In His Grip...

Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be registered, each to his own town.   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,  to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.   And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.   And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.   And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

When I was a child, I used to lay on my stomach on the floor in front of our Christmas tree, my chin resting on my hands.  I would lay there just gazing at our little nativity scene that my mother always placed in the front…with gifts piled beside and behind it.  I would look at each tiny figure and imagine what was happening there, the day Jesus was born – what each person was thinking, feeling, or saying.  I wondered what it was like to be spoken to by an angel. 

Now, as a mother, I wonder what thoughts might have gone through Mary’s mind as she held her precious firstborn son.  The one promised by an angel’s visit, conceived in a miraculous moment, carried all those months and finally born in humble surroundings with her husband-to- be as her birth attendant.  When I held my first son, I remember feeling so awed by his tiny features, his soft skin, his fine hair and minuscule fingernails.  I am sure Mary felt much the same when she looked at Jesus…and yet, knowing how he came to be her child…could she have even imagined what He would become to the world?

A tiny little fist grasps onto her finger...four miniature fingers and a thumb wrapping round with a tight grip...holding on.  That hand will grow in size, in strength, in power, in might...as the One who came as a babe shares the love, joy, peace and hope of his Father in heaven.  We know only bits and pieces of Jesus’ childhood, but we can imagine that Mary went through many of the same worries, struggles and fears as many parents go through now.  Yet, I have always hoped she had an extra measure of strength and grace given to her by God over the years.  I imagine she never forgot the feeling of that tiny hand holding on to hers.

 
That hand now holds you in a grip of grace that imparts strength and peace, as well.  When worries come, when illness strikes, when bodies fail us, when circumstances are overwhelming and we feel we can’t hold on any longer….we need only remember that the hand of Jesus is always holding onto us.  We are ever in his grip.  (Isaiah 41:13) “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”   

Merry Christmas to you.  May the greatest gift you unwrap this season be the one that opens your heart and mind to the wonders of faith in the One God who loves you more than you could ever imagine.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.   (John 3:16)

Forgiveness

 Matthew 6:9-15 (NIV)

This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

The word “forgive” is defined as this:  to stop feeling anger toward someone who has done something wrong; to stop blaming; to stop requiring payment of money that is owed (cancel a debt).    It’s not a feeling, it’s an action we choose to do or not.  Sometimes it’s easy to forgive, especially when it is for someone we love or hold in high esteem.  Sometimes, it’s not so easy and we find that we would rather hold onto the anger or resentment that we feel as a result of something someone has done to us or someone we love. 

In the verses above, we read the Lord’s Prayer which includes a petition for forgiveness.  We ask the Lord to forgive us…as we have also forgiven others.  Have you stopped to think about that phrase before?  For me, it typically slides off my tongue without a whole lot of thought, other than how nice it is that God forgives me!  But if you really look at the words, and the order they suggest…God forgives us…as we forgive others.  As…which really means, we MUST be forgiving, if we want to be forgiven.  Not sure that’s really right?  Take a look at the last two verses.  “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”  Jesus is telling us that we have to be willing to take the action to forgive, if we also want to be forgiven. 

Perhaps we should think about this from Jesus’ perspective.  He laid everything on the cross for us; for our forgiveness.  He forgave our sins before we even committed them.  In advance!  He takes those sins and throws them away from us - “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”  (Psalm 103:12)  He doesn’t hold on to our sins, the anger he might feel regarding our sins…he doesn’t let them fester into bitterness or ugly hatred toward us.  When we ask his forgiveness, he gives it with grace and mercy.  Freely.

If that’s the case, why is it so hard for us to forgive others when our own sins have been so graciously forgiven?  Why is it easier to stay angry, to hold onto grudges, to repeatedly make someone “pay for” the sin they committed against us?  And, is it really easier?  What price do WE pay for our unforgiveness?  When we harbor anger or resentment, it can cause us to become bitter, cranky, whiny, depressed or hard-hearted.  It can turn us into a person others don’t really want to be around.  It can use up our energy by focusing on the past instead of what our future could be, ahead of us.  Many times, we actually end up hurting ourselves more than the person we resent!  And not only that, but it blocks forgiveness of our own sins from God!  Matthew 6:15 says, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 

To forgive then, requires obedience.  Mark 11:25 says, “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”  We must choose to obey, to let go of our resentment and anger and to forgive.  So pray.  Pray for the strength and grace to forgive others.  Let go of the resentment and anger.  Cancel a debt.  Choose to be more like Jesus…and forgive.

I will THRIVE in 2015

Over the last few days, since God revealed my guiding word for 2015, I've been thinking of what it might mean for me to thrive in the coming year.  I thought back to when I did my first Christian Life Coach training and we were asked to fill out a "Wheel of Life Balance" - to find the areas where we could improve balance or satisfaction in different areas of our lives.  We rated health, relationships, career, faith, family/friends, community involvement, finances, and peace.  (Currently, I would also add my home to this wheel, because there is a definite lack of satisfaction in the state of my home.)  Some areas I rated fairly high, others were quite low...my life was obviously out of balance.  While I think I have improved some areas in the last couple of years, there are obviously still areas where I am only "surviving" and not "thriving."   I know this because for one thing, there is an overall lack of peace.

So, how will I thrive in 2015?  My plan (and I say this knowing that God may have other plans for me that I don't know yet!) for the moment is to take a look at each of these areas during the year to come and find ways to grow and flourish, to progress, to prosper.  How can I shine for God if I am not taking care of myself the way I should?  How can I give generously to those in need if I don't even manage my finances for my family properly?  How can I love those around me if I don't give attention to relationships?  How can I live a life of balance if I don't put God first in everything?  How can I thrive if I am focused only on surviving?

What would God have me change?  What can I let go of, say no to, or take on in order to live in the peace that God offers through His grace?

  The Lord gives strength to his people;  the Lord blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

The area most on my mind right now is my health and fitness.  I will be very honest here and say that while I used to workout and walk regularly, it's been a long time since I have had any sort of regular fitness routine.  I joined a group at church a year ago that focused on the Daniel Plan - a wonderful program that encouraged good health, nutrition, faith, and support from friends and family.  I lost a few pounds, and when the formal group ended at the church...I let what I had learned slowly fade from my daily routines.  Now, I could stand to lose about 30 pounds, and have a stack of jeans that fit about two (or three) sizes ago....  I have started to stress eat more and more often...and it's usually junk.   

I think about what I could do if I felt better overall.  I think about how the added pounds have made even simply going up and down the stairs in my house tiresome some days.  I think about how tired I am because I don't drink enough water each day, or eat foods that give me healthy energy.  I think about how God would have me take care of my body...and I realize I am not doing a very good job of taking care of His handiwork. 

For this month, I will be focusing on my health and fitness habits, allowing God's Word to help me learn to thrive in this area.   I want to be healthy and fit so that I can do the things I need to do without my lack of fitness getting in the way.  I want to take care of myself in a way that glorifies the One who created me.

 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

I will thrive.

One Word 365 for 2015

For several years now, I've chosen one word to focus on for the year.  Last year, my word was ponder...and as you can tell, I didn't write a lot here at the blog.  It felt like such a big word...and not a talkative word at all.  I spent the year thinking a lot about what I was doing, where my life was going, relationships, finances, my home, my children.  I spent a lot of time holding things in my heart and praying on them.  I was given a wonderful opportunity to write devotionals for a special project and even found some new things to ponder in those assignments - and perhaps even some healing.

So, we are now at the beginning of another new year.  I'm still amazed at how quickly time goes by and it's already January first again.  So much has changed in a year, and so much has stayed the same...but I have not.  I find that I have a new sense of....something....I have this urge to do....to clean up and clean out....to look forward with hope...to seek God's will for all I do...to THRIVE.

If you've read many of my blog posts in the past, you know I like to look at the definition of words.  What does it mean to thrive?  Here's the definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1: to grow vigorously : flourish
2: to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper
3: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances —often used with on <thrives on conflict>

Flourish, prosper, progress.  It certainly feels like it's time for all those things!

 Proverbs 11:28 says: 

Those who trust in their riches will fall,
    but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

The righteous will thrive - grow, flourish.  Seems this word comes with many facets and I am looking forward to seeing what 2015 will hold for me.  I don't want to just survive...to just be here in my little spot of the world...I want to THRIVE! 

Want to choose your One Word?  Check out this website for more information and ideas....

A little obedience...a little faith...an abundant gift

I wonder if Peter had any inkling just how much his life would change when he met the Messiah.  I wonder if he knew just how many times his strength, his faith, his obedience would be tested. 

The very first time they met, Jesus gave him a new name.  A new definition of who he would become - a foreshadowing, if you will, of just how Peter would change.  Simon became Peter - the rock.  But it didn't happen right away.  Just like most of us, Peter didn't always learn things right away - but one night he quickly learned the lesson of obedience, faith, and confession.  He also learned just how abundantly Jesus would provide for him in return.

In Luke 5, Jesus is on the shore of lake Gennesaret and there is a very large crowd gathered there.  They wanted to hear him speak on the Word of God.  Jesus notices Peter  his boat...cleaning up after a fruitless night of fishing.  I can imagine that Peter is tired, worn, discouraged and ready to get away from that boat and go home to rest.  Can you?  He's probably thinking of a bit of a meal...some fresh bread, a little wine, some fruit. But wait, what's that?

Jesus has walked up to his boat, and gesturing at the crowd, he climbs right in and asks Peter if he could take him out on the water so he could talk to the people.  No telling how long Jesus spoke while Peter sits and waits...and then, THEN, when he finishes, Jesus tells him to do one more thing.

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”  (Luke 5:4, NASB)

Say what, now?  But Jesus, we fished all night...for nothing!  Peter's voice has to be just a bit incredulous...kind of "are you kidding me?"  But he must have seen something on Jesus' face...something in his eyes...his demeanor, because Peter turns right around and says, " but I will do as you say, and I will put down the nets."  That's obedience.  That's faith.  Somehow Peter knows this man wouldn't be making a fool out of him.  Somehow Peter sees that this man he just met is a man of integrity, a man worthy of trust.

And so those nets go in the water, and next thing Peter knows...they are filled to overflowing.  They are so full, Peter has to call for help to pull them up.  Those fish fill not just Peter's boat, but a second one as well - to the point that they are beginning to sink as they carry the load back to shore.

Abundant.  Overflowing.  Gifts of grace.  Peter obeyed, Jesus graced.  Peter had faith, and Jesus did not disappoint. What can we learn from Peter?  What areas in our lives are not being led by obedience?  Where is our faith faltering?  Are we willing to trust Jesus, even when the odds are against us?

Try putting your nets out in obedience...in faith...and see where God takes you next....

How do you spell relief?

Do you remember the old Rolaids commercials?  "HOW do you spell relief?"  I'm feeling like I need a little "Rolaids" action in my life right now.  One upheaval after another lately and I'm feeling a bit dragged out, tired, pulled in different directions, financially insufficient and just plain cranky.  I was asleep tonight until a phone call from one of my sons with some not-so-great news.  Now I find myself awake and feeling a bit edgy.

I need to sleep...have to get up early and travel to pick up my other son in the morning. 
Yet I cant seem to stop my mind from rolling and my stomach from churning.  Know that feeling?

So, how to get relief?  The words from this old hymn came to mind as I was laying here trying to sleep and feeling overwhelmed by all that life has dealt to me in the last month or so....


What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there. 
 by Joseph Scriven, 1855

Jesus said  these words....
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)

...and also these...
" Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27 (NIV)

Need some relief?  Pray.  Need to unload some stress?  Pray.  Need to know that Someone's got your back?  Pray.  Turn all those worries, cares, burdens over to the Lord.  Consider how "big" your problems are and how BIG your God is....there's no comparison.  

So, I"m going to pray tonight...to put all my burdens, my fears, my worries, my hurts at the foot of the throne of my God who is bigger than any problem I have.  And I will gladly accept the grace and peace that He offers.  And I might just hum a few bars of that old, precious hymn while I'm at it...

One Word for 2014 - Ponder

Well, a new year has begun.  I have spent the last several days thinking on what One Word I would choose for this year...or, more correctly, that God has chosen for me.  I've finally decided...after much thought and prayer and listening...that God is calling me to ponder in 2014.

The dictionary defines it as this:
pon·der
: to think about or consider (something) carefully

I sometimes speak...without thinking.  I sometimes act....without considering.  I sometimes make decisions...without praying....without pondering what is the way God would have me go.

So this year...I want to be more like Mary:

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

I want to take the time to speak words that encourage and uplift.  I want to behave the way God would have me behave...not the way my own selfish flesh would encourage me to behave.  I want to be wise in the decisions I make and seek God's guidance for my choices.  I want to slow down, be more thoughtful and just....ponder...

Great are the works of the Lord;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

Psalm 111:2

Merry Christmas - may you unwrap love, joy, peace and hope

A tiny little fist grasps onto a finger...four miniature fingers and a thumb wrapping round with a tight grip...holding on.  That hand grows in size, in strength, in power, in might...as the One who came as a babe shares the love, joy, and hope of His Father in heaven.

That hand now holds you in a grip of grace that imparts strength and peace, as well.

Merry Christmas to all of you.  May the greatest gift you unwrap this season be the one that opens your heart and mind to the wonders of faith in the One God who loves you more than you could ever imagine.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.   John 3:16

Repost: Give thanks in ALL circumstances

Today I'd like to share a post from September 24, 2011 originally posted here...

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1 Thessalonians 5:17-18  NIV

¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


Give thanks in all circumstances.  All?  Really?  Yep, that's what it says - in all circumstances.  It's easy to give thanks when things go well.  When we are being treated well, when good things happen, when we receive above and beyond our expectations, when the sun is shining and there are no storm clouds on life's horizon.  It's easy to smile, or jump up and down in joy, lift our hands to God and say "Thank you, God. Thank YOU!"


But what about when things aren't so great?  What about when life seems to be about tearing you down instead of building you up?  What about when those bad things that only happen to other people happen to you?  What about when your family members turn their backs on you or your friends suddenly don't want to spend time with you any more?  What about when you lose your job all of  sudden or your car is gone?  What about those times?


How can you say thanks for the times of pain and suffering?


Have you ever looked back on one of those times and realized that in the end, it was a blessing in disguise?  That you learned something big that will affect how you live your life in the future?  What if, through that difficult experience, you gained knowledge to help someone else who might be going through the very same situation?  What if it opened your eyes to see things from someone else's point of view?  What if it taught you something about yourself that needed to change?


"In all circumstances" doesn't mean just the good times, but also the not so good, and yes, even the bad times.  Give thanks in all circumstances.  Hate doing those humdrum chores around the house?  At least you have a house....or dishes to wash...or food to eat off those dishes you have to wash. What about when the car breaks down...AGAIN...but you have friends you can call who will give you a ride, or loan you a car, or even just listen to your frustration and empathize.  The chronic pain you suffer makes you tired and maybe a little blue...but maybe someday someone will cross your path who you can help through the same kind of pain.


We don't know where all these situations and circumstances will ultimately take us.  But we can still give thanks for God's presence, for His undying love, for His foresight and knowledge of how He will use all these things for good in some way.  Jesus came to our earth as a human being to share in all these things with us.  He's been there.  He understands fully what it means to be human, to hurt, to fear, to worry.  He understands the emotions we feel.  He gets the anger.  He knows.  And He is there to help us get through all those things.


So give thanks in all circumstances...and trust Him.

Singing on Sunday - Kari Jobe

Love came down and rescued me....

31 Days - Joy in Perspective, Part 2

Here we are at the end of this series of 31 Days to Choose Joy.  When we put joy in a proper perspective, we see that it is possible to be joyful always...no matter the situation.  It doesn't mean being happy and smiling constantly...it doesn't mean being a Pollyanna wearing rose-colored glasses and trying to convince everyone that everything is just fabulous all the time.

Rather, it means focusing on Jesus.  It means remembering God's faithfulness no matter what is going on in our lives.  It means being grateful and expressing our thanks to God in all things.  It means living a life according to the values He places on our hearts.  It means living consistent with His will for us.  It means staying close to Him through worship, prayer, and studying His Word.  It means loving Him, and loving others according to His commands.  It means choosing joy daily, by choosing to follow Christ. 

Joy comes when we live as one fearfully and wonderfully made. When we accept the truth of who we are in Christ...the truth of what we have in this life as a Christ follower...the truth of what we have in eternity as a saved and beloved Child of God. 

So choose joy.  Choose Him.

31 Days - Joy in Perspective, Part 1

Over the last month, with my focus on joy, one thing I have learned is that we must look at things with the proper perspective.  We can choose to let the things in life overwhelm and stress us, or we can choose to trust God and choose joy.  

There are things in this life that are going to be difficult.  It's just a fact.  We can pray that those things be taken from us...and sometimes, that prayer will be answered.  But, there are times that it is God's will for us to proceed through those times - for our own good, or for the good of someone else.  It may not seem good at the time...but like Jesus, and even Paul, there is joy before us.

Hebrews 12:1-3
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


Jesus endured the cross and death because He knew the purpose of it...the salvation of those who believe.  We may not always know the purpose of things that are difficult in our lives...but God does.  If we trust God, we can trust that there is a purpose for our sufferings.

Paul understood this, too....

Philippians 1:21-26
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Paul, in prison, is torn between wanting to die and be with Christ and knowing that his purpose in living is not over.

Where is our focus in hard times?  Are we choosing to focus on our own discomfort?  Or on God's purpose and will for us...and the future joy He promises?  It's all in the perspective.  What will you choose?

31 Days - Psalm 30:5 - Joy in the Morning

So, how was your day? Pretty good...or not?  Did you have a rotten day today?  Did you fail today?  Did you holler at the kids, lose your patience in the long line in the store, snap at your husband, or think nasty thoughts about that other driver?  Did everything you do turn out "wrong" and you felt like nothing got accomplished?  Did your sins today feel so heavy and bad that surely even God is shaking His head at you?  Did you hear the lies in your head that say..."You are not enough"  or "You are a rotten mother/friend/wife, worker" or "You should just crawl in that hole and never come out again because obviously you can't do anything right"?

Take a look at this verse...ponder it for a moment....
 
Psalm 30:5
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

God IS gracious.  God IS forgiving.  God IS loving.  He is a God of second chances and starting over.  

Lamentations 3:21-23 
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

These are words worth memorizing.  Great love, compassion...they are there for us every day.  Even when it feels like we have failed too many times.  Even when it feels like the sin is too great.  Even when it feels like the voice of lies is the loudest thing we hear. 

God is there...He is waiting, strong and patient, with love...to hear your confessions, to wrap you up in forgiveness, to change your heart and make it new.  He is a God of justice, yes, but also a God of compassion. 

He is faithful.  He is merciful.  He is joy. 

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


 

31 Days - Bonus Grace

A friend just shared this song with me...listen...and let it heal if you need it?  Blessings, friends....

31 Days - Grace gifts

Gratitude changes your attitude...opening eyes to see the gifts opens eyes to see God...opens hearts to God's joy...

123.  time to spend with loved ones
124.  laughter with friends
125.  heart to heart talks
126.  learning to live in a culture of change
127.  candles around the living room...one of my favorite things about fall
128.  a little less clutter in the living room = a little more space = a little more peace!
129.  trusting in God's provision
130.  glimpses of God's glory in His creation
131.  hope in Christ
132.  freedom in forgiveness
133.  being a parent  :)


Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

31 Days - Re-JOY-sing on Sunday

May you find joy, peace and grace today...

31 Days - Joy in Compassion

In the last few years, I have been sponsoring children through Compassion.  (If you look down the right side of my page here, you will find a link to the Compassion website.)  It is something I wanted to do for a long time because of my love for children and my wish to give.  I can't tell you the number of times God has provided people in my life who have financially assisted me and my family.  I have this great desire in me to give to those in need as well - not only because of God's command to love others, but because of the gratitude I have for the help and love that has been given to me over the years.

I started with one child - her name is Grelty and she shares her birthday with my mother.  This sweet young girl has asked if she can call me "Mama Kelly."  I can't even tell you the joy that brings to my heart.  I receive the sweetest letters from her, penned in her own hand and translated.  That I get to participate in this small way in her life is such a blessing to me!  And I feel that I am answering God's call to reach out with compassion to those in need.

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

I couldn't really afford it when I chose my darling little Godless in Tanzania to also sponsor.  I looked at his picture day after day.  My heart longing to help take care of him...my wallet telling me that there was no way.  One morning, I checked to see if he was still there in the list of children waiting to be sponsored...I had told myself that if he was still there on Valentine's day, I would click that button to claim him.  This was January...and that morning, it seemed...he was gone.  Claimed.  My heart broke...and rejoiced for him at the same time.  But I checked one more time and found him....those sad eyes in that dark black face, no smile, thin little limbs wearing clothes that hung on his frame.  I immediately clicked that button and prayed that God would give me the means to pay for one more child.  

And He has.  The letters from Godless often come with drawings he has done for me.  Each one makes me smile as my finger traces the lines he has drawn - often an airplane or a house.  This sweet boy is learning that Jesus loves him...and I get to tell him that.

Isaiah 58:6-8
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

Several months ago, I felt God telling me it was time to step out in greater faith for one more child.  I was at a Beth Moore conference and Compassion was a partner that weekend...they brought packets to find sponsors for more children in need.  As I was walking out I happened to look at the face and the name on the packet a Compassion volunteer held up...and I couldn't get it in my hands fast enough.  So now, I get to share the love, compassion and joy of the Lord with little Carlos.  

The money I give provides food, clothing, medical attention, and help with school for these children.  They get to attend activities at their local Compassion project where they learn about God and receive help they need.  The money I give stretches my own budget - but also stretches my faith as I trust that God will provide it each month.  

I have received...so do I give.  Might you also take a look at some of the children at Compassion?  Might there be some children in your own community that you could provide for?  There is joy in giving; there is joy in compassion.

31 Days - Joy in Obedience

Psalm 128:1
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.


Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.


2 John 1:6
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.


Maybe this isn't something you've thought about before....joy in obedience.   The verses above tell us that those who walk in obedience are blessed, have joy in their hearts, and walk in love and light.  When we follow God's precepts and commands, life goes well for us.  Take a look through the Bible for references of obedience.  When people obey God, they sing and dance and celebrate with joy because they are successful, or blessed, or rescued.  However, it is also clear throughout scripture that things do not go well for those who disobey.

Think about a time you knew you were doing something you should not do.  Or perhaps you knew good you should do and didn't do it.  James 4:17 tells us "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them."  So, what happened?  Did you feel convicted?  Did you hear that voice in your heart telling you that you were being disobedient?  If you are building a relationship with the Lord, trust me...He will convict your heart when you are being disobedient.  You can choose to listen to that conviction or to ignore it and continue to disobey.  Chances are good that it will begin to affect your attitude...and not in a positive way.

However, when we follow God's commands and live in His light...when we love others, give, use words that encourage and build up others...when we step out of our comfort zone to do the things that He calls us to do...when we, like Jonah, turn around from going to our Tarshish and head to Ninevah...we will find joy.  There is peace and joy in the results of obedience.  Think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who obeyed God and then sang praises to Him in the midst of an unwed pregnancy:

Luke 1:46-49
⁴⁶ And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.

Take a look at your life today.  Is there disobedience in your heart, in your actions?  Confess those sins to the Lord, ask forgiveness and then strive to walk in the light and joy of obedience.  
 

31 Days - Treasure Hunt for Joy Gifts

Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Counting the abundant gifts of His grace in my days....

107.  The scent of fresh apples lingering in my car.
108.  A Homecoming dress for Kira
109.  Spending the day with my brother, aunt and uncle
110.  the sound of Keiko meowing at her "mouse"
111.  praying for friends
112.  hearing the marching band from my front porch
113.  trees turning yellow downtown - brilliant
114.  dirty dishes in the kitchen
115.  flowers for my desk at work
116.  chaperoning the marching band
117.  the dancing, laughing, silly joy of teenagers
118.  watching Kira with her friends
119.  lovely fall weather
120.  bright, full moon
121.  the sound of geese flying overhead
122.  the fresh scent of several loads of clean laundry


1 Timothy 4:4
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

31 Days - Joy in trials

Did you read my blog post title?  I know, I hear ya...joy in trials?  I've got to be joking, right?  Did you read that right?  Joy in trials?  You're thinking maybe I have lost my silly little pollyana mind.  I'm not.  You did.  I haven't.

There's a LOT of bad things that can happen to a person.  A lot of stress, a lot of heartache, a lot of pain. Things that make you feel like God can't possibly be watching or He would have done something to stop it.  Things that make you feel like you are just done...or undone.  Things that seem like you can't ever get out from under it all...like you just got your feet under you and WHAM, they get knocked out again.

We all have our stories.  We all have our hurts.  We all have our pains.  They are big, and small, and very real.  Sometimes we get through them and sometimes it feels like we never will.  Look around...everyone you see is facing or has faced trials of many kinds.  Even that gal down the street who always looks so pulled together, calm and confident...you may not see them, but she has scars and bruises in her life, too.

Here's a Word from the book of James.  I have almost memorized it so that I can hold it close to my heart for those times when I just want to say, "What, God?  Really?  Why me?"

James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The first time I read this verse, I was incredulous.  I was amazed by the very idea that someone could ever find joy in trials.  Yet, as I've contemplated this idea, and observed people around me and how they "deal" with things in their lives...I've come to realize it's possible.  That what James is saying here is true.  When we are under fire, being tested, facing those trials that should be knocking us to our knees and keeping us there...we can find the strength of faith to persevere.  We who follow Christ need only look to Christ and His example.

What did Jesus do when things were difficult or overwhelming?  He went to a quiet place and prayed.  He asked His Father for strength.  He prayed for God's will.  He sought out God's wisdom.  He spent time with His Father.

You see, Jesus knew, and you can know, that trials and troubles are a time to connect with God.  A time to remember His faithfulness.  A time to stop trying to do everything yourself...and let God be in control.  A time to grow and mature in faith.

And how do you find joy?  I'm no expert...I'm still working on this, too.  But I believe that just knowing that I am never alone makes a huge difference.  No matter what it FEELS like, in Christ, we are NEVER alone.  He is always there....He promises this...and Jesus does not lie, nor does He break promises.  He is beside us, in front of us, behind us.  He is ALWAYS there.

I also believe that it is necessary to spend time in prayer...to keep our own connection to Him in place.  We tend to let go...God doesn't.  I am convinced that the worst thing to do in trouble is to let go of  Him.  To try to go it alone.  Instead...keep that communication line open 24/7.

It's important to remember...really sit and take some time to remember...how God has taken care of you in the past.  Remember the blessings.  Remember the rescues.  Remember the miracles.  I can't tell you how many times I have looked back over times in my life that seemed just too horrible at the time...and then I realized just how much I learned from those times.  Just how much strength I gained from those times.  Just how much I grew in maturity in my faith because I persevered WITH God.

Maybe you won't see the joy right away.  Maybe it will take some effort to choose the joy.  Maybe you will feel like giving up.  But beloved friend, I promise you...God will hold on to you and not let you go no matter how long the trouble lasts.  He hears your prayers even when it FEELS like He is not answering.  He knows your needs.  Trust that He is there.  That He will give you strength to go on.  That He will see you through the trial.  If your faith feels like it's not strong enough, ask Him for more.  He will give it.  If you feel the need for wisdom, ask Him for it.  He will give it.

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


You are not alone.  And there can be joy in trials.


Psalm 73:23
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

Matthew 28:20b
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.