A Life God Can Bless...

A LIFE GOD CAN BLESS

Here’s a scenario most of you are familiar with…either as a parent, or as a memory from your own childhood. It happens at least several times a week in our house.

Let me set the stage for you. Mike, Caitlyn, Nick and I seated around the dinner table. Dinner is finished, except for Nick. On his round, plastic Elmo plate sit a few untouched pieces of chicken…several mashed up green beans…and a couple bites of fruit. To his credit, the kid is smart. He at least moves them around on the plate to make it look like he’s eaten. The dishes once sitting in front of me, my husband and daughter are long gone…moved from the table to the sink to the dishwasher 15 minutes ago. Caitlyn is now nibbling on a piece of left-over Halloween candy. Mike looks like he might tear out his hair, and then there’s me…trying to talk sense to my two year old son.

Nick: I want chocolate!!
Me: Sweetie, you can have some chocolate. Just eat three bites.
Nick: No…I no want three bites!! I want chocolate.
Me: Honey, you can have chocolate. I WANT you to have chocolate. But you can’t have candy unless you eat some of your dinner.
Nick: I no want dinner, mama! I want chocolate!!

This goes on for a bit, then Mom wins, Nick loses, Caitlyn gloats, and Mike hides under the table (only kidding, honey).

You know what, though? I don’t feel like I’ve won. It wasn’t really a contest. I adore my son. I’d lay my life down for him in a split second. I want to give him chocolate, I really do. He loves it…it brings him joy…thus bringing me even MORE joy. But Nick needs protein, fruit and vegetables first. He doesn’t like them, and given his way, would skip straight to the chocolate. But as his mother, I know what’s best for him. And as his mother, it’s my job to keep his best interests at heart.

Sound familiar, anyone? It sure does to me.

I went walking with a girlfriend of mine earlier today. We laughingly call it exercise therapy, because it’s one part exercise, two parts therapy. Today she told me that sometimes she thinks God has His arm extended…holding His palm to her forehead…and she just keeps swinging and swinging…trying to get things to go her way. All the while God is looking down at her with a smile, knowing that when she gets tired of trying it her way, she’ll come around. I love that, and told her that I was going to steal it for a blog. Thank you, Pam.

But it’s true, isn’t it? If you feel like you are on a treadmill going nowhere, you have to ask yourself a question. Are you living a life that God can bless?

I’m trying to. Lord knows, I’m trying. I’ve had a humbling year, my friends. Because God has shown me…very specifically…things that need to be removed…if He is going to bless me and use me to my full potential. I’ll tell you my story in a moment. First, I want to tell you another one. This is Kim’s story.

Kim is single. Never been married, no kids, late 30s. Beautiful. She is so beautiful that she gets stopped on a regular basis. Kim has never had a problem getting a date. She has a big problem finding a healthy relationship. There are a few reasons why. She has some issues stemming from childhood that are unresolved. Because of this, she has an intimacy problem with men. Deep down, something won’t let her get too close to someone with good intentions. Because that would mean she’d have to be vulnerable. And that would mean she might get hurt.

Kim drinks. Heavily. Every day. Partly because of the depression, partly because of her insecurity. Kim doesn’t think she’s much fun to be around when she’s sober. And when Kim drinks, she makes bad decisions.

Kim is lonely. She doesn’t have a boyfriend, but there is a man in her life. Unfortunately, he isn’t really interested in her as a person. He promises her everything…after two bottles of wine…and always after midnight. The next morning of course, he’s gone. She’ll go two or three weeks without hearing from him. She’ll get angry, swear she’s done with him forever, and then answer a 10:30 pm text message. “Hey honey, want some company? I have a great bottle of wine I can bring.” Cycle continues.

Kim wants to get married. She wants to have children. She goes to church every Sunday. Church, restaurant with friends, margaritas, home, wine, sleep, guilt…..repeat. Kim ignores the voice that whispers, “follow me.”

Kim is not living a life that God can bless.

Have you ever read Matthew 6:33? I love it…and it’s one of the few verses where I prefer the King James version, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

The New International Version reads, “but seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

What does that mean? It means we should seek God’s will before our own. It’s just like me and Nick at the dinner table. I love Nick. I want to give him chocolate. And if he would only seek MY way first, (chicken, veggies and fruit) I would gladly give him chocolate. I’d be so excited that I’d probably give him an extra piece! And…he would have the added benefit of feeling great because he’d be putting good, healthy things in his body first.

You know what we are, spiritually? We’re like two year olds running around. We really are, and I fully include myself in that analogy. We think we know what’s best, we think we know how to get there, and all the while God is telling us this…

Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

In other words, God is telling us, very nicely, that “it doesn’t matter why! Because I told you to, that’s why!” I’m sure He uses a much nicer tone than we do as parents, don’t you think?

Sometimes it’s pretty tough to try to reason with my two year old. And on that same note, our puny little brains are not equipped to always understand WHY when it comes to God’s way. Isaiah 55:9, :As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” We are so rarely told why. We are simply told…to trust. To trust that God’s way is better. And you know what? It is.

Over the past six months or so, I’ve felt strongly compelled to stop drinking. My husband and others close to me were surprised by this. I don’t drink all that much. Maybe one or two nights on the weekend. I sometimes go a few weeks without having a single drink. I don’t get tipsy every time I drink. But I have had my moments. And the conviction is there. God has been crystal clear on this. I am not to drink. It’s not part of what God has in store for me. God wants me to live a life He can bless. I know without a shadow of doubt in my heart that His plan for my life doesn’t include alcohol. That’s my struggle. For others, it’s food. Others, spending money. Promiscuity. Pornography. Laziness. Vanity. Gluttony. Gambling. Pride. Gossip. Lying to get attention. Stealing to see if you can get away with it. Always needing the right label on your clothes. Perhaps you struggle with forgiveness. Forgiving someone else…or yourself. Maybe it’s something from your past…something God wants to heal. He can’t heal it if you won’t face it.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, aggression, fear, insecurity, hopelessness or helplessness, there is a very good chance that there is something in your life that is keeping you from enjoying all the blessings God has in store for you. Sometimes these feelings are from a physiological imbalance in your body. That’s not to be ignored. But more often, it’s because we are out of sync with God’s plan for our lives. We are not being all we can be. And deep down…we know it.

The day I realized I could never drink again was a Tuesday. I’d had a few too many a few days before…and justified it to myself. I thought, everyone does it every now and then. I hardly ever do. But the conviction was there. I turned on a Christian talk show that I sometimes listen to, and the topic was Christians living outside of grace. I had never really thought about that before. Christians living outside of grace. Saved…but not blessed. Not living the life God wants them to lead. The passage they were quoting was Galatians 6:19-21. Read it very carefully:

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except in those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Most people look at that quickly, and shrug it off. But read it again. Especially the part that says “Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (Emphasis mine.)

If you see yourself in there anywhere, seriously consider asking God for the strength to remove the sin.

Kim wants so badly to have what her friends have. Marriage, babies, a house with a swing set in back. And I have to believe…with all my heart and soul…that God, her merciful and loving Father, wants so badly to give it all to her. That, and then some! The tone Jesus takes in Luke 12:31 is so full of tenderness it melts my heart. Jesus says, “He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

I can picture the look on Jesus’ face as he spoke those words. “Don’t be afraid, little flock.” He calls us “little flock” just as I call my children “sweetheart,” “my love,” or “Nicky Noodle.” No laughing…there’s a story behind the silly nickname. It’s still a term of endearment…just like Jesus uses with us. The point is, He loves us as His own dear children. Just like I would lay down my life gladly for either one of my children, he stretched out His hands on the cross to lay His down for us. We are purchased with His precious blood. He wants so badly to bless you until your cup is running over! Psalm 37:3-4, “Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desire.” (Emphasis mine.)

Please, please take this seriously. Whatever it is that’s keeping you from a close relationship with your Father…get rid of it. It’s not worth it. God provides a better way…I promise you. Let my story prove it to you. It was scary to give up drinking. It’s such a way of life. And I have friends who won’t like me as much for it. The only time they knew me to not drink socially was when I was pregnant. But God’s way is better. My life is and will continue to be BLESSED because of this. My children will grow up knowing you don’t have to have a drink to be fun. And let me tell you something….I AM STILL FUN! (lol)

And maybe because of that, my children won’t make some of the mistakes I’ve made.

Just know that if there is something you struggle with, you have a kindred spirit in me. I’m not judging anyone. I have too many logs in my eyes to be too terribly worried about the spec in yours. I just want you take this with you…there is great rest…in laying your burdens at the feet of Jesus.

“Then Jesus said, ‘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, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Amen…and God bless you. And bless you, and bless you, and bless you…

Soul Food

I have a girlfriend named Lori who makes the best baked macaroni and cheese in the world. I mean it…in the WORLD. It’s just downright sinful, it’s so good. And she will be the first one to tell you that it’s pretty indulgent. We're talking butter, real cream, 3 or 4 different kinds of cheese, home made croutons (made by soaking the bread in butter, toasting it and tossing it into the mix)…it’s just incredible.


And while I’ll mow it down just as quickly as you can blink…I’m feeling it later. Feeling it travel slowly through my body…depositing fat on my hips, arms, thighs…you get the picture. I always think it’s worth it while I’m eating it. The next day…I’m not so sure.


And you know where I really get in trouble? With the leftovers! One serving wouldn’t be such a big deal, but once I’ve had it, I want it again. So I’ll maybe have a bowl for lunch the next day, a little for a snack later on, and before you know it, it’s gone. And I have to run a few extra miles to compensate.


I’ve noticed a pattern with myself. If I don’t eat the macaroni and cheese, I don’t really crave it. And I do the same thing when it comes to what I feed my brain. Here’s a confession for you, and I’m not proud of it. I tivo “The Hills” on MTV. I know, I know. A married mother of two, sings in church, writes a Christian blog, and all the while I’m cramming my brain full of smut tv! I never said I was perfect. For anyone who shares in my guilty pleasure, I even watched some of last season’s episodes more than once (hey, it was Lauren’s last season). I haven’t really been quite as into it this season (with Kristen), but you’d still find it on my DVR if you went looking.


Something happened over the summer, when all the good tv shows took their sabbatical. I had nothing to watch. So I started to read the bible more. And more. And then I started to journal about what I was reading. And then I started to blog about it. And amazingly, I have started to see God work in my life like never before.


Because as cliché as it sounds, we are what we eat. If we’re stuffing ourselves full of Lori’s fabulous mac and cheese on a daily basis, our thighs are going to get bigger! If all we do is read TMZ, watch E! Online and flip through Us Weekly, our brains are going to get mushy! And our lives are going to reflect it.


God talks about this in Isaiah 55…it’s a great passage…and we’re going to break it down. Here we go…


Isaiah 55:1-2 – “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk – it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!”


Any athlete on the planet will tell you that a diet of Lori’s baked macaroni greatness would be terrible for performance. I run, and I can tell you that if you want to see your speed pick up and your endurance increase, you need to put yourself on a diet of lean meats, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and good healthy grains.


Likewise, if you are trying to better your relationship with God, you need a steady diet of prayer, worship and scripture. So let’s move on…it only gets better!


“Listen, and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul!” I love it when God uses exclamation points; it shows that He is very eager…He feels very adamant about soul food. So where do we get it? Let’s take a look at the very next verse…


Isaiah 55: 3 – “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake. I am ready to make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David.”


No exclamation point here. I can almost see God looking into our eyes; hear Him lowering His voice to emphasize His point. “Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake.” That is serious. Now we’re talking about eternity. God wants us to come to Him with our ears wide open. Not like when we come to church on Sunday morning…looking all prayerful and holy…but really thinking about what we’re going to make for dinner. God wants us to come to Him undistracted, and ready to receive His message. Then He will give us all the mercies and unfailing love that He promised David.


And that is where things start to pick up. When you get to a place where you are listening to God, and studying His word…get ready to be blessed. Get ready…to be transformed.


Isaiah 55:4-5 – “He (David) displayed my power by being my witness and a leader among the nations. You also will command the nations, and they will come running to obey, because I, the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”


Those words are rich with the promise of the Lord. The Lord’s promise to YOU. God already told us in verse 3 that He will give us all the mercies and unfailing love that He gave to David. Now, He tells us He will give us power, too.


When you witness to the Lord, there is power in that. And God’s power will make you a leader of nations. Stay with me, here. You may not be the president of the United States, or even of your home owner’s association. But if you live your life as a witness to the Lord, people will be drawn to you. Your “nations” are your circle of influence. We each have one. If you are a parent, your children are in your circle of influence. Your co-workers are, too. Are you in a Bunco group? That counts. Anytime you are with people that could be influenced by the way you act or what you say, you are operating inside of your circle of influence. And God will make you a leader.


Some people may shy away from this, but it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. To be an effective witness, you don’t need to stand on a street corner waving your bible and screaming out scripture. That is not a very effective way to bring people to Christ. That is a very effective way to get people to think you have a screw loose. Your greatest testimony comes from your life.
God has recently called me to give something up. I’m not ready to blog about it, but I will be more than happy to tell you what it is in person if we run into each other.


The thing I gave up wasn’t illegal, and not even necessarily sinful, but it was getting in the way of my witness. It was interfering with my testimony. God wants to use each of us, but in order to do that, we have to live a life that He can bless. And to do that…we have to be on a steady diet of good, healthy soul food.


Watching The Hills isn’t a sin. Neither is eating a big, healthy dose of Lori’s mac and cheese. But when that’s all you’re feeding your brain, or your stomach, you start to get soft (literally and figuratively).


On The Hills, the girls get into cat fights, they steal each other’s boyfriends, and they’re out clubbing almost every night. The norm is to party and get drunk, to hold loose moral standards. And you know what? That’s tempting stuff. That is tantalizing television. And pretty soon you’re watching more of it. Hollywood preaches the exact opposite of the gospel. Sex before marriage is expected, affairs just happen, the skinnier you are, the better, and the younger you look the more you’re worth. If your jeans aren’t “this” brand…if you don’t carry “that” phone…or drive “that” car, you aren’t good enough. Funny, though. The people you see plastered across the magazine covers don’t seem all that happy, do they? They need a good, home cooked meal. A hearty dose of soul food.


Isaiah 44:1-4 – “But now, listen to me, Jacob my servant, Israel, my chosen one. The LORD who made you and helps you says: O Jacob, my servant, do not be afraid. O Israel, my chosen one, do not fear. For I will give you abundant water to quench your thirst and to moisten your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit and my blessings on your children. “


Do you see how God is pleading with us? Just exactly the same way that I plead with my son to eat his peas. Because they’re good for him. And God’s Word is not just good for us…it’s essential.


David wrote about it in the most well known psalm of all…Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings."

God is extending you a dinner invitation. Will you accept?

Living it out...

Dr. Martin was enjoying a rare lunch break during an unusually slow day at the office. Instead of grabbing a sandwich at the hospital where he worked, he’d decided to walk the half mile to the little café down the street. While he was eating, he looked around at the other patrons. A group of ladies were talking and laughing two tables down, another couple looked as though they were in a heated argument. There was one other person also there by himself. A robust looking man, with a large plate of pasta in front of him. The man was sweating, and his lunch hadn’t been touched. Dr. Martin noticed the man was gripping the table, and seemed to be struggling for breath.

The doctor picked up his sandwich and took a bite. He chewed slowly, all the while watching the other man. The man pulled at his collar, clutched at his chest, and slumped over onto the table. One of the ladies two tables down let out a scream, and the whole restaurant seemed to erupt in chaos. “Doctor!! Somebody call a doctor! I think he’s having a heart attack!!”

Dr. Martin took another bite of his sandwich. He thought to himself, “I know I could help him. I know what to do. But my profession is my business. It's personal. It’s not something I want to share with the whole world.”

A ridiculous scenario, isn’t it? A doctor, spending thousands of dollars on medical school, countless hours interning, and weeks of sleepless nights in the E.R. only to decide his expertise is private. Not something he wants to share. That would never happen. In fact, it didn’t. There is no Dr. Martin (that I’m acquainted with), and I made that story up. But here’s one that might hit closer to home.

Kelley and Rachel met in college and have been best friends ever since. They share a two bedroom apartment in a trendy area near downtown. Back before they started their careers, they were joined at the hip, hitting all the fun clubs, always the life of the party. Then Kelley got a job at a prestigious law firm. Early mornings…late nights…70 hour work weeks. Rachel got a job too, selling ads for a glamorous magazine. She had a pretty laid-back boss. As long as she made her numbers and kept her clients happy, she could pretty much come and go as she pleased.

Kelley started a Saturday morning bible study, and Rachel started entertaining clients during the week. It always involved expensive dinners, exotic wines, and partying all hours of the night. Kelley found a vibrant fast growing church, and never missed a Sunday service. Rachel would meet her out for brunch after….if she woke up in time.

Kelley started to notice that Rachel seemed unhappy. She was always tired, always frustrated. Rachel didn’t understand how Kelley always seemed so peaceful, when Kelley worked twice as much as she did and made half the money. Kelley thought about asking her to go to church, but knew her roommate would never get up that early. She thought about witnessing to her, but knew Rachel would just shrug it off. Or even worse, make fun of her. So Kelley said nothing. And the two continued to drift further…and further…apart.

Do you see a parallel here? It may not seem like it, but the two scenarios are equally ridiculous. We laugh at the first one and say "that would never happen!" But the second one makes us squirm. It happens all the time. And it's is an offense to God.

God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to live among us, to die a sinners’ death, and how do we repay that? “My faith is my business,” we tell ourselves. “My relationship with God is private.” “I don’t want people to think I’m a bible beater.” Do you know what that makes us, as Christians? Useless. It makes us absolutely useless to the body of Christ. James writes in chapter 3, verse 14, “Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone.”

It’s a major deal to James…he spends a good chunk of his letter to the Jewish Christians telling them that faith without works means nothing. And it should be a major deal to us. It’s like having a paralyzed arm. An arm that can’t move is of no use to the body.
I love the next verse, where it really gets convicting. James 3:15, “Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, ‘Well, goodbye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well’ – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” That person doesn’t need your prayers, he needs your coat! That woman doesn’t need your blessing, she needs 5 bucks to get some McDonalds!

I’m guilty of it. I can’t really remember the last time I asked someone to go to church with me. But I do try to make my faith a natural part of conversation. And I understand that it can be intimidating. But it’s what we’re called to do as Christians. It’s our job…to spread the good news. Luke 24: 47, Jesus tells His disciples, “With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.’” We’re so quick to rush out and tell all of our friends about a great sale. “Cute retro t-shirts at Target, 10 bucks!” Why is it so difficult to tell those we cross paths with every day about the Good News that could change their life forever?

Not everyone is called to ministry, and not everyone is called to evangelize. Those are very special, specific callings from God. But every last one of us IS called to witness. We are most certainly called to love each other, and serve each other.

One of my daily prayers is that I would love people…really LOVE them…just as God loves us. And trust me, friends, some people in my life can be pretty tough to love. I pray that God would open my eyes…to see people…just as God sees us. I probably miss that goal more than I hit it, but I'm working on it. This is a crazy, mixed up world, but we’re all in it together. We all have issues. How much better would things be if we really, truly followed Jesus’ two most important commandments? Mark 12:29-31, “Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

That’s pretty powerful. And pretty straight forward. Hard to plead ignorance when the bible says...loving each other is every bit as important as loving God. So here is your challenge. Who is in your immediate circle of influence? Are you witnessing with your lifestyle? Do you show love to the office gossip that suddenly stops whispering when you walk in the room? What about that parent on the PTA that just has to be in charge of everything? Or that darn kid that’s making your child’s life miserable? Jesus loves them just as much as He loves you. They are just as precious in His sight. For the next 3 days, just love them. Don’t expect anything back. Just treat them like Jesus would if He were here. Find ways to serve them. Love them like you love those closest to you. You might be surprised…your living witness might change their heart. It will most certainly change yours.

Forecast calls for rain

I've been wanting to write a blog entry on storms for some time now. And it's no wonder. Where I live, in the DFW area, we've had a lot of rain. But I've had serious writer's block on this particular subject, and I'll tell you why. It's because I don't feel qualified. I've had my share of storms, who hasn't? But recently, I've watched some of my friends endure storms....storms that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

My sister in-law was overjoyed when she found out she was pregnant. She and her husband have three beautiful boys, and they wanted to try for that girl just one more time. She would be equally delighted, though, if God blessed her with another baby boy. A healthy baby was their top concern. She works at an OBGYN's office in Dallas. How lucky to be able to get a sonogram anytime you want and see that precious little soul wiggling around! The nurse had an appointment cancel, and called Karen (name is changed) back to see if they could figure out the sex. She looked...and looked.....and looked. No heartbeat. Instead, heartache. Grief. Loss.

A friend of mine was stunned....just stunned....when the diagnosis came back. Colon cancer. And it had spread to her lungs. And she has no insurance. Instead of baseball with her two little boys, she's lying in a hospital bed hooked up to countless machines, so tired she can barely lift her head. Instead of saving for her children's college education, she's watching their meager savings disappear before her eyes.

I have no idea how they feel. I can sympathize all day, but any words I offer sound hollow in my own ears. So....I do the only thing I know how to do. I try to do what God is already doing. I walk with them. I listen to them. I cry for them and with them. I pray for them and with them. My own sweet sister recently had a miscarriage scare. She had found out she was pregnant about two weeks before she was to leave for Italy. Anxious to see the doctor before she left the country, she scheduled an appointment....even though she was only about six weeks along. When she got there....no heartbeat. I talked to my sister on the phone immediately after she left the doctor's office. My heart broke in two as she cried and told me, "Rebecca, I don't even know what to pray." I've never had a miscarriage, but I have been so sad and broken that I couldn't even find words for my Savior.

This bible passage brings comfort to me. Romans 8:26, And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. That almost moves me to tears. Can you picture it? Jesus, the Son of God, who endured every temptation but lived a sinless life. Who died, hanging on a cross...nails piercing his hands and feet. Mourning with us. Praying for us....with such passion that it can not be expressed in words. Friends, that is the truth. If you don't believe me, just look at John, Chapter 11.

In this chapter, Lazarus (brother to Mary and Martha, and a dear friend of Jesus') has died, so Mary and Martha send for their Lord. By the time Jesus gets there, it has been several days. As soon as Mary sees Him, John 11:32 tells us "she fell down at His feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Let's pick it up at verse 33. "When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, He was moved with indignation and was deeply troubled. 'Where have you put him?' he asked them. They told Him, 'Lord, come and see.' Then Jesus wept." Are those not some of the most precious words in the bible? Jesus wept. He didn't just swallow the lump in his throat....or wipe a few tears away. Jesus WEPT. And I have to tell you....He wasn't weeping for Lazerus. He knew what He was about to do. He was about bring Lazerus back from the grave. No....Jesus wept for Mary, for Martha, and for all of those who loved Lazerus.

Isn't awesome, that our Savior is so compassionate and loves us so much, that He weeps with us? Even when He already knows the outcome of our storm, He weeps with us. Let's go back to Romans...take a look at Chapter 8, verses 27-28. We'll pick up right where we left off, right after we read how the Holy Spirit prays for us with "groanings that cannot be expressed in words." "And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will." Now pay attention.....you don't want to miss this part - "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Did you catch that? God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God! There is NOTHING....no storm....too great for God! There is not ONE SINGLE situation that He can't turn around and use for His good purpose.

Take Nancy's story. Growing up, she and her sister Suzy were as close as two peas in a pod. When the two girls went off to college, they spoke every day on the phone. Nancy was the maid of honor when her sister married her college sweetheart. Imagine the storm clouds gathering when Nancy answered the phone and got the news...Suzy had breast cancer. Imagine the winds of doubt, the thundering fear, and the anguish pouring down when they found out Suzy would not live. Friends...have you ever heard of the Susan G. Komen foundation?

God can use any situation to work for the good of those who love God...and are called according to His purpose. Who is called? You are. Isaiah 43: 1-3, "But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."


He has called you by name...you are His. When you go through deep waters and great difficulty, He will be with you. We know the forecast calls for rain. We know there are deep waters and great troubles ahead. We don't know exactly what the outcome will be. But we do know this....we are not alone. He is with us. We will not drown....and the flames will not consume us. God bless you and keep you, and I pray that everyone who reads this will find their way safely through the storms of life....holding tightly to our Lord's hand.


And by the way, Karen is now 2 weeks out from giving birth to her 4th child...a baby girl! And this baby was a complete and total surprise. It took fertility drugs to get pregnant with her first three children...but not this time. And more good news....my sister is thankful for each day of morning sickness that she's going through right now, because it just confirms what the doctor told her as soon as she got back from Italy. She IS pregnant, and the heartbeat is strong! Hallelujah! My friend, however, could use your prayers. She is currently still undergoing chemo, but is very happy to see the tumors shrinking.

"One Missed Call"

My parents recently went on a fabulous trip, the trip of a lifetime. They went to Bergamo, Italy, for a ceremony honoring my late grandfather, William Sinclair Ashbrook, Jr. They were gone for 10 days. And I talk to my parents at least four or five times a week, so this was a long time to be out of touch.

I knew they were coming back on September 19th, sometime in the afternoon. I was anxiously awaiting the call, so I had my cell phone nearby all day. However, that day was also the day of my sister-in-law's baby shower. Which I was co-hosting. So you can imagine, I was a little preoccupied.

I'd been running around, doing errands, all the while listening for the phone. I had just completed one last chore and was headed home, when one of my favorite songs came on the radio. So I rolled the windows down, turned the volume up, and started singing away!

When I got home, I checked my phone as I was getting out of the car. 1 Missed Call. Bummer! It was my parents, and an exhausted sounding voice mail told me they were on a layover in New York City. By the time I called, it was too late. They were airborne.

There were two things working against me here. First, I wasn't paying attention. I was busy, distracted. Second, I wasn't listening. I had the radio going full blast, and was singing away at the top of my lungs.

I wonder how many times I've done this in my spiritual life? Just cruising along, letting life distract me. Not listening. Not paying attention to my relationship with God. The result? One Missed Call.

Something interesting to note. I wasn't doing anything wrong. Getting ready for the shower. Listening to the radio. But my priority that day was to talk to my parents. And since I wasn't paying attention, I missed my chance to hear about Italy, and make sure they'd made it home safely.

So here's a little parallel on the importance of hearing...and answering...the call. Take Philip. Philip was one of the first traveling missionaries we hear about in the New Testament. He was one of the seven chosen by the disciples to administer food and goods to the new believers, and a powerful evangelist. In fact, he was on fire. Turning Jews and Gentiles into Christians right and left in Samaria. And that's where he was when this happened, Acts 8:26 - "As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, 'Go south, down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.'"

Now, let's put ourselves in Philip's shoes. His ministry in Samaria was very successful. He was preaching to great crowds, and the response? Amazing! He was watching the Holy Spirit fill the hearts of those who previously had not even believed in the Jews' God. Let me tell you, I wouldn't want to go. Especially down a long, isolated road that ran straight through the desert. Hot. Dusty. No thanks.

But look at the next verse, Acts 8:27 - "So he did, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the queen of Ethiopia."

Whoa. The treasurer of Ethiopia. Now that's a guy with great authority. Mr. Eunuch was working directly under the queen. Philip basically met the Ben Bernanke of that portion of Africa.

And you know what Mr. Eunuch was doing? He was studying the scriptures. Isaiah, to be exact. Isaiah 53:7-8, which reads "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, He did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice."  And Mr. Eunich had no idea what that verse meant.  But Philip did. It just so happens that in that verse, Isaiah is prophesying about Jesus Christ.  So Philip rode with him awhile, explaining how the scriptures foretold Jesus' life...and death.  And Mr. Eunuch...one of the top officials of Ethiopia...believed.

That's worth noting. Philip was in the middle of doing God's work, turning many to believe in Christ. But he was paying attention...and listening. And God called him away from something good...to do something great. What did he do? He answered the call. And because of that, the eunuch believed, was baptized, and spread the Good News to Ethiopia. And that was the beginning of the Word spreading to all the ends of the earth. Because of the eunuch, thousands came to know Christ.

For us, it's certainly not impossible, but it is unlikely that God will send an angel to tell us what to do. I wish He would! But have you ever been in this situation? The church needs volunteers, but that's your only free day to do your big grocery run. Or you notice a co-worker looking especially down, but you just have to get those e-mails answered. So you tell yourself that your stuff is important, and you go on your way. And when you check your spiritual cell phone...1 Missed Call.

God's work can be done anywhere, anytime, not just between 10 and 11 am on Sunday.

Are you paying attention? Are you listening? Don't get so distracted by baseball games, and homework, and e-mails, and grocery lists that you don't hear your spiritual cell phone. Dedicate part of each day to the Lord in prayer. Set aside just 15 minutes a morning to read the bible. I promise you, that if you believe, God has a job for you to do. Don't miss the call!

Thank you for reading this!  I love to hear your thoughts, both positive and negative.  God bless you!

"You can't stop this love train!"

As I write this (September of '09) I have a three year old daughter and a two year old son. And I have decided that people with children around two years of age are in an exclusive club. I'm working on a catchy name for it, but for the time being, let's just call it the "I'm at my wits end what on earth am I going to do with this child?" club. If you have kids that are older now, you've already gratefully turned in that membership. If you aren't a member yet, this can serve as a warning. And, perhaps, birth control.
My son has tantrums. Not just run-of-the-mill tantrums, either. If his tantrums were storms, they would be F5 hurricanes. They aren't just kicking and screaming. They're forces of nature. And since scolding him does no good, and ignoring them means I'm going to be in that same geographical location for a good 30 minutes or so, I decided to try something that my mother did with us (she claims). I love him through it.
And what do you know, it works. I can tell when the tantrum is coming. Just like in nature, there are signs. So before the low grumblings can progress to gale force screaming winds, I love him through it. I put him on my lap, snuggle him tight, tickle him, and laughingly tell him, "You can't stop this love train! Can't stop this love train! I love you no matter what you do!" And he usually comes right around. Who can resist that kind of love?
Peter couldn't. A passage that brings me a lot of comfort is Luke 22:31-32. Let me paint the picture for you before you read it. Jesus and His disciples are sitting in the upstairs room. Jesus has already washed their feet. He tells them that He loves them just as the father loves Him. (John 15:9) He tells them to love one another just as He loves them (John 15:12). They have shared the wine and the bread...the first "communion" ever taken. They are quietly talking. And Jesus turns to Peter (then called Simon), and says "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers."
I want you to notice something. It says "So when you have repented and turned to me again....." WHEN. Jesus knew Peter (Simon) was going to sin. He knew it. And He wanted Peter to KNOW that He knew it. And He wanted Peter to know that He loved him, and to turn back to Him.
It's taken me a long time to forgive myself for some of the things I've done. A looooooong time. And to this day, I am so much quicker to forgive others than I am myself. But here is another truth, and it's one you need to write on your heart. Just as we are commanded to forgive each other, so we are commanded to forgive ourselves. If God Himself can forgive our sins, who are we to withhold that same grace from ourselves? 1 John 1:9, "But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong." But you don't know what I've done, you don't know how many times...you don't know... It doesn't matter. He cleanses us from EVERY wrong. No matter how unworthy of love you think you are...you aren't. You are loved. Precious and holy in His sight.
Let's read a little further in the scriptures. And again...let me paint the picture. Peter has denied his Lord three times. He was one of the 12, one of the chosen to walk with Jesus, and three times he denied even knowing him.
On the morning of the third day, the women go to Jesus' tomb. And the stone is rolled away. Mark 16 tells us that the angels told them not to be afraid, but to go tell and tell the disciples that Jesus is alive. But look at this, Mark 16:7....the angel says "Now go and give this message to His disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you before He died." Including Peter. The angel gave them special instructions to tell Peter. Jesus knew that Peter would sin. Just like He knew I would. Just like He knows I will. And He loves me anyway. Just like He loves you.
Later on, Peter became one of the strongest evangelists in recorded history, writing two of the books in the new testament, preaching of great love and forgiveness, and converting thousands to Christianity. And you know what? Jesus knew this too. Matthew 16:18, "Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."
I think about that, and I ask myself, what will I do....with the grace I've received?
There is nothing that my two year old son, or my 3 year old daughter could do that could make me stop loving them. No tantrum so great that I can't forgive it. And nothing melts my heart faster than my child coming to me, with a tear-stained face, whispering, "Mommy...I'm sorry. I love you." How much more love, how much more mercy, how much more grace will our Heavenly Father pour out on us? Nope. Can't stop this love train.

Licking our wounds...

I have a dog named Jim. Jim is about 5 years old, and roughly 105 pounds. He is a good dog, very sweet, and wonderful with my two small children. Recently, Jim had to have surgery to repair a torn ACL and remove bone spurs around his knee. This left him with a wound about 6 inches long, closed together with staples.



He's handled it far better than I would, I have to say. Almost immediately, he was able to limp outside to potty (sorry - that's the toddler mom in me coming out - I should've said "to relieve himself."), and he's hardly cried at all.



The biggest challenge we've faced is that Jim wants to lick his wound. And if left alone, that's what he would do. He would crawl into the corner, face the wall, and lick his wound. To keep him from doing this, we have to keep him in one of those big, plastic, doggy clown collars. Pretty funny looking, but they keep him from making a serious mistake.



To lick his wounds is his natural instinct, but there's a problem. It pulls at his stitches, and puts him at great risk for infection. And infection, of course, could kill him.



It struck me today...how like Jim I am. And no "looking like a dog" comments, please. Don't we, as people in general, tend to do the same thing when we're hurting, emotionally? We do. We pull away. We hide in the corner. We face the wall because we don't want anyone to see us cry. And we lick our wounds. And if left untended to, our wounds get infected.



So just for funsies, I looked up the definition of infection. "Invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in a bodily part or tissue, which may produce subsequent tissue injury and progress to overt disease through a variety of cellular or toxic mechanisms." Yikes! So how does that translate to us, emotionally? Let's paint a little picture with an example. I'll tell you a story that happened to someone I know. We'll call her...oh, let's see...we'll call her Rebecca.



When "Rebecca" was in 7th grade, up in beautiful Shoreview, Minnesota, she was in gym class one day. And the class was divided into teams. And because the gym teacher was cruel and sadistic, she let the two captains pick the teams. One captain called out a name, then that individual joined the ranks of the chosen. Jerry something or other was captain number one, and I...I mean, "Rebecca," doesn't remember the name of captain number two.



Guess who was picked last? Me. And guess what Jerry said right after whining that he was "stuck" with me? He told me that I had a big nose, and that I'd never have a boyfriend. That sounds so stupid, doesn't it? It was 1987, for heavens sake. But I never forgot it. In fact, I remembered it on the morning of my wedding day.



Look back at the definition of infection. Invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms.....Jerry's comments were certainly an invasion. And you know what they did over time? They multiplied in my mind. What started out as a hurt led to bitterness, anger, and a need for revenge. Does this sound familiar to you? What invaded your peace of mind? A break-up? A mean comment? Are you a victim of life's unexpected cruelties? Maybe you've lost someone. Maybe you're trying to have a child. Maybe you've been passed over at work, or lost your job. Whatever it is, please.....please don't let it multiply and infect your spirit. Friend, Jesus is the only one who can truly heal you of this.



Here is something that I find truly AMAZING. Jesus tells His disciples to do His work after He's gone...and listen to this analogy....and tell me it's not divine. Matthew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth......" Salt has 3 purposes. To preserve, to give flavor, and to HEAL. You have a sore throat, gargle with salt water. A dip in the ocean will help to heal a skinned knee. The salt of the earth will surely heal your heart. (I did not come up with this on my own, btw. This beautiful analogy can be found in Sharon Jaynes' "Experience the Ultimate Makeover.")



Nothing spoils the flavor of our lives more than bitterness. Nothing is more exhausting than lugging around a heart full of hurts. So I'll leave you with this. It healed my heart...and it will heal yours...



Matthew 11:28 - "Then Jesus said, '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, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.'"



Isn't it time to put your burdens down? Here...have a little salt...