"CAN YOU COME OUT TO PLAY?"

Do you remember those words from your childhood? I do. I particularly remember what they represented. An invitation to get away from the chores; to leave behind the regular stuff of watching television and homework; to go outside with my friend and just … be me.

         One of my favorite pastimes as a kid was to get on my shiny blue bicycle and take off for a long ride. I went with my friend and we explored streets all around the neighborhood. Sometimes we got lost and it was a great adventure to find our way home. When I would mount the stairs to the old green porch and enter the back door to the tiny kitchen … I felt refreshed. I was ready to start the homework and chores and watch some TV with my mom.

         It’s Monday morning. The weekend of relaxation is a memory and the weekend ahead merely a wish. A long workweek resides between the two. So now that we are adults, does that mean we can’t “come out and play”?

         Actually kids know instinctively that this time apart to refresh is needed … daily. We lose our way as we become adults and lock ourselves in to routines and schedules that, if we are honest, don’t bring out the best in us.

         The Lord gave us the Sabbath for our own good. It was made for us. But we sometimes lose sight of the fact that coming away from the ordinary to be in the presence of the extraordinary is also a teaching of God for daily living.

         *Jesus regularly drew apart to talk to His Father preparing for healing, miracles, and becoming the Savior of the world.

         *God’s people were called to draw apart from the nations around them – for they were an extraordinary people.

         *In Isaiah 1:18 – the Lord invites us to “come, let us reason together” with amazing results in cleansing from sin.

         *Moses was called to come apart to a burning bush – allowed to stand on holy ground.

         *The prophets were called apart to hear God’s word so they might warn a nation.

         *Mary was called from chores to the feet of Jesus

         *We are called into our “secret place” to pray where only God our Father hears us.

         *John was called during his exile to record a revelation, to see God’s throne, to experience heaven.

So today let’s draw from that long forgotten experience of “Can you come out to play?”  Remember – it was apart from the ordinary – involved a friend – refreshed your life.

Come on out of the ordinary – to experience the extraordinary presence of God … don’t wait for the weekend.

THE CONCLUSION

Are you a person who just wants to know how it’s going to end? Do you ever flip to the back of the book to see how things turned out? When someone talks to you, do you sometimes just wish they’d get to the point?

         The book of Ecclesiastes tells the thought process of a man who is searching for the meaning of life. He is a person of means and able to indulge in anything he wants so his search doesn’t have much in the way of boundaries.

         The last six verses of the book tell his conclusion. So what is the point of the other eleven and a half chapters? Those chapters are his journey, which he needs to make to discover the end he set out to find …the meaning of life.

         We are often fearful as we watch our own journey… the journey of our children … the journey of other people we love … but take heart. 

         It is not God’s will that any perish, but that everyone repent. God sent Jesus that the people would know Him, not miss Him. So don’t give up on anyone … pray without ceasing … live as Christ has shown us … the conclusion is coming …

                           For God so loved the world …

Read Ecclesiastes for more information on the search for the meaning of life … ENJOY THIS DAY OF YOUR JOURNEY!!

DOUBLE MINDED

Today is a beautiful sunny day.

                  There is a mosquito flying around here.

God has blessed me with good health.

                  Today I have a cold and feel sick.

God is my ever-present help in time of trouble.

                  I feel so alone.

We are told to gather with fellow believers – we are to be like family.

                  I don’t fit in at my church anymore.

I know that we can’t “outgive” God.

                  If I write the tithe check, I can’t pay the mortgage.

God heals.

                  I’m sick.

God forgives.

                  I feel guilty.

God knows everything.

                  I don’t think He understands.

James 1:5 -8 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Believing doesn’t mean ignoring the other pieces of life standing around us.

But it does mean deciding which place we will assess as our source of power.

There are only two choices.

         That’s right just two. No matter how the packages are wrapped – is it from God or the world? Pick your present.

The world will always have waves and mosquitos. God will always have wisdom.

THE SOUND OF SORROW

JEREMIAH 9: 17 – 19

         Please take the time to read these verses and the surrounding chapter in their entirety. For the moment know that the Lord Almighty tells the people to call for the wailing women, the most skillful among them and let them wail over the nation … “till our eyes overflow with tears and water streams from our eyelids.”

         The sound of wailing is to be heard and the lament spoken… “how ruined we are! How great is our shame…”.

         And why was it so necessary to have this sound of sorrow? It was necessary and desirable to cry profusely because the nation had continuously disobeyed the Lord, setting aside His laws, and refusing to repent.

         It’s funny – the world doesn’t like the sound of sorrow. We are discouraged from crying, certainly from wailing loudly and calling ourselves ruined. It is perhaps acceptable to dab at our eyes quietly and talk to a counselor but this whole lamenting over life has pretty much been buried as an archaic custom.

         And the way we often “get over” our sorrow for sin is to reframe it into an acceptable need for something else. We don’t need to feel sorry for a behavior if we can justify it as a “need” to express ourselves. Hogwash!

         The first wrong step in this process of avoiding sorrow is to decide to call a sin something else. If God has defined a behavior as a sin – we don’t get to change that – even if the whole world calls it acceptable.

         Let me use myself as an example. (yikes!) God has said not to sin in my anger. He has also made perfectly clear that my anger does not accomplish His righteous purposes. So when I tell myself that lashing out in my anger is “justified because of what the other person did” or that my anger is “needed to get results” – I’m deceiving myself and allowing sin to take hold.

         What should my response be? You guessed it. The sound of sorrow … weeping that I have turned from God’s ways … shame for my behavior … and the sound of my knees hitting the floor before Him.

         Seriously there are worse things than sorrow.

         Like the inability to know when we should be sorrowful before God.

Is there something in your life today that you need to be sorry for? Has the sound of sorrow been drowned out in your life by the excuses of the world? Go ahead and cry in the Lord’s presence – it will be accepted and comforted.

Have a day open to the sound of sorrow.

AN ARTIST AWAITS

Have you ever wished you could have artistic talent? I have no gift in the area of art but have greatly admired some creations from time to time. I have seen a painting that calms me, a photograph that brings appreciation for a small piece of life and a sculpture that exudes strength.

In the hands of an artist, inanimate objects produce life. Raw materials become a new thing … one of beauty … lasting in influence … gathering people together in admiration of the artist and life.

No one admires a paintbrush. A lump of clay is just a lump of clay. A camera sits on a shelf. To become art and life – these objects require the touch of the hand of the artist.

Genesis 2:26 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…’”

Verse 27 continues  “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

From the beginning God has established that He is the creator of all things and that we are made in His image. Yet somehow on most days we can find ourselves picking at the artwork … too much dark, not enough green, weak knees, not shiny enough?

Well let’s remember that raw materials really only come alive to make their mark in the world in the hands of a Master Artist. The Artist who awaits us, can draw light from darkness and make stars from nothing. He created a man from dust, put in place the womb to carry life, forms snowflakes individually … well you get the point.

It is safe and right to bring Him our splashes of green, shadows of darkness, hopes and dreams … they are His paintbrush, clay and camera … Let’s submit to the Creator of our lives and let Him design what He wants.

We are made in God’s image – in His likeness – male and female – He created us.

Be blessed as you display the artwork of the King today!

LIFE UNDER THE BOILING POT

In chapter one of the book of Jeremiah, God calls the prophet. Jeremiah is only a young person, not confident of his ability yet the Lord reaches out His hand and touches Jeremiah’s mouth. Life will never be the same.

         Jeremiah, ready or not, is appointed in the moment “over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

If Jeremiah was hoping for a small spot of service where he could worship and not have too much responsibility – he was in for the shock of his life.

         God says, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.”

         God asked Jeremiah, “What do you see?” One of the answers from Jeremiah: “I see a boiling pot, tilting away from the north.”

I wonder what Jeremiah was thinking when he gave God that answer.

         “I must sound crazy.”

         “I have no idea what the boiling pot means.”

         “I hope I’m seeing this right.”

         Haven’t we been there as believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior? As readers of God’s Word, don’t we question what is plainly in front of us? It is so out of line with what we see surrounding us. We are going to sound like nuts. Sometimes don’t we even hope that we aren’t going to have to be the ones to say it?

         God told Jeremiah the boiling pot represented the disaster He was about to pour out on all the people in the land. Why? …  Because they were wicked in forsaking God … because they were worshipping other gods … because they were worshipping what their hands had made.

         Life under the boiling pot … because the people had turned away from God. Somebody was going to have to tell the people why they were living under judgment. The religious and political leaders were not going to like the message. Jeremiah was called to be that someone. Because people who live under a boiling pot need to move in a different direction.

         So who are we today? Are we living under a boiling pot of judgment from God because we have turned from His ways? Are we the person called to “Get yourself ready”? Are we the ones in positions of leadership who don’t want to hear a message of correction?

         Chapter one of Jeremiah ends with these words: “They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord”

         I think I’ll take my chances with the world disliking me and say what God says …  since it turns out my rescue is certain.

         Have a safe day and speak up.

PROVERBS CHAPTER 27

Wisdom – it keeps nation from wars and individuals from mistakes.

         Wisdom – it forms a path through life where the walk is pleasant and the soul is fed.

         Wisdom – it is created and given by God.

         Wisdom is the food of the book of Proverbs. Since that book has thirty-one chapters, it is a good spot to read each day of the month. We can easily tuck it into the morning or evening or lunch hours of each day in addition to our regular scripture reading.

         TODAY:

         27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”  That verse gives perspective to our endless plans and worries about the future.  Seriously, we have no idea what is ahead.

         27:12 – “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” Be still just a moment – something you are involved in that is a danger to your soul – don’t keep going toward sin – stop and take refuge in the Lord.

         27:15: “A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day …”  Ladies – enough said.

         27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” The fellowship of a friend will do much for our life to keep us on the mark.

         27:19: “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.”  Spend another quiet moment with God. In all honesty – what is in our hearts? Do we have worship or worry; admiration or envy; kindness or malice?

         27:22 – Talks about not being able to remove folly from a fool. We can’t change people. A fool is a fool. Only the Holy Spirit can change another person. Stop spending energy on what is impossible and quite frankly – not our job.

         27:23-27 – Talks about being careful managers and stewards so that we can continue to have plenty and be able to care for our family and others. I could really use this. In a world where more is better … how about learning what we have is enough?

         And that my friends was perusing one chapter in a few minutes. Imagine what spending time in God’s wisdom everyday could create in our lives.

         God’s wisdom to you all!

TAKIN' OUT THE TRASH

Tomorrow is Friday, which means trash day in my neighborhood. A big truck will come rumbling down the street, stopping at each house, and empty the large smelly bins.  Once again the homes on our street will be free of the trash.

         Except for a few folks who have forgotten it is trash day. They will look up in despair as they hear the heavy truck, realizing their homes will be stuck with the smelly trash for another week. Its no fun to have a house overloaded with trash.

         We’ve heard often in God’s Word about the concept of our bodies being the place where the Holy Spirit lives … His house. Yet do we have a regular trash day for this most precious dwelling place?

         Too often I’m afraid we may forget this important task that allows the Holy Spirit to live in a trash-free environment. Just as I don’t want to miss the day to put the garbage and refuse from my earthly house out to be taken away, I also don’t want to miss the Bible’s mandate to “take out the trash” in my life.

So much of the Bible talks about living in a trash-free setting but let’s take a look at EPHESIANS. I encourage all of us to read it completely but for this moment in time may I direct our attention to:

         Ephesians 4: 31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

         In other words: TAKE OUT THE TRASH!

Verse 30 talks about not grieving the Holy Spirit with whom we were sealed for the day of redemption. I mean really? Would I want to be sealed up in close proximity to my trash?

Neither does the precious Comforter who Jesus sent to help us. We are the temple … the home … of God’s Holy Spirit. If our earthly homes require a regular time when the trash and excess is removed, doesn’t our Lord deserve the same clean environment?

So today – before it gets busy – get with God and take out the trash! I’d love to chat more … writing is one of my favorite things … however … I really need to take out the trash … today is the day!

Love and prayers to all of you.

EXPECTATIONS

What does the word conjure up in your mind? What kind of blessings do you see? Are there feelings that swirl through you as you roll the word “expectations” around your mind?

         More than one person has told me that I have unrealistic expectations. That elusive thing beckoning me forward … surely this will be the thing … it is due … presuming that life will go in this direction. They were correct. I have indulged in unrealistic expectations. How about you?

         Ever expected a promotion that didn’t happen? How about fair treatment that was due you? Ever expected your spouse or children to behave in certain ways that didn’t happen? Have you expected your circumstances to improve, only to have them shatter at your feet? Perhaps expected a friend to be at your side and found yourself alone and misunderstood? Certainly we can expect fellow Christians to do the right thing?

Expectations imposed on people or situations can disappoint. Getting stuck on expectations we feel we deserve or that seem  “right” can blind us to blessings and seasons of growth.

Expectations should produce hope in our hearts - not shackles for others or unrelenting demands on our circumstances.

Expectations are safest to embrace from God alone. Times and people will disappoint but God will never fail.

Long ago God’s own chosen people lost sight of where to place their expectations. Only a handful on a dark and starry night bent down to welcome a Savior. Although the scriptures spoke of all the things to look for … they looked for something else.

Oppressed beneath a rule of harshness and irreverence, the people were sure that God would send a King of might to destroy the Roman forces. Little did they expect a baby, who grew in wisdom and stature with God and man, among them. Many missed a powerful Savior standing right next to them, by clinging to expectations they had imagined for themselves.

         Are signs and wonders, health and prosperity, people and government still part of our expectations? Or can we turn our expectations to a Savior who walks the road of life with us? When we find Him – all the rest falls into place.

         Take the pressure off yourself today and the people around you … center your hopes and dreams in the hands of the One who will surpass all the expectations you could ever have.

WAYS TO AVOID DEATH AND BONE ROT

The glossy magazine cover boasts a perfect body and a healthy glow. Our generation and culture seeks health - following the scent of its possibilities to some very strange places. We watch what we eat … how many steps we make each day … we spend millions a year on gyms and juicers and doctors and organic everything, just to name a few.

         Some of the solutions may have some merit. But for the next few moments, please consider investing some time in examining the best ways to pursue excellent health.

         We often neglect the simple truth. Somehow the riot of beckoning worldly wisdom obscures the exact path to a truly healthy life that does not bow to death or decay.

         The Word of God is not silent on health issues but it can be the last place we seek wisdom.

         Proverbs 14: 27 – “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.”

         Proverbs 14: 30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

         Proverbs 3: 7 & 8 – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

         Proverbs 15:30 – “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”

         Psalms 34:12 -14– “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

         This is merely the tip of the store of knowledge and wisdom on health in God’s Word. His interest in giving us health was shown as Jesus walked through the people and healed without reservation to all who asked. He often included a prescription to stop sinning or a confirmation that faith had made healing possible.

         Do we want to tend to our health … our bones … nourish our days?

Put down the magazine … tune out the health gurus for a moment … let’s first seek the One who created our bodies and our lives … everything else will fall into place. 

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE AT THE BOTTOM

       Someday I may write about life from the top … but not today. Because today I am feeling at the bottom, so rather than giving a fresh coat of paint to things … I think I’ll just say where I’m at … I feel lousy.

         Yep – you heard me. Yes I am a Christ follower and I’m not proud of how I’m feeling tonight but there it is – I’m depressed – sad – overwhelmed. I feel like my life is a disaster.

         And I’m not alone.

         And God is okay with hearing where I’m really at even if others are not.

         David wrote some of the best psalms starting at this point.

         But I’m not writing psalms – I’m writing a Christian blog of hope and encouragement … so … how is this going to work?

         I have no idea. But the blog is due and I’m depressed so here we are.

         Sometimes don’t you ever feel down? Of course – we all do. And it isn’t necessary to act like we are on top of the world when life has kicked us hard. What is necessary is to stay in touch with the truth. Because in the mire of disappointment, heartache, suffering etc. -  the truth can be hard to find.

         And here is the truth …

         Jesus is the same One I have loved and trusted – He hasn’t changed.

         Nothing has happened to me (or you) that God lost track of, wasn’t able to handle, didn’t care about or any other crazy idea the enemy is selling.

         While the distinct possibility exists that I may feel worse tomorrow – the fact is that “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5).

         Therefore I plan to cry …

                  Not forever because of course another truth is that the day is coming when God will wipe away all the tears … but right now I am sowing for a harvest of joy.

          I also plan to pray …

                  That is never a waste of time because all the prayers of the saints are kept in golden bowls in heaven (Revelation 5:8)

         My circumstances haven’t changed during the writing of this blog and neither has the truth.

         I feel better.     

AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP

An old friend showed up the other day. The meeting brought back memories, not all of them good. She was dressed in dark clothing, which I never liked.  But long ago I learned not to judge by a mere appearance.

         Seeing her walk toward me from a distance, quite frankly I thought about ducking down another street to avoid her. She always brings a bit of a depressing atmosphere initially.

         But then I remembered our times past – how she stood by my side during some of my darkest days and turned them bright again. I remembered how her influence served to lead me to the Lord in times of trouble, how she stood by me as I groped my way through sorrow.

         I felt a little ashamed of my first response to try and avoid her.

         So I braced myself and smiled. I looked her right in the eyes and said, “It’s nice to see you. You always make my life better.”

         She lifted her head and her eyes were the loveliest, softened blue – they seemed to look at me and know me deeply. My old friend smiled at my greeting and stood still.

         Then she gently took my hand and we walked together toward Jesus.

         Oh I’m sorry – I haven’t introduced you. Of course I’m sure you know her – maybe you try to avoid her also. But I promise you, if you meet her in the right circumstances, she is a good friend to have. You just have to get past her looks.

         Please meet my dear friend … Suffering.

I Peter 4: 12 & 13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.”

Philippians 3:10: “ … the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings …”

SUGGESTED READING: I PETER 4

Click on the title of this blog to leave a comment. 

DO WE BELIEVE AS DEMONS OR DISCIPLES?

I have a young friend who loves the book of James.  No – no – you don’t understand … SHE LOVES THE BOOK OF JAMES!!!!!

            There is something about coming across a person with a genuine love of God’s Word and enthusiasm for a deeper faith that just ignites the rest of us. Or a new believer who is ready to believe and do everything exactly as God wants … don’t they just take you to a different place?

            We need that zeal. The flame that bursts with new energy as it surges forward to work out a life for God. No it isn’t where our salvation comes from … but it is the fruit that shows we are saved.

            Jesus Christ was not lukewarm.  He worked every moment of every day on earth unless He was drawn apart to a solitary place to pray. No one could see Jesus and not know He was different. They may reject what He offered, but He was totally on fire for His Father.

            JAMES 2:19 – “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.”

            This lukewarm assent that there is a God is not the belief of a disciple but of demons. The belief of disciples is DIFFERENT!!! As disciples we live our salvation out in front of the world not in pride … but in service to Christ.

            What good is a faith that sees a person without clothes or food and wishes them well? True believers will be shopping for groceries and gathering clothes.

            What good is a belief of salvation that fails to hold out a hand to lift a sinner from the mud?

            What good is reading JAMES chapter 3 … then going out in the world with an unbridled tongue? 

            In the book of Acts chapter 16 when the jailer asks what he must do to be saved … the answer is a simple and truthful “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” 

            A belief that passes a person from death to life is not lukewarm. It is not a mere acknowledgment that changes nothing in their life. It is not the belief of demons.

            So today – may we BELIEVE in JESUS CHRIST out loud, up front, in truth, in action, in EVERYTHING.  May we believe as disciples.

God bless you as you work and live today for Him.

Dedicated to my young friend who loves the book of JAMES. 

WHEN I THINK ABOUT YOU

Sometimes when I think about You … I have questions.

         Ephesians 2: 8&9 – talks about being saved by grace not by our works – I get that – You are the way, the truth and the life and no one enters heaven except through You.

But then verse 10 talks about us being created in Christ Jesus to do good works … works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.

        So then … works are important?

Sometimes when I think about You … I think about eternal life.

         John 3:16 - … whoever believes in You shall not perish but have eternal life.

         So then … will I really live forever with You?

         Sometimes when I think about You … I think about believing … there seems to be more to it.

         James 2:19 says that even demons believe … that there is one God … and shudder.

         So then … how do I believe enough?

Sometimes when I think about You … I want to do something.

         I want to do exactly what pleases You.

         John 6:29 – says that my work is to believe in the One that God sent. That would be You – right Jesus?

         So then … can it really be that simple? 

A whisper stirred in the night air and a childlike heart turned to Jesus … a door opened that could never be closed … the dialogue of a lifetime commenced … the kingdom of heaven advanced. 

         When I think about You … 

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Since I was young, I’ve always had this idea that if I could just get to the right spot in thinking, circumstances, emotions … some magical “sweet spot” … my life would change and all would be well.

I’ve never found that “sweet spot”. My life has never magically worked out. In circumstances of conflict, I’ve held the naïve view that if we just talk honestly – well everything should work out right?  We will understand and hug. Yeah – that hasn’t happened either.

I’m older now and one would think I could let go of these somewhat childish ideas, but even recently I’ve been bugging God about this. Isn’t there just a place in our faith where we arrive and all is calm? A place where trials are past, misunderstandings melt, people love me all the time for who I am not what I can do for them? A morning we wake up knowing that our doubts are conquered, our gifts are sure, our purpose makes sense?

And now bear with me to the answer I received …

God’s creation is magnificent - so always the Word in Romans 1:20 has made sense to me - “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

Many times I have seen God’s ways and character in His creation – really no one could miss it! So once again I lay on my bed asking God for help – shouldn’t I be farther along than I am? But this petition had finally met the moment in time that my Heavenly Father knew I was ready for the answer.

“How does darkness turn to light? How does the night pass and the new day dawn?” From darkness to light is a process by God’s hand ... I breathed in My Heavenly Father’s answer …

And so I understood … as the stars need their nest and the moon its cradle to light the world dimly – so my life needs its times of darkness that stars of faith may shine in the most unlikely spots.

I lay on my bed thinking about that passage from darkness to light each day for the decades of my life. Never has God’s power or divine nature wavered. Not one time.

You’re probably thinking I should have figured out many years ago that there was no “sweet spot” of arrival. Perhaps. But I prefer to think at just the right time Jesus gave me new wisdom to carry me on from this day through the rest of my nights until I wake up in the brightest light ever.

May you trust through the darkness and hope in the Son.

            Much love … Bev

MISSED APPOINTMENT and other downward spirals...

So we are posting blogs on Mondays and Thursdays.

Yes I know today is Friday … I missed my appointment to post.

As I was beating myself up for failing to post, a few things went through my mind:

         I’m never going to finish this book if I can’t keep up with a simple blog.

         What’s the difference – there probably isn’t anyone reading anyway.

         I’m hopeless.

And then a little voice said:

“Really?”

“The blog is ready – just post it a day late. It isn’t the end of the world.”

“If one person reads it and feels drawn to think about God or give their life to Christ … it’s a good day.”

I decided to shelve the original post for today (well for yesterday) and watch this argument with myself. As I backed up to observe my alternately beating myself down and trying to prop myself up, I realized I was involved in a downward spiral.

Have you ever done that?

One mistake … one failed appointment … a relationship that didn’t work …

Do you allow yourself to be caught up in a whirlpool of doubt about your purpose? Do you ever begin to doubt your life is going to be used by God?

It happens to all of us. We are imperfect. But we serve a perfect God. And He has given us a few tidbits to get back on track. Let’s listen to His conversation rather than ours.

         James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

         Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

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

I feel better already.

I finished the blog. I presented to God a request to finish the book. I thanked God for helping me.

I’m a day late – but there you are reading (at least I know a few are) – thank you.

And God just gave me peace. May you be blessed and comforted by the verses above. Bible verses work best when they are lived not just read.

See you Monday!

JESUS RESPONSE TO THE RESUME

You are not anonymous to me.

I know you – when you sit down and when you stand up – if you travel I know your whereabouts ... anywhere. (Read Psalm 139)

 I know the number of hairs on your head.

The purpose you seek:  To believe God and to glorify Him.

The truth: I am the way, the truth and the life. (Check out John 14)

You sound weary – Come to Me and I will give you rest. My benefit package is out of this world.

About your skills:

Smiling through pain – I know about suffering – and I weep with those who weep. But I can give you real reasons to rejoice.

Techno – savvy – I have ways that you haven’t even dreamed of to turn knowledge to wisdom. My technology is beyond your imagination. Check out the transfiguration. (Matthew 17)

The empty place in your soul – I can fill it with springs of living water.

So about qualifying for a position with Me …

            Everyone sins and so is separated from God. But We decided long ago to grant a way of salvation that would leave no one left behind except by their own choice.

            I came. I lived. I taught. I died … for you.

I took on your sin and I submitted to being crucified. I paid your debt all the way to death. I was obedient to God the Father and obedience is ALWAYS rewarded.

            And then …  the history of our relationship did not end but begin.

I rose from the dead. I am in heaven standing before the Father asking that my death be counted on your account. He always says yes to me.

            So unless you turn down the offer – you are welcome in the company of saints. 

            It requires your decision … what have you decided?

            Welcome. Now remember you are new and will have some questions, will make some mistakes, will not understand everything about the company. But you will never be out of work again.

            Congratulations. Angels are rejoicing about the new hire.

THE RESUME

NAME: Anonymous (please)

ADDRESS: I’m standing right next to you

OBJECTIVE: The truth about God.  A purpose for my life.

Also would like to work in an area of friendship and safety. Open to the idea of a small group or church.

PRIOR POSITIONS:

·      Present: Sinner (but nothing awful – well maybe in 2007 but not much else)

·      2008 to 2015: Establishing Myself (job; spouse; hobbies; bank account; 401K)

·      1986 to 2008: Student – I was taught what the world had to offer – I picked what looked good to me

·      1981 to present: Family member – I’ve held the position but haven’t done much with it

SPECIAL SKILLS:

·      Have become adept at smiling when in pain

·      Can conceal the empty space in my soul unless caught off guard

·      Technically savvy

·      Am able to make small talk about dozens of topics

·      Stress management

·      Health management

·      Financial management

References available upon request.

I’m hoping someone out there has a position for me because right now I’m feeling pretty desperate. Life seems empty. I’m afraid of aging and death.

Thanks for your consideration.

NEXT: RESPONSE TO THE RESUME

WHEN IS CHEERING SOMEONE ON OUT OF LINE? ... NEVER!!

I know this isn’t our usual stuff. However, I had an unusual experience recently and I’d like to share it.

Our oldest granddaughter recently graduated from junior high. I know many of you can identify since we just passed through the season of graduates. We were super proud and saw lots of other parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles … well lots of other proud folks.

Our experience started out okay – we were invited down to take pictures of our graduates – after all the night was about them. Wasn’t it? But after the initial glow of glory for the kids, something strange happened.

Adults sabotaged the night. Probably well-meaning adults, but nonetheless the night became skewed in another direction. There were speeches … long speeches. Students fidgeted, parents were bored and yet without regard to the stars of the evening, the speeches continued.

The excitement of the event began to seep away. It was revived a bit when a student speech emerged slightly overshadowed by the dignitaries who spoke. Then the moment we all had been waiting for … time to announce our graduates.

But wait … one more order of business. The educator stood at the microphone reminding us that cheering for our students should not resemble cheering at a Hawks game. After all this was different.

Darn straight – I don’t know the Blackhawks. But I know and love my granddaughter – I was there when she was born.

Furthermore we were directed to wait to cheer until the entire row was announced, to be respectful of other students (as if we were too stupid to think of being respectful on our own … as if not cheering for our kids was respectful?)

Well we have a problem. I’m a grandmother and a rule follower. However, students don’t graduate in a row. They graduate one precious person at a time. Additionally if the evening weren’t taken up by speeches from adults and awards to adults – there would be plenty of time to cheer on our kids.

So yes – when her name was called our family stood, cheered, and experienced great pride in her accomplishment. She came off the stage with a big smile, as proud of her crazy family as we were of her.

Congratulations Lindsey … we love you!!!

WHEN CHRISTIANS ERODE

There are catastrophic times when all at once an avalanche slides over homes, a tsunami wipes out a city, an earthquake fells an area, a forest fire sweeps away a mountain community.

         But how much change has happened on the earth by simple erosion over a long period of time. No one really notices as pieces of earth dislodge slowly, seeping into a nearby stream. There isn’t a hue and cry when a river, over generations, lowers itself from previous rocks where it once proudly swept.

         I wonder if the enemy has used the same technique. When he loses the war for our souls … does he shift to a daily skirmish to break our spirit?  Slowly picking at our weaknesses, creating doubt about our strength, reminding us at every turn how we still sin – the enemy seeks erosion where he cannot win through catastrophe.

         How about giving us pride in our Christian walk? Perhaps the enemy prefers the erosion of a judgmental spirit toward those who aren’t doing what we believe they should. Or how about the erosion of satisfaction with what WE have and do – eroding the thankful spirit and grateful heart.

         There is erosion within us every time we make ever so slightly a turn away from God. Perhaps ten years or a generation will pass before it is noticeable but make no mistake – erosion leaves its mark … on the earth and on the soul.

         Hebrews 6 – talks about the process of falling away and the harm it brings, perhaps even positioning us in a state of no return. I like verse 9 for us today: “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case – things that accompany salvation.”

         So don’t be unaware that the enemy prowls through the earth. Don’t let him have even a tiny foothold. In danger of erosion? There are safeguards to keep free of its destruction.

         Today I spent time with the Lord telling Him some things I could never share with another person. I want my faith to stand the test of time. I want the next generation to see Jesus held me firmly through the times of catastrophe and the darkness of a single night.

Even now the enemy whispers in my ear how I have failed.  It’s true.        

Then Jesus gets in front of me and suddenly not a single speck of my soul is lost.

NEXT TIME: WHEN IS CHEERING SOMEONE ON OUT OF LINE? NEVER!