May you find joy, peace and grace today...
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, October 21, 2013
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,
Sunday, October 20, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
31 Days - The Search for Joy
Have you ever noticed that we search for joy in all kinds of places? Other people, a new house, a new car, a fabulous vacation get-away, the next latest and greatest whatever....
But we don't find it in those things, do we? Perhaps a momentary happiness. But not long lasting, overflowing, peace-giving joy.
And where can we find that joy?
Psalm 21:5-7
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 16:11
But we don't find it in those things, do we? Perhaps a momentary happiness. But not long lasting, overflowing, peace-giving joy.
And where can we find that joy?
Psalm 21:5-7
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Let the search be over...take refuge in Him...spend time with the Father...there is joy in His presence.
Amen.
Amen.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
31 Days - Joy in Creating
I think God gave us the ability to be creative, the gift of creativity, because He knew how much enjoyment we would get from it. Don't you? I like to stamp and create my own greeting cards. I like to make jewelry with beads. I like to crochet with different colors of yarns and different types of stitches and watch an afgan grow out of nothing but a long string of yarn. I like to put colors together in combinations that are pleasing to the eye. I feel joy when I create something that turns out particularly well. It's exciting!
Sometimes I like to imagine what God must have been thinking or feeling when He created everything...out of nothing! What a thrill it must have been to see the first tree grow and bud and blossom with new leaves and flowers...then to paint the leaves with different colors and watch them flutter to the ground...preparing the tree to rest before doing it all over again. I marvel at the colors He blends together in a spectacular sunset or sunrise. And what about the scents of all the different flowers? Or the plumage on the birds that fly and strut and dance? The brilliance of the stars against the black sky...
And what about as He created man? As He wove all of our parts together and all of our bodily systems. What must He have thought when Eve first opened her eyes? Or when Adam first ran through the garden with the abandon of a child at play? Did you know that YOU are a masterpiece? That I am, too? God created us to be individuals - intricately different and yet wonderfully similar. He created us to have different gifts and abilities. He created us to be all different sizes, shapes, colors, and temperaments.
Doesn't that just make you want to laugh out loud with joy? Doesn't it make you sit back and just wonder in awe at how great is our God?!
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Praise Him with joy and thanksgiving - for He has created you and given you gifts that you, in your own way, may also be creative!
Sometimes I like to imagine what God must have been thinking or feeling when He created everything...out of nothing! What a thrill it must have been to see the first tree grow and bud and blossom with new leaves and flowers...then to paint the leaves with different colors and watch them flutter to the ground...preparing the tree to rest before doing it all over again. I marvel at the colors He blends together in a spectacular sunset or sunrise. And what about the scents of all the different flowers? Or the plumage on the birds that fly and strut and dance? The brilliance of the stars against the black sky...
And what about as He created man? As He wove all of our parts together and all of our bodily systems. What must He have thought when Eve first opened her eyes? Or when Adam first ran through the garden with the abandon of a child at play? Did you know that YOU are a masterpiece? That I am, too? God created us to be individuals - intricately different and yet wonderfully similar. He created us to have different gifts and abilities. He created us to be all different sizes, shapes, colors, and temperaments.
Doesn't that just make you want to laugh out loud with joy? Doesn't it make you sit back and just wonder in awe at how great is our God?!
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Praise Him with joy and thanksgiving - for He has created you and given you gifts that you, in your own way, may also be creative!
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