DO THEY KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE?

"We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord, We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord  And we pray that all unity may one day be restored, And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love We will work with each other, we will work side by side, We will work with each other, we will work side by side And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride, And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, They will know we are Christians by our love, By our love, by our love And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, They will know we are Christians by our love We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand, We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand  And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land, And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love By our love, by our love And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love They will know we are Christians by our love."

This song is a song I used to sing in church all the time.  I grew up loving this song, but never really fully understanding it.  This song sings the truth of Jesus's teachings here on earth.  This song sings about the way we are called to live.  It is filled with so much truth, yet do we live what this songs sings about?  Now be honest here, if you can't be honest with me, at least be honest with yourself and God.  

The sad truth is that very often, we do not live the truth of this song, although we are supposed to.  Speaking for myself, I do not always live the truth of this song.  If I were to truly live up to the standard of this song and the teachings of Jesus, I would love everyone.  Okay let me clarify.  I do love everyone but not the way I should.  You don't either!  Admit it!  Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Protestant, Nazarene, non-denominational and all other denominations tend to stand against each other.  We bicker and argue over doctrine and rituals.  Really?  We seriously bicker amongst ourselves?  We are believers of Jesus Christ, right?  Then why don't we act like it?

Luke 10:27  And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." 

There was one command Jesus left us.  That was love!  Love God, love others and love ourselves. All the commands have been summed up in one word, love!  There is not one person in this world that is better or greater than another.  There is not one person in this world who can honestly say we love the way are supposed to.  There is not one person in this world who loves others the way Jesus did.  Okay Mother Theresa came pretty darn close.  

Our churches doors should be open to everyone and anyone, not just those who dress appropriately.  We should welcome those poor who have only the clothes they have on.  We should welcome  tattooed, spiked hair drummer as well as the business man in a suit and tie.  We should welcome the teenage mother who is struggling to survive.  We should welcome the drug addict who just got out of rehab.  We should welcome the guy who just got out of prison.  But do we?  If one of these people showed up at your church on Sunday morning, would they feel welcomed or ostracized?

I have to tell you, one of the most profound moments I have ever witnessed was when a family member of our church had just been released from prison.  It was his first time back and I am sure he may have felt a little awkward, but our pastor saw him sitting off to the side and stopped his sermon for a moment and ran over to him and hugged him and said, "welcome back".  My friends that is the way Jesus wants us to love others.  That is the way Jesus loves us, why can't we love others the way He loves us?  Please let's do our best to live out this song not just sing it.

Lord forgive me for not loving others the way you love me.  Help me to learn and live real, sacrificial love.  Help me to stop singing about it and talking about it  and just do it!  Help me to love others, in Jesus name I pray, amen! 

   

OUR STUFF VS. GOD

1 John 2:15-16  Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.  For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 

Oh we don't want to admit it to anyone, let alone ourselves, but there are many times our stuff interferes with our time with God.  Our cell phone rings, our computer speaks "you've got mail", our favorite TV program comes on, the couch we bought a few years ago is not in style any longer, our car has 25,000 miles on it, time to trade it in on a new one.  All these excuses, all thee things, all our possessions can be more important if we allow it to.  

Let's be honest here, we all have some awards and trophies, plaques and certificates we have hanging in our offices and homes.  These things let others know what we have accomplished and how smart we are.  Our possessions are treasured, taken care of, washed, dusted and polished in order to look good.  Our homes are filled with the best money can buy.  And if we are honest with ourselves we love our stuff.  Sure some have more stuff than others but regardless of how much stiff we have, we love it.  We worked hard for all our stuff.  We may have scrimped and saved to buy our stuff.  But what is our stuff doing for us?

Nothing!  Honestly our stuff is empty meaningless garbage that will someday fill landfills.  Rust will eat away at it, moths will devour it, an someday we will get tired of our stuff and leave it for the garbage man to pick up.  Look around on garbage day in your neighborhood and you will find a lot of stuff that once head a place of prominence in someone's home. Dumps are filled with one time treasures.  Junk yards are filled with cars that were once upon a time, a classic.  Pawn shops are filled with treasures that were bought on credit.  We are over stressed and over worked to fill our house and our lives with stuff.  Really?  

Let me be honest, I love my stuff too!  I am human and I have neglected God to be able to spend time on my stuff.  How dumb am I?  I have learned over the years that nothing we have now will come with us when we die.  All the things my father worked for all his life, is still here.  He is not.  All the things he used to spend time on, are still here or have been given away.  You think I'd learn,   

I do not want to conform to this world, it is a daily battle and sometimes even a minute by minute battle.  The thing is what God has for me is so much better than anything I can buy or earn on this earth.  What pricetag can I put on peace and joy?  What cost can I put on my health?  What value do I place on my family and friends?  What am I willing to pay for eternity in heaven?

My friends, stuff will come and stuff will go, but God, Jesus Christ and eternity is priceless.  Our eternity has already been paid for.  Spending time with God is one of those things that recharges my soul and infuses my heart with love.  I will not allow my stuff to keep me from God any longer.  How about you?

Lord, forgive me for falling for the ways of this world.   Help me to never again love the things of this world and instead love you more than life itself, in Jesus name I pray, amen 

THE AMERICAN SOLDIER AND JESUS

The American Soldier and Jesus

News reports quickly flashed across the screen, "Another American soldier lost his life today".  In my mind I instantly said a prayer.  My mind filled with thoughts of all his family and friends who had to deal with this tragedy.  My heart ached for his mom and dad.  I do not want to even imagine what they are going through.  Parents should not have to bury their child.  It just doesn't seem fair.  so many lives lost, so many wounded lives changed forever.  I ask "Jesus why are there wars?  Why do innocent people have to die?"  I strain my ears to try to hear an answer, any explanation as to why this has to happen.

A whisper in my ear tells me the truth I have been searching for, "You see my dear, the American soldier was created in my image.  He was created to fight a battle against the evil forces of darkness that permeate this world.  He was raised to stand up for what he believes in.  He was created to stand up for those who cannot fight for themselves.  Yes, the American soldier is much like me.  Like an American soldier, I stand up against the enemy for you every day.  Like an American soldier, I stand before you with shield and sword fighting those who want to oppress you.  Like an American soldier, I will risk my very life so that you can have the freedom you don't really deserve.  Look at the wounds in my hands and feet.  Now look at the wounds of an American soldier.  Freedom is not free.  There is a price that must be paid for freedom.  I paid that price for you and so has an American soldier.  While I give you an eternal freedom, your earthly freedom has been paid for by an American soldier." 

Eph 1:16  I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 

This weekend is much more than the beginning of summer, it is Memorial Day weekend.  A time when we stop and think about every single soldier who fought for this country.  We pay homage to all past, present and future soldier who risked (or risks) his or her life to maintain this freedom we cherish so dearly.  Because of an American soldier, we have freedom to worship God.  Because of an American soldier, we can stand up against our government if we believe it is wrong.  Because of an American soldier, we have the right to a fair trial.  Because of an American soldier, we can travel across this country and from sea to shining sea.  We can view purple mountains majesties.  We can cross the plains of Texas and climb the Rocky Mountains.  Because of an American soldier, I can stand in church every Sunday and raise my hands to praise my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So this weekend while we're barbecuing, swimming, boating, eating, playing building bonfires and eating s'mores, take a moment and remember that many died so that you could enjoy this weekend.  If you see a soldier or know one, thank them.  So to the American soldiers I end with this simple prayer:

Thank you for sacrificing your life for my family and I.  May God bless you and keep you safe on the battlefields of life.  May He bless you with joy and peace.  May God shine His light upon you and be gracious to you.  May He rain down blessing upon you and your family.  May God grant you a life filled with love and happiness in Jesus name I pray, amen!

UNSETTLE ME

I recently read a devotional by Lysa Terkeurst that was titled, "Unsettle Me".  It was so inspiring to me that I have been praying that recently.  The thing that caught my attention with this devotion was it was very raw and real to me.  Why?  I love my settled life.  It's calm and peaceful.  Challenges do not exist in my settled world, or at least they don't seem to rattle me.  I have never been one to rock the boat or make waves.  I am a peaceful person who despises conflict and fights change.  I do my best to maintain my status quo and remain filled with peace and joy, so this devotion seemed a little radical for me, but it spoke so deeply to my heart that I felt I needed to pray this.

Well be careful what you pray for.  God has unsettled me recently in areas I didn't expect.  I have learned a lot about myself these past few weeks and God has opened my eyes to the reality of myself. I fight back tears when people hurt me and I hide behind a mask that says, "I'm okay", when I'm not.  Messages in church by my pastor rock me, yet I hold back the tears.  I don't want to appear weak, so I will not cry in public.  I do not allow myself to fully surrender, even though I thought I had.   I keep people at a distance because I am afraid to be hurt again.  Jerry is my only true friend because with him I feel safe, unjudged and loved.  To be honest I am not the person I pretend to be.  I am weak, timid and afraid.  I hide my heart because it's been stomped on.  So I tend to wrap myself in a cocoon and stay in my settled, safe world. 

For me this prayer was radical.  I don't think I fully understood the ramifications of this prayer, but I think I do now.  It's not about me!  It's about Jesus!  It's about standing up, stepping out and being honest with myself and others.  It's about breaking my heart for what breaks God's heart.  It's about looking at others through the eyes of Jesus Christ.  It's about crying tears because of all the sin in this world.  It's about not judging others and just showing them the love of Jesus Christ.  It's about controlling and even ignoring my feelings (which are fickle anyways).   

Lord, please unsettle me.  I want to see the reality of who I am through your eyes.  I want to get real honest and take the blinders off of who I really am.  I want to change.  I want to grow.  I want to live for you.  Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.  Let me see with your eyes so that my vision can once again become clear.  Let me hear with your ears and shut off the noise and distractions that keep me deaf to your whispers.  Let me speak with your words and not my own, may my words bring you glory.  Let me walk where you walk, down that narrow path that few dare go.  And finally Lord, let me love as deeply and honestly as you love.  Unsettle me from my comfort zone and let my tears flow from my eyes so that I can heal and recover from this heart that has been settled for way too long.

  Hebrews 1:3  The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 

Jesus Christ came to this earth to unsettle me.   He has taught me how to forgive by first forgiving me.  He has taught me to how to love the unlovable, by first loving me.  He has taught me how to accept others (faults and all) by first accepting me.   He has taught me how to stop judging others by not judging me.  

When I stop and think about the Lord of Lord, King of Kings, coming to this earth, I am blown away,  He touched lepers, really?  I have a hard time touching someone who has a cold.  He loved and forgave a prostitute, I have a hard time forgiving someone who hurt me.   He sat on dirt floors and ate with sinners while I unfriend someone on Facebook who creates drama.  Jesus could have been sitting on a throne in a royal palace, but He didn't.  He humbled Himself so that He could relate better with us.  He unsettled Himself, even to death on a cross.  

I have a long way to go! 

Lord, please continue to unsettle me.  Rid me of me.  Create a clean heart in me and help me to get real about who I am and who you want me to be, in Jesus name I pray, amen. 

REALITY CHECK TIME !!!

Okay it's reality check time, search your feelings.  No, I mean really send some time honestly searching your feelings.  I'm not talking about "I feel good" feelings, I'm talking about the feelings we try not to think about.  The feelings we try to bury deep down in our heart.  You know those feelings that make us uncomfortable.  Those feelings that make us squirm in our seats.  Those feeling we do not want to admit we have.  Those feelings we tend to lie about.  Those feelings we do not want to deal with, let alone admit.  You know what I'm talking about.  When I mention the word, right away you will deny it.  "Oh no!  Not me!  That is not a word in my vocabulary."  Wanna bet?

HATE!  That nasty four letter word that causes so much turmoil, so much stress, so much sadness, so much violence and so much disease and death.  This nasty four letter word has destroyed families and friendships for many years.  This nasty four letter word has ruined lives and changed the course of history.  This nasty four letter word we tend to use so easy to describe how we feel about food we don't like, we use it to describe our jobs, we use it to describe the condition of this world.  Let's be honest, we use this word without even stopping to think.  

Our children have yelled it at us when we discipline them.  People yell this at us when they can't have their way.  We use this word in anger, yet when we are questioned about it, we deny it.  "That's not really what I meant, I was just angry."    Really?  I don't think so.  I have heard people who profess to believe in God, utter words of hate.  They sit in church every Sunday and while listening to a message about love, they think about their ex son-in-law who is happy with his new wife.  Even though their daughter is the one who left him, they hate him for being happy when their daughter is now miserable.  I know others who profess to believe in God yet hate their former boss for getting fired because they got caught stealing from the company.  

Deny it all you want, make as many excuses as you like, but the truth about our words, come directly from our heart.  If we say the word "hate" than that is what our heart feels.  Our words echo what our heart feels.   Jesus Himself, said this very thing.

Matthew 15:18  But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

As believers, we are held to a higher standard.  If we truly have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, than the word hate, should not flow from our lips.  And if it does, we should not deny it, by admit it and deal with our heart issues. Confessing our hatred and asking God to forgive us, then asking God to remove this feeling of hate, is the only way I know how to get rid of it. 

1 John 2:9-11  Anyone who claims to live in God's light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark.  It's the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God's light and doesn't block the light from others.   But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn't know which end is up, blinded by the darkness. 

To be honest, one version of the Bible calls us liars if we claim to live in God's light yet hates a brother or sister.  A liar, really?  Yes really!  We cannot walk around saying we believe and still have hatred in our hearts.  It makes a mockery of Jesus.  Look at Jesus when He was dying on the cross.  he had every right to hate those who crucified Him, yet He didn't.  In fact He asked God to forgive them.  Oh if we could learn to be like Jesus.  As believers that is what we are supposed to be trying to do.  So today, take time to do a reality check of your heart.  See if there is any once of hatred in there.  If there is, deal with it, pray about it, confess it and release it.  

Lord, I want to live in your light.  I want your light to shine through me in this dark world.  Free me from the hatred that lingers in my heart and heal the wounds that caused this feeling to fester.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.   

COME AND REST A WHILE

Matthew 11:28 (The Message) "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 

As I walk along the shoreline, I see a park bench with a note that reads "come and rest a while."  It appears strange to see a note like that on a park bench.  It has to be a trick.  Surely there is someone waiting around in the bushes to do my harm.  Someone's up to something and my mind fills with thoughts of doubt and fear.  Never before I ever seen a note like this before.  While it's intriguing, it is also frightening.  Instead of sitting,  I continue on down the beach.  Sunset is fast approaching so I want to see it from a good vantage point (you know how I love sunsets).

Around the bend I notice another park bench with the same note.  What is going on here?  There are people all over this beach, am I the only one who sees this sign?  Why is no one else sitting on these benches?  I know, where's the camera?  Am I on Candid Camera or am I being punked?  I look around, I see nothing.  No one seems to notice these strange signs, but I remain very suspicious so I continue on.  

A few hundred feet ahead of me I see another park bench.  This bench has the perfect vantage point.  I can see the sunset perfectly and I looks like it will be breathtaking, but I notice an older gentleman sitting there.  He notices me and calls me over.  "There is enough room for both of us on this bench, come on over.  I don't bite, promise."  

As I wander over to the bench, I look around to see if there is a sign like the last 2 benches had.  Nothing.  The gentleman asks me, "what are you looking for?"  I told him about the signs on the other 2 benches.  I told him about how those signs caused me to be fearful and full of doubt.  

"Why would someone put a sign on those benches unless they were trying to get something from me?  It was just very strange and set an alarm off in my mind, but I don't see a sign here, just you.  So I think I will sit down if that's okay with you?"  I said.

"You know I've been trying to get your attention for this entire walk.  I placed those signs on those benches, hoping you would come and rest for a while with me." the gentleman said.

"But I didn't see you, only the signs.  And besides, who are you?  Why would you want me to come and rest a while with you?  What do you want from me?" I began to grow concerned and was ready to flee the scene, but then something caught me eye.  His hands had enormous scars on them and his feet also had scars.  My mind began to race with explanations and my mouth became dry.  I couldn't speak, I couldn't move, I just stood there staring at his hands and feet.  

"My dear, you have been struggling for so long.  I have heard your cries and I have seen your tears.  I know how much pain you are in.  I am here to tell you to let go.  Stop trying to be so brave.  Stop trying to handle this all alone.  I am here for you.  I have been trying to get your attention, but fear and doubt kept you from me.  Look at my hands and my feet.  Do you think I would ever let you go through this alone?  I died for you.  I was tortured for you.  You are not alone.  I am with you always, even during the struggles.  Now, will you let go and let me handle your struggles?"

With tears running down my face, I fall down at His feet and cry like I have never cried before.  Every tear, every twinge of pain, every bit of stress left as I raised my hands and said, "Here I am Lord,  take me as I am.  Take my struggles, take my pain, take my fears.  I give up!  I surrender to myself to you."  

With that I felt a kiss on my head and heard, "I love you!"  I stood up and He was gone.  I looked out at the sunset and saw the most glorious, breathtaking sunset I had ever seen and I knew I had just been in the presence of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  

  My friends, Jesus has been trying to get your attention for a long time.  Please take a moment and "come and rest a while" in His presence.

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I come today to sit in your presence and bask in the glory of your love.  Fill me with your love and your peace.  Take my burdens, take my stress and replace them with the joy and peace you died to give me in Jesus name I pray, amen.

WHAT YOU SAY IS WHAT YOU ARE !!!

Oh how I remember that saying.  When I was teased as a kid, this sayong brought me much comfort and a sort of "take that" saying that made me feel better about myself.   It gave me a sense of power that I could stand up against a bully and sort of put them in their place.  At the time I thought it was just a simple saying, but later on I realized this quirky little saying was oh so true.  I don't think people understand how true this saying is, even now days.

"What you say is what you are!"  So what are your words saying about you?  As you sit at a table finger pointing and gossiping about someone else, to me that says you are very insecure and need to tear someone else down in order to feel better about you really are.  As you sit there and whisper lies about someone else, it tells me that you have no real confidence in yourself.  As you sit there and call someone else derogatory names, I realize you a miserable human being who probably literally hates herself (or himself).  

People who are unhappy with themselves are usually the worse offenders.  In order to make themselves appear popular, they mock others, they tease or torment others, they point fingers and whisper half truths.  People who are unhappy with themselves are often bullies.   Some people think people who are unhappy with themselves are depressed.  I beg to differ.  People who are depressed have often been the victim of the bullies.  Words hurt!  Words can destroy peoples lives!  Words can kill!  

 I am sorry if some of these statements hurt.  But if what we say is what we are, what are your words saying about you?   Are you building people up or tearing them down?  Are you loving people are hurting people?  Our words have consequences.  For way too long we have thought differently and allowed our words to come out of our mouth without a second thought.  We speak our minds and don't care who it hurts.  The reality is it really hurts no one but us.

Matthew 12:36-37  "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

OUCH!!!!  That one hurts.  You know I read the Bible a couple times and I totally missed this verse.  passed right by it without even thinking.  "Life and death are in the power of the tongue"  is another verse that sings out the truth of our words, but this verse hit me right between the eyes.  

Words spoken in anger, words spoken in haste, words spoken in frustration, words spoken in hatred, words spoken carelessly have an effect on others lives but also our own lives.  If I had to eat every word I ever spoke, it wouldn't taste very good, in fact to be honest some of my words would be poison.   Oh sure most would be sweet but some of the words I have spoken in haste without thinking of the consequences would just leave an awful taste in my mouth.  

What you say is what you are, think about that next time you go to open your mouth in anger or frustration.  What are your words saying about you?  Look in the mirror and see the truth.  Then change your words and they will change your life.  I will do the same!  

Lord, forgive me for the words I have spoken in anger or haste.  Forgive me for the words that have hurt others.  Help me use my words to speak life and your love to everyone I speak with in Jesus name I pray, amen!

WHO ARE WE TRYING TO FOOL?

1 John 1:8-9  If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.  But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 

Now let's get real here.  How many of us have thought so highly of ourselves to think we have not sinned?  Okay how many of us have thought so highly of ourselves to think we have not sinned for at least today?  Come on now be honest.  

I can actually remember as a kid ( I was in forth grade) going into the confessional booth and running through my memories to make a list of the sins I may have committed.  Then I would try to remember the 10 Commandments.  "Let's see I treated God okay, I didn't bow down to any golden idols (at least I didn't think I did).  I went to church Sunday (does Saturday night count?),  I don't remember using God's name in vain (not that I would ever admit I did).  I kissed my mom and dad good night (that's honoring them right?).   I know I didn't kill anyone, except that stupid mosquito.  What's adultery anyway?  Whatever it is I don't think I did it.  I know I didn't steal anything.  Lie? Well do those little white lies count?  You know the ones where you tell someone they look nice when I don't think they do?  Na, I don't think those count.  I don't covet anything and besides why would I want some guys wife or his servants?  Who has servants anyway?"  

At 10 years of age, I felt like I had not committed any sin worthy of going to sit in front of a priest and confess how naughty I was.   It seemed absurd to randomly read off the list in my brain of all the wrongs I had done.  I had no idea that hate was as good as murder.  I had no idea gossip was just as bad as lying.   I had no idea that getting angry was wrong.  As a kid I felt I was pretty good and in no need of confessing anything.

How many of us adults still live this way?  I know people who claim to believe in Jesus Christ yet they lie and cheat and steal.  I know people who go to church every Sunday yet use God's name in vain.  We all know people like this and worse.  They claim they said the prayer of salvation, yet they do not change their ways.  They blame someone else for they way they act, they blame God for what they do, they point their finger at everyone else, all the while they have 4 fingers pointing back at them.

Let's decide to get honest and shine a light on the sins we have all committed.  If you cheated on your spouse, don't blame your spouse!  Admit you sinned, take responsibility and confess it.  If you hate someone, even if you feel you have a legitimate reason, admit it!  Confess it!   If you have gossiped and fabricated stories about someone else, because of your jealousy, admit it!  Confess it!    If you have disobeyed you parents and told them where to go, admit it!  Confess it!  

Listen we are all human and we all sin!  There is no perfect person in this world, we all fall short and we all sin!  If you think you are perfect, you are fooling yourself!  Admit it, repeat after me "I AM A SINNER!"  I don't make mistakes, I don't goof up, I'm not a screw up.  I am a sinner in need of a Savior!

Let go of your pride and your ego!  Admit the truth about who you are. Take a good long look in the mirror and get real!  Stop taking a survey of everyone else's sins and concentrate on yours.  To be honest, God already knows our sins, He really doesn't need to hear them, He's watched you, He's heard you and He's read your mind.  So get over yourself.  He wants to hear us confess our sins so that we can deal with the reality of our sins and change our ways.  He's already forgiven us, but we need to confess the truth so we learn.   He knows it's hard for us to be honest with ourselves about who we really are, so this confession helps us heal and forgive ourselves.  

Let God shine a light on our sins, so that we can learn and grow and change into the image of God.  

Lord, forgive me for the pride and selfishness that hides my sins from myself.  Forgive me for letting my ego take over and not you.  Help me to learn and grow and change so that day by day I become more like you and less like me.  In Jesus name I pray, amen!

MOTHERS

Proverbs 23:25  May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! 

As I sit here contemplating this blog today I think back to a few months ago when I spent 6 weeks with my mom, living in her home and sharing memories with her.  At 84 years of age, my mom still gets around pretty good.   She drives, she cooks and cleans, she goes to church every Sunday, she has a variety of friends out in Arizona that she does things with and she loves to watch old movies and reruns of Lawrence Welk.  When I was growing up, I always looked up to my mom.  Literally and figuratively.  She was a devoted wife to my dad and took care of him until the day he died 11 years ago.  She sacrificed, scrimped and saved to give us kids a private school education.  When my dad got laid off, she went out and got a job to support the family.  When my dad wanted to move out to Arizona, she was right there beside him.  

My mom wasn't perfect, no mom is.  But it's because of her that I have the strong faith I have.  I saw her go through so many storms and trials in life, yet she never gave up on God.  I saw her cry pools of tears when my brother ran away from home, yet she never gave up on God.  I saw her raise 3 children who challenged her (especially me), yet she never gave up on God.  I saw her get on her knees and pray every night.  I don't think she knows that I used to watch her pray. Every Sunday we would get dressed up in our Sunday best and head off to church.  Her faith inspired me.  Her devoted love to my dad taught me.  Her love warms my heart.

As I sit here now in my own home, I pray I have been half the mom my mother has been.  I never thought I wanted to be a mom after watching my sister with her 2 children (sorry Tonya and Shane).  But being a mom to 4 of the greatest children in the world (yes I am prejudice) has been the greatest blessing to me.  Holding my babies in my arms for the first time made me feel a love I never thought possible.  Watching them grow into adults has been an amazing journey that has brought me many tears of joy. 

The skinned knees, the broken bones, the stitches, the bruises, the tears, the wrecked cars, the broken hearts all led to the amazing people my children are today.   Through bats and balls, trumpets and marching band I have watched God mold my children into wonderful human beings.  My children have made my life complete.   Their love for each other, their respect for each other, their bond will never be broken.  My children are a part of me figuratively and they are a part of each other.  When we are all together, our family is complete and so is my heart. 

I am not a perfect mom.  I screwed up many times and made numerous mistakes.  I did the best I could with the knowledge I had.  I've apologize when needed and I forgave when needed.  I've mended broken hearts and broken bodies.  I pray that I have given my children the gift of eternity.  That to me is the greatest gift I can give my children, Jesus Christ.  Because without His love and guidance I wouldn't have been the parent I have been.  Being a mother is not an easy job, but with Jesus Christ by my side, the load is lighter.  

Lord, thank you so much for the gift of my mother.  Thank you for all her hard work and her love for you.  Please continue to work in me to be the best mom I can be to my children.  In Jesus name I pray, amen!   

HOW DOES A MOTHER SAY GOODBYE TO HER CHILD?

I know this is late today but I had to run to the office this morning to greet a dear friend of ours who buried her daughter while we were gone.  I know you will understand why God had me wait to do this.  You see about a week ago I read something by Lysa Terkeurst titled "Unsettle me Lord".  This small devotion inspired me to pray, "Unsettle me Lord."  Be careful what you pray for!  But to be honest I am so glad I did pray that simple prayer because I have been unsettled.  Let me explain.  

Today like I said, I was finally able to get together with Sharon.  Sharon is the mother of Stefanie.  Stefanie was born with spina bifida.  She could never walk or run, she never danced or walked on a sandy beach.  She could never do the typical things kids did.  When she was born, doctors gave her a year, but they never told Sharon that, and that;s a great thing because Stefanie lived to be 32 years old.  

This young lady, although physically handicapped, graduated from high school with her friends.  That's right Stefanie went to a normal public school and had tons and tons of friends.  You may ask how she had so many friends?  She was always happy.  She always had a smile on her face and her eyes twinkled with love for everyone.  She said "hi" to everyone she met and she laughed with a laugh that was contagious.  Because of her physical problems, she needed therapy so her and her mom started hand making some of the most beautiful 3D cards I have ever seen.  Stefanie would color and design the cards and she sold them.  

Around holidays and special occasions Stefanie and her mom would come into the office to sell their cards.  Her bubbly personality brightened everyone's day.  Now mind you this young lady had more surgeries in her lifetime than any of us could ever imagine in our worst nightmare.  Her parents dealt with so many medical procedures and trips to the doctor and hospitals.  Through all of this Stefanie was joyful.  She even helped her mother get through her own medical crisis.  \To say Stefanie inspired me, would be an underestimation.  This young lady was amazing and priceless.  

Sharon was by Stefanie's side most of her life.  She did so much with Stefanie and she did so much for Stefanie, so how does a mother say goodbye to her child?  I don't know!  My heart just breaks in two when I even think of the thought of losing one of my children.  Sharon is still mourning her child, but she has also celebrated Stefanie's life.  Her funeral wasn't a normal funeral, it was a celebration.  Stefanie loved Jesus Christ.  Stefanie talked with God on a regular basis.  Stefanie loved Christian music.  Stefanie loved \life. Psalm 91 was Stefanie's favorite Bible reading.  She read it with her parents every night before they prayed together.  

Psalm 91:1  Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 

Sharon had the privilege of raising one of God's angels, her on earth.  Stefanie was a gift from God.  Sharon lived with this precious gift for 32 years and for 32 years she has stored so many treasures and memories of this angel.   What a blessing Stefanie has been to so very many people.  The register at the funeral home listed over 900 people.  Her funeral service was filled to overflow.  The pastor encouraged people to come up and say a few words about Stefanie.  Finally the pastor had to stop because it soon became a 2 hour service.  Wow!  This young lady who lived her life in a wheelchair, touched so many lives with her love for Jesus Christ.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, when Stefanie got to heaven, God said "Well done Stefanie!"

 While Sharon is sad because she misses her side kick, she is also rejoicing because now Stefanie is running the beaches of heaven with Jesus.  She is dancing and walking and praising Jesus without having any more physical limitations.  Stefanie is now healed.   

If Sharon could say one thing to all parents out there right now she would say "Don't take your children for granted.  Take each and every moment you can with them and hug them tight.  Tell them how much you love them and then tell them about the love of their Savior, Jesus Christ."

Lord, help us parents refuse to waste one moment of time with our children.  Give us patience and peace is dealing with them.  Thank you for allowing Stefanie to be an example of you on this earth.  In Jesus name I pray, amen!

WHAT YOU SAY IS WHAT YOU ARE, OR IS IT?

What are you saying about yourself?  What are your words saying about you?

 What are you actions saying about you?  Are your words full of gossip and blame?  Are your actions full of anger and rage?  Are your words hurtful?  Are you actions painful?  Are your words and actions full of pride and selfishness?   Do you see the good in people or just the bad?  Are you willing to be a servant or would you rather be served?

In today's society there seems to be an "it's all about me" attitude.  If our spouse is not making us happy, we find someone new.  If our children don't behave we think they ought to we either beat them or we ignore the behavior just hoping it will go away.  If someone cuts us off in traffic, we make hand gestures and  shout profanities.  If someone dare question our beliefs or our attitudes, we bite back.  If someone tries to correct us, we become bitter angry fools.  

We want to be waited on, we want to be catered to, we want to be the center of attention.  We want to be noticed, we want to be heard, we want and want and want and want.  Now if I'm being honest, I love being pampered.  I love my pedicures and getting my nails done.  I love getting my hair done and being waited on.  But what does that say about me?  Would I be willing to be a servant?  Other people's driving does drive me crazy at times, mind you I never make hand gestures or shout profanities, but I get upset.  What does that say about me?   To be honest I would rather blame someone else for my problems instead of looking into my own heart.  If I look at my own faults and eliminate the blame and be honest, than I can learn to change.  

1 John 2:6 (The Message) Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived. 

or

 1 John 2:6 (ESV) whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 

Yes, this verse can hurt!  No matter what version of the Bible you use, this verse is equally haunting to a true believer.   The key here is are you a true believer?   When you said the salvation prayer, did that prayer invade your heart and your life?   Listen I am not perfect by any means (just ask Jerry).  I still can be very selfish and prideful, but each day I think I am becoming a little more like Jesus (at least I hope so).  I am striving to be like Him, I am doing what I can to be more like Him.  

Before I accepted Jesus Christ almost 8 years ago,  I would watch all the crime shows, I would read books where one woman was sleeping with 2 guys at the same time, I was watch the soaps and drama and basically filling my mind with garbage.  I truthfully didn't think saying a prayer would change me, but it did.   Gradually I began to change what I watched on TV, what books I read and what music I was listening to.  Basically I removed all the junk that cluttered my mind and I began to fill my mind with God's word and books that taught me how to change to be more like Jesus.

As a believer we should be choosing to imitate Christ as much as possible, because to be honest, we may be the only Jesus someone sees.  If we are wearing a Jesus pin and have a Jesus bumper sticker on our car and continue behaving the way we behave, why would someone want what we think we have, but obviously don't?  I know, ouch!  Trust me that hurts me worse than it hurts you.  

Being more like Jesus is the one goal in life I will continually work at and never give up on.  I want to have a more intimate relationship with God and if it takes me being more of a servant, like Jesus, than that is what I will work on.  How about you? 

Lord help me!!!!  I want to be more like you and less like me.  Rid me of the selfishness and pride that keeps me distant from you.  Remove the blinders that hide the truth of who I am.  Reveal to me your truth and your way.  Help me to walk the way you walked, in Jesus name I pray, amen! 

THIS IS A TEST! THIS IS ONLY A TEST!

James 1:2-3  Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.   You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 

At first this glance these verses have a tendency to frustrate some people, yes I am including me on this one.  As I glare at the verses with an attitude of "Are you kidding me?  You really expect me to consider it a gift when I am tested?"   Let me be quite honest here, I hate tests!  In school when I knew there was going to be a test, my heart would start racing, my blood pressure would rise, my mind would fill with memories of what I learned in class and I would panic.   Why?  I had studied, I had prepared for it so why did I feel this way?  Well I wanted to pass the test.  Simple as that.  I wanted my parents to be proud of me, I wanted to prove to the teacher that I was smart, I wanted to prove to myself that I was smart.  Unfortunately I didn't always do well with tests.  

In life we have tests and trials and storms and challenges that seem to bombard us.  It seems like every corner we turn there is another hurdle to jump over.  These tests can overwhelm us and cause us to question God?  "Listen God I know you said you would not give me more than I can handle, but I think you have overestimated my strength."   "Listen God this isn't funny.  Why are you doing this to me?"  "Who do you think I am?"  "What are you thinking?"  Oh I could go on and on with statements that we tend to scream out to God when we are going through a test.  It just doesn't seem fair for God to allow us believers to endure any testing.

First of all God isn't the one testing us, Satan is.  God allows these tests to see how strong our faith is.  Just like Job, Satan wants to test us.  He wants to see how much we can handle and if we will give up and curse God during the tests.  Job's wife told him to "curse God and die" (Job 2:9).  But Job didn't.  he endured much more than we ever will, yet he remained faithful.  Israel faced many tests in the desert and ended up wandering around in the desert for 40 years (it was an 11 day journey).  Some of the Israelites never made it to the promised land because they lost faith in God.  

Think about this the next time a test comes your way, God thinks so highly of you and your faith that He has the confidence that no matter what Satan throws at you, you will remain faithful.  The scary thing about tests is the teacher is always silent during a test.  God is silent sometimes during our tests.  He wants to see what we're made of.  He wants to know if what is say we believe, is really real.  

Ah yes, our true colors do show when we are going through a test.  Our faith is forced out in the open for all to see and hear.  Tests come in a variety of sizes and a variety of intensities.  For example we may endure a simple test of being patient in the checkout lane at the supermarket.  We may be tested when going through rush hour traffic when we are already late for work.  Or we may be tested in ways we don't even want to think about.  The thing about tests is that we will keep taking the same test over and over and over and over again until we pass it.  

"Consider it a sheer gift" this seems hard to understand but I have found through my own tests that when I try to stay positive and focus on the promises of God, the test can be much shorter and less intense.   I figure it this way;  God knows me better than I know myself.  If I allow Him to handle this test and I don't stress out, He will work it all out for my good.  God has a plan for my life.  It is for good and not disaster.  To give me a hope and a future. I must trust Him during a test and remain faithful.  I must have confidence in Him alone.   And even though He may be silent in my test, I can turn to His word which will keep me strong.

I have been through tests and though they are not easy, I always end up learning a lot about myself and my God.

Lord, thank you for the tests that have grown my faith in you.  Thank you for allowing your word to minister to me when you are silent.  I trust in you!  I rely on you!  My confidence lies in you!  Help my faith continue to grow, in Jesus name I pray, amen!