A Man Without a Face

A Man without a Face is a show that documented a man who had a 12 pound tumor on his face that would bleed and was making it difficult for him breathe and would eventually kill  him.  It showed how his sister lovingly took care of him and was with him throughout the various surgeries to remove the tumor and repair his face.

Although the man’s condition initially made me sad in my spirit,  the Lord showed me that addictions are like tumors to the soul.  It grows and grows and is slowly killing the person.  The question the Lord posed to me was “are you willing to be the person who loves the addict the way this sister did her brother?”

That was a harder question to answer than you would think.  When someone has a physical ailment, you can see it, touch it and feel empathy.  But when it comes to an invisible ailment such as addiction – we have to overcome some prejudices, some hurts, and some preconceived ideas.  See, I come from a history of dealing with addicts and the hurt that comes along with it.  It’s like a rollercoaster of emotion.  Happiness when they  promise not to do it anymore and heartbreak when they fail.  Do I really want to go through that again?

I really don’t think I have a choice.  We’re faced with people all around us who are falling to the lure of addiction.  The welfare system is full of children whose parents haven’t been successful in overcoming.    Just as the sister’s love and support helped save her brother’s life, if my support – willingness to get involved – will save a life, I have to.

I’m not sure how this is all going to work out, a little fearful, a little unsure – but moving forward and asking for prayer.

Here’s the video from that documentary – hoping it will touch your spirit in a way that will be life changing.

You Kill it; God will Fill it

Recently, when I went to camp with my son, Jack, the camp was very conscious of food waste and after each meal, they’d scrape the scraps into what they call the pig bucket.  Then they’d weigh it to see how much waste there was.  It was amazing, no matter how frugal we were trying to be, there was always waste.  If we took a look at our life, how much waste would we find – wasted time; peace, money, energy?

They also had a saying at the dinner table “if you kill it, you fill it” – meaning if you eat the last of something you have to go to the kitchen and bring more back for your table.  That reminds me of the times I’ve chosen to trust God.  When there was little, He made it enough.   When I would “kill it, He would fill it”.

I say all that because many times we make decisions and set priorities based on financial needs; self-imposed lifestyle standards and will stay miserable to achieve them.  There was such a time as this when George and I had just built our new home and we needed two incomes.  I was working at a place that had some things going on that I couldn’t agree with and every day I’d go to work with a knot in my stomach.  I kept praying about it and the Lord took me to Proverbs 17:1 “It’s better to have a dry morsel in peace, than a feast in a house full of strife.” 

Enough said!  I took this as saying it is better to have a little and be happy than having more and being miserable so I resigned my position and began my life as a consultant.  I had to learn to trust God since the weekly paycheck was no longer available.  It was one of the best decisions of my life - to choose peace over profit. 

What I found was that the greater profit came in being my own boss - being able to be with my son, relying on God for a paycheck instead of a corporation, and to find the value in myself – and over time, I ended up making more money as well.

Over the years, I have known people who feared losing their jobs and would do anything to keep them.  I’ve known people, who after losing their job, mourned it for years – even though it wasn’t their dream job.

Yes, we need to work.  We need to pay our bills.  But I have learned, when we trust God, He never takes us backwards, He moves us forward.

If the place you work is stealing your peace or your values, you may need to rethink your priorities.  Is it worth it?  Giving up your peace; possibly your health; your relationships for a job?  A job that may not even be your calling or your dream job…

You can get a paycheck anywhere; but where does joy come from? 

I heard a sermon about where Jesus counsels the rich young ruler.  The rich man wanted to know how he could get into heaven.  He had his religion down pat – he kept all the laws, he was a good man, but still there was an obstacle in the way.  Jesus knew the man’s obstacle was his love of money.  Jesus told him to sell all he had and give it to the poor and then to follow Jesus.   The man went away discouraged.  He wasn’t willing to part with the thing that was keeping him from the best thing.

Peace is a path we can choose… or not. 

Many times we’ll hold onto the thing that is hindering us from having all the things we say we want.  We say we want a happy marriage; We say we want to be healthy; We want to be happy – but the very thing we’re chasing, that is causing all the strife, we’re unwilling to give up – maybe it’s status, maybe it’s money; maybe it’s “our way or the high way” mentality; maybe proving ourselves worthy, maybe it’s a certain lifestyle we’re after.  Regardless the reason, if it’s not working, admit it, change it and move forward.

I liken situations when people’s lives are a mess and not quite working out – to those takeover shows.  Where a business is failing and ready to shut its doors and declare bankruptcy.  The pros come in and begin to make it over but the owner fights them every step of the way, even though the pros have proven themselves time and time again and it’s evident the owners don’t know what they’re doing.  Really?!?  That’s how we are sometimes.  We’ll ignore the obvious.

Take inventory of your life – How is it working for you?  Why do you do the things you do?  Know your misery is not because of a person or a place, but because of a choice.  Your choice to live according to a set of priorities that are out of order.

Sometimes people act as if re-prioritizing is going backwards – let’s say reprioritizing involves a smaller house, a less expensive car, a lower paying job.  I see it as moving forward – allowing more time for family, doing what you love, having peace, giving God an opportunity to advance you.   

So don’t go after the feast for the sake of the feast.  If you can obtain the feast in peace.  Awesome!  If not, just know, you can be content with a morsel knowing that if we kill it, God will fill it.  And with that assurance, we won’t see it as merely a morsel, but as a pathway to peaceJ

Being Perfect is Overrated

Have you ever noticed that sometimes no matter how much we do, it’s never enough?  The people around us, the people closest to us, are still wanting more, expecting more.  As I began to seek the Lord on how to end the endless cycle of killing myself to make everyone happy and still falling short, I realized many times there was a motivation behind my actions – Yes, I wanted my family and friends to feel loved and cared for but in reality I think I wanted love in return and was trying to prove myself worthy of that love. 

When I was talking to God about this, He took me to Hebrews 10.  In this scripture it talks about the annual sacrifice that was given for our sins and how that sacrifice cannot make us perfect and how the annual ritual itself is just a reminder of how we’re not perfect and can’t be perfect, or else there would be no need for the sacrifice.

That’s the case with us trying to earn love; to deserve love.  Every time we sacrifice too much to try to prove ourselves, it’s a reminder of how imperfect we are.  We can never be perfect enough.  Love is not something that can be earned, it is a gift freely given.  Perfection does not even factor into it and if it’s a requirement, then it’s not love, in the true sense of the word. 

My point in writing this is that sometimes, don’t you get tired of having to be “on” all the time- constantly trying to do it all, leave no stone unturned, cover all your bases, to think of everything.  I know I do.

In this class I took they said “Grace without mutuality is enabling”.  I think that is a good measure to determine where our “off” switch should be.  If you feel like you have to prove yourself worthy of someone’s love, you may very well be enabling them to carry on and not love you unconditionally.  If they don’t reciprocate or if you’re always having to forgive or overlook their shortcomings and the grace doesn’t flow both ways, you're enabling them to treat you in a way that is not edifying to both of you.

But how about if it’s just something inside of you, something from your past, where you weren’t loved without conditions (and I use the word “love” loosely here).    In Hebrews 10:18 it says “Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.  What this means to me, in the context of this writing, is that when there is true love, no sacrifice (proving of worthiness) is required.  We need to get this thing or we’ll wear ourselves out trying to earn something that is already ours.

 

“Dear Lord, help us seek out and find the motivation behind our actions.  Lord, where there is a feeling of unworthiness; of needing to prove ourselves; the desire to be perfect, I ask that you bind that thing and fill that space with the assurance that we are loved by the most high God.  That we cannot make ourselves perfect and are only made perfect in you.  That we are worthy of love and we do not have to earn it, we only have to love,  according to your word and your way.  I thank you and praise you in Jesus precious name.  Amen”

 

“The gift is not the gifts she gives, but the gift she is J”

Joshua - A Strong and Courageous Character

Deuteronomy 34:9 says Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom.

God told Joshua to take the people over the Jordan into the promised land.  He told him he would give him all the territory and that He would always be with him.  The Lord told him to be strong and courageous so  you can divide the land among the people; so you can observe all I commanded you; so you may prosper and have good success; so you will not be afraid nor dismayed and know that the Lord is with you wherever you go.  He told him that the Book of the Law shall not depart from his mouth and that he should meditate in it day and night that he may observe to do all that is written in it – For THEN you will make your way prosperous and THEN you will have good success.

The Lord told them to abstain from the accursed things or they would become accursed and make the camp of Israel a curse and trouble it.  Silver, gold, and vessels of bronze and iron were consecrated to the Lord and were to come into the treasury of the Lord.

They fought the battle at Jericho and victory was theirs.   But when they got to the small city of Ai, the men of Ai chased of Joshua’s men and killed 36 of them.  So everyone freaked out.  Joshua’s wisdom hadn’t changed, the army’s skill hadn’t lessened but all of a sudden they were afraid and being defeated by a small city.  This didn’t look like the picture God had painted on the other side of the Jordan.

Joshua did the right thing and fell on his face before the ark of the Lord and began to question God asking if He had brought them over the Jordan to be defeated?  So the Lord told him to get off his face and take care of what was amiss.  That they were doomed to destruction because someone taken something they weren’t supposed to take and as long as sin was in the camp, they wouldn’t be victorious.

See, Achan had not only taken the accursed thing, but the silver and gold (that belonged to the Lord) as well.  So when Joshua took care of the sin in the camp, they were victorious over Ai.

Moral of the story - Compromise does not work with the Lord.  He warned Joshua before he ever crossed over the Jordan that physical strength and courage was not enough – they needed strength of character and courage to observe all the that Lord has commanded him.  We cannot allow sin to remain in the camp.

Whatever God has made you a leader over – a church, a business, a household.  We must be strong and courageous when it comes to standing up for the will of God in order to be prosperous and insure success.  Physical strength, courage, wisdom is not enough. 

We need to be men and women of character.  If we have true faith in God, our character will line up with His will.  We won’t need to compromise or take short cuts to try and make things happen, we’ll trust Him for whatever it is that needs to happen.

The point isn’t that we have to be perfect but we have to admit when we’re not.  We have to care that we’re not – meaning we should feel ashamed, we should feel regret.  We should feel remorse when we do things that don’t line up with the will of God. 

We shouldn’t shrug it off.  We shouldn’t make excuses for it.  We shouldn’t justify it.  We shouldn’t quantify it – “I did this for the Lord or I did this right or I’m not as bad as this other guy so I’m okay”.  We shouldn’t say it’s no big deal – it is a BIG deal!

We should repent.  We should be in distress over it until we do repent.  We should care!

An accursed act or thing brings destruction on the whole camp. 

Character is important.  Compromise = foregoing God’s will for our own.  Godly Character is lining ourselves up with the will of God and refusing to compromise. 

Remember a drop of poison in a glass of water is still tainted and potentially deadly! 

Women of Worth

Excerpt from what was shared with the women at Porter County Jail (6/30/13)
Women of Worth (from the bible) It’s not who you expect – Not Queen Esther who risked her life for her people or the Virgin Mary who risked her reputation for the birth of the King but the Prostitute, the Sinner and the Adulterer. God used these women to teach the religious leaders about love and worship and to evangelize the city.

John 4: Samaritan Woman at the well – Jesus commended her for speaking truth regarding her current situation/sin.

Luke 7:36-50 A Sinful Woman Forgiven – Jesus told her that her sins were forgiven her and that her faith has saved her.

John 8:2-11 The woman caught in adultery – Jesus told her go and sin no more. 

The Lord valued you before you ever prayed; before you ever cried out; before you ever worshiped him.

So how do we get to the place where we feel like women of worth?
•Confess – be real – we’re not hiding anything from God - he already knows the truth
•Forgiveness – believe we’re forgiven
•Repentance – don’t do it anymore. We have to stop doing the things that pull us down and being around the people that tear us down.

Discipling Your Children

In order to disciple our child, we must truly understand their purpose. For instance, I had always wanted to have a baby. My husband wasn’t ready. In 2001 the Lord had given me a vision of a little boy praising the Lord. I went home to my husband all excited that we were going to have a little boy praising the Lord. He didn’t quite think so.

So in 2003, I was still wanting a baby. I was hurting so bad and crying to the Lord for a child. He took me to Hannah in Samuel 1:10-1 and a light bulb went off -- the purpose of the child isn’t all about me, but to serve the Lord.

Two weeks later I got Jack. He was 7 months old. I took him to church and he was raising his hand and just singing at the top of his lungs. Adults all around were crying, seeing him worship the Lord like that.

However, we must also understand our purpose as a mother. In Matthew 12:47-50 it says what Jesus says a mother is. She is someone who does the will of the Father. Funny how our purposes are the same.

The scripture says “Train up a child in the way that he should go and he will not depart from it.” Prov 22:6 The question is “What does that mean?”

It means to love and love consists of several parts:

1. Honesty: Jesus didn’t sugar coat things. He walked the walk; not just talked the talk. Life’s hard; things happen but God’s good. Be honest about your situations – it’s not about dumping a bunch of burdens on your kids but about sharing some truth and how the Lord will “get us through it”. Honesty sometimes hurts. I always tell my niece that “I love you and love doesn’t let you live in lala land. Love speaks truth into your life.”

2. Instruction: He told them what to do; how to do it; He led by example – washing the feet; feeding the multitudes; befriended the friendless and the rejected; was obedient to God; Was intimate with God -- We have to be doers and not just hearers of the word. We have to walk the walk; not just talk the talk – kids are smart and they don’t respect hollow words or instruction.

3. Praise: In Matthew 16:17-19, the Lord praises Peter. It is very important to praise them. Encourage them in their gifts and their walk. From praise comes self esteem – which is very important in them fulfilling their purpose.

4. Correction: required to fulfill the purpose – required to bring the person to the level /place the Lord is taking them too. Matthew 16:21-23 -- if the Lord allowed Peter to walk in his own thinking; the Lord’s purpose would not be fulfilled and Peter would not have not risen to the level of obedience he did. Part of correction is not enabling your child – do not allow them to do what God doesn’t want them to do. And in circumstances where they’re just going through hard times – because of no obvious fault of their own – we still must be careful that we are not interrupting what the Lord is trying to teach them. Remember, faith triumphs in trouble Romans 5:1-5. Remember that victory wasn’t evidenced on the cross; but in the tomb – it had to be at the point of death before we saw the true victory. A key point, “there’s one Savior and you’re not it!”

5. Fellowship: Jesus spent time praying, talking, teaching, eating with the disciples; washing their feet. We have to be willing to spend intimate time with our kids. We have to be willing to put in the work – and trust me, it is work! To correct, every time something needs corrected; to be aware and praise every time and encourage; to take time to instruct and show them how and tell them why.

Foundational Truths: This is what the Lord has shown me about what my child needs to know in order to be trained up.

1. The Lord’s first: Care what He wants! Fear of God Matthew 10:27-31 Spend time loving on him; giving him honor -- If the child can play a video game or watch a show for an hour; they can worship for an hour or go to church.

2. Follow through: Honor your commitments – Imagine if Jesus didn’t honor his

3. Be a blessing to others: a. Care about others – Jesus had compassion for the multitude – gave all he had b. Be a giver; be a cheerful giver 2 Cor 9:6-7 Be a quiet giver Matthew 6:1-4 c. Teach them that “It’s not all about you”. Relationships take two. Even the parent-child relationship should not be one-sided. I know that as humans we’re conditioned from birth for our mother to meet all of our needs and when she doesn’t we have an excuse to be dysfunctional. This needs to be corrected. We need to show them that they have to do their part. I see so many adults walking around with a sense of entitlement. This initial conditioning has never been nurtured into a mutually responsible relationship. This is important to get them past the “me” stage into the “we” stage. d. Teach them that their words can tear down or build up – that’s it’s not okay to say whatever you want in any way you want. It’s important for them to express themselves, but we need to teach them how to speak in love. I know people who have an accomplished daughter but she’s a jerk to people. I want my child to be a success in whatever path he chooses but, I also want him to be a Godly man. So it’s not all about academics and competition. It’s about heart!

4. From Responsibility/Work comes prosperity – Matthew 10:9-10 – You don’t get everything you want. Many times parents want to give their kids what they didn’t have or make up for some guilt they have about something the child had to go through. We must teach our kids the value of work and responsibility. Only through obedience and responsibility, can they get the true appreciation for their blessings. They can see a pattern of truth – from obedience comes reward.

5. Recognize those lacking Jesus and be moved to pray and minister to them (they’re not bad; they just don’t know Jesus) a. Salvation only comes from the Lord – only achieved by him; not man. Matthew 19:23-26 b. He came for all Luke 15:1-7 – All need Jesus – Teach your child that we don’t get to pick who deserves salvation; who’s worthy of our prayers; who’s worthy of our love. c. Love your enemies Matthew 5:43-45 – let’s face it; the sooner they know Jesus the better it is going to be for everyone. d. Surround yourself with like-minded – Matthew 10:11-14– don’t give up your peace; separate yourself in order to be an encouragement to others. – Jack goes off by himself when it gets to be too much and talks to the Lord. Just as adults, we need to surround ourselves with Christians to be filled up and spend time with the Lord. Your child must be taught to do the same.

6. You can’t make all the people happy and that people are going to talk about you and persecute you. Matthew 11:18-19; Matthew 5:11-12 – Teach your child; if they’re okay with the Lord, they’re okay – regardless of what anyone else says. Also remind them that Jesus didn’t defend himself.

7. Bad things happen to Christians too. Matthew 7:25 but the Lord is has it. Matthew 10:16-26 So many times Christians; new Christians especially, think that because they’re Christians that nothing bad will happen. We need to teach our children the truth. We lose people; we suffer loss; but we can never lose the most important thing and that’s our relationship with the Lord. He will get us through the tough times and make us overcomers.

8. The Lord hears our cries and he listens: Ask according to his word – in agreement -- the Lord is ever present and all knowing. Trust him! He is a God of His Word!—Share your testimony with them. Jack says “Mom, you want to talk about Jesus?” My testimony makes it real to him. It’s like those personalized story books you buy –they hear their name or the names of people they know and it becomes a part of their reality.

Discipling your child is work, but it is the most rewarding job you’ll ever have The most important factor is your teaching by example – being a walker and not just a talker. I believe if we can establish this truths in our child it will help with all their relationships. I want my child to marry one time and not have to go through a divorce. I want my child to be successful in his life both in career; his walk and in his character.


CORRESPONDING SCRIPTURES 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (New King James Version)10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. 11 Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, … Matthew 12:47-50 (New King James Version)47 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” 48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 16:17-19 (New King James Version) 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed[a] in heaven.” Matthew 16:21-23 (New King James Version) 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Romans 5:1-5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Matthew 10:27-31 (New King James Version) 27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (New King James Version) The Cheerful Giver -6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. Matthew 6:1-4 Do Good to Please God -- 1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.[a] Matthew 10:9-10 (New King James Version) 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. Matthew 19:23-26 (New King James Version) With God All Things Are Possible -- 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Luke 15:1-7 (New King James Version) The Parable of the Lost Sheep -- 1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Matthew 5:43-45 (New King James Version) Love Your Enemies -- 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,[b] 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 10:11-14 (New King James Version) 11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. 12 And when you go into a household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Matthew 11:18-19 (New King James Version) 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”[a] Matthew 5:11-12 (New King James Version) 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 7:25 (New King James Version)25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 10:16-26 (New King James Version) Persecutions Are Coming --16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub,[a] how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Luke 15:1-7 (New King James Version) The Parable of the Lost Sheep -- 1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Matthew 5:43-45 (New King James Version) Love Your Enemies -- 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,[b] 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 11:18-19 (New King James Version) 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”[a] Matthew 5:11-12 (New King James Version) 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 7:25 (New King James Version)25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 10:16-26 (New King James Version) Persecutions Are Coming --16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub,[a] how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

What's the Next Step

The other day I asked the Lord to encourage me.  I hadn't thought about it, but I'm so used to always striving to be okay - whatever the circumstance, that I tend to not require or expect a lot of attention or encouragement.

I generally walk around with an internal joy that is based around an eternal God and all He has for me.  But as I'm starting to venture out into new areas of ministry - and into what I feel is my calling, it's a little scary.  God keeps showing me BIG things, but I'm just little me.  So I told the Lord, "If you want me to do this, I need you to encourage me."  And that He has!

Nearly every day I ask the Lord "What's my next step?"  And without fail he sends me a phone call, an email or an instant message - don't misunderstand - He didn't actually dial the phone or write the message, but He directed someone to.

For instance, I was sitting at my desk, talking to the Lord, and an instant message popped up from a longtime friend - asking if I could perform her wedding.  I said Yes and the Lord will customize it just for you :)

Then I was praying one morning at 5:30 and I get a call at 6:30 inviting me to a retreat for the upcoming weekend.  And what a blessing that was - to make new friends and have God in our midst - confirming more of what God has been showing me :)

Another day, I was upstairs getting ready and was asking the Lord what do I do next and my phone downstairs rings.  I go down and it's a friend asking me to counsel her daughter.  Then later that afternoon another friend calls me and asks me to counsel her daughter.

Do you think that's enough.  Nope!  I was asking the Lord again the next day "What step do you want me to take today?" and I get an email asking for someone to handle the administrative stuff for our recent and future retreats.

Then again, still pursuing what the Lord has for me to do, I get a call from a friend inviting me to a fundraiser dinner for a local Christian counseling organization that helps people ages 18-28. 

All these events - equipping me and expanding my vision for what God can do, if I'll trust him.

As I was going for a walk the other day, talking to the Lord, He reminded me of the scripture Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. – We are to hold on to and go after the big vision, but let God take care of the details.

Some other scriptures that were encouraging are:
 

• Psalm 34:4-5 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.  commit your “way” to the Lord.  Trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass. 
• Psalm 37:23 says The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He (the Lord) delights in his (good man) way. 
• Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom and his tongue talks of justice.  The law of god is in his heart none of his steps shall slide.

So if you're wondering what the next step is, just ask the Lord - He will direct you, give you the deisres of your heart, make it come to pass, and your steps shall not slide!  And He'll enjoy doing it :)

Be encouraged and be blessed!

And They Call Themselves Christians...

I hear all the time where people make comments like "And they call themselves Christians" and how Christians don't represent what they say they are, unfortunately, I have to agree…

Christian – means Christ follower –  However, sometimes it is every evident that Christ is not leading where we’re going and we may need to check ourselves.

In my personal walk, I am constantly checking myself (especially when I’m stirred up) that I am doing what God wants versus what I want.  Many times I want to counsel from my emotion instead of the Spirit of God and have to shut my mouth until God wins out.  I also try to honor God in all I do – if I think an action will dishonor God, I won’t be a part of it.  In other words, if it’s not okay with God, it’s not okay.

I believe if we call ourselves Christians, we should want to please God at all times, or else what’s the point?  As a Christian we should trust God with all things and believe he is way smarter than us, therefore knows what’s best for us – and our lives should reflect that belief.

I also believe that God calls us to love him first and our neighbor second.  If we love him like we claim, that will be reflected in every relationship we have. 

So in the case, when we fall short, which we will, it should be due to ignorance and not rebellion. 

Ignorance - we didn’t know any better – should draw us nearer to God – seeking out understanding. 

Rebellion - we knew better, but we did it anyway – separates us from God. 

A lot of times, we'll excuse our behavior but in the bible we see God’s anger toward the rebellious people, but mercy toward the sinner.  Sin becomes rebellion once we know it’s sin and we continue in it anyway.  God sent his son to die for our sins but sent his wrath to the rebellious nations.  So let's not kid ouselves.

Being a Christian isn’t being perfect, it’s admitting and not making excuses when we’re not.  If we call ourselves Christian, we should care if our lives reflect that title.  And if our lives don’t, we need to make it right. 

Let’s face it, God knows everything and we can’t play dumb and pretend we didn’t know.  So we need to walk according to what we know and seek out understanding on what we don’t so we can reflect Jesus in all we do and everywhere we go – thereby making the term “Christian” reflect it’s true meaning.    Hoping you all join me in being labeled more than a Christian - a Jesus Freak.

Let Go

I woke up this morning saying "Let go"... God wants us to let go.

• Let go of the things that hurt us – because he wants us healed.
• Let go of the things that aren’t right, because He wants us alright. 
• Let go of the burdens that bog us down, He wants us free
• Let go of the fear that holds us back, He wants us living boldly
• Let go of the shame that causes us to hide, He wants us to be confident
• Let go of the past that blocks our path, He wants us to step into the future He has for us
• Let go of the uncertainty that cripples us, He wants us to trust Him.
• Let go of doubt that blinds us, He wants us to have faith that He is a God of His Word.

Let go and Let God - be your everything...

 
 

Skin like a Child...

2 Kings 5: Naaman, commander of the army of the King of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria.  He was a mighty man of valor, but a leper.

A young captive told him to go to Prophet Elisha and he’d be healed of his leprosy. 

Vs. 10 ¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” ¹¹ But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ ¹² Are not the Abanah^[a] and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. ¹³ And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” ¹⁴ So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Restoration requires:

·         Humbling ourselves and admitting we need restored

·         Asking for help

·         Willing to be obedient and do it God’s way (We’re not in charge).

 

Notice, GOD DIDN’T RESTORE HIS SKIN TO THAT OF A MATURE MAN OF BATTLE, BUT OF A LITTLE CHILD!

Restoration is making us better than we were before.  It isn’t just about the physical, but the emotional and spiritual as well.  Leprosy is a disease that causes numbness.  Many of us have leprosy of the heart in one way or another.  God will restore you, if you’re willing.

Know that it will take obedience – it may take doing things you don’t want to do – like forgiveness – of yourself and others; it may require confessing your trespasses and those who have trespassed against you.  It may not be convenient and it will require bathing in the river of living water (Jesus).  It is then, and only then, that true restoration will take place.

Hoping we can all receive restoration - that we may have both the skin and the heart of a child.  Be blessed!

There's Only One Choice...

Sitting back looking at my life, I see that I have everything I need and God is the one who gave it to me.  I look back and see the roadblocks He placed in the way to prevent me from making BIG mistakes when it came to my life choices.  I also see the blessings he has poured out on me when I needed them most.

It's amazing that when I didn't know him, He knew me.  He knew what was best for me.

Recently, it became real to me - how we go through life and relationships believing we have choices to make.  What I've discovered lately is that if you've truly chosen Christ as your Lord and Savior,  the choice is not yours, but His.  Whatever He wants goes.

Strangely, that was bittersweet to me.  I was glad or sort of proud that I've made that life choice, but also sad - knowing that those around me can choose anything they want, and I have no say in it.  I can't settle! I can't compromise! I have to choose Christ - even if that means losing someone I love or missing out on experiences with them as they choose the broader path.

I know that God will continue to bless my obedience and that the joy I find in Him can never be matched by my own efforts.  I am ever grateful that He chose me and am even more grateful that I chose Him.

God is awesome!  If you've never experienced Him personally, you should!  His thoughts are higher than our thoughts - that's because He's way smarter than us:)

Following is a video of a song by Trevor Morgan - one of my favorites.  Hoping you're blessed!

 

My Prayer for All this New Year

Ephesians 3:¹⁴ So I bow in prayer before the Father. ¹⁵ Every family in heaven and on earth gets its true name from him. ¹⁶ I ask the Father with his great glory to give you the power to be strong in your spirits. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. ¹⁷ I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. ¹⁸ And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. ¹⁹ Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. ²⁰ With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.
 

And may you know that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Romans 8:³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”^[a]

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.