Tag: God’s word

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Who I Am Is More Important Than What I Do

Acts 17:28  For in Him we live and move and exist (are)….

 

For a long time now, I have said or written – Who I am is more important than what I do.  I still believe that with all my heart.  But after spending time in God’s word and re-reading the book Your Sacred Yes by Susie Larson, I need to add more to that statement.

Before my husband, Tracy, died, I was solid in who I was and what I was supposed to be doing.  Once Tracy was gone, however, and after about a year of intense grief, I began fretting over what others perceptions of me might be.  Just typing that makes me shake my head.  But seriously, it’s something many people do all through life – disastrous life event or not. 

Expectations – Comparisons – Control – Approval

Call it whatever works for you.  The enemy slips in, most often imperceptibly, with the lie that you are not enough, or you need to do this or that, or what will people think?  Sometimes the thought or idea comes in like a cloud and other times it sort of blasts us in the face. 

For me, I think that the enemy took something my husband said shortly after his cancer diagnosis, and twisted it.  Everything around the diagnosis felt like a blast.  But the father of lies kept his finger on it till some time after Tracy died.  And then he began sliding it into my thoughts from time to time.  The enemy doesn’t care what we are going through.  He pushes the knife in and slowly turns it, making us uncomfortable and looking in the wrong places.

I felt like people in general expected me to go find a job, or do something philanthropic that was visible.  And because I was focusing on other things, I allowed myself to worry what others thought.  When I found someone in a similar situation, I bought into the comparison game.  I wanted to be in control, but so much of my life was out of my control – well, let’s face it – most of it was out of my control. And approval………well, I certainly received encouragement along my journey, but I decided that, of course they would cheer me on!  They were dear friends.  Of course they would offer extra love and pats on the back.  Isn’t that what would be expected?  Ah – there’s those expectations again.

So today, after many years, I’m confronting myself with this sin.  2 Corinthians 10: 12 says – For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.   The idea is – comparison is fruitless and a total waste of time.  In my head I know this.  I know this verse.  But – I didn’t fully accept that it applied to me. 

Well – with God’s help, that stops today. 

The deal is, I must remember who I am in Christ.  Yes – who I am is more important than what I do.  And who I am is a child of God.  Who I am is blessed, chosen, adopted, loved, redeemed and forgiven (Ephesians 1: 3-7)  Who I am is God’s warrior princess dressed in His armor.  Who I am is precious and valued in God’s eyes.  He will never leave me or forsake me.  His plans for me are good and I can trust Him.  And as the focal scripture says, For in Him we live and move and exist (are).

So – who I am is more important than what I do. And who I am is a child of God.  Who I am is an anointed and empowered by His love child of God.  I’m not perfect but I’m in progress.  I’m unfinished. Philippians 1:6 promises God will complete me. 

Have I totally got my stuff together?  Nope.  But I have clarity on what God is calling me to do right now.  So from here on out, I will strive to ignore what others may think.  My status before God is the most important. After all, at the end of the day – at the end of my life – that is what matters. 

I sincerely hope you have already figured all this out.  But if you are struggling with comparison, expectations or what others think, immerse yourself in God’s word and realize in a clear and fresh way who you are in Christ.  Let’s beat the enemy at his sick game. Jesus never condemns, but the enemy always does. 

So friend. . . . walk in the fear of the Lord, not the fear of people. 

Peace & Blessings

 

 

 

 

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Where I Found Hope

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

 

I love to walk, but not alone.

My husband and I loved to go for walks.  We would walk in our neighborhood, the Air Force base where we were stationed and in local parks.

Sometimes we would hold hands or just walk side by side. We might talk, or not. It didn’t matter.  We were walking together. Together is the important word.

That’s how we walked through life until cancer took him in 2014. That’s when I started walking alone.

My world shattered. My future was uncertain. And my purpose disappeared in the emptiness.  I lost who I was. I lost my dreams. I lost focus.

But just like walking always brings me back where I started, my broken heart brought me back to God’s word, sitting silently in His presence. It was there I cried, I was numb, I was speechless. He wrapped me in His arms and spoke to me from His word. Verses leaped off the page becoming etched on my heart.  Each provided a twinkle of light, and that light sparked hope. I knew that more than loving God, I trusted Him.  I could trust Him to walk with me.

So right then, Deuteronomy 31:8 was tattooed on my heart.  I began speaking it out loud every day. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

It is in God’s word that I found hope. It was a tiny light that got brighter and warmer as I spent time in scripture. . .in His presence. He was filling in the empty cavern inside me. The fact that He will be with me & never leave is what I needed to hear.

Do I know the whole plan? No. Do I like this part of the plan? No. But do I trust the One with the plan? Yes! Oh Yes!

It’s been nearly 7 years since I started my earthly walk alone. God has been with me through daunting life decisions. He has provided wisdom, resources, and help from faithful friends.  I am truly very lonely, but I’m not alone.

This walk with God gives me a spark of joy in my heart.  His purpose is unfolding as I take each step. The light of hope surrounds me and while it might only shine on my current step, it is enough.  

I don’t know what loss has left you walking alone. But I know where you can find hope.  I know Who will walk with you no matter where your journey takes you. Give God a chance and He will walk with you. Out of your emptiness a flicker of light will grow, lighting your path, and leading to hope.

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A Crutch or an Anchor?

At the end of 2020 – we all shared a collective sigh……………it’s been so much……too much. 

On the other hand, it’s brought out some very good things in people.  And – I am convinced we will never take certain things for granted…………………ever again.

  • Eating together at a restaurant.
  • Worshiping at church or going to a bible study.
  • Going shopping – not the targeted stuff we do now, but sauntering through a store just to look.
  • Singing in a choir.
  • Hugging…………………………oh my word – yes, the hugs we have missed.
  • Holding hands, touching a face, being close………….the communication of……..TOUCH!

The struggles we have been through cause me to think about what we are holding onto.

Over the years, I’ve heard people talk about faith and liken it to a crutch.  After losing my husband 6 ½ years ago, I am here to tell you and anyone who will listen – – – – – it’s NOT a crutch – IT’S AN ANCHOR !!!

God’s people have had their faith tested sorely this year. And while we are all tired and sad and struggling in one way or another, we are still standing…………….if our faith is truly an anchor. 

We’ve generally had a pretty easy time of things over the years – with a few major bumps in the road.  This year – the whole road is bumpy. It pushed us, tested us.  Do we really believe what we say we believe??? 

Scripture holds promises – precious promises.  And – we learn so much about God’s character in scripture.  But how well do Christians know scripture?  I don’t mean that we need to sound like we’ve been to seminary.  But what do you know for certain from God’s word, whether you can quote the address of it or not?  Have you had scripture you memorized because it was intensely personal to you? 

It’s all of this that we can hold onto right now…………….and it matters.  And. . . .it will matter, truly matter as we move forward in the days ahead.   

I heard Dr. Charles Stanley say that we need to “obey God and trust Him with the consequences.”  That’s so good.  Do we trust Him?  Do we firmly believe in His character?  He is always faithful.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  He’s the only one that will do that & oh by the way – never change.  Everything around us changes……………..He doesn’t. 

This brings me back to the crutch vs Anchor subject.

A crutch props one up to assist giving extra support.  An anchor is a reliable support, holds an object firmly.  One is temporary and may or may not be reliable.  The other is reliable and can hold firmly.  I don’t know about you, but I want the second one.  No matter what happens, I want something that’s sure, that’s reliable, that will hold me firmly while the storm rages around me. 

Jesus is my Anchor!  The hope, a know so hope, we have in Christ is sure, certain, reliable.  Hebrews 6:19 says – This hope is a strong & trustworthy anchor for our souls.  Hebrews 13:5 says – For God has said, I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you.  (NLT)

That’s what I want.  That’s what I hold to.  That’s my Anchor.

As one who has gone through the top 2 experiences on the Trauma Scale – Death & Move – let me share a couple scriptures that have encouraged me and helped me maintain my focus.

Isaiah 41:13 – For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who says to you, ‘Fear not, I am the One who helps you.’ (ESV)  Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (NIV)

Horrible 2020 is done.  Welcome 2021 !  While it feels like a fresh start, we know everything isn’t going to be normal for quite awhile.  But God……………………oh yes, God’s got this.  He has not relinquished authority or command. 

So dear one, do you have a crutch or an Anchor?   Take time to examine your heart.  Where are you putting your hope? 

Now is the perfect time to seek God’s face and reaffirm that He is your Anchor – for  now & for always. 

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What Steals Your Sleep?

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.   Psalm 4:8

 

There have always been thoughts that steal our sleep; always been situations that upset us; always anxious feelings whether for good or bad.  It’s probably been like this since the beginning of time. 

Sometimes it’s a choice to hold onto the hurt, the sorrow, the unbelievably exciting, the infinite possibilities, the nervousness, or the pain.  And other times all of that, or some of that, or a piece of that swirls around in our mind and heart on its own with seemingly no end. 

I’ve experienced stolen sleep before and I bet you have too.  Thankfully, it’s rare for me. 

The most common reason for my lack of sleep has revolved around fear – intense fear.  One time the fear was combined with shock, which my friend, is an unbelievably awful combination. 

I would like to tell you that my fears were unfounded, but I can’t.  No – the two times I’m thinking of were pretty accurate in outcome.  Yet, there were great lessons to be learned in each of them.  God is the reason the two situations ended up alright – not perfect,, not what I wanted, but alright – because it was all part of God’s plan. 

It was probably 22 years ago or so when I first held onto Psalm 4:8.  I was having a little trouble getting to sleep, so I decided to recite this verse over and over till I felt relaxed and sleepy.  There is something so wonderful in speaking God’s word.  God met me right there in my fear and calmed my mind and heart.  This verse reminded me the Lord was my safety and because of that, I was ultimately secure. 

There have been other times when I have recited that verse over and over till sleep would come.  Each time I needed to know I was safe.  I needed peace – complete peace. 

As I write this we have been in a pandemic for roughly 7 months.  We’ve been  bombarded with information overload about not only the pandemic, but politics, financial uncertainty, culture uncertainty. . . . . . . . . . . . . .and a bit of fear. 

So I believe it’s no coincidence that God brought me to Psalm 4:8 today. 

This verse has been an anchor for me and I want to offer this anchor to you. 

We all need absolute truth and peace these days.  God’s word can give that. 

If  you haven’t known where to turn in God’s word for help, comfort and safety, try reading the Psalms.  There you will find the writer is totally transparent and he points to the Rock that holds him securely. 

I need that.  Maybe you do too.  Let’s dive into the Psalms. . .starting with Psalm 4:8. . .peace & safety – a very good place to start. 

Let God put an end to stolen sleep. 

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I Want To Be That Tree !

And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.  Psalm 1:3 NASB

 

Every time I turn around, something has changed.  Something is different.

So much has changed in our world!  Then I added moving to another state at the beginning of a pandemic. Friend, I don’t recommend it. It’s been a few months since my move and I’m still reeling from massive changes. 

Every one of us has been shaken to the core by the uncertainty and strangeness of everything.  It would be so much better if this was connected to just one thing at a time. But life just doesn’t work that way – ever.  No – it’s Every. Single. Thing.

But then God draws me to His Word. It’s there I find help and strength and security.

Aren’t the Psalms just the best when dealing with any sort of emotion?  It’s seriously my go-to every time life knocks me down or change is overwhelming.

In Psalm 1:3, the psalmist talks about a tree firmly planted by streams of water.  I want to be that tree!  A tree firmly planted has been around for years.  It’s weathered many storms and withstood parching heat as well as ice and snow.  No matter what has happened around this tree, it still stands.

Oh I want that to be me!  I want to have my roots so firmly planted in God’s Word  that I stand no matter what.  Whether it’s a death, a move, a devastating relationship issue, a pandemic or whatever, I want to be unshakable, firmly planted.

In the next verse of this psalm, I see where my roots should be planted.  Verse 2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”  God’s Word………the deep, rich soil where my tree roots can penetrate, soaking up nutrients and fed by the streams of living water nearby.

Here’s where I have to ask myself some questions.  How much time am I spending in God’s Word these days?  Am I spending the majority of my time feasting on my phone? Netflix?   Are my roots planted more in temporal things or eternal things?

This causes me to remember Isaiah 40:8.  “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.”   And that brings me back to the firmly planted tree. 

So today I’m pausing to rethink my priorities, shift my focus, redirect my roots. God’s Word is right there on the little table by my chair.  When I sit there each morning planted in God’s Word, I can be that tree. Life will still hit me, but I’m going to be ok, not because of me, but because of God and His Word.  I can rely on it – today and forever.

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A Different Looking Kind of Warrior

Judges 6:12  When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”   

Galatians 1:10    Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?  Or am I trying to please people?  If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

 

I feel like I’ve been just getting through stuff.  Sometimes I feel warrior-like and other times I want to hide away like Gideon.  You too?  But that’s how it goes right?  Sometimes we’re brave and sometimes we want to sit it out. 

In Gideon’s story, the angel makes a startling announcement.  “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”  God was letting Gideon see what He saw in him.  Gideon wasn’t buying it and truthfully, I don’t either on most days. 

It’s not easy feeling fully confident in our calling.  Whether you are a people pleaser or not, at some point we are afraid of other’s opinions.  And what makes this fear worse is social media and lots of folks who don’t filter what they say or post.  And so we live a little scared.  We may not admit to it, but we are.

Recently the verse in Galatians has given me courage and hope.  People’s opinions mean nothing stacked up against God’s.  I know that solidly in my head, but my heart doesn’t believe it as much.  Maybe it’s a matter of trust?  Do we trust other’s thoughts and opinions more than God?  If we are honest, sometimes we do.

So maybe like me, you need to repent.  Because I love God SO much and want desperately to please Him, it crumbles my heart to know I’ve chosen to believe others opinions over God’s firm affirmations and direction.  I’m a wreck.

But as I look closely at scripture and see the people God used, I see how they were wrecks too.  God used ordinary people who were so incredibly far from perfect to do great things.

For me, it ends up being a choice – every day and often every hour.  Do I believe God when He tells me I’m a warrior princess?  Am I going to listen and bend to others opinions or am I going to rest solidly in God’s opinion and sovereignty?  We forget, I think, that He created everything – not just planet earth, but the whole universe.  If He did all that and still holds it all together, can’t He take care of us?  If He’s really all that, and He is, can’t He know what is best for us and give us what we need at just the right time?  Yes – to all that.

This is easy for me to write and for you to read, but it’s not easy to implement.  My heartfelt advice, and the only thing that works for me, is to talk to God honestly.  Lay it all at His feet and cry out to Him for courage, wisdom and strength.  In faith tell Him you trust Him, you need Him, you will obey and follow Him.  It’s helpful to speak it, not just pray silently.  Declarations made out loud are powerful.  I pray with all my heart that you will do this and find that peace that transcends all understanding.

As I close, let me offer a prayer for you, yes, but for me too.  We are walking this together.  

Lord – We come to You with all our weaknesses.  We have a hard time believing we are warriors.  And we can be distracted and swayed by the opinions of others.  Remind us of who You are, of Your promises and declarations over us.  Take us to Your word where You give us examples of how You use ordinary people for the kingdom.  Help us be courageous when we would rather hide.  Help us hold up the Shield of Faith to quench the fiery darts of the enemy – those we can see and those we can’t see.  May we stand firm in who You say we are, not bending to the opinions of others.  Thank you for Your word that sustains us – Your grace and wisdom as we move forward – and Your love that is way more than amazing.  Amen

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Divine Coincidences?

Luke 1

The first chapter of Luke is not the frequently read chapter of this book.  Usually Luke 2 is read repeatedly during the Christmas season.  But I’m focusing on the first chapter today and actually started my focus on this yesterday.

There’s so much I have never seen before.  Take the introduction, for example.  Luke explains that though many have written about the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and life, he’s going to write an accurate account of it too – after careful investigation of everything.  You can tell he’s a doctor with his attention to detail and accuracy.  There is no other book in the Bible that begins in this manner.  Luke firmly states he’s doing this so Theophilus, and you & I of course, can be certain of the truth.  This is the first of many things in this chapter that I find fascinating.

The next part that grips me is the way God orchestrated the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus.  Just look at the facts, which some might call divine coincidences.

The “Just Happens”……….

  • Zacharias and Elizabeth just happen to be in the priestly line of Aaron – not just Zacharias, but Elizabeth too.  When the bible talks about lineage, rarely does it mention the lineage of a woman.
  • Zacharias just happens to be taking his turn tending to the burning of incense in the temple which is done completely out of sight from everyone else in the temple.  This sets the scene perfectly for the visitation of Gabriel.
  • Then it just happens that after Zacharias goes home – bam – Elizabeth becomes pregnant, just like Gabriel said.
  • 6 months later the same angel, Gabriel, visits Mary, who is, by the way, a virgin.  Gabriel announces she will be pregnant without being with a man. And oh by the way, this baby is the Messiah, the Son of God.  Whoa………….
  • Mary just happens to accept the message and a few days later heads to see her relative, Elizabeth.  Mary has heard through family that Elizabeth is pregnant and that it’s a miracle.  Mary is drawn to go see Elizabeth – coincidence?
  • When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, baby John inside her does a flip.  At 6 months that would have been a bit jolting since the baby is a good size by then.  Baby John just happens to be chosen by God before conception to be the one who will announce to everyone that Jesus is coming, so repent and get ready.  Baby John just happens to be a huge piece in the overall story of Jesus’ ministry beginning.
  • Mary just happens to be so moved with what Elizabeth has confirmed that she breaks into an amazing song of praise.  This very young girl just happens to be righteous and spiritually wise beyond her years.  She just happens to be able to connect all the dots of prophecy and 100% believe she is, in fact, carrying the Messiah – without having been instructed by a scripturally knowledgeable male, which was the only way women gained scriptural knowledge at that time.
  • John the Baptist is born and Zacharias just happens to suddenly be able to talk after 9+ months of being mute.
  • After being mute for 9+ months, Zacharias isn’t just able to talk, he speaks a prophecy about Jesus and his son, John, who will be a prophet of the Most High. Zacharias just happens to have this deep insight.

That’s an awful lot of “just happens”.  My God is so amazing in performing mighty works, of making the impossible, possible.  I see His hand in every piece of the story – mine too.

No coincidence………….God knew.

That’s my take away from all this.  God is working all the stuff of my life together too.  He knew before I was born that I would marry Tracy.  He knew the life we would have together.  He knew all the struggles and lessons learned.  He knew Tracy’s life would end before mine.  He knew the journey I would embark on as I said goodbye to Tracy.  He knew the calling I would embrace and the path this tragedy would cause me to walk.  He knew I would face challenges and loneliness.  He knows where I am going and whether it will be alone or with someone to walk beside.  He knows it all.  To Him my life isn’t a mystery, it’s history.  He already knows how it will all play out.  And so…..there really are no coincidences.  Everything happens for a reason.  Every person He places on my journey is important, so I must trust Him.

This reminds me of a song – a hymn actually.  “There’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”  I may not know what my future holds.  But I know I can trust Him.  And – I know I must obey – do what I know He calls me to do.  And so…………even when it’s hard, even when my heart is breaking, even when I don’t understand – – – I will trust and obey – – – because there are no divine coincidences.  God is totally and completely in control.  He’s the author of the play.

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God sees. . . . .God knows. . . . .

2 Corinthians 11: 21 – 33

Do you ever complain just a little about something you do for God?  Maybe it’s the enormous amount of time invested.  Or – maybe it’s a task or job that is completely thankless.  Maybe you feel invisible.  Maybe you wonder occasionally if what you are doing for God even makes a difference.  I think we’ve all been there at some point.

It’s at this point I direct you (and me) to the passage today in 2 Corinthians 11.  Paul went through so much for the gospel.  He endured uncomfortable, painful and demeaning stuff.  I don’t think I would make it through some of it.  And if I did, I would seriously be reevaluating this following Jesus thing.  Getting beat up for Jesus and the gospel – would I be able to withstand this?  Oh how I hope I would somehow, with God’s help, find the strength and faith muscle to endure.  I honestly don’t know, though.  None of us does because we aren’t facing this type of persecution.  I pray we never do. 

Around the world there are Christians being persecuted, murdered for the faith.  Will it come to the United States?  I don’t know.

The only thing I do know is this – well, actually two things.  1 – I have no room to complain and 2 – I need to be so firmly grounded in God’s word, so sure of my faith, so close to Jesus, that should severe persecution come to my country, I will be prepared to suffer for the cause of Christ.

So when ministry in any form costs us extra time, effort or humility, we can remember Paul, as well as the persecuted church, and not complain.  Our efforts are not in vain.  God sees.  God knows.  God cares. 

To God Be The Glory……………………………………

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Going Home. . .

John 1: 16 “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”

I have just finished a wonderful week home, where I grew up.  Home – where Tracy & I met.  Home – where so many memories were made in the 20 years before getting married and moving away. My mind & heart embraced more memories than I could write about here.  Each day I experienced smells, sights, sounds, people, that flooded my mind with memories – funny, strange, happy, sad, and every other one you can think of.  They are all blessings!!!!!

There are many verses in God’s word that talk about blessings.  I chose this one because this is how I experienced them – – “one gracious blessing after another.”  You would expect that I would tell you the people were the most important.  Yes – they were so very important.  But the thing about this visit was that every place I re-visited, every sound, touch, taste, smell, everything evoked memories of people……………even if that people was me. (smile)

The Mead Farm

While there in the Binghamton/Tri-Cities/Owego area, I visited my high school, my college, each home I lived in, the home/area where Tracy grew up, where I met him, where we dated, the summer site at Cayuga lake where our family spent so much of our summers – oh my, so many memories, and the Mead Farm.  The Mead Farm is where I stayed………………….it was just perfect………in a room upstairs in the farmhouse, quilt on the bed, cows in the barn, & field, farm equipment here and there and that wonderful aroma that perhaps only those of us who grew up in the country could appreciate. Old memories………..New memories…………..”one gracious blessing after another.”

Milking 8 at a time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main reason I flew home was to speak at the Induction Ceremony for Tracy.  He was inducted onto the Wall of Fame.  My cousin, Bonnie Mead, was my date.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner and then the ceremony. I’m not sure how to describe the honor to speak on my husband’s behalf.  I looked out at faces of people who knew neither me nor Tracy and they teared up, listened intently, celebrated with me. It was extraordinary!  My heart was sad, and yet full, proud, honored, soaring.

Tracy’s Plaque on the Wall of Fame
Speaking at the Induction Ceremony

 

 

 

 

God put this whole trip together.  There’s no way around it.  From the very moment Bonnie tagged me on Facebook about the ceremony, everything fell into place. Within 4 weeks I was purchasing tickets, arranging car rental, place to stay etc. etc. etc.  God spoke to my heart over and over and showed me that yes, indeed, I was supposed to go home.  Now was the time.  Blessings.

Isn’t that how God works?  When we are in His will & seeking his face, He is so very faithful.  I don’t deserve His favor and yet He gives it to me.  I love Him so much for that.  After all, who am I?  Why should I enjoy “one gracious blessing after another”?  I’m not sure why He chose to bless me with this trip.  It’s at this point that I am so very glad He is the Author of the Play.  He sees the end from the beginning.  So I trust Him.  I simply trust Him.

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Simplify. . . . Hear His Whisper

Matthew 11: 28 – 30

While getting some other things at the Christian bookstore recently, I picked up a book by Bill Hybels – “Simplify”.  I respect Mr. Hybels so I picked up the book to check chapter titles and endorsements.  It looked good and I know I the need to simplify.  This happens each summer as I review what took place over the previous September to May.  Every year the landscape and choices are a little different for me.  This is the time of year I pray about women’s ministry, music, leading Adult VBS music, and lots of other stuff.  In addition, I get thinking about bigger ideas – where is God leading – what happened last year in bible study, work, music etc.   More importantly, I look for places I can get a better handle on commitments. 

Anyway – this book, I feel, is going to be a game changer for me.  Here are some of the words used in the chapter titles – overscheduled, overwhelmed, anxious, drifting, stuck, meaningless, exhausted.  Do you identify with any of those???  I sure do.  Maybe it’s not constant, but sometimes it almost feels like I am meeting myself coming and going. I feel overwhelmed as I contemplate the upcoming calendar or as I think about decisions which will affect the next year.  My decisions affect others and it all becomes so heavy – in both mind and heart. I need to sort it out.  

That’s where this book comes in.  As I sit here writing this, I’m in the Detroit airport on my way home – where I grew up.  I’m getting a week to visit, to attend a ceremony, to relax, to think things through. I brought the book with me and have only made it through the first chapter.  Even though that’s true, I can see that it’s going to make me ask myself some serious questions.  Focusing and identifying what is best among all the good is the task at hand. God talks about “the abundant life” in His word.  That’s what I want.  Mr. Hybels has struggled with all of this and still does to a degree.  That’s why what he has to say in this book is so impactful.  He’s lived this, he’s figured out some stuff with God’s help, and he is having a good deal of success employing key strategies.

How does this qualify as a devotional? Bring scripture into this and it really changes everything.  There are several places where God makes the point of priorities, but I’ll just site a couple.  In Luke‘s gospel Jesus goes to the home of Mary and Martha.  Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet while Martha freaks out in the kitchen.  Mary invested in relationship.  Martha, while her heart was in the right place, was demonstrating what happens when we are overwhelmed and anxious.  In the process she became frazzled and I’m sure exhausted. Jesus said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details!  There is only one thing worth being concerned about.  Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Jesus was saying that connecting with Him was what was important.  And in Matthew Jesus says, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

What does it all mean?  I am willing to bet that I’m not the only one that feels this way from time to time.  I’m learning that it’s absolutely crucial to put my energy and trust in the most important things.  There is no way we can do all that we want to do.  If I will keep my priorities straight, God will help me sort the calendar and requests out.

Mr. Hybels talks about “uncluttering the soul”.  That is precisely what is needed.  I’ll leave you with a quote from this first chapter……………so good.  “…without the needless clutter clanging around in your soul, you’ll be able to hear – and respond to – each whisper from God.”  I want to hear His whisper – every single one.

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Who’s First?

2 Corinthians 10: 1 – 10

No matter where you look, there seems to be a structure of hierarchy.

  • in the animal kingdom
  • among birds
  • in organizations
  • in business
  • in the church
  • in our jobs
  • in families

It’s this concept of hierarchy, or putting things/people in order of importance, that has me struggling lately.  It was tormenting me under the surface of everyday life for quite awhile.  Then a combination of scripture readings and a video series called “gods at war” by Kyle Idleman, pierced my heart.  As I watched the teaching video, tears came and I saw clearly the reason my heart had been hurting so much.  And – I was wrecked – in a good way.

We think as Christians that we may break some of the commandments, but we certainly have not broken the first two.  In reality, we have probably broken them more than any others.

The first commandment is to have no other gods (small g) before God.  The second is to not make any kind of idol.  In our minds we go immediately to Old Testament pictures of pagans with bizarre gods and gold, bronze, silver or wood idols.  Of course we haven’t done anything like that – or have we?

It’s the hierarchy, or order, that God demands.  He says in the first commandment that He must be at the top – no lesser gods before the One True God.  And the second commandment goes along with that because any idol is something that comes before God.  It doesn’t have to be an object, it can be good things that have gained too much importance.  And that’s where I found myself – Yikes.

Gods……………..idols…………….

 

In the video series it addresses several gods – pleasure, love, power, money, me.  None of them are awful, evil things.  What we do with them and where our thoughts, money and time are spent tell a different story.

Where’s my focus?  What is consuming my thoughts?  Where am I stuck?  What’s invading my heart and mind?

In the midst of all this I read 2 Corinthians 10 where I zero in on verses 3 – 5.  I am living a life in the flesh in a flesh driven world.  But, I have spiritual weapons at my disposal.  I have the power of the Holy Spirit to recognize and take every “above God” thought and put it in the correct place or throw it out completely – whatever the Spirit prompts to do.

If you are struggling with this stuff like I am, take courage dear one.  Don’t be discouraged when you can’t seem to get it right all the time.  Me either !!  Doesn’t it feel sometimes like we take 2 or 3 steps forward and one back?  UGH!  So frustrating.  This is where I hold tightly to Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  I am unfinished, in progress, under construction.  You and I have to cut ourselves a bit of slack.  It’s not condoning excuses.  It’s acknowledging that we are but dust.  We’re human, broken, imperfect.  But God doesn’t throw us away when we mess up.  He wants us to confess, accept His forgiveness (I John 1:9) and get back in the game with Him.  He has more to do in and through our lives.  He is NOT done with us yet.  We are not failures.  He loves when we come back to Him and put Him at the very top of our priorities and thoughts.

I’m doing this daily………………

 

Here’s what I have started to do and you are welcome to do this too.  First of all I acknowledge every day in my morning prayers that it is my desire to put God first.  I ask Him to help me identify and take captive every thought that competes for His place in my life.  Another thing that has become  automatic every day since the beginning of 2017 is praying the armor of God on myself.  It goes like this. . .

Lord –  I put on the helmet of salvation – Your salvation because there is salvation in no one else.  I pray protection over my mind, my eyes and my ears.  I put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect my heart and other vital parts – Your righteousness because I have none on my own. I put on the belt of truth.  Your truth – not truth from the culture, the country, my church, my friends, or anything but Your Word.   I take up the shield of faith to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts – the ones I can see and the ones I can’t see coming (meaning I place the shield over my head, crouching down, becoming turtle-like).  I take up the sword of the Spirit – God’s Word.  I infuse my mind with Your Word that I can use as I battle each day.  I put on shoes of peace.  May I walk through my day in peace and bless others with peace.  Above all, I cover with prayer – not just at that moment but conversationally through the whole day……………………….Amen.

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My Fragrance

2 Corinthians 2: 14 – 17

How do we smell?

We shower, use deodorant, and wear clean clothes so we don’t stink – at least, we SHOULD be doing this.  But when it comes to being the fragrance of Christ, how do we smell?

2 Corinthians 2 says that God leads us in triumph and manifests the sweet aroma of Christ. Manifests means it’s seen easily.  It’s unmistakable.  But is it?

Sometimes I begin my day out of sorts, or not in a good frame of mind.  My attitude could use an adjustment.  I need more Jesus!  The more Jesus I get, the better I smell.

This fact is one reason spending time in God’s word is a daily appointment I can’t live without.  Some days I certainly try to live without it.  And yes, I manage to slug through another day.  But how’s my fragrance that day?  Is it a fragrance or a stench?

Opportunities. . . .  The Spirit. . . . A Lifeline. . . .

Truth is, some days I smell better than others when I’m drumming it all up on my own.  But the days I put on more Jesus, my aroma is definitely better.  It must be.  On those days, opportunities appear with great frequency.  It’s easier on those days to hear the Spirit’s nudging.  People sometimes seem almost drawn to me.  Could it be the fragrance of Christ seen in a smile?  Is there an openness and acceptance that’s palpable?  I hope so.

This passage in 2 Corinthians causes those on the path to death to continue their path. They want nothing to do with the fragrance of Christ.  But to believers, it’s life.  To a fellow Christian, it’s hope, love, encouragement, joy!

The folks I’m thinking about right now, however, are those headed to death, but looking for life.  For them, we are a lifeline.  For them we can make the difference between giving up or continuing to seek.  We get to plant a seed, water a seed, help it grow.  And when it’s just the right time, we might get to harvest.  No matter where we fit in the process, let’s carry the fragrance of Christ on our way.

Questions

Have you spent time in God’s word yet today?  How do you smell?