The last picture I have of Roberta is of her sitting next to Mom on the bed, drinking tea and making comments on Wheel of Fortune. Mom was in her final days of cancer and unresponsive, but Roberta just kept talking and loving on her just the same. What a beautiful picture of true friendship. Of course a friend like that isn't made overnight. Theirs was started as young married women in a Sunday School class and was forged through childbirth, heartaches, trips and activities, hours of chats over cups of tea, and countless phone conversations. They were a rather unlikely pair - Roberta was laid back and slow-moving, while Mom was quick and decisive. Roberta loved lingering while Mom was methodical...and that made for a few minor bumps in the road, mostly due to those differences in personality, but there was never a single thought of abandoning their bond. They instinctively lived by the quote that says, "We lived in a time when if something was broken you fixed it, rather than replacing it." They were heart sisters.
The beauty of true friendship has been expressed so eloquently through the years but I have always loved the Bible's definition...Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times and is born, as a brother, for times of adversity." True friends are there. That's all. It doesn't matter what circumstances or situations are occurring, whether there it's a time of feasting or famine. It can be a time filled with joy and celebration or sorrow and deep anguish. The true friend doesn't moralize, judge, critique, or rationalize...a true friend knows there will be time for "many words" later. They are just there...with love, support, comfort, and maybe chocolate chip cookies! They don't always know an answer and don't try to find one. They know that hugs in silence and a loving hand to hold are sometimes the only things necessary. Reciprocation is never thought about either because both of them know in their hearts that on another day the switch will come! Life is just like that!
The classic passage in John 15:13 really says it all..."No one has or shows greater & stronger affection than this, to lay down and give up his own life for that of his friend's." Though you mostly hear this verse quoted in relation to the ultimate sacrifice, the million little sacrifices made in the name of friendship are a reality as well. True friends lay aside their rights, needs, wants, & desires if necessary in order to be there for a friend. Sometimes it means rearranging life for an hour, a day, or a season in order to come along side...it's not easy and can be very inconvenient, but there is nothing that's too great a burden or sacrifice because the underlying love demands nothing less.
Both of my parents were blessed with that type of friends, and in their final days the comfort they received was irreplaceable. Roberta is now in her final stages and although the friends that would be there with her have all gone on ahead, I know that in her heart she feels their comfort because she knows they're waiting, watching, and anticipating that happy day when she will reunite with them and their circle of true friends will again be complete,... but this time they will be together for all eternity!!
I am blessed to have my own circle of friends like that...and I hope you do too! This side of heaven, it's one of God's greatest gifts!!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A Chance to Change It Up...
Easter is a wonderful and important time for Christians. It is the pivotal point, the change, for so many different things. When Christ came to earth and ministered in human form, He was constantly requiring people to examine what they were doing and why. He reinforced the importance of change from the traditions and status quo of men to the new way of looking at life and the change that would then occur.
Christ’s life, mission, & eventual death on the cross demanded changes:
-from dead traditions kept out of fear...to a life of spiritual service motivated by love
-from rote memorization and repetition...to heart-felt spiritual sacrifices of praise & worship
-from living under the penalty of the law...to living in the freedom of grace & restoration
-from slavery to human passions & sin...to a life of Spirit-inspired sacrifice & fruitfulness
-from ritualistic & tiresome duty...to love-inspired labor which is infused with a passion to please God
-from selfishness…to selflessness
-from spiritual death...to unending spiritual life
-from the curse & consequences of sin...to the reality of forgiveness & redemption
-from the old human nature...to new birth & new life!
Easter is the time for evaluation, examination & change. It’s time to renew or begin your Christian walk, forgetting what’s behind and pressing on to find out what God desires, and what He has equipped you to do & to be. It’s time to leave your unfulfilled dreams at the Cross and find new possibilities and the many opportunities that He has prepared just for you. It’s a fresh start, a blank slate, a new beginning. It’s resurrection power walked out in our daily lives as we release our rights in favor of embracing God’s plan in which He gives us our heart’s desires and “more than we could ask for or think of” as we walk with Him.
This Easter, make the choice, take the chance, and change it up. You will be blessed beyond your wildest dreams! It’s His Promise!
Monday, April 2, 2012
From Cheering to Jeering
"Blessed be the Name of the Lord." The crowds lining the streets of Jerusalem were shouting and cheering as Jesus passed by. They were honoring Him by throwing down their coats for Him to ride over and were waving palm branches. It was a joy-filled day of adoration and expectation...and then the bubble burst. Jesus was not the one whose mission would rid them of their Roman oppressors. He upset the temple priests by overthrowing tables, criticizing their methods and motives, & insulting them. He disappointed His disciples when He taught them about servant hood rather than rebellion. He allowed Himself to be arrested and even healed one of the enemy soldiers. He refused to answer His critics, stood as a silent sheep when accused, & even His closest friends abandoned Him. No wonder the crowds turned against Him and called for the release of a murderer instead! Jesus was definitely not the messiah the crowds had been waiting for...or was He?
God often comes into our lives in unexpected ways. We think He should do certain things, or has to be a certain way. We even have the audacity to quote verses at Him to show Him what He has to do.We put Him into the box of our own limited understanding and when He doesn't fit, we get disillusioned or disinterested. We turn away in anger or disgust, refusing to adjust our vision to His higher ways. We close our minds to the truth, holding on to our own perceptions and willful ignorance. We release the murderer in our lives, the enemy of our souls, who is determined to do all he can to destroy us but pretends to be our angel of light. He leads us down the path to destruction and we blindly follow, choosing to believe the lies rather than open our minds to God's gentle nudging and constant invitation to return & follow Him. We close our eyes to the eternal plan & reject His sovereignty, living for our own here and now! We want what we want when we want it!
Do you see it? The crowds are a picture of us, of me. We love God when He shows up when, how, and where we want. We whine, cry, complain, and get mad when He chooses to do something different. We let our short-sightedness lead us rather than following after the Good Shepherd who has the best plan, knows the pitfalls, & loves us enough that He laid down His life for us, His wayward sheep. We need to get back into His fold and allow His vision, wisdom, desires, and plan to become ours. After all, we were bought at a tremendous price - we aren't our own anymore.
This week, as Easter approaches and we think of the Lord's great sacrifice for us, examine your heart and repent of any wayward thoughts you have toward God. Reset your focus to follow Him, no matter where He leads, whether it is a predictable or unexpected path. He will bless your life and you will be thankful that you chose to follow Him.
God often comes into our lives in unexpected ways. We think He should do certain things, or has to be a certain way. We even have the audacity to quote verses at Him to show Him what He has to do.We put Him into the box of our own limited understanding and when He doesn't fit, we get disillusioned or disinterested. We turn away in anger or disgust, refusing to adjust our vision to His higher ways. We close our minds to the truth, holding on to our own perceptions and willful ignorance. We release the murderer in our lives, the enemy of our souls, who is determined to do all he can to destroy us but pretends to be our angel of light. He leads us down the path to destruction and we blindly follow, choosing to believe the lies rather than open our minds to God's gentle nudging and constant invitation to return & follow Him. We close our eyes to the eternal plan & reject His sovereignty, living for our own here and now! We want what we want when we want it!
Do you see it? The crowds are a picture of us, of me. We love God when He shows up when, how, and where we want. We whine, cry, complain, and get mad when He chooses to do something different. We let our short-sightedness lead us rather than following after the Good Shepherd who has the best plan, knows the pitfalls, & loves us enough that He laid down His life for us, His wayward sheep. We need to get back into His fold and allow His vision, wisdom, desires, and plan to become ours. After all, we were bought at a tremendous price - we aren't our own anymore.
This week, as Easter approaches and we think of the Lord's great sacrifice for us, examine your heart and repent of any wayward thoughts you have toward God. Reset your focus to follow Him, no matter where He leads, whether it is a predictable or unexpected path. He will bless your life and you will be thankful that you chose to follow Him.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Simply Trust...
Louisa M.R. Stead (1850-1917) felt the call to the mission field at an early
age. That dream was hindered due to her frail health. At age 25 she married and
a year later gave birth to a beautiful baby girl; Lily. Several years after
Lily's birth, Stead's young husband suddenly died while trying to save a
drowning child. In response to her grief, Stead penned the words to Tis So
Sweet to Trust in Jesus, based on Psalm 22:4-5 which says “In You our fathers put their trust; they trusted and You delivered
them.” .
Years later, Stead would remarry. She would realize her dream to be a missionary. Her daughter Lily would continue that dream by also entering the mission field. Stead's life was a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
While few of us have lived through a tragedy such as this, the truth is that most Christians struggle with trusting God. We complain, cry, and shake our fists at God. We judge Him as unfaithful and try to manipulate our circumstances rather than just acknowledge our helplessness and lay our burdens at Jesus' feet. We live in a culture that is steeped in the pride of self-accomplishment & pride. God wants us to simply come to Him in humility, recognize our weaknesses, and trust in Him. He promises to be faithful and to make His perfect will a reality in our lives, but we have to let Him work. As you read through the words of this precious hymn, let the truths be birthed in your heart. It IS so sweet to trust in Jesus...He will be faithful to the end!
Years later, Stead would remarry. She would realize her dream to be a missionary. Her daughter Lily would continue that dream by also entering the mission field. Stead's life was a testimony to the faithfulness of God.
While few of us have lived through a tragedy such as this, the truth is that most Christians struggle with trusting God. We complain, cry, and shake our fists at God. We judge Him as unfaithful and try to manipulate our circumstances rather than just acknowledge our helplessness and lay our burdens at Jesus' feet. We live in a culture that is steeped in the pride of self-accomplishment & pride. God wants us to simply come to Him in humility, recognize our weaknesses, and trust in Him. He promises to be faithful and to make His perfect will a reality in our lives, but we have to let Him work. As you read through the words of this precious hymn, let the truths be birthed in your heart. It IS so sweet to trust in Jesus...He will be faithful to the end!
"Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"
Tis so sweet to trust in
Jesus, And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise, And
to know, 'Thus says the Lord!'
**Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er
Jesus,
Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
O how sweet to trust
in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge
me 'Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes,
'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from
Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and
peace.
I'm so glad I learned to trust
Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with
me, Wilt be with me to the end.
Monday, March 19, 2012
The "game" of life...
Last Wednesday night I taught a Bible study which took its analogy from playing a game. To truly enjoy a game and to have a chance of winning, there are some critical factors to consider.
First, you have to decide to play the game. Choosing a new game and expecting to win right away can be frustrating - for you and your partners - but allowing for the learning curve and reading the game's manual will be invaluable helps as you begin. So, deciding to play or not is your first decision. Are you a spectator or a player? It's a choice you alone can make!
Second, you have to play by the rules. If someone is cheating it takes all the fun out of playing. And if you don't know the rules, things can get really aggravating really fast. Rules are meant to help, not hinder.
Thirdly, choice of partners is crucial. Incompetent play ruins the game for everyone! You need to have the same strategies and goals for a partnership to be successful!
Fourth is the importance of attitude...My mom's frustration was playing with laid-back partners. "If you don't care who wins, why play?" If you're out to just have fun but your partner is cut-throat, it will not be very enjoyable. Competition is a good thing within reason but when it turns harsh or judgmental, the stress to win becomes too important. Better to decide why you're playing before you start or it can be disaster.
Strategy and patience are also important to some games. Making wise moves, planning ahead, analyzing the others' moves - all these things are critical in playing many different types of games. Careless moves can lead to quick defeat and lack of strategizing has ended many "battles". Patience and thought are required to get the winning edge.
Lastly, losing doesn't mean you're a loser. We all win and we all lose sometimes. Even professionals have their "off" days so don't judge yourself by your victories or defeats. Those are meaningless standards!
While life is not really a game, the analogies are pretty clear. In order to be successful in our Christian life, we have to study our manual (the Bible) and choose to participate by accepting the challenge of walking with Him! We have to learn the "rules" that God has laid out for our benefit and study to "show ourselves approved." We also have to choose good partners (in marriage, in fellowship, in church) that will aid us, advise us, keep us accountable, and help us when we make poor choices. We have to be serious about our walk with God, knowing that our adversary is playing for keeps. We also have to take every thought captive and use the wisdom God provides to avoid pitfalls or hasty decisions. And we need to remember that we will never be perfect until God decides to call us home. If we can win a little more often than we lose, and get a little better at making decisions along the way, then we are ahead of the game and God, the ultimate judge, will be pleased.
First, you have to decide to play the game. Choosing a new game and expecting to win right away can be frustrating - for you and your partners - but allowing for the learning curve and reading the game's manual will be invaluable helps as you begin. So, deciding to play or not is your first decision. Are you a spectator or a player? It's a choice you alone can make!
Second, you have to play by the rules. If someone is cheating it takes all the fun out of playing. And if you don't know the rules, things can get really aggravating really fast. Rules are meant to help, not hinder.
Thirdly, choice of partners is crucial. Incompetent play ruins the game for everyone! You need to have the same strategies and goals for a partnership to be successful!
Fourth is the importance of attitude...My mom's frustration was playing with laid-back partners. "If you don't care who wins, why play?" If you're out to just have fun but your partner is cut-throat, it will not be very enjoyable. Competition is a good thing within reason but when it turns harsh or judgmental, the stress to win becomes too important. Better to decide why you're playing before you start or it can be disaster.
Strategy and patience are also important to some games. Making wise moves, planning ahead, analyzing the others' moves - all these things are critical in playing many different types of games. Careless moves can lead to quick defeat and lack of strategizing has ended many "battles". Patience and thought are required to get the winning edge.
Lastly, losing doesn't mean you're a loser. We all win and we all lose sometimes. Even professionals have their "off" days so don't judge yourself by your victories or defeats. Those are meaningless standards!
While life is not really a game, the analogies are pretty clear. In order to be successful in our Christian life, we have to study our manual (the Bible) and choose to participate by accepting the challenge of walking with Him! We have to learn the "rules" that God has laid out for our benefit and study to "show ourselves approved." We also have to choose good partners (in marriage, in fellowship, in church) that will aid us, advise us, keep us accountable, and help us when we make poor choices. We have to be serious about our walk with God, knowing that our adversary is playing for keeps. We also have to take every thought captive and use the wisdom God provides to avoid pitfalls or hasty decisions. And we need to remember that we will never be perfect until God decides to call us home. If we can win a little more often than we lose, and get a little better at making decisions along the way, then we are ahead of the game and God, the ultimate judge, will be pleased.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Just consider...
Yesterday I was sitting up on the bluff, enjoying the warm sunshine as I watched the beautiful ocean waves. There were just a few joggers on the beach and an occasional sailboat drifting by, but mostly it was just God, His amazing creation, and me! As I was sitting there, I was struck again by how nature reflects God's personality. Psalm 19:1 says "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork." The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 1:20-21 that looking at God's creation should be enough by itself to show man that there is a loving, all-powerful God, even if no words are spoken!
Consider the waves...Although man has tried in many ways to manage and direct them, they are unstoppable and constant. They go where they want and are unhindered by man's efforts to control them. God's plans are unstoppable as well. We may try to manipulate, subvert, or alter His plans but we never succeed. His ways have been established from the beginning and nothing can stop or change what He intends.
The tide is steady and consistent. It comes and goes without the slightest inconsistency. God's faithfulness is like that. It doesn't matter what storms come or what the times or seasons bring. God remains loving, caring, & comforting. He never gives in or gives up on us but continues to show His mercy and grace regardless of whether we accept it or not. We can't do anything that makes Him love us less - His agape love is forever, completely independent of our response.
The beauty of nature shows the diversity of God's creation. His world is not black and white, or shades of gray! He painted the land, sea, sky, and all of their inhabitants in a million shades and colors. He added sounds to bring peace, joy, and comfort. He designed an infinite number of patterns, shapes and sizes to show variety and give us reminders of His creativity. He is so multi-dimensional that we should never try to "put Him in a box" of our limited thinking. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 2:9..."Eye has not seen and ear has not heard nor has it entered into the heart of man all that God has prepared for those who love Him!" We can't even imagine the depths of God's love, the scope of His creativity, the wonder of His plan. It's totally beyond our ability to comprehend!
God's creation clearly shows His character. Whatever you have on the list to do today, take a few minutes to ponder the beauty, design, and complexity of the world around you. Thank God that He has given thought to you, your life, your situation, and that He has a limitless number of creative ways to help you in and through your daily walk. Thank Him for His faithfulness, generosity, care, and love. Respond to Him by living your best life today, and showing forth His glory through all that you do! (Matt. 5:16)
Have a wonderful, blessed day!
Consider the waves...Although man has tried in many ways to manage and direct them, they are unstoppable and constant. They go where they want and are unhindered by man's efforts to control them. God's plans are unstoppable as well. We may try to manipulate, subvert, or alter His plans but we never succeed. His ways have been established from the beginning and nothing can stop or change what He intends.
The tide is steady and consistent. It comes and goes without the slightest inconsistency. God's faithfulness is like that. It doesn't matter what storms come or what the times or seasons bring. God remains loving, caring, & comforting. He never gives in or gives up on us but continues to show His mercy and grace regardless of whether we accept it or not. We can't do anything that makes Him love us less - His agape love is forever, completely independent of our response.
The beauty of nature shows the diversity of God's creation. His world is not black and white, or shades of gray! He painted the land, sea, sky, and all of their inhabitants in a million shades and colors. He added sounds to bring peace, joy, and comfort. He designed an infinite number of patterns, shapes and sizes to show variety and give us reminders of His creativity. He is so multi-dimensional that we should never try to "put Him in a box" of our limited thinking. I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 2:9..."Eye has not seen and ear has not heard nor has it entered into the heart of man all that God has prepared for those who love Him!" We can't even imagine the depths of God's love, the scope of His creativity, the wonder of His plan. It's totally beyond our ability to comprehend!
God's creation clearly shows His character. Whatever you have on the list to do today, take a few minutes to ponder the beauty, design, and complexity of the world around you. Thank God that He has given thought to you, your life, your situation, and that He has a limitless number of creative ways to help you in and through your daily walk. Thank Him for His faithfulness, generosity, care, and love. Respond to Him by living your best life today, and showing forth His glory through all that you do! (Matt. 5:16)
Have a wonderful, blessed day!
Monday, February 27, 2012
It's About YOU
Why are you here on this earth? Are you just some random kid that was the result of your parents' life together? Are you here to be successful or to make lots of money? Are you here as an act of fate? Just Because??
Nope! You are here by God's choosing because He wanted you to be here. He designed you and put the characteristics in your personality that were perfect for the plan He has for you. He didn't mess up a single detail but made you perfectly wonderful! You are created in His image and you are His masterpiece. There is no one exactly like you.
And your life...it is not a random series of events. It was planned long before you were born by your God who loves you so completely that you could never imagine the height, depth, or width of it. Every situation and circumstance has been orchestrated or allowed to make you into the person that He can use to do what He wants you to do, whether it seems good, bad, or ugly! All things work together for your good - IF you love HIM!
The bottom line is that God made you to have relationship with Him, to love Him, and to glorify Him with your life - wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and however you ARE. If you don't know the Lord, today is the day to get connected to Him by telling Him you need and want Him. If you know Him but you've messed up big time, confess, get right with God and go forward into His plan for you. If you're walking with the Lord, keep at it. Grow, mature, stay more and more connected and don't get discouraged. You're doing important work for Him, whether you think so or not.
This is the day that the Lord has made...rejoice, be glad in it, and do what He wants you to do with it! Have an awesome day!!
Nope! You are here by God's choosing because He wanted you to be here. He designed you and put the characteristics in your personality that were perfect for the plan He has for you. He didn't mess up a single detail but made you perfectly wonderful! You are created in His image and you are His masterpiece. There is no one exactly like you.
And your life...it is not a random series of events. It was planned long before you were born by your God who loves you so completely that you could never imagine the height, depth, or width of it. Every situation and circumstance has been orchestrated or allowed to make you into the person that He can use to do what He wants you to do, whether it seems good, bad, or ugly! All things work together for your good - IF you love HIM!
The bottom line is that God made you to have relationship with Him, to love Him, and to glorify Him with your life - wherever you are, whatever you're doing, and however you ARE. If you don't know the Lord, today is the day to get connected to Him by telling Him you need and want Him. If you know Him but you've messed up big time, confess, get right with God and go forward into His plan for you. If you're walking with the Lord, keep at it. Grow, mature, stay more and more connected and don't get discouraged. You're doing important work for Him, whether you think so or not.
This is the day that the Lord has made...rejoice, be glad in it, and do what He wants you to do with it! Have an awesome day!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)