can Learn From Cats

2011-11-28T23:01:00.003-06:00

Two adorable tabby cats reside in my home. Notice I didn't say that I "own" two tabby cats. To know cats is to understand the ridiculousness of that notion.

In recent weeks, I have spent an inordinate amount of time sequestered at home in the evenings writing toward a deadline. This gave me plenty of time to observe my cats' daily routines. Surprisingly, a few of their habits provided a new perspective when viewed through the lens of our Christian walk. Perhaps you can relate:

1) Cats operate methodically and purposefully. Cats waste no excess energy. They decide what they need and how to obtain it with uber efficiency. But they have fun along the way batting at each other's tails.

Do we tend to take the long route and procrastinate when it comes to serving God? Does focused time mean we surpress the joy of the journey itself?

2) Cats rest when they're tired. Granted, cats sleep a solid 21 hours a day, but their pattern intrigued me. They would play hard together, then 10 minutes later I'd find them sound asleep. An hour later, the cycle would start again.

Do we far exceed exhaustion at times to accomplish what God has called us to do? Burn out and exhaustion can be deadly in spiritual warfare.

3) Cats know how to get your attention. Regardless of my location in the house, if they desired attention, they found a way to get it. At one point, Sophie (left) plopped on my lap desk and stared me down until I paid attention to her. Later, she helped me with the laundry. Handy, isn't she? Ginger (top) performs tricks to get me to scratch her belly. But whether I was writing, resting, or walking into another room, they made sure I remained in their line of sight. If I didn't, they came looking for me.

When we're juggling 50 things at once, what does God need to do to get our attention? I don't know about you, but sometimes it takes pain for me to change something. Whether emotionally, spiritually, or physically, pain gets our attention. God desires to remain in our line of sight at all times. No matter how far we stray, He always pursues us in love.

My cats live a charmed life. You and I do not always operate under such a charmed existence. But once we wholeheartedly submit our lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior, an amazing life awaits us for all eternity.

So, is it just me, or can we learn something from cats?

Relationship vs. Membership

2011-11-26T09:07:00.000-06:00

"Jesus did not die to give us a membership; He died to give us a relationship with the living God." - James Robison

That's a profound statement.

And it made me uncomfortable.

Something about walking in a church fosters that mindset most often. When I'm alone with God in my quiet time, membership never crosses my mind. Something about bricks and mortar alters that--sometimes not for the good.

Membership provides status. Thankfully, Jesus didn't care about status. He helped the blind see, the lame leap, and the deaf hear. He didn't ask if the hurting were card-carrying members of heaven. He didn't ask to see their 401(k) statement to verify worth. He said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." [Luke 6:20]

Membership fosters entitlement. Relationship with Jesus fosters service. Christ followers don't push to the front of the line and demand to be served. They reach out to those in need with gentle hands and compassionate love. "Love your neighbor as yourself." [Rom. 13:9]

Memberships accrue penalty fees. Relationship with Jesus offers us a new slate each day, wiped clean by a blood-soaked cloth of sacrifice. The fee to enter heaven was paid in full on a skull-carved hill. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." [Psalm 103:12]

Memberships expire. But from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible stands as a record of a loving God's pursuit of a relationship with us. He doesn't stop at some point and tell us to join or forget it. He said, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." [Jer. 31:3]

Membership involves our wallet, mind, and projecting a certain image.

Relationship involves our heart, soul, and allowing our warts to show.

Let's chat: Do you struggle with membership in the kingdom vs. relationship with God? Are they inseperable?
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Thankful or Entitled?

2011-11-22T00:01:00.001-06:00

When I meet people who operate from a thankful heart, one trait appears consistently: gratefulness for the simplest things.

An extra $20 to give away.

A PB&J for lunch.

A beautiful sunset.

The eyesight to see one.

When an unexpected blessing comes to a thankful person, we may hear an impromptu broadway song, belly laughter, or even witness a joyful hop, skip or jump.

But too often, I run across people who operate from an entitled heart:

"I'm quitting if they don't hand out bonuses this Christmas!"

"If my engagement ring doesn't have at least 2 carats, the answer is no."

"The church service better have the music I like."

As we celebrate Thanksgiving day after tomorrow, do you find yourself thankful or entitled? Just replay your thoughts and conversations over the past few days.

I operated from an entitled heart for many years. And it never brought me joy, drew me closer to people, or satisfied my deepest desires. And it certainly never fostered a surrendered life toward God.

What we're entitled to is hell. Literally. Were it not for a sacrificial Savior who died to offer us the path to life, hell would be our eternal address.

Even though Christmas has always been my favorite season, this year's holidays represent the first time I've honestly felt like celebrating in two years. The sadness of my marriage exploding in December 2009 and stark reality of being divorced as December 2010 arrived tainted my holidays on many levels.

But I learned something only experience teaches: heaven-based thankfulness remains regardless of our circumstances. Circumstantial-based thankfulness fluctuates by the second.

This year I find myself thankful for the simplest things. Priceless treasures that far exceed the best Black Friday sales.

The laughter of family and friends that will fill my home.

A loving God who resurfaces hearts.

A Savior who brings forth beauty from ashes.

This Thanksgiving, I am ... simply thankful.

"Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done." Psalm 105:1

What are you most thankful for this year?
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Spiritual Temper Tantrums

2011-11-18T23:14:00.000-06:00

While celebrating a close friend's career accomplishment over dinner a few evenings ago, she revealed how difficult at times her long journey had been.

Sometimes her frustration caused her to wonder if she was following God's will or her own. She even asked God why He wouldn't simply grant her the desire of her heart.

Then she said something that stopped me in my tracks. She grinned and said, "I even had a few spiritual temper tantrums along the way, too."

A few what?

Perhaps you've witnessed one. Perhaps you've had one.

It looks very similar to what came out of Job's mouth when his world came crashing down: “I hate my life and don’t want to go on living. Oh, leave me alone for my few remaining days. Why won’t you leave me alone, at least long enough for me to swallow! If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity? Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you? Why not just forgive my sin and take away my guilt? For soon I will lie down in the dust and die. When you look for me, I will be gone.” (Job 7:11, 7:17-21)

A spiritual temper tantrum is a pity party where only God received an invitation. We launch at Him the brunt of our anger, hurt, fear, and damaged pride. He absorbs our questions - regardless of the volume in which we ask it.

He lets us wear ourselves out in our temper tantrums.

Then reminds us of His love.

And asks us to trust that His plan is for our good and His glory. It may not turn out the way we expected. Chances are, it will turn out a whole lot better.

Just ask Job.

Let's Chat: Have you ever had a spiritual temper tantrum? What happened?
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The Muir House

2011-11-17T02:20:00.004-06:00

We all have secrets. But what if dreams and vague memories haunt you, yet clarity eludes? You have a feeling something epic hides in your past, but what?

Willa Muir needs answers, but doesn't look forward to returning to her childhood home (a former funeral home) to find them. Her Mother, suffering from Alzheimers, dislikes Willa intensely.

Leaving behind the man who asked to marry her, Willa journeys home to make sense of her sketchy recollections and puzzling journal entries. But the appearance of an old boyfriend there turns everything upside down.

Each chapter contains a piece of the puzzle, so I kept reading until I learned the secret! Through relatable characters and masterful writing, Author Mary DeMuth weaves a beautiful story of healing past trauma, trusting God beyond circumstances, and the freedom of forgiveness.

The clues keep you guessing to the end, so if you're like me, you'll finish reading it in a single weekend! A captivating story that warms your heart and gives you hope past difficulties in your life, you'll not want to miss reading The Muir House.

Order The Muir House from Amazon, click: http://www.amazon.com/Muir-House-Mary-DeMuth/dp/0310330335/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_5

To follow The Muir House Blog Tour:

Mary's Blog Tour Site: http://www.marydemuth.com/2011/10/muirtour/
Yesterday's Blog: http://shalommama.com/2011/11/16/the-muir-house/
Tomorrow's Blog: http://www.deniseinbloom.com/

Read Mary's previous interview on my blog here: http://www.hydratedliving.com/2011/11/mary-demuth-muir-house.html

ABOUT MARY DEMUTH:

I’m a writer, speaker and book mentor who took a long path to publication. Ten years spent in obscurity. Years and miles of unpublished words. Twelve years after I started, an agent signed me, and I sold two books. I’ve currently published twelve books with various publishers.

I spent two and a half years church planting in France. And now my family and I are stateside as I continue my writing, speaking and mentoring ministry.

To learn more about me and the circumstances that brought me Jesus, go to: http://www.marydemuth.com/about/about/.

"Your Strong Suit" - New Bible Study (and a Chance to Win!)

2011-11-15T00:01:00.177-06:00

I am excited beyond measure to announce the official launch today of my new DVD-based Bible study series, "Your Strong Suit."

When I became a Christian 20 years ago, understanding the importance of suiting up in God's armor just didn't register. It does now. You and I have a powerful, deadly enemy bent on our complete destruction. Walking through life without God's armor is like walking through a mine field surrounded by snipers.

This study doesn't contain the usual Christian-ease. It's real. Down-to-earth. Digs deep yet is easy to understand. It deals with what we deal with today - loss, addiction, divorce, fear, and more. A relevant, meaningful study for both new and seasoned Christians.

Journey with me through Ephesians 6:10-18. These lessons pour forth rich Scripture, vivid cultural symbolism, and life-impacting stories that convey how desperately we need God's armor every day.

Each lesson runs 30-40 minutes - ideal for Small Groups, Sunday morning class, retreats, women's events, or any place you have a DVD player, computer, or laptop. Presented with state-of-the-art filming and stunning graphic design, this study was recorded before a live women's audience. It consists of eight lessons on two DVDs, including:

His Mighty Strength
The Powers Over This Present Darkness
The Full Armor of God
Truth and Righteousness
The Feet of God’s Peace
The Shield of God’s Protection
Our Helmet and Sword
Pray Without Ceasing

Here is a brief glimpse:

Also included is an 85-page, color Study Guide with spiral binding for easy note-taking. Additional Study Guides available to order.

Over half - yes, over half - of all proceeds go directly to fund mission work through the Lutheran Women in Mission (http://www.lwml.org/).

Join me as we discover the battle, our armor, and our place in God's army. It is such a privilege to serve you.

CHANCE TO WIN: If you comment on this blog post below and share the link on Facebook or Twitter, you will be entered to win a free Bible study set. Drawing takes place Friday, November 18!!

For ordering information and more:

http://www.artesianministries.org/ or http://www.lwml.org/resources/bible-studies.php

He Binds Up The Brokenhearted

2011-11-11T00:01:00.044-06:00

Pinpointing exact times in our lives when we experienced a broken heart isn't difficult. Our hearts are fragile.

They remember hurt.

We recall damaging words, cracked relationships, and yes, our sin before a holy God. I doubt that you've reached this point in life without experiencing brokenheartedness.

But we don't have to exist that way.

God loves broken people. When we break, He comes in with His salve of love to make the repairs: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

You and I choose how we handle each break. We can break toward Him. Honest brokenness invites God's healing. When we walk through valleys He walks with us. Just read Psalm 23. He nurtures us in the lush vegetation of the valleys where His living water flows. That's where we grow.

Or we can break away from Him by allowing the hurt and pain of brokenness to foster bitter feelings and resentment. That path hardens our heart and delays God's repair work. When we surrender our hurts to God, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)

Whether our brokenness comes from our own actions or those of another, we still have a choice: imprison ourselves in self-pity or trust in God's promise proclaimed by our Savior, "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

If you find yourselves imprisoned, ask God to give you the strength to swing open the prison cell door. He'll knock, but He won't come in unless invited.

Allow His light to flood that darkness.

And receive His unconditional rescue of love.

He died for you.

He wants you to live - not merely exist.
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Mary DeMuth: The Muir House

2011-11-03T05:00:00.002-05:00

I have the privilege of introducing Mary DeMuth to you today! Her newest novel (more on that below) is the latest addition to her published portfolio, which already includes six novels, four books on parenting, a memoir, and much more. Take a moment to visit her website and blog at http://www.marydemuth.com/.

In the meantime, here's a glimpse from Mary about her newest novel:

I wrote the novel The Muir House because of a secret. Although it's a risk for me to share it, I feel it's important, and it will deepen your experience of the book.

Those who have read my story in Thin Places know I endured some trauma in my childhood. Sexual abuse at five, several parental divorces, the death of my father. All these things served to help me see my gaping need for Jesus. While it's painful that I had to endure what I did, I can now see those trials as the very means God used to bring me to Himself. To put it simply, my daddy-shaped-hole made me yearn for the Daddy who would never leave me.

I've been on the journey of healing many, many years now. Although I've grown so much, there is one thing I can't seem to get over: a hole in my memory. Even writing it scares me. What will my extended family think? Will this cause more friction? What if my empty memory is nothing?

The weird thing about my brain is that I remember everything. I have a clear memory of being about two years old, extremely vivid. And then nothing until I am four. Normally I would just chalk this up to being a child and forgetting or simply not remembering, but when I've asked my relatives about it, the answer never comes. Some have started crying. "Why would you want to know that? Why go back there?" Others are adamant that nothing happened to me. Others think I'm crazy for asking. But always, there is never a satisfactory answer and lots and lots of evasion. Rumors have flown around about homelessness, but nothing I can pin down.

I need to know. It's this ache inside me, this agony to know what was missing from my life. What happened? Why won't anyone tell me?

This search has driven me to become an investigative reporter. I've dug up old acquaintances from the past, written letters, sent emails, hoping to unfold the mystery. Nothing. I've prayed, but no insight has come. I've tried to settle myself, but I'm still antsy.

What has helped me with my need to know was remembering something my husband Patrick told me years ago. With words, he painted a picture. He said my distance (at the time) felt like I was pacing the high dive, deciding whether I would jump into the pool. Down below were my children and him, all beckoning me to jump. But I paced. And worried. And fretted. I didn't jump. Instead, in the word picture, I came off the high dive, then sat on the side of the pool and dangled my feet. Our later discussion helped me see an important truth. No matter what may make you pace the high dive (for me it's this missing memory conundrum), you can still make a choice to live, to enjoy, to engage with people. You don't have to be trapped up there or be relegated to the side of the pool.

This is why I wrote The Muir House. I wanted to explore the idea that we may never know the exact truth of things. We may investigate until our heart is raw. But even if things are left unresolved, we always have the choice to grow and live anyway. Willa had that choice. I have that choice. Even you have that choice.

We can let the past be our excuse to live crippled lives.

Or we can leap into the halcyon air, and jump footfirst into life.

Which will you choose?

Curious? Here’s the book trailer:

---

We’re doing a crazy blog experiment with The Muir House and we’d love for you to be a part. In addition to several folks around the world blogging about their emotional reaction to the book, you have a chance to be involved as well. Simply click to find out how you can receive all the posts in your inbox, have a chance to help me write a novella based on the book (Yes! You get to help!), participate in a webinar where I answer your publishing questions, get several novels and ebooks, and have one page of your work critiqued.

With joy,
Mary DeMuth

A Generation of Exhausted People

2011-11-01T05:00:00.205-05:00

When was the last time you rested? Actually rested where you spent a significant portion of time - or even a whole day - unplugged from technology, your calendar, and your "to do" list?

To simply breathe.

To stroll in God's beautiful creation with only the sun's position as your clock.

To savor Scripture and allow God to nourish your soul.

To pray and be still long enough to hear God's gentle whispers.

We live in a culture that tempts and baits us into living life at an unsustainable clip. That pace robs us emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. We tend to wear busyness as a badge of courage and look down on those who choose not to keep up.

The importance of rest was one of the first things God communicated to us through Scripture. He created the heavens and the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. [Gen. 2:2; Ex. 20:11] Not because He needed to rest, but to model a behavior we need to adopt to survive - literally. Rest wasn't suggested by God, it was commanded. [Ex. 23:12]

So why have we neglected - or worse, denied - the importance of rest? Perhaps somewhere deep down we believe that if we don't keep up we become less influential. Even irrelevant.

The kingdom doesn't need our leftover scraps of love, distracted concern, and surface conversation. The kingdom needs replenished, energized, and passionate disciples. Jesus followers who aren't too tired to see the real needs of others or notice the hurting individual in a crowd.

Burn out isn't spiritual, yet we run toward it at full throttle.

We are a generation of exhausted people.

Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor at Willow Creek Community Church, once said, "The pace at which we do the work of God is killing the work of God in us." Do we really want to model that example for the next generation?

I find it interesting that Psalm 23:2 tells us that God "maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Do we sometimes go down kicking because our self-imposed checklists take precedence over rest? Eventually we will go down - whether by exhaustion or surrender. There's no neutrality. We either suffer the consequences of our busyness or reap the benefits of rest.

I pray that our lives reflect a desire for God to weave this soul-deep rest into our daily routine: "He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul."

Let's chat: What does rest look like for you? Do you carve out time to rest? Do you believe it's important?
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Inspiration from an Unlikely Source

2011-10-26T05:01:00.002-05:00

When my tummy started its usual 3:00 p.m. rumbling yesterday, I reached for one of those Nabisco 100-calorie snack pouches. As I began to pull it open to munch on the goodies inside, something on the packaging stopped me in mid-pull.

On the very bottom, below the snack picture, appeared these words:

"Snacktime Inspiration: Lighting scented candles is a great way to unwind. Make sure you choose a scent that isn't overpowering."

Several thoughts flashed in quick succession:

1) That's brilliant marketing. They're encouraging the consumer to get comfortable and cozy to enjoy their product.

2) Wow, is our society so busy that we need reminders to relax?

3) A woman must have designed that packaging.

I'm curious, what are your thoughts?
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Recognizable in the Dark

2011-10-19T05:00:00.011-05:00

Did you know that a Coca-Cola bottle is the only bottle recognizable in the dark?

In 1916, the executives at Coca-Cola Company saw the need for a distinctive container in order to fight competitors and imitators. Ben Thomas, one of the original patent bottlers, decided they needed a bottle which a consumer could recognize as a "Coke" even when they held it in the dark.

So the company set out on a quest. They designed their single-serve Coca-Cola bottle with distinct ridges and added a slight green hue to the glass. When this brand-identifying container received final approval, they actually patented the bottle itself - the first bottle container to ever receive a U.S. patent.

To this day, even if you find a piece of Coca-Cola bottle glass on the ground, it is easily recognizable as Coke because of it's unique ridges and greenish hue.

You have been distinctly designed, as well. Every detail thought out by God Himself. Scripture refers to us as "jars of clay." Fragile containers. On this side of heaven, you and I will experience container damage. Between relational hurts, financial struggles, and health concerns, these delicate jars of clay suffer.

They crack.

They fracture.

Life's hurts cause our hearts to break. So when that happens, what spills out?

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Cor. 4:7-9 (NIV)

We carry around death to tell others about life. An everlasting life with our Creator. Thankfully, God allows His children to experience joy in our most difficult circumstances. He fosters growth amidst brokenness. He fashioned us with lovingkindness and put His stamp on our soul. We have received the ultimate patent.

When you and I experience hurt, people watch how we react. What we say. Who we trust.

As you walk through shadowy valleys of hurt, your fragile pottery fragments litter the journey. When others draw close with encouragement to help pick up the broken pieces, do they recognize your Creator in you despite the darkness?
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The Kind of Friend We All Need

2011-10-13T09:12:00.000-05:00

What comes to mind when you think of your closest friends? I’m not talking about acquaintances who barely know you, but those inner circle friends who have walked with you in life’s stinky trenches and stuck around.

They have shared your joys, heartbreaks, long-running jokes, arm-in-arm victories, bold prayers of faith, laughter, and refreshment in the Word.

One of life’s greatest blessings and sweetest rewards is the bond of intimacy and joy experienced through one-of-a-kind friendships knit together by Christ.

Iron sharpening iron kinds of friendships centered in God with His calling in their hearts and His words on their lips. They aren’t afraid to challenge you, protect you, nurture you, hold you accountable, and provide a safe place for transparency and honest communication.

I did not have friends like that before I became a Christian 20 years ago - mainly because I was not a friend like that. My old friends were world-oriented and materialistic-based. That’s where I was, so that’s where my friends were. But the more I attended church and got involved in various ministries, God began changing my definition of friendship.

These new Christian friends did not put a limit on love because they understood God’s everlasting love. After Dad passed away several years ago, Mom decided to move back here to be closer to my sisters and I. Two of my closest friends drove with me to Fort Worth to help Mom pack up and move. They delighted in doing it simply to love on me and my Mom. I cannot tell you how tender my heart is toward those two incredible, godly friends. They are two of my closest friends to this day because in that act of sacrificial love I saw Jesus.

My closest friends serve side-by-side with me at my home church. Whenever I spend time with these women, I always leave with a greater appreciation for all they’ve taught me, how much they love Jesus, and the kind of friend I strive to be. To get a friend like that, we have to be one.

Christ-focused friends encourage us to become grace-centered comrades suited up in God’s armor ready to take our place on the spiritual battlefield. I'm so thankful for those close friends that God has placed in my life. We link arms to team up and serve Him with joy in our hearts and heaven in our sights.

Let's chat: Do you have friends like that? Are you a friend like that?

Prayer Kills

2011-10-04T05:40:00.006-05:00

It's 5:34 a.m. The pre-dawn darkness hovers. Still and quiet.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee drifts under my nose, but it will have to wait.

It's prayer time and I've got a long list this morning. Family, church, friends, ministry, myself. But something in particular is tugging at my heart. Furrowing my brow.

The quiet helps focus my thoughts.

I recall that Jesus found quiet places to pray. Uninterrupted time with God. Oftentimes in Scripture, the quiet place Jesus found was the Garden of Gethsemane. He traveled through that olive orchard often as he visited Mary, Martha, and Lazarus on his way to and from Jerusalem.

Jesus spent his last night in the Garden before facing death. And he prayed. As a man he asked God to remove that cup of unbearable pain. As our Savior he submitted.

And something died.

Unrest and angst met their end in that Garden. Jesus left there in chains, but resolved to see His Father's plan through.

You see, prayer kills.

It slays restlessness. It murders worry. It suffocates indecision.

Yet in the same breath, it resurrects hope. Re-establishes peace. Restores equilibrium.

My brow unfurls. The heart tugs cease. Time to start the day walking by faith.

Although I do not know how God will answer what I prayed about this morning, I rest in the peaceful assurance that His plan is better than any I could conceive.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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The Difference Between Waiting and Waiting Well

2011-09-21T00:05:00.002-05:00

Have you ever decided to test yourself in the patience arena only to discover that impatience deploys sneaky, ninja moves?

After work on Monday, I got in my car and started it only to discover the air conditioner wasn't working. That's just not funny in 90+ degree Texas heat.

After arriving home in a melted, windblown heap, I promptly made a car service appointment for first thing yesterday morning.

I knew there would be a lot of waiting time involved while they diagnosed the problem. I also realized that sometimes I don't wait well. Especially if pressing obligations or deadlines loom ahead. Keeping that in mind, I decided to test myself.

Was I getting any better at waiting patiently?

Yesterday, I arrived at the service desk optimisticly determined to do just that. The first hour flew by without a hitch. Well done! But the hour-long wait turned into two, and then three hours - all without a progress report. Really? Even though I worked on upcoming writing projects, my blood pressure steadily rose. I mean, I didn't show up there in jammies. Didn't they realize dress clothes meant I work for a living?

I didn't say that, but I sure was thinking it. Not a very shining moment.

In that instant, something clicked in my brain for the first time: I wait more patiently if I know what's going on and see progress.

If the tech guy would have come out every so often with status updates, I imagine I would've kept working away. Happy as a clam. Oblivious to time - to a certain extent. But waiting combined with lack of information made the difference.

The spiritual ramifications of that discovery were startling. God didn't promise to deliver progress reports. He promised to deliver us. He's committed to molding and shaping us into the likeness of His Son no matter how long it takes. In spite of how impatient we get.

Needless to say, I failed my self-imposed test. Instead of shining this little Gospel light of mine, I hid it under a bushel labeled impatience.

I finally realized there's a difference between waiting and waiting well.

Waiting simply marks time toward a future goal. Waiting well lives in the moment looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and interact with people that God has put in our path.

"And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved." 2 Peter 3:15a (NLT)

So, how well do you wait?
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Why We Hate Being Tested

2011-09-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

Blind panic.

That’s the only way to describe it.

High school finals week had arrived and I anxiously waited outside of my Biology classroom. My entire grade hung in the balance of that comprehensive, semester-encompassing final.

A dissected cat reeking of formaldehyde (and smelling to high heaven, I might add), a microscope, one chair, and the teacher waited inside. As the teacher pointed to the cat's various muscles and tendons, and then slides under the microscope, I was expected to recite the scientific names, their specific purposes, and how they functioned.

And the test clock started.

Blind panic did not improve memory function. I had not studied well. I was in over my head. The ramifications of failing were epic. Test day had arrived and I was ill prepared. The moment of truth was at hand. Thoughts such as, “Why didn’t I prepare better?” and “What was I thinking?” reverberated in my head.

Been there?

King David had. Not in a school classroom, but in the classroom of life. On a lazy afternoon when King David should have been on the road with the Israelite army, he looked down from his palace rooftop and noticed a beautiful woman taking a bath (2 Samuel 11).

And God's test clock started.

The moment of truth was at hand. David was in over his head. Only after adultery, murder and epic failure did David ask himself, “What was I thinking?”

We tend to avoid tests because there's a chance we'll fail. Miserably. God administered lots of tests throughout Scripture. He asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son (Gen. 22:1-24). Moses and the Israelites waited each day for fresh manna (Ex. 16). And then there was Job -- poor Job -- caught in the middle of a war in the spiritual realm.

We rarely know when God starts the test clock, so these tests cause us to realize how much we still need to learn - about Him, about life, about loving others as ourselves.

God tests our faith so that He can refine us - not to watch us fail. Job went through vigorous testing by God, but his faith was proved genuine: "But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) Despite the flames of God's refining fire, Job's faith held him steadfast - even when those he held closest abandoned and ridiculed him. And God blessed him tremendously.

Learning from, and even looking forward to, God's tests of faith require us to keep our face plastered on Him. There are no two ways around it - tests can hurt. They can shake us to our core. But God promises to bring forth good.

If we let Him.

When you believe God is testing you, do you look forward to it or hate it?
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Hope Traffickers: Open Call

2011-09-14T23:00:00.058-05:00

While waiting in line recently to check out my groceries, two women behind me were discussing their concerns about our country: financial condition, war, fighting politicians, social security, and the list went on.

Eventually, the conversation narrowed down to personal concerns: family, relational discord, and health issues.

As I completed checking out and turned to leave, one lady asked the other in a tired, resigned voice, "Do you think it's childish to have hope about anything anymore?"

Her hopeless question troubled me for days -- mainly because somewhere deep down, perhaps I needed to wrestle with that myself.

What I discovered is the vast difference between wishful thinking and true hope.

We may wish for a Ferrari and a Beverly Hills mansion, but unless Daddy Warbucks pulls up it's just wishful thinking. Wishful thinking is an open-ended thought process that expects no results. It fits in the same category as daydreaming.

Hope, however, anchors in confident expectation. An expectation that circumstances will change. True hope manifests in a peace that passes all understanding that when the walls come tumbling down, they're not down for good.

True hope isn't childish - it just takes a child-like faith.

Hope expects. The events of 9/11 shone forth true hope in high definition blue-ray. Hope kept workers digging for weeks in confident expectation of finding survivors. Hope moved firefighters' feet toward chaos to rescue people when everyone else ran away. They confidently expected all was not lost. They were right.

Hope reminds us what Jesus promised: "I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10b)

Not a half life.

Not a worry-filled existence.

To live - fully alive.

You and I can serve as hope traffickers. When chaos reigns, we help and serve others with the confident expectation that God always brings good out of evil. He is always for us, never against us. He provides our only hope for getting out of this world alive - eternally.

God's hope provides an anchor for our soul regardless of our circumstances. Without true hope we remain adrift on the floating debris of wishful thinking.
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Mornings on the Patio

2011-09-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

As the early dawn sky peeks over the back fence, the world pauses. A hummingbird glides in soundlessly to sip from a garden flower. A ruffled gray squirrel forages in the dew-ladened grass.

The steam rises in swirls from my coffee mug as I glance down at my Bible and notepad. I've missed sitting out here for this morning ritual. The blazing Texas summer heat sequestered me inside until this week's unusual 60 degree mornings beckoned me back to my favorite place.

I lose track of time on the patio. Here, it's not just about reading or writing. It's about being. Being still to ponder what I've just read. Being quiet to listen. Being undisturbed to pray. Just being.

The breathtaking sunrise drives all else from my mind. Vivid colors splash across the sky as I sip my coffee in amazement. Just watching. In awe. Then my pen won't stop scribbling across the blank pages. Inspired.

By Him.

For Him.

In spite of myself.

Some time later, I slowly gather my things, drinking the last sip of cold coffee. The hummingbird appears once again. Thank you, Lord, for this time. You resurfaced a heart and soul dinged by the world. I'll be back in the morning. And I know You'll be waiting here.
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A Glimpse of Hell: The Deadly Texas Wildfires

2011-09-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

The thick smoke blanketed the full sun in an eerie red glow. The deadly wildfires raged out of control. They jumped ponds and roads looking for anything to devour. No one knew how they started. The firefighters only knew they couldn't contain them.

We're in the middle of the worst drought in Texas history. Our area is 24" short of rainfall so far. The bone dry conditions and high winds brew the perfect wildfire cocktail. And they are raging.

Yesterday, I saw the giant plumes of smoke on the horizon. Believing family and friends in danger, I hurried to my car and drove toward the fires.

As I got closer, I realized with great relief that my sisters' homes were safe. But the plume was dangerously close to my best friend's home. After reaching her house and discovering all was well, the large smokey billows pulled me closer. I don't know what I was looking for. I just needed to wrap my mind around the fact that it was actually happening so close to home.

As I drove up FM 1486 outside of Magnolia, I glimpsed hell on earth. The crimson ladened black smoke choked out the sunlight. The smell of smoke burned my nostrils. The picture above is an actual photo. The sun looked like a gleaming red eye, even though it was 4:00 p.m. The smoke billows displayed a stunning array of white plumes, black spirals, and orange columns that stretched hundreds of feet in the air carried far by the high winds.

Firefighters, water tankers, and police cars roared past me with sirens blaring and lights flashing. People in cars laden with precious belongings and loved ones were fleeing to safety. Ranchers raced to load their livestock on trailers and whisk them to safety. Several cars had pulled over to the side of the road to capture the heart-stopping images on cameras and cell phones.

In the midst of all of that I wondered: If my home lay in the path of the firestorm, what would I do? What would I choose to take with me? Several friends have had to make those decisions. A dear friend who evacuated last night turned on the news this morning from the safety of a friend's home to watch her house burn down in real time. Heart-wrenching to say the least.

But she offered the best perspective of all: hope. She had gotten out safely with her two daughters, two cats, vital documents, and suitcases of clothes. When we talked she calmly reminded me that God is our refuge and strength. Her home lies in ashes, but she and her girls are safe and looking for ways to help others. What an amazing testimony.

As I write this the wildfires continue to rage as more friends evacuate. I've opened my home to anyone needing a place to stay - for as long as they need shelter. My church is gathering supplies and donations for the evacuees and weary firefighters. We'll be in danger of continuing wildfires until God opens the floodgates of heaven with much needed rain. Please pray for that to happen soon.

As I reflect on what I have seen and heard so far, I have to ask:

What do you hold most dear? Would it fit in a suitcase?
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Do You Leave Margins?

2011-08-31T04:30:00.094-05:00

Do you tend to schedule every free moment of each day?

At the Catalyst One Day event in Houston last week, Andy Stanley posed a thought-provoking question to us: "Do you leave margins in your life?"

Although he addressed a sanctuary full of leaders, the application rings true for every person. We're all busy. We serve in church, take care of our families, work outside the home ... and the list goes on. But his crucial point was this: If we schedule every second of every day focused on completing our to-do lists only to fall into bed completely exhausted by day's end, how long do we hope to remain effective?

How long will we be able to mentally, physically, and spiritually sustain such a pace?

As soon as he asked that question, I mentally skimmed through my previous day's schedule. Between working full time, ministry and writing commitments, meeting with my editor over dinner, and preparing for upcoming speaking events, I had factored in no margin whatsoever.

ZERO.

Andy's point was that people serve other people in the margins. Without margins, we have no room to serve each other, much less God. We don't have time to ask someone else, "How can I help you?" because we're too busy needing help with our overcommitments.

Without margins, the surprises of life can push our time, energy, and emotional capacity over the edge. Margin-filled time creates reaction-based living. Reaction mode relegates God, family, and friends to receiving what little of us remains -- leftover intimacy, remnant strength, scraps of affection. We tend to miss the small joys and blessings of each day in our race to the finish line.

As I sat down to go over this week's schedule, I viewed my calendar through the eyes of setting margins. Surprisingly, making adjustments turned out easier than I thought. It just took a willingness to focus on priorities, commitments, and intentional refueling time (not to mention rekindled excitement about a kitchen project I've been wanting to tackle).

God has called us to run this race as long-distance runners, not sprinters who wear out after the 400-yard dash: "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." Heb. 12:1a-2b

So, I pose Andy's question to you as you view your upcoming calendar:

Do you leave margins in your life?
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Are You a Spiritual Contributor or Spiritual Consumer?

2011-08-28T22:28:00.000-05:00

Does that question cause you to pause?

I had the amazing privilege of attending a Catalyst One Day event in Houston last week. As Craig Groeschel posed this question to us, it caused me to stop dead in my tracks: "Are you a spiritual contributor or a spiritual consumer?"

In our consumer-minded culture, we strive to acquire. Whether it's the latest gadget, a spiffy home improvement, or knowledge, our sights often focus on acquiring. But what are we doing with our acquisitions? I think we're getting fat. I'm not referring to physical fitness. We're getting fat on spirituality. Obese on religion.

I love to listen to podcasts of sermons, Bible studies, and Christian events. I look forward to digging in the Word to learn and grow. But what am I doing with all of that knowledge?

Am I going to church to see how well I'm served, or what I can do to serve? To see if the church service meets my preferences or greeting and serving those who may be there for the first time?

Craig Groeschel's point drove home the fact that, as Christians, you and I have been called to run a race. To be lean, clean, Gospel machines. To expend our time, energy and resources to convey God's saving message. To contribute anything and everything we can to demonstrate His amazing love as we serve the lost and hurting.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

There has not been a day since the conference that I have not thought about his question several times a day. Consquently, God is stirring in me a fresh intentionality about what I do with what I acquire. So, as you survey your recent spiritual or material acquisitions, I pose the same question to you:

Are you a spiritual contributor or spiritual consumer?
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The Write Death

2011-08-24T05:00:00.043-05:00

They raced through my brain going Mach 5. Brilliant ideas and heart-grabbing experiences I felt called to share. They screamed to be captured for the multitude, so write I must!

Lassoing the brilliance and transferring it to paper would be a piece of cake. C'mon, I'm from Texas. Throwing a lasso comes naturally.

Full of self confidence with excitement pulsing through every nerve, I arranged my desk just so. Lamps adjusted. Laptop waited. Candles glowed. Coffee brewed. I knew something epic was about to happen.

My fingers hovered over the keys. I took a deep breath and slowly typed, "Chapter 1." I savored the moment. And now...time to write. Let the brilliance shine!

Blink. Blink. Blink went the cursor.

Blink. Blink. Blink went my eyes.

Repeat 30 times.

And then it happened. My brain's hard drive melted like wax. (It must have been all the self-induced brilliance.) The ideas tangled like rubber bands. The mental beavers built a dam at lightening pace - smack dab in the middle of my brain.

My lasso kept missing. The brilliance was just an illusion. My coffee grew cold. In tears, I blew out the candles and turned off the laptop. Those two words were all I typed that night. And so began the journey of writing my first book. Thrilling, huh?

That evening something died, and rightfully so. Ego. Writing a book isn't about me. It never will be. It's about an unlasso-able God who desires to communite to me, through me, and oftentimes in spite of me.

In my eagerness to stand as a published writer, I forgot to kneel before the One who called me to it.

That night changed things. I don't care if my desk is tidy. It doesn't matter if the candles glow softly. It doesn't matter if the coffee gets brewed. If I don't start on my knees, I don't start at all.

Today, Chapter 1 sits safely in the hands of my editor. But God accomplished something far greater that night. He caught my fall, reminded me of His love, and encouraged me to start again.

Something epic did happen. Instead of allowing me to capture the perfect phrase, He re-captured my heart.

Thank you, Lord, for your brilliant grace.
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Pruning the Sick to Nurture the Potential

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you love gardening, you understand the pruning concept immediately. If there are sick, diseased, or dead parts of a plant, you realize they need to be pruned so that the healthy plant can reach its full potential.

Pruning plants is easy, but what about areas of your life, relationships, or ministry that you've struggled with for years? Do they drain your time and energy without ever improving? Outwardly they may look good, but they aren't growing you towards your God-given potential.

The problem is that pruning hurts, and we tend to avoid pain at any cost. You may receive accolades from others about a ministry venture that was outwardly successful but inwardly a debilitating dinosaur. You may like that particular bad habit, but your health or finances suffer. And the list goes on.

Why do we keep doing them? Fear represents a huge pruning obstacle - especially when it comes to people. You may have a friendship that goes back 20 years, but today your paths and goals are as far apart as Mercury from Jupiter. You've moved into different seasons of life. That long-term dating relationship may be comfortable, but you've settled for a mediocre or non-existent spiritual life together. You don't share the same commitment. Why continue?

Dr. Henry Cloud's latest book, Necessary Endings, is an invalauble resource about this important topic. Dr. Cloud is a leading Christian counselor, speaker and author who shares years of experience and knowledge in this book about pruning the unnecessary. He presented this topic at Willow Creek Community Church this past Sunday. I've already listened twice and taken notes.

Pruning is hard, fearful, and hurts. Pruning never gets easier, but it's essential in God's economy: "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:2)

You don't prune just to prune. You prune to be even more fruitful. Pruning generates life-giving growth. But you have to be brave enough to pick up the shears and ask God to show you where to cut - even if it hurts.

Let's Chat: Can you identify the time-sucking, energy-draining areas in your life that need to be pruned?

Longing To Be Serenaded

2011-08-17T06:00:00.030-05:00

Have you ever seen a Las Vegas-style show headlining a singing legend? In bygone days it may have been Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. For this day and age, let's say you have a front row seat at a Wayne Newton concert. Okay, that may not be your style, but go there with me for a minute.

The concert gets underway and Wayne reaches the middle of a powerful love song. All of a sudden, he descends from the stage, spotlight following him, and he heads directly for you. He looks you in the eye and finishes a show-stopping, heart-melting melody as he hands you the gift of a single red rose.

Obviously, that's a total chick scene. But isn't it safe to say that you feel special and the object of affection when someone sings to you? There's just something about being serenaded with a powerful love song that turns us to mush.

Even though I've been privileged to share the stage with some very musically-gifted gentlemen, they didn't come close to singing the sweetest love song my soul ever heard: "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17)

Allow that life-changing verse to resound in the recesses of your heart. The Creator of the universe and Author of salvation serenades you, individually, personally, like there's no one else in the audience. He descended from the stage of Heaven, gazes of angels following him, headed directly for you, and held out the gift of His Son.

Occasionally, life's hurts rob you of your singing voice. So God wrote the most powerful love song of all time - and sings it over you.

You are the object of His eternal, show-stopping love.

Doesn't that just turn you to mush?
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Neighbor Disconnect

2011-08-13T06:00:00.138-05:00

Last week, as I pulled into my garage after a long day, I was surprised to see a "For Sale" sign in my next door neighbor's yard. What? I didn't see any cars in their driveway, so I called his cell phone.

To my utter shock he told me that he and his family had moved out a month ago. A whole month! Red-faced with tears stinging my eyes, I stumbled through a lame apology for not noticing (or helping), which he graciously accepted.

In that moment, somewhere deep down, I realized that I had missed an opportunity. Several opportunities. I had not made intentional efforts to be part of their lives.

Working full time, managing a ministry, and writing/traveling in between does not leave much free time. But still...they had lived right next door. Shallow excuses and guilt-ridden dialogue bombarded my mind. The bottom line? God put them right next door to me and I never took the time to find out why.

In the quest to check off items on my "to do" list, I had removed my neighbors altogether. I didn't know their joys, hurts, or even some of their children's names. Gulp. Not my most shining moment. That pivotal day changed things.

I no longer pull my car into the garage and immediately lower the door. I keep it open. I find reasons to occasionally venture outside (yes, even in this oppressive summer heat) to see if there's a neighbor out with whom I can briefly chat. The conversations may begin with the weather or the latest plant in their garden, but I pray one day it will turn into something greater. Something deeper. Something about an amazing Savior who loves us beyond reason.

It's not much yet, but it's a start. I'm determined to build those relationships. Thankfully, the neighbors who moved away have invited me to their upcoming housewarming party. God has given me a second chance with them.

This series of events served as an important wake-up call. I had forgotten about my Jerusalem in the effort to reach Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Not anymore.

Let's chat: How well do you know your neighbors?
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What Caves and Souls Have in Common

2011-08-11T07:22:00.000-05:00

Fifteen years ago, I visited Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Being an adventurous person, a cave excursion was a must. On the appointed day, the tour guide gathered our group, counted heads, and our adventure was underway. He carefully led us 250 feet below the earth's surface down steep steps through narrow crevices. Pretty creepy!

When we reached the bottom of the cave, our legs shook from exertion. We found ourselves in a large, cavernous space lit by electricity. Once the tour guide ensured that we had all descended safely, he asked to sit on some of the rocks and be still. After issuing the proper warning, he turned off the lights.

Few words adequately describe the absolute blackness that engulfed us. The thick, oppressive darkness felt as if it was pressing in on me. Even knowing I was safe and surrounded by people, I felt completely lost and alone. When our eyes adjusted to the blackness after a couple of minutes, the tour guide struck a solitary match.

The effect was astonishing. We could clearly see every person in our group and the cave walls and ceiling. That small light completely expelled the cavernous darkness. That experience left an indelible impression on me.

It illustrated better than words where the blackness of our soul would have taken mankind had Jesus not freely offered His light in the place of our darkness.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12 (NIV)

By sending Jesus as the Light of the world, God determined that we should not be trapped in oppressive caves of darkness. He desires for us to live abundantly in the refining fire of His truth. How are you shining His light today?
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He's Waiting at the Well

2011-08-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

She shuffled toward the well with lowered eyes. The midday desert heat created a torturous sauna. She didn’t care. No one would be there at this hour. She had planned it that way.

The empty water container swayed on her shoulder. But it wasn’t the only dry vessel she carried. With a heart and reputation battered by five husbands, she toted a parched soul. A life dehydrated by worldly pursuits that never quenched. Never satisfied.

She dove into hollow promises spouted by men. Perhaps they pledged her the moon and everything in between. She had heard it all. But still she was thirsty.

Do you find yourself headed to the same well? Perhaps it’s a well worn path. Maybe you dive for wealth or health. A name or fame. We dive in believing the world’s treasures quench our thirst only to surface more thirsty than before.

The world’s well leaves us with dry souls and cracked hearts. We plunge into the sea of insignificance just hoping that someone places enough value in us to throw a life line.

The well that truly hydrates isn’t made from bricks and mortar. It’s not drilled with metal tools. It doesn’t stand in Samaria. It stands at the center of our soul. It’s the hole in our soul drilled by God Himself that only He can fill:

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

Jesus couldn’t bear watching us drown without hope.

He threw us the ultimate life line.

His life was the line.

He doesn’t care where you’ve been.

He doesn’t care what you’ve done.

He cares about you.

And He’s waiting at the well.
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A Bow on God's Finger: Rainbow Reminders

2011-08-03T06:00:00.004-05:00

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9:16 (NIV)

Have you ever considered what God chooses to remember and forget? We know God is omniscient and knows all things, but He has a selective memory. That may sound odd, but stick with me.

The passage above insinuates that God needs reminders. Perhaps His own heavenly iPhone alert. A holy calendar pop-up. But I would suggest that it's not due to busyness, but emotion. God created us with feelings and emotions, so naturally they generated from Him. He has feelings, too. Again, stick with me.

The impetus of the Flood was God's observance of the corruption and violence permeating His creation. He had planned His creation so carefully. So beautifully. So harmoniously. Then mankind came along and desecrated it. Destruction was on God's mind. He issued the warning to Noah and opened the floodgates of heaven for 40 straight days.

After the Flood and preserving Noah and his family, God decided that He never again wanted to destroy to that degree. So He needed to remind Himself to honor His covenant after the Flood.

Think about it. When are you and I most prone to feelings or thoughts of destruction? When we experience hurt, anger and betrayal, among other feelings. God had created a beautiful place for His most precious creations, yet it was abused as we turned against one another in sin. Can you imagine the level of God's grief?

Although we cannot begin to compare ourselves to God, drawing parallels lends understanding. When you and I experience hurt, anger or betrayal, we tend to lash out in emotionally-fueled responses. In those times, we need reminders to keep our emotions in check. God wanted to remind Himself to continue pursuing us in love even though we continue to hurt Him over and over and over.

He needed a reminder bow displayed in the heavens.

Later in Scripture, Moses served as God's reminder bow, as well. When Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law, the Israelites sinned grievously by fashioning a golden calf. Exodus 32 records that God's anger burned against the Israelites. Again, destruction was on God's mind. But Moses was the bow on God's finger in that moment and reminded God that He had made a covenant with them. A promise of delivery, new life and the Promised Land.

God chooses to remember mercy. Grace. Love. Because of the sacrifice of His Son, God chooses to forget our transgressions and removes them as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12)

I have a new appreciation for rainbows. They're not just pretty strokes of color. God specifically put them in place to remember to love us - regardless...instead of...and in spite of us.

Aren't rainbows just a little more beautiful to you now?
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Exciting New Blog for Writers: WordServe Water Cooler

2011-08-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

If you are a writer this brand new blog is a MUST. The WordServe Water Cooler is an exciting new blog compiled by authors/clients of Rachelle Gardner and Greg Johnson at WordServe Literary.

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, this blog provides invaluable writing, marketing and publishing tips from those who have received professional guidance from two of the best literary agents in the business.

As a WordServe client blessed to work with Rachelle Gardner, I am looking forward to the wealth of knowledge and invaluable insights contributed by fellow authors in this amazing new blog.

Won't you join us at the WordServe Water Cooler? http://wordservewatercooler.com/

Testing in the Classroom of Life

2011-07-27T06:30:00.027-05:00

Blind panic.

That's the only way to describe it. As a high school senior facing finals week, I anxiously waited outside of my Biology classroom for my turn to take a comprehensive, hands-on, semester-encompassing final. Only four items awaited us in that classroom: a dissected cat reeking of formaldehyde (and smelling to high heaven, if I might add), a microscope, one chair, and the teacher.

I had not studied well. Temptations of parties and time with friends had prevailed. I was scraping a C in the class and this final did not inspire any hope of improving it. In fact, failing the entire semester all together seemed a very real possibility. I was in over my head.

The moment of truth was at hand. In my young mind, the ramifications of failing were epic. Test day had arrived and I was ill prepared. Thoughts such as, "Why didn't I prepare better?" and "What was I thinking?" reverberated in my head. I was now having to face the consequences of my fall into temptation.

Been there? King David had. Not in a school classroom, but in the classroom of life. God's test of David's faithfulness had arrived. On a lazy afternoon when King David should have been on the road with the Israelite army, he was looking down from his palace rooftop transfixed by a beautiful woman taking a bath (2 Sam. 11).

The moment of truth was at hand. David was in over his head. Only after adultery, murder, and epic failure did David ask himself, "What was I thinking?" He now had to face the consequences of his fall into temptation.

When God tests our faith, it's not a stroll through daisy-filled meadows. They are hard. They hurt. Sometimes they hurt others. Think of the last time when God tested you. It probably wasn't as innocuous as a school test. Perhaps it was a test of accounting integrity. Spreading gossip. Marital faithfulness.

Even though God's testing may be hard, we are assured that He has a specific purpose in mind. He's preparing us for a future battle. A future victory. A leap in ministry. An overwhelming blessing long sought after. A strong faith only becomes strong through the fires of adversity and trial.

David, the man after God's own heart, learned that God tests us. But he also learned to ask God to continue testing him (Psalm 139). He knew that tests reveal parts of us that have never seen the light of day. The secret longings and desires deeply imbedded in our hearts. David was resolved to continue asking God to reveal his own darkness to expose it to God's healing, transforming light.

The next time you feel God testing you, remember there's a reason for it. And when all is said and done, we learn something about ourselves. Our friends. Our family. And most of all, God.

When we enter His divine classroom, we know He is determined to teach us. He doesn't get a kick out of watching us fail. He wants us to learn and grow in faith, love, and trust in Him.

Passing a particular test of faith may take many attempts on our part. God lovingly and meticulously guides us, encourages us, and ensures us that in His strength, we'll pass one day with flying colors.

The Power and Freedom of Forgiveness

2011-07-22T10:01:00.000-05:00

By request, I'm posting today the radio interview I was privileged to do in March about the path toward forgiveness following divorce. The response to this show has been overwhelming. I pray that this encourages you if you struggle with unforgiveness. Grab a pad and pen as we walk through the steps toward allowing God to free us from this toxic spiritual road block. My fervent prayer is that God uses this tool to begin that walk of freedom in your life.

[Note: To skip in the part of the interview dealing directly with forgiveness, forward the play button to 82:50 and let it play from there.]

Listen to internet radio with The Reborn Identity on Blog Talk Radio

Taking a Stand ... To Kneel

2011-07-05T10:50:00.000-05:00

What do we find so difficult about prayer? Simply put, there are a lot of variables. There's no dress code, specific location, or correct wording prescibed for prayer. As adults, no one looks over our shoulder to make sure we've said our prayers. In short, no one holds us accountable.

Most of us struggle with prayer. Even though we may have good intentions to start every day with prayer, sometimes our days blur by so fast that we forget to pray. We make a mental note to pray later, but later never comes. If it does, we rush through our prayers with hollow words.

Colossians 4:2 tells us: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Devoted, watchful, and thankful are powerful yet simple words. We don't need fancy words or formal language to pray. We pray from exactly where are spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Real words. About real life. To a real God.

Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God. Although sometimes not stated verbally, keeping that line of communication open with God makes us aware of His presence in our everyday routine, meetings, conversations, and actions.

Philippians 4:6 tell us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Pray about everything? Absolutely. Without being anxious? You bet.

Do you remember when Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law? In his absence, the Israelites committed a great sin by fashioning a golden calf idol. God's anger burned and He intended to destroy them. But Moses didn't get anxious. He began to pray. (Ex. 32:11-13)

I wasn't there, but I would suppose Moses didn't approach that prayer with neatly folded hands in a serene pose. This was a fervant, desperate prayer with passion, emotion and conviction. Those were his people God was about to smite!

Today, you and I pray about "our people." Are we as fervant in prayer about those we know who are hurting or perhaps facing dark times? Drawing close to God in prayer on a consistent basis is vital. Giving God custody of our details makes all the difference.

Taking prayer back up to the top of our impressive "to do" lists is our calling and great privilege.

It's time we take a stand ... to kneel.

The Most Amazing Hands

2011-06-29T11:07:00.004-05:00

His gentle touch draws us close. His hands reach out to lepers when no one else dares. They stir mud to bring sight to the blind. His hands remove fear and raise the dead. Holding the sick and helpless, they never stop ministering. When His hands find lost sheep they do not condemn. They hold and comfort until peace settles in. His hands tell us He is love.

His strong hands instruct us. They are carpenter's hands full of talent and hard work. His skillful hands teach us that we can do all things through His strength. They tell us He is the architect of God's master design.

His saving hands deliver us from those who mean to harm us. They provide armor when the powers over this present darkness close in. His hands defend His Father's house when no one else will. They catch those who stumble so they will not fall. His hands calm our storms. When life resembles nothing but debris they provide our refuge and shield.

His raised hands submit to His Father in prayer. They demonstrate that a prayer-filled life is a power-filled life. His hands reveal that nothing is impossible for those who believe.

His bloody hands took the nails in our place. They spread from east to west to show how wide and long and high and deep is His love for us. His hands received the throne at God's right hand. They make known to us the path of life that fills us with joy in His presence.

What about our hands? In awe-filled praise, we spread them in facedown adoration of the One who rescued us from death. Today, we lift them high to worship the Lord and Giver of life. For none other is worthy. None other.

Testing for Genuineness: Medicine, Nursery Rhymes & Faith

2011-06-01T13:58:00.011-05:00

You and I can appreciate tests to prove genuineness. Take medications for instance. When we take medicine for a variety of ailments we want proof that the manufacturer has tested it. We like to know that it has endured and passed through accredited clinical trials that guarantee safety and effectiveness.

Everything important is tested—trivial things are not. Take nursery rhymes. No one tests those to ensure they make sense or even use words that Webster’s defines.

So what about our faith?

A Christian’s faith in God is worthy of testing. God enacts fiery trials in our lives to prove our faith is genuine. Tests of faith drive us to God and His Word - the truth. The truth puts our feet on solid ground - the ground Christ won for us at Calvary.

Biblical testing greatly differs from school standardized testing. Standardized testing primarily reveals a student’s current knowledge. Biblical testing, as seen in James 1:2-5, develops something not yet present in full measure.

The object of God’s testing is specifically a believer’s faith. The faith that James refers to is belief in the power, word, and promises of God. In order to survive the storms of life, we must believe He is our solid ground when everything else is flying debris.

Tests of faith are vital so they are administered by God Himself. Do you recall the kinds of tests that you endured early in your spiritual walk? Looking back, they may seem trivial. Even silly. But they served as stepping stones along the path of spiritual growth. Over time, tougher tests prepare us for bigger battles. Greater victories achieved for God's glory.

Suffering is our training ground. The more difficult the battle, the sweeter the victory. Period. Those named and unnamed heroes of faith recorded in Scripture trusted God in the midst of unbelievable circumstances because their eyes focused on their future reward.

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Joyfully enduring trials is a focused discipline. Facing trials with a joyous attitude takes a conscious commitment to trust in Christ's leadership. In faith, we follow Him wholeheartedly as He equips us through the lessons learned in the valleys of pain and suffering.

God is intentional about you. We may not like the tests. In fact, we probably won't. But He tests us because He loves us and wants to draw us into deeper relationship with Him.

What kind of test is God currently administering in your life? What have you learned?

We Remember Your Sacrifice

2011-05-27T09:43:00.002-05:00

How many of us truly understand what Memorial Day represents? Most of us equate it with a day off from work to gather poolside or beachside with family and friends over barbeque. While that’s all fine and good, that scenario does not represent why this day has been memorialized.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to

honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not.

Memorial Day exists to remember sacrifice. Plain and simple.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, sacrifice refers to a forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of something considered to have a greater value. When we think of our soldiers deployed around the globe, that definition is staggering. Every life holds great value. The greater question is: Will the sacrifice of one bring about a greater good for many? The answer is an unequivocal YES.

Many in my family have served our great country in the armed forces. My dad and two uncles served in the Air Force. My dad’s brother spent many horrifying months in a POW camp during WWII. My oldest niece and her husband served many years in the Navy following September 11th. One older cousin served in Vietnam at the cost of one of his arms. Currently, one younger cousin actively serves our country in the Air Force. My dad rests in Houston's beautiful National Military Cemetery. I understand the sacrifice it takes. I understand what’s at stake. Believe me.

We live in a country whose pledge declares that we are “one nation under God.” What could be more appropriate? Who besides God would understand better how the sacrifice of One can bring about a greater good for many? He invented the concept. He understands, too.

Friend, if you have a loved one serving in our country’s armed forces, thank you. Thank you from one who benefits from their sacrifice. If you are in active service, thank you. Thank you from one who prays for your safe return home.

God, you sent Jesus to triumph over Satan and his legions once and for all, thank you. Thank you from one who benefits from Your sacrifice. God, you put Jesus in active service for us, thank you. Thank you from one who would not otherwise have an eternal home.

Sacrifice is about love. Jesus was the highly-valued forfeiture for something considered to have greater value: YOU. Our service men and women love our country enough to offer up their lives. Jesus loved us enough to offer up His.

This Memorial Day, may we remember both. And never take either for granted.

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)

Jesus said: "Bring Them Here To Me"

2011-05-18T11:08:00.003-05:00

"As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, 'This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.' Jesus replied, 'They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.' 'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,' they answered. 'Bring them here to me,' he said. (Matthew 14:15-18)

These are well loved, familiar passages. But skimming through them deprives us of some very rich truths hidden between the lines.

Immediately before this scene unfolded, Jesus had just received the news of the untimely death of his friend, John the Baptist. So he "withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." (Mt. 14:13) Yet when he reached the shore, a large crowd of sick and hurting awaited his healing. By the time the disciples arrived, Jesus had spent the entire day compassionately ministering to the crowd.

Did you notice that the disciples showed up "as evening approached"? It took them all day to reach Jesus. It took those in need much less time. The disciples went straight to Jesus (one can only speculate whether or not they even stopped to greet the individuals in the crowd) and began complaining. In today's terminology, it's as if they were saying: "It's getting dark. These people are still here. We're tired and it's dinner time. Send them away to fend for themselves. We want you to ourselves. We need some me time."

Complaints and self-centeredness. When you and I are inconvenienced or things aren't progressing as we'd like, are we any different?

Then Jesus reminds them of their ministry. "You give them something to eat." Oops. Somehow they believed it was a 9 to 5 job. Ministry needed to fit their schedule, preferences and comfort level. Sound familiar? That's when the excuses started. The disciples looked at their limited provisions. Then with limited vision, they tried to whine their way out of reaching out to those in need: "But we have only..." Only? They had Jesus. But they didn't factor Him in to the ministry equation. Oops.

Have you ever been asked to carry out a ministry or mission task only to offer excuses? Whether in ministry or not, we are Jesus' disciples 24-7-365. But we see our limited resources. Our limited time. Our lack of sleep. And in the midst of it, we don't see Jesus. He doesn't get factored into the equation. We fall into the trap of believing that once we've been given a task, we're on our own. Oops.

Jesus' response is one of the most hope-filled phrases in all of Scripture: "Bring them here to me." Bring them here. Let the children come. Let those who seek find. He never sends away those who genuinely seek Him. Never. The crowd had left all that was familiar to follow Jesus. Yet the disciples could only see a mass of nameless faces. A crowd.

Jesus saw individuals. And he saw their deepest needs. He saw the disciples' need to be reminded to take up His cross in ministry. He saw the crowd's need for nourishment that would outlast this world.

Jesus sees our needs and meets them in ways that far surpass our understanding. Then He commands us - His disciples - "You give them something to eat." Sometimes we believe we don't have enough. But Jesus gently reminds us that it's okay. He does. He always does.

The Most Beautiful Eyes We'll Ever See

2011-05-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

His mesmerizing eyes captivate us. They are shepherd's eyes carefully watching over us. Seeking the lost and strays, they never stop searching. When they find a frightened stray, his eyes don't reflect disappointment. They ask, "Do you love me? Then feed my sheep."

His loving eyes draw us in. They see in us what we cannot see in ourselves. His eyes shed tears and see ours do the same. They invite us to share our deepest hurts, our greatest joys, and our darkest sins. They never condemn. His eyes tell us he is love. They reassure us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

His eyes blaze like fire, on his head many crowns. His crown tells us he's a king. His eyes tells us he's a servant. His eyes comfort ours as he washes our tired, dusty feet. We demand to wash his, but his eyes hold ours steadily, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

His eyes reflect unbearable pain as they see nails driven in his hands and feet. They see hatred radiating from a blood-thirsty crowd. They see spit and insults hurl toward him. But his eyes look toward heaven and say, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

His eyes hold the wisdom of eternity and the sorrow of the ages. They've seen heaven, hell, earth, and the depths of our heart. His eyes have seen you. And he's enthralled with your beauty. May our eyes reflect the same.

Jesus Laid Down Across the Entrance of Hell

2011-04-20T12:02:00.003-05:00

When you think about sheep, what comes to mind? I think of contentment, security and provision. That may seem odd, but stick with me.

Sheep aren't required to make many life-changing decisions are they? They really have only one: Will I follow the shepherd or find my own pasture? If they choose to follow the shepherd, everything is taken care of.

I compare it to human childhood. We were provided with love, protection, a safe place to rest our heads, our basic needs satisfied, and simple rules to follow. Just writing that, there’s a small part of me that acknowledges a desire to return to such a simple existence.

Can you relate? As we grow older and more responsibilities fall into (or are placed) in our laps, life can get complicated. When through the leading of the Holy Spirit we follow Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, He takes care of the rest.

He provides us with abundant love, protection from evil, a safe place to rest our heads, our needs amply satisfied, and simple rules to follow. We are His people. His flock. He cares for us.

The shepherds of old led their sheep to pasture and water, protected them from wild animals, and kept a careful count of them. They gave special attention to those needing help. The sheep pens were often caves or rock walls with a narrow entrance in which the shepherds slept. The shepherds would lay across the enclosure so that anything seeking to harm the flock literally had to go through the shepherd.

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us – His flock. He laid down across the entrance of Hell. That's what we remember this Holy Week. And He did it voluntarily. Scripture tells us that there is no greater love than to lay down a life for another. (John 15:13)

When God sees us, He does not behold a faceless flock. He knows the members of His flock personally and individually. He loves and watches over each and every one of us.

Jesus went down a rough road for us this week in antiquity. But He's the only One who could do it. Jesus takes great joy in bringing home lost sheep. When we are lost in sin or rebellion and stray from Him, He knows it. He laid down His life so we would not be lost eternally. He literally went through Hell so we wouldn't have to.

Will you follow the Shepherd? He's waiting at Calvary.

How Do We Discern God's Plans For Us?

2011-04-12T13:38:00.001-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Making plans takes up a sizeable portion of our time, doesn’t it? We make plans to travel, attend shows, outline ministry goals, take family vacations, outline career strategies, eat right, exercise more often, stick to a financial budget, engage in more family activities, set aside prayer time, and spend daily time in God’s Word - just to name a few. Whew!

Careful planning proves necessary in achieving long-term goals. However, if our plans don’t line up with God's, an arduous journey awaits. God created the “big picture” and knows the plans He has for us. So how do we discern what they are? Scripture oftentimes doesn’t refer to our individual situations, but let’s look at three specific things that guide us:

1. God’s Word.

The Bible provides insight into the overall way God relates with us. Regular study of Scripture proves vital because that knowledge equips us to more accurately discern His direction for us. Jesus tells us in John 14:23, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." As we learn more about God’s character and teaching from His Word, the closer He draws us to Him, resulting in our path coming into sharper focus.

2. Input from trusted Christians.

Our independence can be a sizeable stumbling block. For nearly every decision we face, someone else has faced a similar one. When God called me to this Bible teaching/writing ministry, I sought the wise counsel of trusted Christian friends who were already serving in full-time ministry. Not only did they confirm that calling/equipping in my life, but also provided much needed wisdom about reasonable expectations, time management, and trusted Biblical research avenues.

Listening carefully to wise counsel and breaking the habit of independence opens us to God’s leading and removes fear. The apostles demonstrated this discipline as they figured out ways to serve meals to the needy in the growing church (Acts 6:1-4).

3. How God wired us.

God wired each of us with certain talents and gifts (Ps. 139:14, Eph. 2:10). Excelling in certain areas indicates that God has designed you uniquely with a purpose toward that area.

When I first began attending church, I wanted to serve in a ministry. Since I had been raised in a musical family, played flute, and had a great love for music, I decided to join the choir. Although the only singing I had ever done was singing along with the radio, I took the leap and joined the worship team. God took what I thought would be just an avenue to serve Him and turned into an amazing ministry that I never could have fully imagined.

The way God has gifted us provides a path to realizing God’s unique plan for us. Do you know how God has wired you? I suggest taking a minute to list your gifts and talents. How are you currently using them for His glory?

Discerning God’s plans for our life requires diligence and focus. Ask God to open your eyes and ears to His leading. The result is a fulfilling, fruitful spiritual walk that makes a kingdom difference.

The Power of Spoken Words of Praise

2011-04-05T10:12:00.010-05:00

Spoken words of praise to God are a vital part of a Christian’s life. Our chief act of worship is found in words of praise – whether or not those words ever translate to music. The single act of spoken praise ties all believers together. Regardless of background or denomination, spoken praise unifies Christians around the globe.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see over and over where God’s people literally stopped what they were doing to give God praise. First Chronicles 16:8-11, 23-34 illustrates this beautifully. Those passages record the triumphal event where King David finally returned the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God’s presence among His people. As King David brought the Ark through the streets of Jerusalem, people stopped whatever they were doing, lined the streets, and praised God because His presence was once again among them:

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place.

And the praising goes on and on. WOW! As His children, we offer spoken words of praise to God for Who He is and what He’s done in our lives. We speak these words of praise to the One who gave us ― His New Testament church ― something much more precious than an Ark. He gave us His living, breathing, only Son.

Sometimes, you and I speak words to one another in order to convey anger, frustration, impatience, and judgmentalism. Those words destroy. But we also use words to encourage, motivate and love others, as well. Have you listened to how you speak to God lately?

Just like parents treasure loving words that their children speak to them, God loves to hear our spoken words of praise to Him. Our God is worthy of our worship and worthy of our praise. We were created to worship and praise God in every circumstances with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Some days that’s a pretty tall order. Maybe today seems like one of those days. But there is power in spoken words of praise. It changes our perspective, reminds us of what God has done for us, and reinforces just how much He loves us. When we speak to Him the praise He deserves, it takes our focus away from our difficulties and puts them on the One who has the power to alter them. Eternally. Praise!

Writing Bible Studies: Theme-Based or Verse-Based Approach?

2011-03-29T09:36:00.011-05:00

There are many different ways to approach writing Bible studies. If you have undertaken that tedious yet rewarding task, you may have started with a theme (joy, love, etc.) or a few passages that you really wanted to grasp. What is your preference?

Neither approach is more correct than the other. Personally, I start with specific passages to which God draws my attention. Whether heard in a sermon, Bible class or read during my morning quiet time, God causes certain passages to resonate in my soul. When that happens, I begin the research to understand them. Before long, a Bible study is birthed simply out of my quest to understand those passages.

So, if you're interested in writing Bible studies centered on just a few passages, here are a few helpful hints that have sustained me over the years:

1. Look up those passages in their original language. Whether Greek or Hebrew, it's crucial to understand the exact words used. There are no vowels in the Hebrew language, so our English translators needed to add vowels in order for the words to make sense to us. But sometimes, our English words and the meanings we attach to them are quite different than what the Biblical writers originally intended. You don't need a theology degree to undertake this language research. There are plenty of reliable websites and reference books that lead us in the right direction.

2. Understand the culture in which those passages were written. For example, it's hard to understand the depth of love that drove the father to run toward his returning prodigal son until we understand that for a man of his stature to lift up his robes and run was utterly disgraceful. But when we understand that, we grasp more deeply how much God conveys His love toward us when you and I go astray. Researching the culture in which the passages were written provides rich history and valuable insight.

3. Read and learn from scholar's commentaries. With their training and background in theological studies, they've been taught the nuances of the original languages and culture that help bring those passages to life. They often cross-reference similar passages (if applicable) that speak to the same word, thought, idea, or situation that lend deeper understanding to our writing.

There are many other resources we can utilize as we write Bible studies. I approach writing Bible studies from a verse-by-verse approach simply because I need God to hide those words in my heart. When I feel the enemy's fiery darts of temptation, fear, or doubt, I can then pull out that sword of the Spirit and get to stabbing. I can't do that with a theme. It's simply how God has called me to write Bible studies.

Hiding God's Word in our hearts is so very critical to our spiritual journey. Regardless of how you approach writing Bible studies, keep writing. It not only enriches us and draws us closer to God, it has the possibility to do the same for countless others.

Blessings as you continue your calling!

Wounded For Us

2011-03-22T06:17:00.008-05:00

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by His stripes we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:5 (ESV)

Roman crucifixion represented one of the most horrific, brutal forms of punishment ever recorded in history. In fact, it was so extreme that Roman citizens were exempt from enduring it unless charged with high treason.

I don't know about you, but I can barely tolerate a standard vaccination shot. However, Jesus endured crucifixion. He was horribly wounded. Some scholars believe He was flogged and wounded to the point of being unrecognizable. The One who loves us infinitely beyond our understanding suffered beyond what we can fully comprehend.

Knowing that is bad enough, but we are not just innocent bystanders to that horrific event. He suffered those wounds wholly and specifically because of us.

He wasn’t punished for anything He had done. He suffered for the sins and transgressions of all mankind. In every generation. For all time. Can we even count that high?

The Hebrew word for wounded in Isaiah 53:5 (chalal) refers to perforating or piercing through. In fact, the New American Standard Bible translates this verse as, But He was pierced through for our transgressions. When Jesus was flogged, brutalized by the soldiers, and then crucified, He was literally wounded from the top of His head to the soles of His feet.

Jesus chose to undergo egregious physical wounds and staggering sorrow because of one powerful, life-changing word: love. Jesus loved us too much to stand idly by and permit sin to destroy us for all eternity. His death and resurrection provided our ultimate redemption.

As we travel toward Calvary this season of Lent and visit Golgotha once again, we remember the unbelievable suffering and soul-saving sacrifice of our Savior, who willingly carried out the greatest act of love demonstrated in history. Ever. And He did it for us.

Suffering 101: How Do You Handle It?

2011-03-15T15:38:00.000-05:00

     Rare indeed is the life that is free from all trouble and hardship. We have all experienced obstacles or tragedies that caused suffering in our lives. No one stands exempt. God’s children were not exempt from hardship and suffering in Old Testament times, and we are not exempt as New Testament believers.

     For the apostle Paul, however, he viewed suffering as an inevitable part of the Christian life. He viewed suffering as an opportunity to learn how God goes about meeting our every need. Suffering is a training ground for service to the body of Christ. It equips us so that we can better minister to those who are going through trials and hardships.

     Suffering is not an easy subject because suffering hurts. No two ways around it. No matter where or how we suffer in our lives, no one really looks forward to enduring it. Webster defines “suffering” as physical or mental pain or distress; something to tolerate/endure or to permit/allow.”

     There is an interesting contrast in that definition, which proposes a choice to us: We can (1) tolerate or endure suffering; or (2) permit and allow suffering.

Tolerating or Enduring Suffering

These words carry a negative connotation. Just picture “the look” on someone’s face when they are asked to do something that they clearly have no desire to do. It’s the picture of a closed mind and un-teachable spirit. Do we give God “the look” at times, as well? A negative look speaks volumes – condemnation, judgment, dislike, belittlement. It does not lend comfort or seek to encourage. That “look” can do much more harm than good and take much time for damage repair.

You can easily picture "the look" on the Pharisee's face in Luke 7:36-39, and the disciples' faces in Mark 10:13-16.

Permitting or Allowing Suffering

     These words carry a positive connotation. They denote a willingness to learn and grow. Jesus is our most prominent example. Regardless of the many indignities, general rudeness and atrocities that Jesus suffered, He permitted and allowed it thereby turning those situations into teachable moments. The apostle Paul went through severe persecution and suffering, but he permitted and allowed it with joy (Philippians 3:10).

    Inherent in Paul’s statement is his overwhelming desire to be like Christ. Do we share his desire? Paul makes clear that only those who have suffered are able to comfort others. God’s provision of comfort is not self-serving but is intended to equip us for service to the church. God comforts us, Paul states, so that we, in turn, can comfort those in any trouble.

     So, how do you choose to handle your suffering? By tolerating or enduring it with a long face and sour attitude, or by permitting and allowing God to guide you through those teachable times?

     Lighthouses are built by ship-wrecked sailors. Roads are widened by mangled motorists. Hospitals are built by those who were sick.

     Where nobody suffers, nobody cares.

     When we suffer we learn to care.

     John Henry Jowett, a pastor from England in the late 1800s, once said, “God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.”

     Well said.

Taking a Stand...To Forgive: Part 4 of 4 - The Motivation and Result of Forgiveness

2011-03-10T06:45:00.001-06:00

Today, we wrap up our 4-part blog series on forgiveness. If you're still faithfully working through the other posts with a particular person in mind to whom you need to extend forgiveness, don't rush the process. Take your time. Dig into Scripture. Pray. Allow God to guide you.

The Motivation of Forgiveness

     The motivation to forgive occurs when we fully acknowledge the vast sin debt that God has canceled in our own lives. Forgiveness understands God’s amazing grace and the trespasses that Christ forgave each of us. When we truly grasp the enormity of our canceled debt, it is unthinkable to withhold forgiveness from another. In releasing those who have hurt us from liability, we absorb that debt and lay it at the foot of the cross. We cannot expect repayment. True healing begins when that debt of hurt, anger, and loss is forgiven in its entirety.

     In the parable recorded in Matthew 18:21-35, God is represented as the king and we the servants. He completely forgave our mountain of debt and therefore sets the example for our behavior regarding forgiveness. What kinds of debt has God absorbed and canceled in your life?

     Colossians 2:13 says it like this:  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.

     He makes us alive through His forgiveness because it's motivated by His love. Even though it may be extremely difficult for us to forgive the person who has hurt us, our love for God and obedience to His calling serves as our chief navigation. Some hurts are deep. The thought of extending forgiveness may seem impossible right now. Keep praying and asking God to mold in you a tender and forgiving heart. At first, you may pray through gritted teeth, but persevere. God will not disappoint!

The Result of Forgiveness

Unforgiveness keeps the pain alive, prevents deep wounds from healing, and imprisons us in the past. Assigning blame or re-living the wrong done to us only builds up escalating degrees of anger. Forgiveness sets us free from our past and allows us to joyfully live in the present. It permits us to open our hearts and hands to receive the hope and future that God has planned for us [Jer. 29:11].

Closing

     If you struggle with unforgiveness, pray for a changed heart—not for the offender, but for you. Forgiveness has everything to do with our actions, not theirs. Ask trusted, godly friends to pray for you. If need be, seek godly counseling to work through deep-seated anger and resentment. Then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, start walking towards that person that you need to forgive.

     God is right beside you.
     He will guide you and give you the words needed.
     Begin that walk of freedom today.

Taking a Stand...To Forgive: Part 3 of 4 - The Action of Forgiveness

2011-03-09T07:03:00.001-06:00

After taking a look at our call to forgive and the character of forgiveness, it's time for our next step in this process: ACTION. Believe me, that is the toughest part of the forgiving process and often the last thing we get around to. It's one thing to understand our call to forgive and wrap our mind around the character of forgiveness. It's an entirely different thing to get off of our pew and start moving toward it.

The Action of Forgiveness

     Forgiveness is a process, a series of events, and a set of behaviors. It requires action on our part. True biblical forgiveness is always initiated and moves first. In Luke 15, the parable of the prodigal son clearly demonstrates this truth through the actions of the father. In Luke 15:20, when the father catches sight of the prodigal son on the horizon, he begins to run toward him. He literally RUNS in the direction of forgiveness.

     The father did not wait for the son to grovel or apologize. He did not tap his foot while demanding to hear the son’s outlined plan (vv. 18-20) in order to be accepted once again. The father ran to extend forgiveness. Forgiveness has everything to do with our action, not the offender. We are not instructed to stand back and wait for them to approach us.

     We also learn from the story of the prodigal son that forgiveness may be misunderstood and unappreciated by others. When the father forgave and welcomed back the younger son with open arms, Luke 15:28-30 records the older son's response:

The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!

     Can you identify with the older brother's feelings? Extending forgiveness may provoke anger and hostility in others generated from their own struggles with unforgiveness. But worrying about how others will perceive our forgiveness only delays taking that first step. Keeping our eyes on God and following His guidance allows us to live a renewed, restored life.

     In Mark 11:25, God tell us this about active forgiveness: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

     Forgiving someone that has hurt us requires taking action to reach out to them. We find that initial step difficult because we may fear exposure to unkind words, rejection, and further hurt. But we are still called to extend forgiveness, regardless of how the recipient of our forgiveness responds. Whether or not they accept forgiveness resides with them. You and I are called to extend genuine forgiveness; not ensure those who hurt us accept it. That decision resides with them alone.

     Unforgiveness and hardened hearts prevent God’s healing to penetrate. When the wound is deep, we remember the hurt often. Initially, we may have to forgive 100 times a day - and sometimes through gritted teeth. But each time we remember, we are to forgive. Over time, God’s salve of love heals our hearts and repairs our brokenness and we find that we no longer pray for them through gritted teeth.

    Tomorrow, we'll wrap up our series on forgiveness. I pray that God has stirred in you a fresh insight into biblical forgiveness. The best is yet to come.

Taking a Stand...To Forgive: Part 2 of 4

2011-03-08T07:42:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, we looked at the call that God has issued to us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. Believe me, I understand how hard that calling can be to obey at times. Each of us have faced the need to forgive someone who has hurt or betrayed us. What face first comes to your mind? Today, we'll dig into what forgiveness looks like.

The Character of Forgiveness

     Of all the human qualities that reflect the grace and goodness of God, none is more divine than forgiveness. Forgiveness loves even when we perceive our offender undeserving of it. The one you seek to forgive may not even acknowledge that a hurt was perpetrated. Regardless, we are to extend forgiveness. Man is never more like God than when he forgives because God is never more like God than when He forgives. God is a God of forgiveness.

     The absence of forgiveness is glaringly evident in today's society. In fact, our culture celebrates and exalts people who seek revenge and strive to get even with those who hurt us. Movie makers have made fortunes on revenge-based movies where the one who has been wronged searches out to destroy the one who hurt them. Our culture pushes us to be unforgiving and we see the destruction of relationships as a result. Thankfully, our counter-cultural God invites us to forgive.

   God tells us this about himself in Exodus 34:6, The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

     God is slow to anger and forgives wickedness, rebellion and sin. We see that over in over in Scripture. In fact, we see it multiple times alone during the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their 40-year desert wanderings.

     God’s ultimate act of forgiveness shone in high definition magnificence on the cross. As we prepare our hearts for Lent, that picture easily surfaces in our mind. So how do we cultivate a forgiving heart?

     (1) First, we receive by faith God’s forgiveness for ourselves. Oftentimes, the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves - especially when we hurt those we love. Forgiveness reflects a real understanding of and faith in God’s forgiveness in Christ. When we accept God's forgiveness for ourselves, it enables us to extend that same forgiveness to those who hurt us. When we stubbornly refuse to accept or extend forgiveness, it clearly reflects a blinded and hardened heart that lacks true understanding of grace. As God’s image bearers (Gen. 1:26-27), forgiveness correctly reflects His love through us.

     (2) Second, compassion characterizes forgiveness. Genuine forgiveness extends from a love that comes from deep sorrow. We grieve over what that person has become rather than what that person has done. Compassion looks at the entire picture of a person’s life, not the isolated incident that caused the hurt. It takes into account the influences that may have caused that person to behave in a hurtful manner. When we understand that, compassion fosters forgiveness.

     When we pray for God to cultivate in us a forgiving heart, He will not disappoint! When we receive His forgiveness into our own lives, extending it to others becomes less burdensome.Tomorrow, we'll take a look at the action of forgiveness and answer the question: "I know I need to extend forgiveness, but how do I do that?" Blessings, beloved, as we walk along this journey.

Taking a Stand...To Forgive - Part 1 of 4

2011-03-07T14:59:00.000-06:00

     Forgiveness is a hard yet tender subject. It implies that a relationship has experienced conflict resulting in hurt, anger and broken fellowship. We live in a culture that steadfastly insists that extending forgiveness (if at all) requires the offender to first grovel or apologize.
     However, as Christians, we know that does not line up with Scripture. As God’s hands and feet on earth, you and I are called to make the first move to extend forgiveness. Unforgiveness destroys fellowship, fosters anger, hardens our hearts, and violates the fellowship that we could enjoy with God.
     Forgiveness is such an important topic, so we will spend time unpacking the process in four consecutive blogs. The first step toward forgiveness proves the most difficult, so let’s start this delicate topic with great care and prayer.

The Call to Forgive

Regardless of the issue or offense, you and I are commanded to forgive. Deciding to harbor unforgiveness is deciding to openly disobey God’s explicit instructions. Similar to a child’s disobedience resulting in time out away from parents, our disobedience disrupts our fellowship with God. Unforgiveness results in broken fellowship.

Second Corinthians 2:5-10 tell us about the call to forgive: If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.

Broken fellowship and unforgiveness cause excessive sorrow. Embracing unforgiveness and sorrow hinders God’s healing in our lives. In Ephesians 4:30, Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is grieved when we harbor bitterness, rage and anger.

The call to forgive shines crystal clear from Colossians 3:13: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

The Greek word for forgive in both verses above is charizomai, which means to pardon or grant as a favor; to bestow favor unconditionally. Over and over throughout Scripture, God calls us to extend that unconditional pardon without limitation or reservation.

The call to forgive from Ephesians 4:32 puts it like this: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

We cannot even begin to list the ways that we have grieved our Lord, yet He forgave us all the way to the cross. In order to follow His example, you and I faithfully follow His footsteps.

If you have experienced a deep betrayal or breach of trust, that calling may be hard to swallow. We do not have the capacity to forgive in and of ourselves. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit and His love flowing through us are we able to honestly and wholeheartedly extend forgiveness.

Tomorrow, we'll talk about the character of forgiveness. In the meantime, I pray that God stirs this process in each of us.

Worshiping in Spirit and Truth

2011-02-19T12:07:00.003-06:00

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95:6-7

     What's the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word worship? Is it a picture of your routine on Sunday mornings? Remembering your daily quiet time? Words in a hymnal or projected on a screen? Does it bring to mind a certain physical posture? Does it conjure up images of a heavenly throne room filled with seraphim, or maybe the Old Testament tabernacle?
     God created each of us with the need or desire to worship. It's not something taught or developed - it's created within us to do. Think of any culture in the world that you may be familiar with. Every culture worships something or someone. Some worship false gods or idols, while others worship money, a lifestyle, or even self. We are created with a desire and instinct to worship, so the question is not, “Do we worship?” but “Who do we worship?”
     Authentic worships means worshiping God in spirit and truth. We find the truth in God’s Word, so spending time there proves crucial to understanding Who we worship. Oswald Chambers once said, “When I worship, I would rather my heart be without words than my words be without heart.” If our knowledge of God remains superficial, our worship will be superficial.
     God is not moved or impressed with our worship until our hearts are moved and impressed by Him. To worship in spirit means drawing near to God with an undivided heart.
     To worship God in truth means worshiping God not as we think Him to be, not as we hope Him to be, not as we’d like Him to be, but as He is. When people see God as He is, worship happens. Worship overflows from a heart and mind renewed by the truth of God.
     Scripture commands the worship of God. It’s not optional, nor should it be. Every good thing comes from Him. He provides for our every need, watches over us and guides our lives so that over time we are shaped and molded into the likeness of His Son.
     What causes us to hold back from offering God our all in worship? I would suggest that there is a side of us that lives life trying to be accepted by the people around us. In a word – self consciousness.
     Have you noticed that oftentimes our outward actions are inhibited by the opinions of others? When our outward actions are inhibited by the opinions of others, our worship ends up being based on what other people want, what they prefer, and what they believe. And so rather than worshiping according to what God wants, what God prefers, and what God believes, our worship and prayers can fall woefully short of the honor He deserves.
     Our greatest privilege is to touch heaven in worship. We were made for worship. God fashioned our entire being as an instrument of praise. Just as a master violin maker designs an instrument to produce maximum aesthetic results, so God tailor-made our body, soul and spirit to work together in consonance to produce pleasing expressions of praise and worship.
     He could have chosen to live anywhere.
     But He chooses to live is us.
     He is our God! And He IS worthy of our worship.

Selah: To Pause

2011-02-07T10:27:00.000-06:00

     The hustle and bustle didn't distract her. She sat still. Listening. Others sat around her, but she didn't see them. She was focused. Ears tuned in. Waiting. She had eyes for only one.
     Her sister became frustrated. Preparing the meal. Ensuring everyone had a place to sit. Making sure the beverages were topped off. Why was Mary being so lazy and inconsiderate?
     At her wits end, Martha finally exclaimed, "Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40)
     Ever been there?
     You're working your fingers to the bone. Putting in overtime. Sacrificing family time. The project deadline looms and you're the only one who cares. You want to scream to the boss, "Tell them to help me!"
     You're making another trip to the pharmacy. Yet another health issue. More money spent. Sadness taints your day as you watch your aging parent decline. Your siblings live hundreds of miles away. Your shoulders are weary from bearing the heavy burden. It seems endless. You want to scream to God, "Tell them to help me!"
     What do we do when we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders? Throughout the Psalms, one word occurs over and over: Selah. Most likely a musical term, Selah means “pause.” Just simply pause.
     That's an arresting picture. It's a picture of uninterrupted time with the Lord. He wants us to pause. He knows we need to pause. To spend time with Him. Refuel for the journey.
     Selah never appears at the beginning of a psalm, only in the middle or end. And often several times in between. Why is that important to note? Most of us run through life at 200 mph. We're so busy crossing things off of our impressive to-do lists that we miss seeing God along the journey. Chances are you start each day with prayer. It’s a given. But what about mid-way through? Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still and know that I am God.” Regardless of whether or not a particular task takes one day or several months, pausing often before the Lord in prayer is critical. It helps us to retain God’s focus.
     Selah also appears at the conclusion of some of the psalms. Why? Pausing to reflect upon our journey allows us to see how God’s hand moved through it. To recall the divine appointments He orchestrated with others. Pausing to behold the miraculous movement of God’s hand encourages us along our journey of faith.
     You and I are busy. We have many demands on our time. Pausing before the Lord brings life's chaos to a momentary halt. Jesus said it was important, too. "'Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:41)
     As you race through your day, I pray that you choose what is better. Pausing provides a bigger picture. A deep breath before the next 100-yard dash. A different perspective. Pausing with the Lord offers cool water on a hot day. Hope admist monotony. Sanity despite the chaos.
     So Selah, friend. Selah.

John 3:16 Works When Life Doesn't

2011-01-31T10:55:00.005-06:00

     John 3:16 is the undeniable address of love. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
     As I re-read this verse again, my attention was drawn to two particular words: "God gave." The fact that God gave shows His initiative toward us.
     Michelangelo's famous "Creation" painting is an excellent illustration. This painting depicts Adam lounging back with his arm resting on his crooked knee. God is depicted hovering above Adam with His right arm outstretched toward Adam -- every muscle tense and active - straining to touch Adam. All Adam needs to do is literally raise his index finger to touch the hand of God. Adam lazily declines the effort.
     You know the painting well. But do you know the love of God that well? God's every muscle is tense and active as He strains toward us in love.
     If you have experienced heartaches and life breaks, you may find it difficult to believe that God loves you that much. Poisonous questions like, "Where were you when my child was diagnosed with cancer?", may come out.
     In the Old Testament, Job endured heartbreaking loss when He lost all of his children, all his worldly possessions, and even his health. Yet Job's faith-filled response is recorded in Job 1:20-21:

"At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'"

     Job trusted God. Period. He trusted that God's plan was for his ultimate good, not his destruction. In fact, in Job 19:25-27, Job points to our Redeemer and longs for the day that He can behold God's face with his own eyes. He believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loved him.
     Is that such a stretch for us? Through the power and working of the Holy Spirit, we are given the strength needed to touch the cross. When life hurts, when loved ones leave, when health falters, when jobs fail, God still gives. He lovingly gives us peace, comfort, and reassurance that He is for us and not against us.
     You see, God gave us His one and only Son. Not one of many. His only. The only thing that God had in limited supply. God's most valuable item. God has plenty of everything since He created all things. To give us His Son was the only sacrifice He could make.
     God understands loss and pain. For 33 years, God went without His Son's fellowship in heaven. Then God turned His face away from the cross as His Son paid the staggering price for our sin. God didn't give us an inanimate object, but His living, breathing, only Son.
     God turned His face away from His Son so that His purposes and plan could be fulfilled. God never turns His face away from us. He walks with us every single moment we draw breath.
     God could ask us the question, "Where were you when my Son suffered torture and crucifixion for you?" But He doesn't. He willing gave that sacrifice so that we would not be eternally separated from Him.
     Friends, there is no greater love. God IS love. His love works when life doesn't.

Parched vs. Hydrated

2011-01-26T11:44:00.001-06:00

Last week, I had the incredible privilege of leading Bible classes on a Christian Fellowship ministry cruise to the Western Caribbean. It was truly a ministry highlight for me! Our group of 46 expanded as God led more folks on board to attend with each successive class.

As we sailed toward our first destination of Montego Bay, Jamaica, I pondered that vast expanse of ocean. There was no land in sight as far as the eye could see in any direction. Water, water everywhere ... but not a drop to drink. We were surrounded by salt water that would never hydrate us. Water that would leave us thirsty. Water that would never satisfy. Water that would put us in life-threatening danger if ingested in high quantities.

Isn't that like our culture today? We're surrounded by the things of this world that many believe will satisfy our soul's every need. But those things leave our soul thirsty. Slowly but surely dehydration sets in. We strive to quench that thirst with anything and everything in sight. Things like technology and overindulgence. Obsession and lust. Workaholism and alcoholism. We ingest high quantities of these poor substitutes and find ourselves in dire circumstances.

A life-giving, thirst-quenching relationship with the Wellspring of Life is the only source of hydration that relieves our soul thirst. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well: "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14).

Jesus provides living water for our parched souls. The world dehydrates us. Our Savior takes joy in providing soul hydration: "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" (Isaiah 12:3).

If you're feeling parched and dehydrated, His wellspring of life gushes forth to quench your soul thirst. Jesus is waiting for you at the well.

Healing Amidst the Debris Field of Relational Storms

2011-01-15T00:37:00.000-06:00

Relational storms sometimes hit our lives with hurricane force winds. And when the winds die down, the massive debris field represents broken lives and hearts. The unexpected storms of divorce, a wayward child or loss of a loved one can produce vast piles of spiritual and emotional debris.

Debris tells a story. Days, weeks, and even years following such a storm, debris reminds us of the storm. We remember where we were when the storm hit. Who was rescued. What was destroyed. What it cost us. Debris reminds us some storms were violent and unexpected. Substantial amounts of debris remind us that sometimes no matter how clear the sky or how well we feel prepared, some storms change the topography of our life in an instant.

We emerge after the storm battered, bruised, frightened, angry, hurt, and apprehensive. We realize that it will take a long time for a sense of normalcy to return. But as God's beloved children, we know that we are never lost. Our future and hope rest securely in Him.

The debris surrounding us in the aftermath of a violent storm cannot be swept up neatly and put back in place in our minds or lives. Things will never be exactly the same again. The debris removal takes bulldozers, man-power, and most importantly direction from God. God places human bulldozers in our lives -- those trusted professionals (pastors and counselors) -- who help us cut a spiritual and mental path through the debris field littering our hearts and minds.

Family and godly friends represent the man-power. Little by little, log by log, day by day, they come with their first aid kits of love, prayer, support, strong shoulders, and encouragement from the Lord to help restore our lives.

Most importantly, there is God - the architect, designer and furnisher of our restored, rescued lives. He carefully directs the bulldozers and man-power every step of the way toward our restoration. Our foundation in Him is solid. And even though our relational storms may leave behind dings and scrapes on our heart, God resurfaces it with His love, grace and mercy. And He covers us over with His peace - the peace that passes all understanding.

God has His bulldozers and man-power ready. Our debris fields remain only if we choose for them to.

Boston Homeless - Light in the Darkness

2011-01-05T15:38:00.001-06:00

     On a chilly October morning, a Boston church's basement welcomed poverty. The lost gathered here. The church's cellar was the only home they knew. Today, the church beckoned women. And they came. Destitute yet hopeful. A hot meal awaited them - perhaps the only one they had since the last gathering.
     They carried with them paper and plastic bags. Carts and walkers held all they held dear. All of their worldly possessions. Scraps to you and I, yet priceless to them.
     I wandered into this cellar by chance looking for a way to get inside the sanctuary. Enjoying my first visit to Boston, I wanted to see the interior underneath that breathtaking exterior. So I went from locked door to locked door. Then I saw a woman disappear down a set of old stone steps. I followed.
     I stumbled into their darkness, but there was light. The light of smiles, warmth and hearts drawn together. I felt like an intruder into a private home, and rightly so. As I held my Starbucks and looked around, I realized that my coffee represented opulence in the midst of rags. What I had spent on that coffee most likely totaled more than these women saw in a day - or even a week.
     I stood dumbfounded, my feet glued to the stone floor. But their light beckoned me. The light was represented by smiles graciously offered to me despite the obvious fact that I didn't belong.
     But it didn't matter to them. One older lady eating at a nearby table smiled and asked me what I needed. I simply stared - embarrassed yet amazed. She was there to receive help, yet offered it instead. Her toothless smile was warm and inviting. Almost whispering, I asked how I could see the inside of the sanctuary. She politely gave directions, and then said, "I'm homeless. They feed us each week here. It's such a blessing."
     Such compassion rose in my heart that my overwhelmed senses could hardly respond. What incredible kindness exhibited in the midst of desperate need! She had found her sanctuary. It didn't represent ornately carved lecturns or intricately laid mosaic tile. Her sanctuary represented gathering with other women who found themselves in the same position to partake of a hot meal.
     I smiled and thanked her for the directions. She responded with her warm smile, "Have a blessed day." In that moment, my mind's eye recalled Paul in prison worshiping. I recalled Jesus on the cross asking for forgiveness for ones who did not know what they were doing. GRACE. This lady's sweet smile shone grace from every wrinkle. She exhibited perseverance amidst desperate circumstances.
     Regardless of her current situation, she was gracious. She could have chosen anger, welcomed bitterness, or determined to make fun of my thoughtless, self-centered quest. But she was Jesus today. She was grace personified. Whenever I remember Boston, I'll remember her. I don't know her name, but I'll never forget Who she reminded me of.

Laying Anxiety Aside

2011-01-03T14:19:00.000-06:00

     I believe we can all agree that the worries of life in general cause us anxiety at times. But let's go a little deeper. I suggest that there are three overarching things (among others) that represent the chief thieves of our rejoicing.
     First, we find it difficult to completely hand over the controls of our deepest difficulties to God. It's much easier to hand over the small things, isn't it? But when it comes to the huge things, we tend to dig in with both feet and prepare for battle. Sometimes, only after a long, exhausting struggle, do we finally invite God to take over. We come out on the other side of such struggles oftentimes wondering why we didn't invite God in sooner.
     Second, we struggle with the fact that God's timing isn't our timing. Waiting on the Lord for His direction can cause serious anxiety. In our drive-through culture, we're used to getting what we want almost instaneously. Text messaging, iPhones, iPods, and iPads put the information of the world at our fingertips. But sometimes we forget that we have the informatin of the ages at our fingertips, too. However, how often do we live from Sunday to Sunday without ever opening up God's amazing Word in between? In His Word, we find that His timing is always perfect and always in our best interest.
     Finally, I believe we struggle with our calling to spread God's love and saving message to the ends of the earth. Oftentimes, we find those nudgings from God to reach out to others to be way outside of our comfort zones. And that can cause anxiety. We may fear rejection and ridicule. But we look at Jesus' life and see that He was a risk-taker. He kept company with those considered "less than" because He knew their need for a Savior. He sets our example and standard.
     Being anxious robs us of peace of mind, sleep, energy, time and joy. Luke 12:25 reminds us, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" So this year, I pray that you determine to set aside anxiety. Remember, we don't have to do it alone. We have the power of the Holy Spirit in us who enables us to do infinitely more than we are individually capable.
     So as we step into 2011, my fervent prayer is that we step in REJOICING and leaving our anxiety where it belongs - at the foot of the cross.

New Year's Resolution of Love

2010-12-29T10:28:00.004-06:00

     We love “new” things. Many of us received a new thing or two for Christmas – some we asked for, some we didn’t. But new, nonetheless. No one else has ever touched it, read it, played it or written in it. Ours to do with however we desire.
     We also love the idea of a new year. The prospect of 365 new days at our disposal. No one has yet to live them. Just the sound of it fosters hope. We plan for ministry possibilities, family gatherings, trips, time with friends, set new career goals, or set a new Bible study outline. The possibilities seem endless.
     In honor of these approaching “new” days, many of us make New Year’s resolutions. For instance, we resolve to read through the Bible in a year, lose weight, be a better spouse, be a better parent, or be a better boss/employee. And even though we have many new commands or executive orders that we would like to issue to ourselves for this upcoming new year, Scripture reminds us of one command in particular that has been in place from the very beginning:
     “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to [God’s] commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:5-6
     Love. Sometimes it’s so easy. Other times it's so very difficult. But God commands us to love. First and foremost as His children, we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). We also love one another as God has loved us (John 13:34) and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Why? Because “He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
     I propose that you try something new this year. Try adding a special phrase to each new year's resolutions. Add “because I love” after each one. For instance, “Read through the Bible in a year because I love being taught and amazed by God.” Centering our New Year’s resolutions around God’s command to love gives us a different perspective—one centered on God, His commands and His love for us.
     When we line out our resolutions with God’s love at the forefront, we walk in obedience and hope. What better way to start out a new year? God’s abundant blessings to you in 2011.

Taking a Stand ... To Kneel

2010-11-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

Most of us struggle with prayer. Even though we may have good intentions to start every day with prayer, sometimes our days blur by so fast that we forget to pray or make a mental note to pray later. When later comes, assuming that we remember at all, we rush through our prayers with hollow words. What do we find so difficult about prayer? Simply put, there are a lot of variables in prayer. There’s no dress code, specific location, or correct wording prescribed for prayer. No one is looking over our shoulder to make sure we’ve said our prayers. In short, no one holds us accountable.

Colossians 4:2 tells us, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Powerful yet simple words. We don’t need fancy words or formal language to pray. We pray from exactly where we are spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Real words about real life.

A vibrant and active prayer life teaches us without a doubt that God resides in the details. Scripture is clear that everything can be affected by prayer (Mark 9:23, James 5:16). God’s plan for His kingdom and eternity will happen exactly as He has planned it. However, there are variables in how that will be accomplished. That’s where prayer and faith play an active part. When we continually believe that all things are possible through Him and live that out loud through faith, incredible things can happen for His glory.

Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Pray about everything? Absolutely. Without being anxious? You bet. Do you remember when Moses went upon Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of the law? In his absence, the Israelites committed a grievous sin by making a golden calf. God determined to destroy them, but Moses did not get anxious. He began to pray.

Chances are Moses did not approach God for this prayer calmly and quietly in a serene pose with his hands neatly folded in his lap. This was a fervent, desperate prayer with passion, emotion and conviction. The result? "Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened." (Exodus 32:14)

God listened and was moved to compassion. Sometimes our situations seem so out of control that we can’t even see straight to pray about what we truly need. Those situations drive us to our knees before the One who has the power to do something about it. We may not see how our situation can possibly change, but if our requests are biblical and line up with God’s overall plan, anything is possible.

Prayer transcends into the supernatural realm. When we pray in the name of Jesus, our prayer does not merely contain words. Those words are backed by the power of the Most High. Satan’s schemes and temptations are thwarted by the prayers of an honest heart and faithful confession (Matthew 26:41). We cannot physically see the powers at work against us, but God can. He sees the ambushes of the enemy just around the corner that we cannot. He lines up our protection and direction when we line up for prayer.

Drawing close to God in prayer on a consistent basis is vital to our spiritual health and Christian walk. Only through consistent, honest prayer are we able to live the abundant life of freedom with the One who created us, breathed life into us, and loves us like no other. Giving God custody of our details makes all the difference in the world. Putting prayer back at the top of our impressive “to do” lists is our calling and great privilege.

It’s time we take a stand … to kneel.

Unveiled Faces

2010-09-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

Did you spend some time in front of the mirror this morning? I certainly did. As I got ready for work, I needed to ensure that my hair was fixed just so, my makeup was even, and my clothes actually matched. You and I spend time in front of mirrors.

However, have you noticed that on days we don't have to be anywhere in particular (other than puttering around the house), we don't take quite as much care with our physical appearance?

I have pants that I love to wear around the house or while I'm gardening. You know the ones I'm talking about. Worn in just right, maybe a spot or two of paint on them, and faded after all the trips through the washing machine. But I stop short of wearing them out amongst the general public. I can always offer the reason that I have a sense of style. But vanity comes closer to the truth.

On some level, you and I care how others perceive us. That's why we all spend time in front of the looking glass (to use a term from my grandma's era). How many times have you hoped that you wouldn't run into someone you know when you don't feel as if your appearance is quite up to snuff? We care how others see us.

But that's just superficial. There's something else. God's children have something that cannot be seen in a mirror yet is reflected into the world - His glory. Scripture tells us that we have become the mirror that reflects the glory of the Lord living in us.

That's a wonderful yet sobering truth. Sobering? You bet. It's sobering because others glimpse Jesus through our words and actions. Take a moment to ponder over your actions the past 48 hours. How did you treat others? Were you kind and considerate or impatient and demanding? What did others perceive in you? Like I said, it's sobering.

The busyness of our days and the pressures of living in today's culture sometimes dims our shine. It takes focus and determination to get His light out from under the bushel where we've hidden it. It takes courage to take that lampshade off and let God's light shine. Courage because having a conversation about God in a secular crowd isn't a popular topic. But if we don't shine His light, who will?

You and I are called to be God's light in a dark world. We reflect His glory to those around us - not to cause fear, but to foster hope. The hope that what our eyes see is not all there is to life. Our eyes see poverty, promiscuity, and perversion.

God has something better for us.

Infinitely better.

As we plan out the rest of our week, I pray that we keep checking our reflection. Not to recall whether or not our clothes match, but to keep checking how our actions and words reflect God's light. Reflecting His love and goodness makes all the difference.

In fact, it can make an eternal difference.

Quenching a Parched Soul

2010-08-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

   After having just come out of a desert season, I have a fresh understanding about spiritual thirst. It's easy to quench our physical thirst. However, when our soul is parched, only one thing can hydrate us properly - Jesus.

   Why is that comforting? Because Jesus understands what it means to be thirsty. He willingly left the riches of heaven to descend into our timeline to be our Savior. He left the fellowship of the Trinity and the hydration that offered, to confine himself in a human body that thirsted - just like you and me.

   When Jesus hung on the cross, he thirsted. Even though it was a physical thirst, it was also a soul thirst. He felt the human equivalent of abandonment. How many of us can relate to that feeling? God is holy and in order for Jesus to take on our sin and redeem us from the pit, Jesus had to become sin. Our sin. God and sin don't mix. God had to turn His back on Jesus and separate His holiness from that sin. On the cross, Jesus endured God's wrath in our behalf because we could not.

   After suffering the most painful death ever imagined, Jesus descended into hell. I don't believe there's a lot of water there either, but Jesus wasn't focused on that. He was doing a victory dance through hell over death on our behalf because we could not. Then when Jesus was resurrected, He ascended into heaven and took His place at God's right hand. Restored. Glorified. Hydrated.

   This side of heaven, you and I may endure many trials that leave us spiritually parched. But that's just a temporary state. Jesus, our Wellspring of Life, hydrates us from the inside out. Even during our desert times, He's right there with His water jug of refreshment, encouragement and hope.

So the next time you find yourself in a valley or desert time, instead of focusing on getting out allow your focus to rest on Jesus. He will hydrate you from the inside out as He teaches you the lessons needed to reach other other side.

Every Knee, Everywhere

2010-07-01T12:09:00.002-05:00

"That at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11 (NASB)

     These verses affirm that the whole intelligent universe is called to worship Christ - those in heaven, on earth and under the earth. It speaks to the universal nature of His lordship. He is LORD over absolutely every created being, whether angelic or human. Some will gladly bow, but others will do so simply under the sheer weight of the obvious.
     In today's culture, many believe that submitting wholeheartedly to something or someone that cannot be seen and touched is anything but intelligent. Our world gauges intelligence by tests, material success or Mensa membership. Mensa is the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world. Only those who score in the 98th percentile or higher on a standard IQ test are considered for membership.
     Interestingly, none of those criteria mattered to Jesus. Eternal membership into God's family rests on one criteria alone: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NIV).
     No IQ test. No fancy credentials needed. Simply faith. What is faith? Saving faith is true, heartfelt trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Mere intellectual knowledge of or belief in God's existence just doesn't cut it.
     Intelligence may take us far on earth, but faith takes us into eternity. Regardless of where we stand when Jesus returns to judge the world, we won't be standing for long. Every knee, everywhere, will bow. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He humbled himself and became obedient to death on a cross to provide us the bridge into eternity.
     Because of that life-saving act on our behalf, God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. At His name, all of the intelligent universe will bow. No IQ test required.

A Toe in the Sun: Straining Toward Hope

2010-04-30T16:42:00.000-05:00

He was all alone. Perched on the edge of a partially submerged rock, a turtle sat center stage. Dusk's gentle breezes lazily stirred the tall grass nearby. The sun's warmth was fading fast. The fish in the large koi pond outside my office building had long since gathered in the shadows to rest until morning. But the turtle persevered. He sat, back legs stretched out as far as they could go, to make contact with the last golden ray of sunshine. Only two claws reached the fading light. He tenaciously waited as his smallest body part made contact with nature's brightest light. Only after the sun finally fell below the horizon did he plunk back in the water in search of his friends.

I found myself mesmerized by this determined turtle. He peacefully, yet resolutely, stood his ground until he had received the sun's full offering. All of the other turtles had long since given up. Not him. He recognized that there was more.

He stood among strangers. Perched in an outdoor courtyard, Peter waited center stage over the warmth of a fire. The evening's chilly breezes sent shivers from head to toe. Time was fading fast. The other disciples had long since scattered into the shadows. But Peter persevered. His ears strained to hear the final verdict. He didn't feel like chatting. "I don't know the man!", he swore (Mt. 26:74). Just then, as guards escorted a bound and chained Jesus across the courtyard, a cock crowed in the distance. Peter's eyes made contact with the eyes of heaven's brightest Light and his heart fell. Only after seeing the Son did he run in anguish from the courtyard in search of his friends.

We find ourselves mesmerized by Peter's determination. Even though he abandoned hope on that evening over 2,000 years ago, we know that Peter resolutely stood his ground all the way to death for his Savior. In Jesus, he recognized that there was more.

Have you ever found yourself straining towards God's promises long after your family, friends or church abandon hope in favor of rest? In hope, you stand at the edge of expectation reaching towards God's light and warmth until a fingertip makes contact. You resolutely stand your ground until you receive His full offering. You recognize that there's more.

Straining towards God speaks of hope. In faith, we stretch out our hands because we are desperate for truth admist life's chaos. God is truth for every situation we face. He offers hope for every uncertainty that challenges us. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Heb. 11:1).

God makes sense when life doesn't.

In Him, there is always more.

PERSPECTIVE: It Makes a Difference

2010-04-14T13:27:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, my three best friends and I took the trip of a lifetime down the challenging rapids of the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River. Yes, four women willingly embarked on that wild adventure. It was breathtaking, heart-stopping, and exhilarating. Each time we stopped for a break or camped along the shoreline, the surroundings were incredibly peaceful. It was a peacefulness that stilled my soul and allowed me to live fully in the moment.

Each evening, I settled down with my journal and Bible and experienced amazing moments with our God. Each morning after packing up camp, we suited up in full gear and life vests, climbed aboard the rig, and started down the rapids. Peaceful was not the first emotion that surfaced. In fact, it didn’t make the top 10.

Above the sounds of the rapids and my fellow rafters, I listened acutely for the captain’s voice. When he shouted, “Brace,” we grabbed the handholds and flattened our faces against the rig. The captain knew that if a wave hit us in mid-chest, we would catapult into the deadly currents. So my perspective from the chaos of the raging currents was vastly different from my perspective from the peaceful shore.

When God commanded Noah to build the ark (Gen. 6:11–21), Noah didn’t have a clue what an ark looked like. When God described the construction plans for the ark, Noah listened acutely. For decades, Noah faithfully built the ark. His perspective from the ground was that of a hard worker, keeping his nose to the grindstone.

One day, God issued the command to climb aboard the ark, and Noah’s perspective changed dramatically. From atop the ark, he had a much broader view. He saw everything he had built disappear under floodwaters. He watched friends fight for their lives and cry for help. He watched animals not invited into the ark grow tired of paddling and sink. Don’t you think Noah wondered, “Why did this have to happen, God?” Scripture tells us that God closed the door to the ark. I would suggest that Noah couldn’t. If we, like Noah, knew what awaited our loved ones not on board, I don’t believe we could shut the door either. Sometimes, God has to be the one who shuts the door.

Have you ever asked God the question that Noah might have asked? Your life is rolling along smoothly, then a drastic event hits. You lose a loved one, get seriously ill, collect a pink slip, watch your marriage end, or see your child stray down a dangerous path.

Recently, I watched my marriage of 13 years end. My knight in shining armor rode off without me. I catapulted into currents of grief, anger, sadness, loneliness, fear, and unanswered questions. How did I miss the signs? Is this actually happening?

As God’s children, how do we avoid being suffocated by destructive spiritual or emotional currents? In Psalm 18:16, 19, God reminds us to brace ourselves in His strength: “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me” (NIV). Regardless of our storms, God rescues us and gives us strength. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we focus on our Lord in faith, and listen acutely for His voice. God will not let us drown. He carefully places us in the ark of His compassion and gives us a new perspective.

Why? Because He delights in us.

Facedown Worship

2010-04-05T16:31:00.002-05:00

Do you remember the first time you intentionally knelt? I don't mean kneeling in jest when begging a sibling or friend for something we desired. No, I mean kneeling because we were either asked to kneel or because we understood on some level that it was the appropriate action to take.

Mine was the first time I received communion in my home congregation after I was baptized at age 23. I remember thinking how odd it felt to undertake what I perceived to be such an intimate act of submission and worship in front of hundreds of people. I still feel odd at times. Communion is intensely personal to me and sometimes I find myself wishing that I could linger at the table a bit longer just to be still before Him as He reaches down to me through His body and blood. Occasionally, I find myself wishing that once I receive communion everyone else would leave so that I could properly go facedown before God in humble worship and thanksgiving.

What causes us to hold back from offering God our "all" in worship? I would suggest that there is a side of us that lives life trying to be accepted by the people around us. In a word - self consciousness. Have you noticed that oftentimes our outward actions are inhibited by the opinions of others? When we live our lives according to others' opinions, our worship ends up being based on what other people want, what they prefer, and what they believe. And so rather than worshiping according to what God wants, what God prefers, and what God believes, our worship can fall woefully short of the honor God deserves.

On our knees before God in intimate prayer and worship on a daily basis is where we receive His good gifts of divine guidance, peace, comfort and instruction. The first time I tried going facedown before the Lord, I waited until I was absolutely alone in the house. I got down and lay on the floor with nose and forehead to the carpet. I tell you, taking that position truly focused my attention on Who I was communicating with. But I felt like I had my back to God. Does that make sense? So I turned over face up, then I felt like I was taking a siesta rather than going before Him in reverence.

I realize that some cannot physically kneel or go facedown before the Lord. Whatever position we take before God, what truly matters is the genuineness of our worship. The position from which we offer Him our worship and prayers is not nearly as important as ensuring that our offering is genunine and for Him alone.

Each day as you go before the Lord in worship and prayer, I pray that God multiples that time of intimacy. In that precious time with Him, we seek the face of the One who created us, the only One who is worthy of our worship, and the One who loves us like no other.

Jesus: The Stripes that Healed

2010-02-28T22:11:00.002-06:00

Living in a large city, I have unfortunately been in several car accidents. I've caused a few and been on the receiving end of others. But the majority of accidents occurred where God positioned me in that certain place and time to help someone else in need. Some accidents were minor, but many more were life-threatening. As a mere "civilian" rather than a professionally trained medic, I'm limited in the ways I can help. I offer calm reassurance, hold hands, stop bleeding, pray, and call 911.

In one particular accident, an elderly man was broadsided by a drunk driver going over 60 mph. The elderly man was pinned inside the car between the driver's door and the passenger door due to the horrendous force of the impact. The elderly man only survived 10 days before losing his fight for life. These accident scene experiences have significantly increased my spiritual understanding of certain things. I can fully relate to what being "crushed" means and exactly what that looks like. It is horrific to say the least.

Jesus was crushed for our sin. And the most amazing thing? He did it willingly. He deliberately put himself in harm's way to save our lives - literally. God positioned Jesus in a certain place and time to be the Savior of the world. Jesus saw our life-threatening situation and deliberately put himself in the path of God's wrath to save our souls. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate 911 call. He loved us enough to be broken and shed His blood to bridge the sin gap between us and the Father. Because of God's amazing grace and Jesus' ultimate act of love, we have the promise of making it out of this world alive - eternally.

Cool quote of the day!

2010-02-04T10:20:00.002-06:00

"The photograph of God's face develops in the dark. When we walk in dark times, God's face becomes crystal clear. Then His brilliance dispels the darkness." L.B. Cowman

A Love So Great

2010-02-01T09:21:00.003-06:00

     We see throughout Scripture the preeminence of love. Love is a vital ingredient in our walk with God and our witness to the world about Him. Love changes lives, but God love saves them. 1 John 4:16 proclaims that God is love. It goes on to say that "whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." Love is a choice and an action - not a feeling. The only way that we are able to love others is because God first loved us. He set the example.
     For us to more fully comprehend John 3:16, it's crucial to understand that God's love is not based on us - it's based on HIS love. Just like an earthly father to his child, the dad's love is not based on whether or not that love is returned. The child can make a mess of the best circumstances, but that doesn't change dad's love for that child. That child is still precious and loved because that love is based on the father's love. The same holds true for God's love toward you and me. He loves us regardless of the mess we can make of our lives. He loves us whether or not we love Him in return.
     Love is priceless. It cannot be found on the shelves at the corner store. Love is more powerful than any drug on the market. What are some of the things that you've done in the name of love? If you're anything like me, we've all done some pretty silly things. But over time, our love for those closest to us is matured by our choices and sacrifices toward each other. The choice to love or not. Forgive or not. To be kind or cruel. God's love for us is so much more than we can imagine! He could choose not to love us - then where would we be? He could choose to demand that we keep every law to the letter or else. He could choose to bring down on each of us the wrath we most assuredly deserve. Instead, He chooses to love. His love forgives, His grace is sufficient, His mercy endures forever. Now that, beloved, is a love worth sharing.

Simply Jesus

2010-01-29T07:50:00.002-06:00

We have officially said goodbye to 2009. As you reflect back on 2009, what do you see? For some it may have been a year full of abundance, plenty, and great spiritual growth. You celebrated an expanding family, achieved an educational accomplishment, reached a long sought-after career goal, or even stepped outside the lines and undertook ministry that stretched and blessed you and others outrageously. 2009 was a great year.

For others, 2009 may have been a season of shadows and sorrows. It was a roller coaster of highs and lows, mountaintops and valleys, or joy and sadness. You lost a loved one, received a negative health report, accepted a pink slip, watched your marriage come to an end, or looked on helplessly as your child strayed down a dangerous path. You had to literally walk by faith and not by sight. 2009 was a tough year.

If you look carefully, no matter which scenario describes your 2009, Jesus was right there with you every single step of the way. He danced with you on the mountaintops and carried you through the valleys. That's what Jesus does. He's walked in our shoes. He knows it's tough being us. He KNOWS.

This year was a roller coaster ride for me. Ministry mountaintops full of light and relational valleys full of darkness had me alternately praising and crying. Can you relate? Our memory verse this month reminds us that God WILL supply our every need. We simply trust and keep walking toward Him. So we enter 2010 worshipping Him in spirit and truth. Worship doesn't change our circumstances, but it invites God into the middle of any circumstance. His presence changes our focus. So, as I fix my eyes on His promises and gaze towards the horizon of 2010, it's going to be a "simply Jesus" year for me. Simply Jesus.

Are you on board?