Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Here I Am/A Word for the Weekend

     I leave you with the words to a beautiful song written in 1981 by Dan Schutte, Here I Am, Lord. The verses are words the Lord speaks to us and the chorus, our reply. Here we are, Lord.

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in darkness now, my hand will save. I who make the stars of night I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord, it is I Lord. I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, where you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain. I have wept for love of them. They turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone. I will speak my words to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord, it is I Lord. I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, where you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame. I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them. My hand will save. Finest bread I will provide, ‘til their hearts are satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. It is I Lord. I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, where you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.


     How about you? Will you go? Is it you? Jesus is calling. Let it be me, Lord.

Happy Thanksgiving! See you on Monday.


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Here I Am

     Yesterday we said, “Here I Am!” to God and He replied, “Here I Am!” right back. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, He asks us to obey and follow His lead in some unexpected ways. He grabs us out of our comfort zones, guides us out of our self-focused ways and steps us unto uncharted territory.

     God scans the earth with eyes moving to and fro, seeking those of us willing to take a chance. Is He asking you? Will you answer like Isaiah?

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send me!”  Isaiah 6:8

     Abraham’s unfailing obedience to God included moving his family to a strange land, trusting God to give him and his wife, Sarah, a baby long after their child-bearing days were done, even agreeing to sacrifice that very son, knowing God would step in to save.  Is God asking you to trust?

Some time later, God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.  Genesis 22:1

     Jacob was confused and filled with doubt. He needed some straight answers. He wrestled with God and was left with an injury. Sometimes our wounds stay with us as a reminder of our weakness, and of God’s strength, a reminder to rely on Him. Is He calling out to you in the night?

And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied.  Genesis 46:2

     Have you encountered God in an unusual way? Do you have a story to tell others? Moses sure did. After forty years in the desert God was finally calling him to lead his people out of Egypt into the promised land. God spoke to him from a burning bush.

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

     The obedient are few in number. What will you say to his call? Will you respond to his request in the night? Would you move into strange and uncomfortable territory? When His strength is all you have left will you still trust Him? Will you continue to live for Him?  Caleb did.

     Caleb and Joshua were the only two original Israelites to go into the promised land. Two? They began with over two million!  Two million have dwindled to two, because of the nation’s disobedience. Moses was close enough to see the promised land, but the soles of his sandals never touched it. Caleb’s did. Caleb stayed true to God over a long life. Here is his testimony.

“Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out. I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.” Joshua 14:10-11

     In another verse the Bible tells us Caleb followed God, “wholeheartedly.” Here he is full of vim and vigor at eight-five. Let’s follow the example of these strong men of faith, to move, to listen, to wrestle, to battle, to trust, to follow wholeheartedly. You never know, you may see a ladder falling from the sky filled with angels, or hear a voice from a burning bush, see a dream fulfilled after forty-five years or hear a whisper is your ear, “Whom shall I send?”

Dear Lord,
Here we are! Send us! These stories of faith in the midst of fear and doubt and testing, and patient waiting remind us of Your promises. They always come true, every single one of them. Keep us in step with Your Spirit as we move out in obedience until we reach the promised land.

Amen

Monday, November 25, 2013

Here I Am

     Samuel heard his name called in the middle of the night, “Samuel.” He believed it was Eli, the priest training him to do God’s work, and he replied, “Here I am.” Eli had not called him. This occurred two more times, until Eli told him that it was the Lord. (1 Samuel 3)

     Jesus is calling your name. His Word was written for you. His death and resurrection were meant for you. Maybe, like Samuel, the Word has not been revealed to you yet. (1 Samuel 3:7) Other voices come first in your life. You are not sure if He is real.

     Maybe, like Samuel, your parents dedicated you to the Lord. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, had not been able to bear children. She was a Godly woman and she persevered in her prayers, promising to give her child to serve the Lord. She kept that promise.

     After Samuel was weaned she brought him to live with Israel’s priest, From that time on she saw her son once a year when she made him a new robe. Samuel grew to be a servant of the Lord. Throughout his life he was priest, prophet and judge, and he anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.

     You may not be sure how to hear God’s voice. It is no coincidence you are reading this today. God is calling you. He wants to comfort you. He wants to love you. He wants to give you deep peace and joy in your soul that will last forever. He wants to fill you with the endless abundance of His living bread and water.

     When you call out, “Here I am, Lord,” He says right back,

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. Revelation 3:20

     The relationship with Jesus is an intimate one. Is it time to answer His call? Tell Him everything today. Ask for forgiveness. Invite Him in. He is knocking at the door of your heart. He brings new life. It is the greatest gift, the greatest story ever told. It is true. It is for you. He did it for you.

Dear Jesus,
We open our hearts to You. Here we are, Lord. Hear our prayer as we accept You as Savior. How can we ever thank you for giving us this abundant life and an eternity with You? Give peace and joy to each reader this morning as they listen for Your voice, maybe for the first time.

Amen

Friday, November 22, 2013

Stand

     As followers of Jesus, we await His coming. Every generation of believers, since the time of His resurrection and ascension into heaven, watch for His return. We say, “Come, Lord Jesus.” We look up with anticipation. He is right at the door.

     We wait, firmly planted, removed from darkness into light, side-by-side with our fellow believers, encouraging, waiting expectantly. We do not want to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. It is not only pie in the sky when we die, but steak on the plate while we wait.

     The disciples scattered when Jesus was arrested and sent to the cross. The Jews were expecting their Messiah, their King to rule over the earth, to defeat the oppressive Roman government. They thought, they believed, Jesus was the King. They did not understand.

     He came back to them from an empty tomb. He overcame death! He spoke with them. He walked through a wall and showed Doubting Thomas His nail-punctured hands. Impulsive Peter, as he had done once before, jumped right out of the boat when he saw Jesus along the shore. Jesus cooked for them and I imagine John (he called himself “the disciple Jesus loved”) sitting right next to his resurrected friend as they ate their fish picnic along the beach.

     He was back. The kingdom had come! Hope resounded once more. No, not yet. Jesus tells them He must leave. He will send them the power of the Holy Spirit and they will be His witnesses. What?! They did not understand.

After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1 9-11

     Over 2,000 years later, we look intently into the sky. Is it today, Lord? The disciples could not have imagined a 2,000 year span before their King returned. They could not imagine the Gentile world being offered this gift of grace, a chance to be born again into new life, and that the power of the same Holy Spirit would live within us as we wait.

     Well, don’t just stand there! We have work to do, before He arrives. He is coming soon.

Dear Jesus,
Each day brings us closer to seeing You in Your glory. We are Your witnesses to the ends of the earth. We fix our eyes on heaven, as we move ahead on earth.
Amen  


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Stand

     Life with Jesus lifts us out of the depths, gives us a firm place to stand and allows us to see a future filled with hope, a new life that will last forever. To make all of this good news even better, He brings us into fellowship with other believers to fulfill His purposes. We stand together. Jesus calls us His body and we each play a part. Just as our physical body parts work in tandem, so, too, the body of Christ.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head that is Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:15-16

     Jesus, the Head, controls the entire body. Maybe you will be His eyes, seeing through to someone’s hurt. Are you His ears, lifting a burden, as you listen to someone's story? You may speak the Word of truth as a pastor or teacher. Are you His hands willing to help others in a practical way or will you be His feet traveling to other countries in mission?

     The world places high value on the red carpet, bright-white teeth, athletic prowess, academic success, a new dress, a sports car, Wall Street. God places the highest value, the greatest honor on the parts of His body that are hidden. (1 Corinthians 12:22-23) You want others to notice you? Are you trying to impress? How about impressing God? How do we do that? I picture Jesus, smiling with Fatherly pride, on the mom devoting her life to her special needs child, the 90-year-old in the nursing home praying earnestly for her family, the mission worker in the slums of India, weary, but carrying on, the grieving spouse tenderly caring for his very sick wife, the bent-over man sharpening the pew pencils. The list goes on. The world doesn’t notice, but God does.

     We are God’s dwelling place on this earth and together, the house grows stronger. We build each other up, we encourage, we hold on through the tough times and we move on as we listen to the One in charge. The house is built on Him. The house is built with love. He will show you where, what when and how. Let’s do this. Stand strong as the body of Christ. You are one of His most valuable parts.

Dear Jesus,
Show us our part of Your body. We want to serve, to build up Your house until you return for us to take us to our true home. Help us to honor Your quiet servants today.
Amen



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Stand

     Did you know the prophecies about the end of the age include an increase in knowledge, an increase in evil, an increase in earthquakes and an increase in wars? Our Savior tells us:

Nation wil rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.  Matthew 24:7-8

He continues:

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm in the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  Matthew 7:12-14

   “but, the one who stands firm in the end will be saved.” Stand firm. Fits in with our week doesn’t it? The world is shaking. God sees the end from the beginning. The Bible is clear. We have ample warning. Watch. Beware. Encourage one another. Keep the love of Christ as a flame. Stand firm.

The author of Hebrews talks a bit more about the shaking of the earth.

At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “Once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken-that is, created things-so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.  Hebrews 12;26-28

     When God created the earth and everything in it, He saw that it was good, but He gave us free will. He gave us choices. And He knew He had to make a plan. He saw how evil would seep in and eventually destroy much of His creation. So He gives us an out. He gives us a second chance. He finds a way. He offers The Way. He offers a new beginning. He offers us Himself. God saw the damage evil will do, the damage to the earth, the crash of the human spirit, the rising up of violence and drugs. He saw it all. What did He do?

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

     Stand firm and be saved. The kingdom of God cannot be shaken. The fallen world is crumbling around us. We shouldn’t be surprised. The authors of the Bible spoke of it thousands of years ago. Our foundation is secure. We cannot be moved. Stand firm.

Dear Father,
We thank you for Your Words. Continue to teach us and guide us even as the world is beginning to shake. We encourage one another with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, the kingdom of forever.
In Jesus name,
Amen



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Stand

     The images of the devastation in the Philippines, as well as the aftermath of an extreme number of tornadoes moving through the middle of our country, are the latest disasters seen all over the news. Natural phenomenon like typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes are shaking the foundations of the earth.

     Our physical and emotional storms can be as unexpected and just as traumatic. We turn to each other with questions, “Can you believe it?” and “What do we do now?” and “How do we go on?” and “How do we get back up and begin again?”

     When we stand on the rock, on the firm foundation of our faith, we always have a place to sit out the storm, a place to let it all out and a place to be restored, refreshed, reinvigorated and redeemed. Our homes and belongings are earthly treasures. The more we witness the tragedy and the destruction around us, the more we recognize the absolute necessity for strength in our spiritual houses.

     Our true value lies in our Creator. When He builds our house, we stand again and again to face the earth and all it can throw at us. We come to the aid of a hurting world, a hurting family, a hurting friend. We have been through so much, you and I. Jesus went through all of that and more. He felt it. He lived it. He was tempted by it. He was mocked. He was tossed in a storm. He wept. He was beaten and tortured and finally, He was nailed to a cross.

     On His shoulders came the floods, the disease, the heartache, and finally, death. He took it. All of it. He experienced it. He overcame it and so will we. Our sure foundation is the cornerstone, Jesus. When all is said and done, He stands.

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation, the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah 28:16

     Can we find that kind of faith, where we are never stricken with panic? Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our foundation is secure. And Jesus says to us,

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25

     We are going to get battered and bruised and knocked around throughout our lives. We may lose some physical and natural treasures, but don’t panic. Jesus overcame the world. He’s got this. He’s got you. We can stand on the rock. We can stand for Him. Now stand.


Dear Father in heaven,
There is devastation and darkness around us. It is hard to understand the heartache, the disasters, the chaos. We put our trust in You. One day, very soon, You will put it back together, the way You created it, a new heaven and a new earth. The very earth is groaning for Your return. Keep us safe as we stand for You.
Amen





Monday, November 18, 2013

Stand

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.  Psalm 40:1-3

     Wherever you are, whatever the cry of your heart, God will turn to you. He hears you. The three short verses above are a beautiful picture of salvation in Christ. We get to a point. We can’t do it on our own. Those fears, whether of life or death encroach and surround us. They seep in and they take over. We seek God, and He inclines His ear to us.

     We accept His love. We accept His gift. We allow grace to overcome guilt. And we are His forever. He begins to lift us out of the muck. Lives change. Climbing out of the pit isn’t easy. As our heads peek out of the darkness, it’s difficult to see in the bright light. We squint, shield our gaze, but the warmth of the light feels good.

     Old habits die. New ones come to life. Bitterness fades. Forgiveness rises up. Jesus just won’t give up. He continues to lead us out of the pit, out of the muck. Our tastes are different. Oh, the pit looks enticing now and again. We glance back as we continue the difficult climb. We knew the dark. Everything was not so clear in the pit. Everything was not so, well…exposed.

     Jesus is doing a work in us. Over time, we are out. A little mud may remain around the edges, a tinge of muck is still stuck to our shoes, but we move on. In His light there is more light. As faith grows, as the image of Christ becomes like a mirror, our foundation becomes secure. We look around and sunshine has replaced the dark clouds. As our feet move out of the swamp and our fingers reach up, Jesus pulls us up to stand on the rock. He is the rock. It is a secure place to stand. We have protection from the storms around us. We see beauty in place of ashes.

     And others begin to recognize the new life, the new bounce in our step. The new shoes, the clean shiny ones without the muck attached to the soles, the praise on our lips, the coarse language gone. The sunglasses are gone. We adjust to the light. The temptation to slide back into the pit is there, but the choice is as clear as our souls. We choose faith. We choose the rock. We choose the new life, and others will be blessed. Others will ask. Others begin the climb. The view at the top is breathtaking.

Dear Lord,
The Words penned long before Your Son’s birth make the path to salvation so vivid, so true. You hear us, You guide us into new life and we are secure. Help us to sing this new song loud and clear. Lead othrs to those hymns of praise.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen


Friday, November 15, 2013

Laughter in Life

I began the week calling us “Cracked Pots.” Let’s end the week with smiles. This is a story I wrote several years ago. Take a few minutes to laugh at me or with me. It is one of my family’s favorite pastimes.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  Proverbs 17:22

Enjoy the weekend!

Road Trips & Rocking Chairs

         Even as a moonstruck newlywed, I was determined to work on our relationship as a couple. If and when we had kids, the two of us would always be front and center.
          And then we had kids.
Exhaustion hit and the business and busyness of raising two daughters left us little time to focus on one another.
Our girls were three and five the year my husband turned forty. It was high time for a get-away weekend to rekindle our love. It would be a surprise.
His peers at work expected me early on a Friday afternoon to sweep him away to a cozy, clean cabin three hours north of where we lived in a suburb of Minneapolis.   We would be greeted with a bottle of wine and snacks upon our arrival.
My husband looked bewildered as we exited his office building. I couldn’t wait to hear his response to my surprise.  He turned to me.
“Will we have a TV at this place?” he asked.
“Well… no, I don’t think so.” I replied warily.
A TV? I thought to myself; couldn’t he imagine a weekend away from everything with his bride?
His next words hit me hard.
“It’s World Series time you know.”
Uh oh.
My plans to avoid rush hour traffic went by the wayside as we scurried home to retrieve a TV. After sitting in traffic for hours, we became lost in the darkness of the north woods of Minnesota.  Finally, after an extended time of circling the general vicinity, we spotted a small sign heralding our destination.
The tired looking attendant handed us our basket of goodies and our key.  Relief shone on my face as we unlocked the door to the cabin and it was everything I had imagined.
Stepping in, I turned to the side to witness the love of my life’s reaction to the lively fire and the north woods atmosphere.
My romantic partner for the weekend was bent over plugging in his precious television set right next to the kindling fire.
There was absolutely no reception.
He looked at me, once again, in bewilderment, followed immediately by a look of panic.
He moved quickly around the small sitting area and kitchen, into the bedroom, and returned with a small clock radio.  There were beads of perspiration on his forehead. Once again he bent over with cord in hand.
And once again;  no reception.
The look on his face now moved from panic to hopelessness.
We sat in the two comfortable rockers in an uncomfortable silence. My mind swirled. The anticipation, the hope, the romance of the long-awaited weekend came crashing down in confusion.
What would we talk about all weekend?  What was I thinking? Where were the kids when you needed them?
We poured a glass of wine. The wine made me want to cry and I suggested we just go to sleep and start fresh in the morning.
        The next day dawned a crisp and clear October day. The view across the lake was spectacular, the trees a vibrant array of color.
        After a long trip to the nearest grocery store, we decided to go for a walk.
Finally, romance!
We headed out hand in hand into the beauty of nature.
That’s when we heard the first shots.
“Oh no!” my husband exclaimed. “It’s hunting season! We better take cover.”
So much for our weekend away. We took another drive and went out for dinner. There was no sign of a sports bar.
We left early Sunday morning.
There has been a wide assortment of mistakes made over what now spans twenty years of marriage. Some valuable lessons have been learned.  It is now understood we need to agree on a spot for a get-away. My girlfriends and I shake our heads at our clueless spouses when we spend the weekend at a cozy, clean cabin in the north woods. My husband and his buddies don’t give us a second thought as they huddle together in front of the large screen TV with the great reception.
Years ago, one of our daughters told us she liked to hear the sound of our voices when she was going to sleep. We bought two comfortable rockers of our own.
And a tradition took hold for us to sit and talk when our daughters were tucked safely in their beds. Our voices soothed them. All was right with the world when they knew we were near.
Our times to talk have changed, along with the furniture and along with the season of our lives, but the tradition remains. Our current comfortable purple (yes I said purple!) rockers are wearing out fast.
Our daughters go to bed long after we retire for the night.
We wait and listen for the sound of their voices as we are tucked into bed.
And when we hear them, sometimes late at night, we know all is right with the world.
The uncomfortable silences of old have somehow turned into jewels of memory. That moonstruck honeymooner has grown up some from her somewhat naïve but always well-intentioned views.  And the often hard-learned lessons of marriage have matured into the well-worn comfort of a life together that has and will continue to stand the test of time.
And so, with laughter and tears, frustration and worry, with deep joy intertwined with deep sorrow, our lives have merged into one. The wonders of watching our daughters grow into beautiful young women cannot be easily expressed. We will continue to wait together as we listen for the sound of their voices, coming and going through the years to come.
In the meantime, we understand our need for time alone, just as we understand the need to be with friends. And our hands still reach for each other when we go for a walk. We are ready to take cover together when we hear the distant sound of danger and, along with good conversation, we can rock away the hours in a comfortable silence.






Thursday, November 14, 2013

Grace in Gratitude


     Today we take our upside down, last is first, less is more, honor in humility, worth in weakness world into the topic of gratitude. Have you read, “Footprints in the Sand?” Looking back I recognize those times where Jesus was carrying me even when I did not sense His presence or feel His arms around me.  I am still learning, but even during troubled times, I thank Him. When there are no answers I thank Him for working. When things look hopeless, I know He will bring hope.

     My emotions and my need for control try to take over. I want to make it better, fix the problem, lash out at someone or something. The learning will never end, will it, until we are in heaven? Maybe you read my words about Eleanor last week. She thanked God for every breath, even in the deepest pain, right up until her very last breath of life. I recently heard the story of an older woman of faith walking in circles around her daughter’s casket, praising and thanking God for allowing her to raise this beautiful child and praising Him for the gift of heaven. Trusting God even with our children? Thanking Him when the world is closing in? Believing in His timing when our patience is wearing thin? Thanking Him when the circumstances we are in will last for what seems an eternity? Practice gratitude. God’s grace is enough to get through the day.

     Can we learn to stop in the midst of an overwhelming day to thank God for our ordinary tasks and duties as we perform them one more time? Can we take a moment away from the seemingly endless urgent details to savor our most valuable God? Can we thank Him for working when we don’t see results? We can find a deeper intimacy with Jesus. We can! I thank God for each one of you today, no matter where you are in your journey with Jesus. He hears you. He will carry you. Give Him all of your cares with deep thanksgiving.

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

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Chrisst Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

     Humble yourself before Him and He will honor you. His strength will flow through your weakness. He understands. Give Him thanks, for His love endures forever.

Dear Jesus,
We find gratitude in our hearts today for Your love, for Your mighty hand at work, for Your grace and mercy, for our loved ones and our homes, for our food and for our very lives. Thank you for the breath of life today, and we thank You for what You will do tomorrow.

Amen

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Honor in Humility

     The first time I really sought out God I was on my knees. It was a time of deep grief, confounding disbelief and overwhelming doubt. I fell to my knees, because I had nowhere else to go. When I hear of a loss, or a prayer request, a tragedy, or of someone’s suffering, my first prayer now, in addition to asking God for healing or comfort or peace is to ask that the person gets to know Jesus.

     Going to our knees is not always a choice. Sometimes it becomes the only place left. For me, after all of these years, it is the place I choose. There is nothing in the entire world better than being in the holy presence of God. Humility comes by recognizing who God is and how much we need Him. Our education director reminded us on Sunday, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.”

     Do you remember what happens after we become filled with pride?

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.  Proverbs 18:18

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

     When we fall or stumble, our merciful God has an answer for that, too.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.  James 4:10

     Our guest pastor last week had a wonderful message on humility. On the one hand, we can become puffed up with pride, saying, “Look what I did! I did an amazing job! I am wonderful!” Or, on the other hand, we can get to a place where we say, “I can’t do anything right. What is wrong with me? I am worthless.”

     The pastor reminded us that both of these attitudes are lies from our enemy, satan. And then he said something profound. He said both attitudes are self-focused. With God’s help, we take the focus off of ourselves and put our eyes on Him and on others. That is all He asks of us. If is our purpose, it is our call.. Serving God and serving others. Everything is upside down in God’s world. First is last, the least is the greatest.

Then He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Romans 12:10

    Impossible on our own? Yes. Possible with the One who lifts us up and sends us out? Yes! This magnificent God of ours came to earth and became a servant to all. The God who created the universe washed His disciples feet.

Dear Lord,
Give us humble hearts today. Take our focus off of ourselves and allow us to lift others up in Your name. We can do it with You!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

     

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Worth in Weakness

     A water bearer living long ago walked to a well each morning to gather water for his master’s house. He hung a long pole across his neck with a pot on either end. One of the pots was perfect in every way. Over the years this perfect pot was becoming puffed up with pride, congratulating himself on a job well done. The other pot, the one with the cracks, was growing more and more humiliated over time.
  
     One day the cracked pot spoke up, “Sir, why do you continue to use me? With my large cracks, I am only half full of water by the time we reach the master’s house.” The water bearer looked at the cracked pot with kindness and compassion and said, “I knew you before I placed you on the end of my pole for the very first time. I planted seeds along the way. Notice the wide array of flowers on your side of the path. You have faithfully watered them and now the master has a beautiful view and fresh flowers for his table.” (Author Unknown)

     Isn’t this a beautiful story? And aren’t we all cracked pots? God uses our weaknesses and our flaws to show His glory. Through our weaknesses He is made strong.

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

     When we fall to pieces, when we accept our flaws, God begins to work. He is the potter. He just may leave a crack or two in place. The cracks just allow His light to shine through. When other people see what you are doing, they will say, “How can he/she do that?” And the only answer will be, “It’s not me. It’s God. It’s Jesus at work.”  The perfect place to start with Christ is admitting our weaknesses to Him. He is ready to make all of those dents and dings and holes and cracks work for Him. Our tests become our testimonies. Our messes become our messages.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

     God chose me and He chose you. He chooses the cracked pots, the jars ready for the potter’s hand, the weak and the foolish ones to show Him off.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  1 Corinthians 1:27

     Well, you cracked pots, you foolish and weak things, let’s go show off our new jars of clay, the ones with the light shining through. Let’s confound some of those perfect pots. We have an amazing God.

Dear Father in Heaven,
Only You can bring such beauty to these cracked jars of clay. Fill us with Your confidence as You create something beautiful out of our weakest parts. Create new treasures in these jars of clay. We can do it with Jesus.

Amen

Monday, November 11, 2013

Power in Praise

     Jesus turns the world upside down. He turns us upside down, shakes a few things loose, sets us back up, and after the dizziness subsides, we look around and nothing is the same. This week allow Him to show you a new perspective, a topsy turvy, inside out and upside down new beginning. Let’s begin with praise.

     Praise to begin and end your day:
They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening. 2 Chronicles 23:30

     Praise Him through the darkness:
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

     Praise Him for all He has created:
All the earth bows down to You. They sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name. Psalm 66:4

     Praise Him for hope:
As for me, I will always have hope. I will praise You more and more.  Psalm 71:14

     Pass on the praise!
Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will praise You forever from generation to generation we will proclaim Your praise.  Psalm 79:13

     For His love:
Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever.  Psalm 106:1

     For His Word:
May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. Psalm 119:171

     For your life!
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

     For His power and greatness:
Praise Him for His acts of power, praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Psalm 150:2

Praise Him with music and movement:
Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings of the lyre.  Psalm 150:3

He will replace your despair as you praise Him!
And provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.  Isaiah 61:3

     Prasie Him for His grace, His love, His salvation:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  Ephesians 1:3

     Sometimes we praise Him when it is difficult.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly confess His name.  Hebrews 13:15

     Praise Him today, even if it is difficult. Praise Him for His love, for His creation, for His Son, for His love, praise Him for everything in Your heart. He is worthy to be praised, this morning, tonight, tomorrow and forevermore. Plug in to the power of praise!

Dear Father in Heaven,
We thank you for the gift of praising You. Remove our despair. Replace our mourning with joy. Replace our ashes for beauty. You change us. We focus on You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen


Friday, November 8, 2013

A Word for the Weekend

     Finding God's timing and understanding His ways is sometimes easier when we look back in history or into our own past. It is most difficult when we are in our own places of darkness.  Let’s learn from experience and strive to trust God even when we cry out to Him, when we don’t understand, when we are lost, alone and heartbroken.

So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all Your works and consider what Your hands have done. I spread out my hands to You; I thirst for You like a parched land. Answer me quickly Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring the Word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.  Psalm 143:4-8

Trust Him with your life and feel His unfailing love in the midst of it all.

Enjoy the weekend!

Imperfect World + Perfect God

     Thanks to all of you for allowing me, through stories in my past, to work through the questions of life, to talk out the hurt and to learn from it all. We’re in this together. Depression, addiction, illness and agonizing heartbreak and grief, are just a few of the crises that affect all of us.

     I picture these crises as a dark black wall looming in front of us. Sometimes, like my brother, we just sit in front of the wall and imagine the darkness is all around us. We forget there is light just around the edge of that wall and there is light above us if we just take a minute to look up. Like Jeff, addiction finds us beating ourselves against the wall time and time again until we are so bruised and battered we don’t have the strength to climb over or break through. Then there was Eleanor. She basically ignored the black wall of her illness anf focused on the light above. She knew where she was headed. The pain was nothing compared to the light of Christ within her and to the promise of heaven before her. Boy, I want to get to that place of pure trust and hope.

     I’m glad we’re on the journey together. I need my family and friends, like Patsy, to hold my hand and remind me I just need to walk a little farther to get around the darkness. There was light just around the corner and I almost missed it. When the battle ahead may be a long one, we need others to give us a boost, to hold us up and say, “Just a little longer. You can do it. See the light up there?”

     What about you? Can you trust the perfect God with all of the imperfections in the world around us? Can you trust Him to get you through the grief, the struggle, the darkness? Christ is the light and His light dispels the darkness. He gives us hope. I am saying this out loud this morning, “I trust you with my life, Lord Jesus.” He might just be ready to crush that dark wall in front of you into a million pieces. The light is just ahead.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dear Father in heaven,
We can’t do this alone. We need each other. We need You. Give us hope today as we continue to learn to trust You even through the darkest times in our lives. Give us the right people at just the right time. We lean on Your perfect love in this imperfect world.
In Jesus name,

Amen

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Not-So-Perfect Timing

     I think I figured out why I have been looking back searching for God’s answers and for His timing. It’s about Patsy. My wonderful friend died one year ago today and I am still struggling with the realtiy of it. I miss her and I am still asking why? Why can’t she be here with us? My heart is aching for her family.

     I know there are questions we will never have answered to our satisfaction until we are in heaven. I do know, that like my brother, Patsy found faith in Jesus. For about two years before her death she searched out some questions of her own.  She told me she finally understood. We will be together again one day soon.

     But the reality is here and now. She was the instigator, the adventurer, the mega shopper in our group. She was the one that had us visiting a graveyard in the dark after hearing a sensational news story set in a small town near where we were staying. We peeked in the windows of an Amish schoolhouse and gave an Amish boy a ride as he searched for his runaway horse. She bought the giant birdhouse that barely fit in the minivan. It took up all of the space from front to back and from ceiling to the tops of the seats so the passenger side could not communicate or see the driver’s side! What should have been a four-hour trip to visit a friend took eleven hours. Patsy was driving and, of course, we stopped in every shop in every small town along the way.

     So many memories over the last thirty-five years involve Patsy.  She was always there for good times, bad times and everything in between. She got in there and lived through it all with her friends. I miss her. I still need her. I want her here.

     And so, we grieve for her with the questions unanswered. God knows the answers. He will help us get through it all. And He listens to our cries.

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.  Psalm 55:17

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Psalm 147:3

Dear Jesus,
We don’t understand. We cry to You. Would you comfort each of us in grief today? Heal our broken hearts. Bind up our wounds. Hear our voices.

Amen

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Perfect Timing

     Has God placed people in your life at the right time to teach or to comfort or to pray when you needed it most? In the early 90’s I was just getting to know Jesus when I volunteered to train to become a Stephen minister. This is a well-organized ministry based in St. Louis, and is now used in over 400,000 churches worldwide, training men and women to do one-on-one crisis ministry.

     I completed my training and my pastor at the time set up my first meeting with a woman dying of stomach cancer. As I moved slowly up her front walk, I was visibly shaking. I was not equipped. What would I say? The training vanished from my thoughts as I softly knocked on her door. Her husband let me in, walked back out to do errands and left me in a tongue-tied stupor with a sick stranger.

     I need not have worried. God placed Eleanor in my life to train me! Oh, I tried my best. She smiled, encouraged me and taught me how to be joy-filled and at peace as she got ready to meet Jesus. What an amazing blessing she was to me. Jesus placed her in my life at just the right time. She was so patient with me. This verse describes Eleanor.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12

     To the very end, her blue eyes continued to sparkle and she always insisted on a satin bed robe and having her hair brushed before company arrived. She meandered in and out of a deep sleep over the last few weeks and when she awoke she would often say, “I was just with Jesus and it was wonderful!”

     The night before she died she called me and said, “It won’t be long now. Don’t you worry about me. I am going to a party with Jesus. I love you.” She died the next morning, leaving a legacy and a continuing testimony through all of us who knew her. Even in her last hours she was praising God and looking forward to being with Him.

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  Proverbs 31:26


     God’s perfect timing is seen as He places the right circumstances and the right people in the right places to save a soul, to offer forgiveness, to teach with patience, to heal with hope. His ways are miraculous. Tell your stories. Share your history with Jesus. Our stories, His gospel, are needed. Those holes in the hearts of the people we love are waiting to be filled with Jesus, the living bread and water. People like Eleanor can show us the way.

Dear Father in heaven,
Your ambassadors are everywhere. Teach us from Your Word and from the witness of others how to continue Your work in the world around us.
In Jesus name.

Amen

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Perfect Timing

     Jeff was my friend back in the early 70’s. He was an athlete. He was smart. He was funny. A group of athletes from his high school became involved in Young Life, due to the work of a young pastor. This pastor met these young men and women right where they were. They came to know Jesus, and they were changed, all of them, including Jeff.

     At some point over the years Jeff lost his way. I heard about him through the grapevine and saw him once or twice over the decades. As we moved into our early forties, I heard he was sick, due to liver failure. The alcohol on the path he chose caught up with him way too soon.

     I spoke with his brother a couple of times and said a quick prayer here and there for Jeff. Our family, in January of 2004, was living in a small rented townhouse because of a house fire that destroyed our home with black soot-filled smoke. It was a difficult seven months to say the least, with inventories, finding ways to comfort our young adolescent daughters, and working with a construction company that left much to be desired in doing things in the right way.

    One day, I needed a break from listing each and every treasured possession we had lost. I went for a walk to clear my head. When I walked in the door of our small, empty temporary home I dropped to my knees in prayer for Jeff. I can’t explain it. It has only happened to me a couple of times. But deep grief, tears, moaning and groaning through the Holy Spirit poured from me for almost two hours. I don’t know what was going on with Jeff, but I knew God was at work through me and others on his behalf.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  Romans 8:26

     A few months later, I sent Jeff a card along with some old pictures. His brother had told me that Jeff was having trouble forgiving himself and he was not allowing himself to die, even though the time was near. I knew that even though Jeff had temporarily walked away from Him, Jesus had never left his side. He had been forgiven before anything was done and he just needed to forgive himself. I told him the memories with him were fond ones and I prayed he would find peace and accept forgiveness.

     His brother told me this card was on the side of his bed when he died. This must be a week for tears. I am astounded at the moving of the Holy Spirit within our lives. God asks us to move out of our comfort zones, and He asks us to help others in the midst of our own suffering. In fact, that may be one of the ways we come out of our times of suffering, by reaching out, not only to lean on others, but to bless them.

     Is the Spirit prompting you today to pray, to send a card, to make a phone call, to speak with a troubled neighbor even when it’s inconvenient? Is it time to stop in our busy lives, and drop to our knees in prayer for someone and respond to the Holy Spirit above the details in our lives? We couldn’t do it on our own.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     Jeff remained a child of God. Jesus was using Jeff even during these years of self condemnation. Jeff is missed. He is in heaven. One day we will see his crooked grin and those big blue eyes savoring the peace and joy of heaven.

Jesus,
It is impossible to comprehend Your timing, Your love and Your fore knowledge of what is needed. Guide us to do what you ask without question, even when it is inconvenient or seemingly impossible. Give us Your comfort so we can comfort others. It is all about You.

Amen