Tag: christianity

Everyday Wear

I was able to get away by myself for a few days recently. I tell people it is my Jesus and me retreat.

After I unplugged mentally from work, I relaxed, hung out by the pool, and walked. I watched numerous sermons and listened to spiritually sound women on podcasts.

I worked some on the new business, slept when I needed to and prayed. It was a wonderful time. I literally and mentally was on top of a mountain.

My first morning at home though, the black dog of depression was waiting for me to open my eyes and just pounced.

Little things were irritable. I hated having to do everything. People annoyed me. Even Xena, the wonder dog, was not out of range for my hatefulness.

I knew what to do. I should put on worship music and pray. I should tell myself that I am the righteousness of Christ. I should tell the enemy that he has no right to my mind or my body.

But instead, I watched evil scenes on the television. I played mindless games on the iPad. I ate way too many potato chips. I wasted my time and put things into my mind and body that fed the depression and gloom. The darkness increased.

In Ephesians 6, Paul tells the church to put on all of the armor of God. Then we will be able to stand firm against all the schemes of the enemy. This increases the light.

The armor of God is everyday wear. It’s not something we take out when we go to another country on a missions trip. It’s not something saved to wear when a friend asks her community to pray for her wayward child.

No, it’s to be worn every day.

If you are trying to do every day by yourself or in your own strength, put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then grab that sword of the Spirit and stand firm.

First Question

First child. First date. First car. First love. First job. First home.

You can probably remember a lot of firsts in your life. I even remember my first car payment – $260.

The first recorded question in the Bible was from the shrewd serpent. “Did God really say….?”

And since the beginning of my relationship with God, I have been asking the same thing.

Did God really tell me to say that?

Did God really tell me to go down this aisle at the store instead of that one?

Did God really tell me to talk with that person?

Did God really tell me to give that person what is in my wallet?

Did God really tell me to step down from that ministry?

Did God really tell me to leave my job and start my own business?

Did God really tell me to leave my business and start another?

The more you spend time with someone, the more you come to know them. You know their character, their style, their words, their voice.

The more I spend time with God, reading His Word and praying, the more I recognize Him in my day to day life. The more I will know His voice.

The more I look for Him, the more I will see Him. He promises to be found. He promises that He can be heard.

But still the enemy gets in my head and asks (or prompts me to ask), “Did God really say…?”

I want to trust and obey the first time. I want to stand firm. I want to walk in confidence. I long to say, “I know that I know that I know….”

My pondering and over thinking leads me to one simple fact.

I need God. Every moment of every day.

The more I call out to Him – about everything – the more I hear from Him. Oh, Lord. How I need You. This is something that I know that I know that I know.

Thank you, Father.

Treasure Restored

I have always wanted diamond stud earrings.

I don’t remember if someone I knew had them or I had seen them in a magazine or a store. But I knew that was on my wish list.

At one time, I worked for a very generous law firm. When a big case was won, everyone shared in the bonus – whether they worked on the case or not. From partners, other attorneys, support staff to the runners, we all shared. It was amazing!

After one of these bonuses, I was determined to get those earrings. But, when I actually started looking at them, the cost to me was so high! I couldn’t justify the expense. Cubic zirconia became my substitute.

After Tim and I married, he discovered this desire of mine. After he received a bonus, he bought my first pair. They were lovely and tiny. I adored them.

After a few years, Tim blessed me again with another pair. These had a little drop down that sparkled when I turned my head. I felt very glamorous.

I was purging one weekend. I was consolidating, throwing away and giving away. Sometimes I think socks and t-shirts spawn like rabbits. A thorough cleansing always feels good.

I had two separate boxes for the earrings and they were easily consolidated into one. One less box to keep.

I tossed the wrong box. I didn’t double check it before throwing it into the trash. I was so heartbroken. Tim and I both try to hold our things with open hands. I didn’t lament for long. But still, I missed the earrings.

Fast forward a few more years and Tim gifted me again with diamond stud earrings. Still tiny. Still so very lovely.

I was wearing them the other day and told him how much I appreciated him replacing my treasure.

We both thought of how God does the same thing.

When we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old is gone and the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When something has been lost, run over or mutilated, the Lord restores what the locust have eaten. (Joel 2:25)

God’s Word also says that we are His special treasure! Can you imagine?

You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure. (Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT)

The Creator of the universe has declared me His own special treasure. My Savior gave His life because He found me to be precious. Not because of anything I have done but, because of His love for me.

So very thankful.

Summer Blast

You might be thinking a summer party that was a hit. Or a blast of heat. (I am continually thankful that I was born in the 20th century with indoor plumbing and air conditioning.)

I am actually referring to three fun filled days at our church. The days are structured and chaotic. They are loud and worshipful.

Our church campus had 586 children registered for this event. Some attend regularly and others had never set foot on the property.

I spoke with the kids. Some had attended before and were looking forward to the snacks and confetti. Others had never been there and were just looking for friends.

I spoke with parents. They reminded me that it was a big deal to leave their kids with people they do not know. Thank you for trusting us with your children!

During these three days, the children were taught the gospel. Three points to remember. Three important beliefs.

I believe God the Father created me.

I believe Jesus the Son saves me.

I believe the Holy Spirit empowers me.

Oh, to believe these three truths at a young age! To walk in the confidence and the freedom that they bring! To engage in conversations with others your own age about these truths! It’s so amazing to watch.

Tim and I saw our grandson engaged in worship- raising his hands in praise. He knows these truths. He wants to lead at Summer Blast next year.

So very grateful for a church that believes in the youth. Grateful that they don’t just want to entertain them. They want them to know the truth about who God is and who they are. And they are teaching them that they can talk about it with their friends and family.

It was exhausting and hot and loud and frenzied. But definitely worth every second.

Awareness

Our church is one that prays. We gather every Saturday for a prayer service.

On Sundays, people will write prayer requests and we will pray over them during the prayer service. It’s a beautiful time to remember that everyone is going through something. People who are hurting or who are in need of healing. We have prayer requests from members, prisoners and the kids.

The ones from kids are always interesting to read. Some are wanting to do better in school or are praying for their pets. Others are thankful that they have a home, air and that they got out of school for the snow. One girl wanted courage to eat her vegetables.

But then you read one and it just immediately causes your eyes to leak.

It read, “I just want my parents to be happy.”

The child didn’t explain the situation – had someone died? Is someone ill? Did a friend hurt them with their words?

But perhaps the parents love for each other has died. Perhaps their marriage is ill. Perhaps they are hurting each other with their words – and indirectly, their child.

I think I knew my parents were mad at each other one time throughout their marriage. I am sure they were mad at many times but there was only one time when I was aware. I never went to sleep wondering if my parents loved each other.

Children are perceptible. They pick up on words, your tone and the tension.

I certainly was not a perfect parent. No one is. But I definitely want my words to speak life over my kids and grands. I want there to be no mistake that I love them – not because of what they did or didn’t do – but because of who they are. I want them to know that I want the best for them and that I pray that God will continue to reveal himself to them. I want them to know that they can talk with me and I’ll listen.

I also want them to know that I love their father and I will always choose to love them too.

Love, Thumbs and Oranges

I recently had some minor hand surgery. The bandage was less obtrusive than the one for my carpal tunnel. I had the use of four fingers but my thumb was completely wrapped.

It’s amazing how many ways you use your thumb.

Opening jars, squeezing the toothpaste tube, zipping anything, and opening the plastic storage bags.

I did as much as I could and would make adjustments as you learn to do. My mom kept asking if I needed help and what she could do for me. I kept her at bay and tried to do everything myself. (Wait…am I stubborn?)

I managed pretty well but, the one thing I just could not do was peel an orange.

My first and only attempt was a complete failure. I couldn’t use the knife properly and then I couldn’t remove the peel and just made things mushy and sticky.

Mom to the rescue. She even put it on a plate for me. Every piece was separated and whole. It was the sweetest orange ever.

I thought about this day in respect to my conversations with the Lord. He is there, waiting to help. I picture Him standing there waiting for me to ask.

But I ignore His presence and ‘power through’. I can handle that relationship, the money problems, the work issues by myself.

And sometimes I do. Until everything becomes ‘mushy and sticky’. Then I cry out in desperation. Help, Lord! Please!

What if I asked Him first? What if I prayed first? Not only in the big things but the little things too. He cares about them all.

Lord, help me with this conversation. Show me how to love people. Reveal truth and help me walk in the confidence of knowing that You are always with me. Give me words to share with others.

He always answers. It’s not always the way I think He will or in the time frame I think He should. But, He’s God and I am not. He is for me. I can trust in Him.

And so can you.

Easy vs. Important

I believe that either the entire Bible is true, or it is completely false. So, if we start on the premise that the Bible is true, let’s look at somethings we know are true.

  • God is the creator of all things. God is for us. God has a plan for our lives. God wants our lives to be abundant in every way.
  • We have an enemy who has three moves – steal, kill and destroy. His sole purpose is to keep people from becoming Christians. Once you’ve surrendered your life to Christ, you pronounce Him Lord. After this, the enemy can only keep you in darkness. He may try to douse your light and make you less effective for the kingdom. He can’t steal your salvation but he can steal your witness or your influence.
  • Christ lives in us. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us. He helps us in all areas of our life.

Think on these statements. One or two might be applicable in your life.

It’s easy to go to church and be seen. It’s harder to serve and to take the church outside the building.

It’s easy to have a 3 minute devo that you push play for. It’s harder to study the Word and learn yourself what it means.

It’s easy to work and to do your job. It’s harder to learn something new. It can be challenging to believe that perhaps the Holy Spirit is leading you in a new direction.

It’s easy to say, “Sure – I’m doing well.” It’s harder to say, I’m hurting, struggling or are sick. It’s harder to let people in.

It’s easy to scroll social media or to watch TV. It’s harder to spend time having important conversations or being with others who need you.

It’s easy to say, “Hey!” and keep on walking. It’s harder to stop and look into the person’s eyes and ask the real questions.

It’s easy to eat the carbs and sugar. It’s harder to have a meal plan and to stick to it.

It’s easy to be in a rut. You might call it a groove or the zone. It’s simple to just do the same thing day after day. It’s harder to sit in silence, to take account of your life, to inquire the Lord’s direction.

It’s easy to say – I’ll do that tomorrow. It’s harder to eat the frog today.

Some important questions to ask yourself may be – how am I spending my time? Who is first in my life? What/who am I neglecting? Am I growing? Where am I stagnate?

I am thankful that we can always ask Jesus. We can repent and surrender our lives (mind, body and spirit) to Him again. And then by all means – ask Him what He wants us to do. Where does He want us to direct our focus? Where does He want us to change? Trust that He is for you and He is with you.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

For I am about to do something new.
    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
    I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

21,335

Did you know you can find anything on the internet? It still fascinates me when I wonder about something and start researching it. I save a lot of time if I just start typing my question into the search bar.

21,335 is the number of days I have been alive.

Sometimes, it doesn’t seem like much.

There are other times when I am acutely aware of how long some of those days are.

In Psalm 39:5 David writes, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
    Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.”

The Lord has been constantly reminding me to use the time I have been given wisely.

I’m better at this some days more than others.

I had plenty of time to write yesterday. I had finished work and knew what I was going to make for supper. I had walked with Xena, the wonder dog. The time was available to me.

But I didn’t use it wisely. I thought I would have plenty of time this morning to write.

But then I had a rough night. Xena needed to go outside several times. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t get comfortable.

And then I did sleep after Tim left. I was so grateful. But now I’m ‘behind’ on what I thought I would be doing today.

Again, another reminder that I don’t know what the day holds, but I know Who holds the day.

I don’t know how many days I have left in this world. I know I have eternity with Jesus.

But, I have things to do now. Things God has asked me to do and given me time to do it. I need to stop trying to figure out how. I should just move forward and trust that He has already figured it out for me. I can rest knowing that God is for me. He will equip me to do what He has asked me to do.

I need to trust. I need to remind myself over and over and over again.

Use the time I have been given wisely.

Treasured Possession

When I lived in Florida, a tremendous thunderstorm rolled through one afternoon. I don’t remember a lot of rain. But there was a lot of lightning.

My parents were visiting for the weekend and mom and I were out shopping. The storm was getting worse so we decided to head home.

When we arrived, my dad was walking out of the house with his and mom’s clothes. He said lightning had struck the house and there was a fire.

Mom and I walked into the house. I didn’t see any flames but there was a lot of smoke. The fire was in the roof.

I told mom to get out and I would grab Spaz the cat. I found the cat carrier and the cat and then just stood there for a moment.

I was trying to figure out what else to grab. I couldn’t think of anything. The fireman arrived and strongly suggested that I leave.

While I watched the battle of fire and water, my mind thought of other things that were inside. There were precious letters from someone who was no longer living in this world. Photographs and yearbooks that showed the story of my childhood. These things were lost for good.

We all have treasured possessions. They are people and things that cannot be replaced. These are people and things we hold close to our hearts. We want to protect and love them as best as we can. We could live without them but, we do not want to.

Deuteronomy 7:6 says, “For you (Israel) are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”

The people of Israel were God’s chosen people. They were set apart (holy) from all of the other people on the earth. They were His treasured possession.

Believers, having been adopted into this family, we too are His treasured possessions. He protects and loves us. We are prized and cherished and are precious to Him. Jesus died for you. You are worthy because God says you are worthy.

1 Peter 2:9 reminds us again that we are chosen and holy, a people for His own possession.

He chose us and made a way for us to live with Him forever.

Friend, remember today and every day that you are seen, known, and dearly loved.