I'm Waiting!

One of the most difficult things for me to do is to wait. Waiting involves patience, and they say patience is a virtue. It is a virtue that I have difficulty obtaining! I just hate waiting in long grocery lines, I get impatient when traffic keeps me from moving forward, and I loathe waiting and waiting and waiting in doctor’s offices. Don’t they know that I, too, have plans later on that day and cannot sit needlessly in an office just waiting? Can you identify with any of these irritations? Before I say that I am a lost cause, I must admit that God has been diligently working with me on this very matter, and ever so slowly I am getting better!

Have you ever wondered what God is up to you in your life and why on earth He seems to take so long in answering your prayers? Or maybe you are waiting on God to reveal a new path or direction for your life. Why does He seem to tarry so? We easily grow impatient waiting for God’s apparent delays. The ironic thing is that when we take matters into our own hands because we are not willing to wait, oftentimes trouble comes into our lives due to our sometimes reckless haste. You know what I’m talking about—taking that job you really shouldn’t have and now you are miserable. Making hasty plans without waiting for confirmation and now all your plans are falling apart. The list goes on an on. Then we wonder why God allowed this dissatisfaction or disaster to come upon us. While it is true that oftentimes God does take His time in answering us, usually it is because the things we ask for may require a long time in their preparation for us. In reality, it is not because He is slow. Sometimes it is simply because WE are the slow learners and He knows He needs to walk slowly with us to teach us a thing or two.

These are the times when God is actually waiting on us. He has so many blessings to give us, but we fail to receive them because we are the ones who do not go forward with Him. It is almost as if we expect Him to do it all. We lift up a quick prayer and then expect Him to move in our behalf. Because of His loving-nature, he often does just that. Other times, it is as if our requests have fallen on deaf ears. We implore Him over and over but He still does not answer us. Could it be that He is the one waiting for some action from us? Over-waiting is not the best course of action either. While it is true that at times we need to just be still, other times we need to put feet to our faith and move forward. Yes, get off that cozy couch and move! Christianity is not passive, but rather proactive. Many divine promises are conditioned upon the beginning of some action on our part. Notice I say the beginning. God isn’t expecting us to do it all—He just wants to see us prayerfully and trustingly moving forward. If we take the wrong step, He is sure to redirect us.

Take Abraham for instance. Great things were promised to him but first he was required to leave his home in Chaldea and go out into unknown territory. Then there were the 10 lepers who were told by Jesus to go show themselves to the priests for healing. Were they healed instantly? No. Were they healed when they finally arrived and saw the priests? No. They were healed “on the way”. They had to do something and it required faith to do it. They obeyed Jesus and began moving forward. It was then that they were cleansed. What about the Israelites who crossed the Red Sea to evade their enemies? God waited to part the Red Sea until their feet touched the water.

God is looking for prayerful men and women of unwavering faith. His desire is for us to come to Him for everything, but also to press forward because our trust and faith is in Him. We will fight battles here on earth, but victory comes through Christ who fights by our side and it is in Him that we are conquerors. If we wait on the sidelines with fear and trembling for our Helper to come before we join in the battle, we will have waited in vain. This is actually called the over-waiting of unbelief. God does want to pour forth His richest blessings on us, but I think in order to do so, He requires us to press forward with bold confidence and rightfully take what is ours.

So next time you start to question God and why he is so slow in answering your prayers, take a long hard look at yourself and boldly ask Him if there may, in fact, be something that you should be doing instead. Maybe it is really God waiting on You!

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths. Isaiah 2:3

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice, Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18

The Wake-Up Call

Yesterday my 17 year old son’s life flashed in front of him. He was in an accident which could have taken his life. While changing lanes on the highway he encountered a roadblock. He swerved to keep from hitting this unknown object at 65 mph when he lost control of his car. He crossed 3 lanes of traffic and drove into a deep ravine when his air bags deployed. He stopped only feet from the other side of the highway into oncoming traffic. The object he avoided hitting was cushions for a sofa that must have fallen off of a truck. Needless to say our entire family was shook up and only after we were safe at home did we release all of our emotions.

My son realized that he had his very own “wake-up” call. We can gratefully praise God that he was not hurt, nor were any other vehicles involved. He was truly protected from a potential hazardous accident. Yes, his vehicle was totaled, but it was a small price to pay for his life. He forgot to fasten his seatbelt and only moments before the accident did he hear a voice whisper to his heart to fasten his seatbelt. That voice was the sweet Holy Spirit who guides and comforts us.

This morning I stopped to think of how many times God diverts danger on our behalf. We cannot even comprehend how much He loves us and what He does to protect and woo us to Himself. Unfortunately far too often we are guilty of becoming so consumed with our own lives and our own agendas that we give little thought or attention to our mighty God. Until tragedy or disaster strikes, that is. Then our eyes momentarily look upward. May we regard them as serious “wake-up” calls. May we wake up to what is really important in life. May we wake up to loving our families and those He places in our paths. May we wake up to the importance of having a vibrant relationship with the God who created us and loves us more than we can ever imagine. May we wake up and stop giving him the scraps of our day. May we wake up to stop the complaining, arguing, and materialism that we are so wrapped up in. Life is so precious. Jesus tells us that we are but a mist that is here for a short while and then we are gone. Why do we squander our life away pursuing useless things that we think will make us happy? Haven’t we realized yet that these “things” are only temporary? Only a relationship with Jesus can bring us true fulfillment and a joy that surpasses all understanding. We must stop our busyness to make time for God. That is the only way will grow in knowledge and love.

This morning I was led to Isaiah 55, an Invitation to the Thirsty. How very appropriate! Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

God is saying that food and other things cost money, last only a short while and meet only our physical needs. But He offers free nourishment that feeds our souls. To nourish our souls we must come to Him and eagerly receive it. We will starve spiritually without this food just as we would starve physically without daily bread.

The time is here. The time is now. Hear the call. The Father of creation is beckoning you. If you seek Him you will find Him. Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Turn to Him now. Don’t wait for tragedy, sickness, or financial ruin before you come. I urge you to not wait. Today may be all you have. God loves you too much to leave you where you are and if necessary He will allow these little “wake-up” calls to remind you to turn to Him while He may be found. Don’t put it off one more second.

Remember, every decision becomes a destination. Today you face a choice. Your eternal life depends on it.

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. Deut 30:19

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

Let your Light Shine!

I once heard a story about a man who was a source of encouragement and inspiration to others. His face radiated with love and it was obvious he spent much time with Jesus. One day a bold friend approached him to inform him that he missed seeing the light shine in him as he was always greatly encouraged by his strong faith. Deeply troubled the man contacted an elder in the church to ask how he can get his “light to shine again.” Unable to give him a good answer, the elder went to the library to do some research and thereafter was able to give him a good response.

In order for a light to shine and work properly it needs 3 things:

• First, it needs to be connected to a power source. Without the power source, it will not shine or produce any light whatsoever.


• The light itself needs to be in working order. In other words, no filaments within the light can be broken. It can be connected to a power source, but if the light itself is broken, then the light will not shine.


• The light can be connected to a power source, and the light itself can be in good working order, but if it is covered by a blanket or covering of some kind, then the light will be substantially dimmed and not shine brightly.
  
  The analogy of this light is as follows:


• We can be morally upright persons, do acts of service throughout our church and community, and sin infrequently, yet our light will not shine because we are not connected to God, the ultimate power source. We may be a Christian yet are not “walking” with Him. We may feel rushed, busy, preoccupied, and have made no time for him. When we try to skip the relationship to start “doing” things for God or we live our lives as Sunday Christians, we are not connected to the power source. We rob God of the glory he deserves and our lives cannot shine as brightly as if God were living intimately in us.


• We can be connected to God and love Him with all of our hearts, yet if we have “broken parts” or unconfessed sin in our lives, our light will not shine. Unconfessed sin stands between us and a holy God and breaks close fellowship with Him. Only a humble and repentant heart will shine brightly.


• We can be Christians walking faithfully with God, have no “broken parts” or unconfessed sin in our lives, yet our light still doesn’t shine brightly because we are walking around with a heavy covering. We may be plugged in to the power source, yet this covering is keeping our light from shining the way it is intended to. It is as if we are walking around in darkness. This heavy covering could be a burden that we are unnecessarily carrying around because we have not released it to God. It could be a broken relationship or a problem or some other issue we have not handed over to God. So, we are trying to “shine” in our own strength. God wants to be intimately involved in every aspect of our lives and doesn’t want us to walk around with heavy burdens.
  
  Take some time today to evaluate how brightly you are shining for the Lord. Has your light dimmed? Do you feel disconnected to God? Remember, in order for a light to shine brightly, it needs these three things. Without any one of them, a light will not shine brightly, and may only be a dim flicker.
  
  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:44
  
  I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Acts 13:47
  
  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Cor 4:6
  
  Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5
  
  Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

Sweet Solitude

When I was younger, I hated being alone. I wanted people and noise all around me at all times. When things became quiet and I was left to myself, I literally did not know what to do. Sometimes I would waste my time by watching some senseless TV show. Or I would try to busy myself with some task to avoid feeling isolated. Even so, a deep sense of loneliness would creep over me and before long my emotions would get the best of me. I would mistake being alone with being unloved and undesired. I did not take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy being by myself. I did not know God intimately and so speaking to Him or reading from His Word never even occurred to me. Thankfully now that I am older and know the Lord, I can honestly say that I savor the time when I am completely alone. No noise, no people, just me and my God. I have also learned over the years that I really am not alone at all. Jesus is with me every minute of every day.

I find it interesting that even Jesus took time to be alone by Himself and His Father. At times He literally sent people away so that He could be alone and pray. "After He dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23" Usually He would awaken early to go off by Himself to pray. "At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. Luke 4:42" Being alone and seeking this solitude was an important priority for Jesus and even in His very busy schedule, He made the time to be alone with his Father. He knew that He could not do His work or maintain His fellowship in full power without His quiet time.

It is during these “alone” times that I have learned the most about God. Of course there is a place for “corporate” worship, prayer, and bible study groups, etc., but the times when I have felt the closest to God are the times when I have been completely alone with Him. The times He has revealed the deepest revelations to me are the times when I have been alone. The times I have found peace sweeping over my anxious thoughts are not the times when I have been busy talking things over with friends, but the times when I have been on my knees alone. I have come to realize that spending time ALONE with God is absolutely necessary if I desire to grow spiritually. Solitude with God has nurtured my relationship with Him in a way nothing else has. Spending this quality time with the Lord daily equips me to meet life’s many challenges and struggles. He gives me His power, His grace, and above all His perspective, which is so much better than mine.

My questions is “If Jesus had to get up very early just to get some “alone” time with God, how much more is this true for us today?” We must not get so busy that life turns into a flurry of activity leaving no room for quiet fellowship alone with God. The acronym for BUSY is "Being Under Satan’s Yoke". I am quite sure that Satan loves it when we are distracted and too busy to spend time alone with God. We may being doing all the right things with all the right people in all the right motives; however, if we make no room for God we will be acting in our own strength and it is only a matter of time before we “burn out”. Strength comes from God, and we can only be strengthened by spending time with Him. There is power of a life hidden in Christ.

Andrew Bonar once said, “In order to grow in grace, we must be much alone. It is not in society that the soul grows most vigorously. In one single quiet hour of prayer it will often make more progress than in days of company with others.” How true this statement is! No large growth in holiness will ever be gained by someone who does not take the time to be often and long, alone with God.

Remember there will always be plenty of things clamoring for our attention, many of them good things. My challenge to you is to seek first the kingdom of God. Enter into His presence by spending time with God first, and our very great reward will be that He will give us His power, His strength, and His wisdom. We will walk away from this time with him not feeling lonely or unloved, but refreshed, energized, and ready to conquer anything that comes our way. How? Because we have fed our Spirits with the living God who empowers and equips us for every good work that He has prepared for us to do. Best of all, we won’t tire out, and we won’t ever feel lonely.

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16

Be still and know that I am God. Isaiah 46:10

Unceasing Prayer

As Christians we know that Christ lives within us. That means he is in the very center of our physical being. He is in the midst of our brain, and in the midst of our nerve centers. He dwells within us physically and spiritually and the more mindful we are of His presence, the more prayerful we will be. Prayer is nothing more than keeping company with God. Far too long I have limited my prayer time with God to routine morning devotions. It always felt wonderful starting my morning with God and I felt energized and empowered to live a life worthy of Him. However, more often than not, by the time late afternoon arrived, I would find myself becoming impatient, annoyed and quickly falling into that slippery slope of sinfulness. It always bothered me that I could spend such wonderful communion with the Lord and yet by the end of the day all visible traces of any godliness were totally absent. It is becoming apparent to me that not only is setting aside time each day for solitude with God imperative, I must learn to walk “moment by moment” with Him. Only then will I be able to truly live out the Christian life God desires for me. How do you keep company with God like that?

The Bible gives us the answer… pray unceasingly (1 Thes 5:17). But how on earth can we pray unceasingly? We have jobs to do, places to go, people to meet. I believe I found the answer this morning in my quiet time with the Lord. Unceasing prayer means keeping company with God all the time. It is conversing with Him frequently throughout the day because we realize that He is with us all the time. There is never a time we are apart. We become so conscious of God that we begin to include Him in every detail of our lives. And yes, it means we inquire of Him before we make decisions…both big and small. It means knowing He cares so much about us that He desires to help us in making our choices. Lord, is this the right time for our family to own a pet? Lord, what type of washing machine should I purchase? Lord, I need help in managing my finances. Lord, should I apply for this job? God wants to be in every facet of our lives. Not just our morning devotions! Yet, how often do we just leave Him there, forgetting to invite Him into the rest of our day? I have been guilty of doing that over and over and then I wonder why things just didn’t turn out quite right. I prayed to you this morning Lord. Wasn’t that enough?

Corrie ten Boom, a wonderful and dedicated Christian, once said, “Is prayer your steering wheel or is it your spare tire?” Wow! That is powerful. That is a challenge for all of us. I know there is more of God to discover. Deeper conversations to be had. More secrets from His Word to be revealed. We have to remember though that prayer is not some “magical formula” that will grant us all our wishes. Prayer is an integral part of our relationship with God. Prayer is simply talking with God. It is pouring out our soul to Him, telling Him our deepest desires, our hurts, and our concerns. One of the primary ways God speaks loudly is through the pages of the Bible. It is our job to listen, to meditate and ponder on what He says. He will comfort us, encourage us, challenge us, convict us, and show us a larger view of Himself if we but take the time to immerse ourselves in His Word. But when He speaks, He also requires a response from us. We communicate that response in prayer. It may be silent reverence, it may be thanksgiving, it may be repentance, it may be commitment, or it may be a yielding of our own will to His. The Bible will change our prayer life and lift it to new heights.

I have a challenge for you (and me)--next time you find yourself worrying, immediately begin to pray. Tell God what you are worried about and let His peace flow through you. You must always remember that He is in control. Worrying does not help us one bit. When you find yourself not knowing what to say to a friend in need, quickly ask God to whisper to your heart and give you the right words. When you need to make a quick decision about something, step away for a moment, and ask the Lord for guidance in making the right choice.

As we begin to live a life of prayer in fellowship with our Lord, we will begin to experience a peace that is independent of feelings or circumstances. This is one of the many blessings God gives to His children. And always remember, we are never alone. God is with us always, beckoning and wooing us to come to Him.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God; And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5

God's Point of View

I just finished reading a true-story of a man who lost his entire family in a flash flood in Kansas during the summer of 2003. His wife and four young children all died as the floodwaters engulfed them. In a split second his entire life changed. He was the sole survivor left to carry on without his precious family. It was a gut-wrenching story to read but it spoke volumes about his character and his eternal perspective. Although grief-stricken beyond belief, he was able to carry on because he knew God and His promise of eternal life with Him one day. I could relate to his story because, I too, have experienced extreme sorrow when my own 9 year old son died in a freak accident many years ago. Although I did not have a personal relationship with God at the time, the intense grief and sorrow paved the way to a relationship with my Lord. I quickly discovered that no one nor anything could give me the hope I so desperately needed. I found that hope in Jesus alone. I began reading the Bible and took Him at His word. Over time, He gave me an eternal perspective and I realized that He used my suffering, tears and pain to give me a new vision and purpose for my life. It was to know, love, obey and serve Him. I did not have all the answers to why these horrible tragedies occur, but I didn’t need to know why. I just needed to trust Him and know that He would use them for my good and for His glory.

As I immersed myself in His Word I began to get God’s point of view. His promises filled me with hope and increased my faith exponentially. Since we live in a fallen world, it is inevitable that we are going to experience pain, disappointments, and sorrow. When earthly dreams disappoint and our future seems to be on hold, what will enable us to carry on? When people fail or hurt us, what will we turn to? When sorrow comes knocking on our door, what will bring us hope? Every single day of our lives we need God’s perspective or we will surely fall apart.

We’ve got a choice. We can look at life two ways. Either we can look at what is seen, what is temporal. This consists of man’s view of his feelings and circumstances and is seen and experienced with the physical eye. Or we can look at life at what is not seen, yet is eternal. This is God’s eternal perspective. We may not be able to see with physical eyes since it is invisible, but nevertheless it is true and real. This perspective gives us hope and anchors our soul and is totally independent of any outside events or circumstances.

There is only one place where we can find God’s point of view and that is in the Bible. It is there that we will gain God’s perspective on any given situation. But in order to do so, there are a few things we need to do.

• We must be a Christian. (You must first be a Christian to understand spiritual things. 1 Cor 2:6-26)
• We must acknowledge our present situation in life. (You can’t gain a proper perspective if you deny your circumstances. The truth will set you free.)
• We must discover God’s point of view in His Word. (Find God’s promises related to your situation in life. Forego telling all the friends and neighbors your situation. Go to God instead.)
• We must take God at His Word. (Act according to the eternal perspective you see in God’s Word. Walk by faith, not be sight.)

Remember that faith is a choice, a decision, not a feeling. It is important to act on God’s Word and not just read it. Inotherwords, be a doer. What good is it if we fill our mind with God’s truth but don’t live it out? As we gain an eternal perspective, we will experience the power of God’s Word at work in our lives. We will be walking by faith and not by sight!

Life on earth is but a brief moment compared to eternity. So let us make it a priority to see God in everything and live the brief life He gave us on earth in light of our eternal life with Christ.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:18

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb 11:1

Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Heb 11:6

Throw out the Fleece!

Remember the story of Gideon and the fleece? God called Gideon to be Israel’s deliverer. The Lord assured him on numerous occasions that He would be with him and allow him to strike down all the Midianites in battle. Gideon needed visible signs though…lots of them. First he asked for a sign that it was really the Lord who was speaking to him. So God obliged him and consumed the sacrifice with fire that Gideon prepared. With much excitement Gideon realized that he had seen the angel of the Lord face to face! (Judges 6:22). God again assured him that he would not die and told him not to be afraid. But his emotions got the best of him and being wary and unconfident, he chose to ask God again for clarity and assurance. He told God that he would lay out a fleece on the threshing floor and if dew was only on the fleece and the ground was dry then he would know for sure that God would save Israel by his hand. Once again, God granted his request. A third time Gideon asked to make one more request and this time if the fleece was dry and the ground was covered with dew, then he would know for absolute certain that God was indeed going to save Israel by his hand. Wow! Three times Gideon requested signs from God regarding the same matter. Was he putting God to the test or was he simply asking for reassurance and confirmation? One might say that his motive was right, but maybe his approach or method was a little less than ideal.

I personally don’t think there is anything wrong with asking God for guidance. In fact, God welcomes it. But could it be that continually demanding extra signs is an indication of unbelief? Or was Gideon’s faith just a little weak? Maybe he really didn’t think that God could do all that He said He would. In my own Christian walk I have learned that there are degrees to faith. As a new believer, I’d often make special requests of God to confirm in my heart that it was His voice I heard. Often I would not believe unless I had some visible sign or great manifestation or feeling. God was so gracious to me and understood that I needed more tangible evidence of His presence or answer to prayer. So, I too, put out my fleece. Although this is true faith, it is imperfect faith. It seems to always look for some token or feeling beside the Word of God. An advance in faith is when we can believe and trust God without needing “proof” or experiencing overwhelming emotions all the time. The highest form of faith believes and trusts God and His Word when all circumstances, emotions, people, and human reason urge to the contrary. God gave us His Word and it is truly the greatest means of guidance and wisdom that we have available to us. It is His complete and fully revealed truth. What else do we need? I must admit that I vacillate between the three types of faith. Sometimes, my faith is so strong that I just know because I know. God has proved Himself faithful to me over and over again and no amount of emotion or tangible sign will make me love or trust Him more than I already do. Then at other times, I seem to be like Gideon and I want confirmation over and over again before I will budge. Is it really you, Lord? Can you please just give me another sign and then I’ll do what you want.

While I know that God’s answers to our prayers are sometimes clearly evident, sometimes He allows us to go through seasons of “waiting”. Maybe it is in these waiting periods when He just wants us to lay our burdens down, sit at His feet, seek Him alone, and bask in His presence. Maybe we don’t need all that fleece. Can it be that just being still and knowing that He is God is sufficient enough? Can it be that just believing He loves us is truly all we need? Sure, there may be times when we need to know for certain that we have heard from God before we act, especially on important matters, but let us not make that an excuse for inactivity or disobedience. Sometimes fear makes us want to wait for more confirmation. While God is often gracious enough to give us these visible signs, if we come to expect or demand them we are keeping ourselves from growing in our faith.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb 11:1

Remember that relying only on “putting out fleeces” is a poor decision-making method. When we do this we put limitations on God. We are asking Him to fit into our expectations and then bless our methods. I think God prefers we seek after Him with all of our hearts through prayer and Bible study. He tells us to ask, seek, and knock. If we do, we’ll get all the answers, wisdom and guidance we need. And although we may still pull it out occasionally, we’ll actually be okay without the fleece!

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

School of Suffering

We do everything possible to avoid it. In fact, we go out of our way to steer clear of it. We run; we hide; we shun it. No one is immune from it, and one day, it will come knocking on our door. We will not welcome it in, but it will burst open the door, force its way in, unannounced, and certainly uninvited. What is this most unpleasant thing that we would rather not have anything to do with? It is our arch-enemy, our rival. And its name is Suffering.

I don’t think I know of anyone who welcomes this tyrant. When it makes its visit, we resist, we wail and scream, and we fight it with all our strength. Unfortunately, it is much stronger than we are, and we quickly succumb to its overwhelming brute force. To those around us it is quite apparent that we are not in a “happy” state of mind. Our emotions overwhelm us, and we outwardly show the world this pain we are in through various ways. Some of us cry uncontrollably, others withdraw into our own world, and still others openly complain about our situation. Only the “seasoned” sufferer takes it in stride and is able to manage his pain for he has learned the secret of how to live with it.

I’ve often wondered why we shun suffering so much. After all, Jesus himself suffered immensely for our salvation. How is it that we think we can avoid it? Jesus said that in this world we will have tribulation, but we are to take heart for He has overcome the world. I must admit that if I had not personally experienced extreme suffering myself, I would still not understand the purpose of it at all. I’ve heard it said that the school of suffering graduates rare scholars. Something happens in this “school of suffering” that transforms us in ways that nothing else can. Faith grows exponentially, we loosen our grip on the things of this world, and we seek to know God in deeper and more profound ways. We want an answer for our suffering. Why God, have you allowed this debilitating disease to ravage my body? Why God, did you allow my little boy to die? Why God, must I carry such deep wounds from being unloved by my parents? These and many more “whys” fill our minds and grieve our souls. We simply must have an answer, and suffering provokes us to find it. Ironically, we will not find the answers to our suffering through the world itself. We find and make peace with our suffering only when we turn to Jesus. Even so, often our pain lingers for what seems like an eternity. Yet God miraculously gives us a new perspective—His perspective, and it sure is better than ours. Ours seeks to reason and rationalize—His shows us an eternal glory that awaits us if we persevere. Ours wants the suffering to end—His asks us to come unto Him and He will help us through our trials.

Dr. Charles Parkhurst said that “To do and suffer God’s will is still the highest form of faith. Great faith is exhibited not so much in ability to do as to suffer.” I challenge you to think back for a moment on some of the trials you have suffered through. Were you not able to comfort or encourage someone else going through a similar experience? Those who are most effective at helping and sympathizing with others are those who have also paid the high price of affliction. He who would be a helper, must first be a sufferer. Likewise, we must never forget that to have a sympathizing God, we first had to have a suffering Savior. Jesus suffered everything imaginable from loneliness, to hunger, to persecution, to rejection, and ultimately death on a cross. Yes, Jesus can sympathize with us in our troubles and sorrows. And He alone can heal and mend a broken heart.

Next time you find yourself in the unwanted “school of suffering,” lean close to the One who loves you so much and who wants to use this pain, this trial, this discomfort, to not only refine your character, but to bring you to Himself in a new and fresh way so that you can help those who are also suffering, thereby bringing God the glory He so deserves. Jesus, our suffering Servant, endured the cross for “the joy set before Him”. Ask Him to give you the ability to endure your cross, your suffering for the joy and glory set before you. The only way to get through it and be refined by it is to take His hand, His strength, and His power. You’ll be amazed at what He can do through you, and with time you will find an incredible blessing behind all your pain.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be oeverjoyed whi His glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12

Not only so, be we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoiont us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Romans 5:3-5

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Heb 2:10

“The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? John 18:11

Got JOY?

On a scale of 1 to 10 what is your Joy factor? Are you feeling healthy and vibrant? Are you successful in your career? Are you surrounded by wonderful and loving people? Do you have plenty of money in the bank? Do you drive around in a new car and live in clean suburban neighborhood? Good. Then you’ve got joy, right? Wrong!!! These things may make you happy, but they do not bring you Joy. Oblige me for a moment while I explain.

Happiness is circumstantial…it depends on outward experiences and happenings. Joy is intrinsic—it is an inward experience and does not depend on circumstances. Everyone desires to be happy and live a carefree and fun-filled life. So, they seek to do the very things that they believe will bring them this happiness. They go to college to get a good-paying job, they exercise for health benefits, and they take regular vacations to enjoy life to its fullest. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing these things either. Furthermore, it is quite easy to be happy when things are going well. But what happens when life throws you a curveball and you lose your job, your health deteriorates, or a loved one dies? What then? Obviously you aren’t “happy” about these things. Does that mean it is time to start complaining, sulking, and blaming others for your misfortune?

Have you considered being “joyful” even in these difficult situations? “How can I be joyful,” you ask “when things are falling apart all around me?” Joy is in direct contrast to happiness and it runs much deeper and stronger. Unlike happiness, joy does not depend on good or positive experiences. You can be joyful even if there is great sorrow all around you. Joy is the quiet and confident assurance that no matter what happens, you are loved by God and He will never leave nor forsake you. This kind of joy can come only from a deep abiding relationship with your heavenly Father. It comes from being dedicated to and living for Jesus Christ. Even when things aren’t going well and we “feel” like complaining, we can rest assured that Christ still reigns, He is still in control, and He will work all things for good for those who love Him.

Consider Paul who endured so much opposition and suffering. Not only was he repeatedly beaten and put in prison, he truly suffered for Christ. He was hungry, he was cold, he was alone, yet he considered “everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus.” No matter what his circumstances were, he learned to be content, and he focused all his attention and energy on knowing and obeying Christ. Wow, what a role model to follow! In his letter to the Philippians, he exhorts us to be joyful in suffering, in serving, in believing, and in giving. He wants us to be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

We’re flesh and blood and it is inevitable that we will feel discouraged at times. However, we must always remember that God’s Spirit is alive and well and living inside each one of His believers. He is the one enabling us to carry on. He is the one who initiates, enables and sustains us from day to day. We may be incomplete and lacking, but He is not! God will never give up on us even though we may give up on ourselves at times. We must learn to rest in His promises and His truth. He will do far more than we can ever expect or anticipate. Our job is simply to rest in Him and trust Him. And remember that trusting is not passive—it is active faith. Read and meditate on His written Word, pour out your heart to Jesus, and walk obediently with Him. He may not take away or change your situation overnight, but He will change something—He will transform you from the inside out. Your attitude will change and your perspective will begin to mirror His. A peace that surpasses all understanding will flood your soul and you will begin to get the mind of Christ.

Maybe it is time to revisit those two words. Are you “happy” or do you have “joy”? Don’t allow your present circumstances to rob you of the joy of knowing Christ or keep you from growing closer to Him. Let’s face it, in this world we will have troubles. Jesus says so Himself. But He also says that He has overcome the world. He is bigger than anything that concerns you. He sees beyond your painful trials and circumstances. He alone knows the end of the story. All He asks of you is to take Him at His Word and take His hand. He will journey with you through the good times and the not so good times. He’s done it for me and I know He’ll do it for you.

Don’t waste your time pursuing fleeting experiences in an effort to evoke a temporary “high” in your life. And don’t just settle for “Happy.” Happiness will elude you as soon as the going gets tough. Personally, I want to live in a constant state of euphoria…a deeper joy that truly surpasses any fleeting experience. That is why I chose Jesus. He is my true and lasting Joy!

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes 5:16-18

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:16

Security in the Storm

Every human being ever born, whether he or she realizes it or not, craves security. At times we even go to unhealthy extremes to get it. Some people stay in unhealthy relationships for the hope of achieving security; others spend countless hours away from home and family in the pursuit of money expecting that financial security is all they need; and still there are others who become rather self-indulgent anticipating that the beauty treatments, plastic surgeries, and muscularly toned bodies will bring them the love and recognition they so crave. Don’t misunderstand me…we are wired to crave security. Needing to feel loved and taken care of is not wrong. The question is: Where are we going to get it? We must stop and ask ourselves from time to time how much of our security lies in our possessions, position, reputation or appearance. The ironic thing is that we all know that possessions can be destroyed, relationships can be broken, beauty fades with time, and for each one of us death is inevitable.

Real security is found only beyond this life. It can only be found when our security rests in God alone and His unchanging nature. Even though our circumstances change continuously, He is the only constant in our lives. And only with Him can we face this uncertain future with hope and peace.

I just finished studying the Book of Esther and it brought to light that Esther’s life was filled with many challenges and uncertainties. Although she was a beautiful queen who found favor with King Xerxes, the Persian king, her security did not lie in being Queen of Persia. Tradition in those days was rather cruel and it was not uncommon for a king to show his disapproval by killing those who did not respond in an appropriate fashion. In fact, his first wife Queen Vashti was exiled (and possibly killed) for not coming to him when summoned. Queen Esther was a Jewess (unbeknownst to the king) who replaced her. No doubt she walked around on pins and needles wondering what her fate might be. When a plan was made by the king’s right hand man to annihilate all the Jews, she fasted and prayed for three days before she entered into the king’s presence. She knew that she could have been killed simply by not being invited to speak to him. Edicts were irrevocable, and punishment was extreme to say the least. In fact, it didn’t surprise me to learn that the ancient Persians were the ones to come up with the tortuous crucifixion as a means of humiliation and death.

It is interesting to note that although God’s name is not mentioned once in this Old Testament book, it is quite obvious that His name is imprinted invisibly on every single page. He may have appeared to remain “unmentioned or anonymous”, but His work and sovereign plan for Esther’s and the Jews’ lives is clearly evident. In the end, God turned the tables around and the Queen and all the Jews were spared from annihilation.

This makes me wonder how many times God has turned the table around for me and I did not even know it? How many times has he protected me from harm’s way or not allowed me to get something I may have wanted and even prayed for because He alone knew that it would not be good for me. How many times have I grumbled because I didn’t get what I wanted totally unaware of the fact that He was only looking out for my best interest? Maybe that job I wanted would have caused me undue stress and turmoil. Maybe that friendship would have been harmful to me and caused me to stumble. Maybe that extra raise would have allowed me to become greedy and self-reliant. And maybe that period of time when my husband was unemployed was His way of teaching us that He alone is our all-sufficient Jehovah Jireh and provider.

I have learned over the years that nothing takes God by surprise. There are no “coincidences” in life. And yes, sometimes he remains completely anonymous. It our job to seek Him with all of our hearts and He promises we will find Him. It is our job to trust in Him and not in the world. Nothing the world offers can compare to the love and peace and security we find in our relationship with God. Let’s face it…we are definitely living in uncertain times. Many of us don’t know from one moment to the next if we will have a job or not. We certainly cannot rely on the crazy economy we are currently living in and the volatility of the stock market. We don’t know if our health will fail from one minute to the next. And we certainly know that death can come knocking on anyone’s door at any minute. No one is exempt. Don’t think it can’t happen to you or just happens to others. Take it from me. My very own 9 year old son was ushered into God’s presence at a birthday party of all places. As utterly devastating as that was for me, it did not surprise God one bit.

I have learned through much pain and sorrow that God is truly in control of everything and that if I place my trust in Him alone, He will see me through whatever trials or challenges that come my way. No one else I have ever met can do that for me. I have also learned that life is not so much about “smooth sailing” but in whom you trust when the boat begins to rock back and forth or the storms come with a vengeance. Do you trust in your boat’s ability to save you or possibly in the captain who is steering the boat? Or do you trust in the weatherman’s forecast and decide he’s probably wrong anyway? Are you planning to “sail through life” hoping to escape the turbulent waves in your own strength? Or are you willing to surrender self and let God be your ultimate security?” Seriously ponder that question for a little while and let it sink in deep. I hope you choose Him, because I can already see the storms brewing on the horizon.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1

He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Are you a Worry-Wart?

Do you ever find yourself day-dreaming about your future, or maybe the state of the economy, or the spiritual decline of our nation and before you know it you become anxious and unsettled? Or maybe you find yourself obsessively thinking about your kids, what they are doing or watching, or the choices they are making, and you begin to worry about their health and well-being? I know that I am guilty of fretting over things that I have absolutely no control over. Furthermore, worrying quickly opens the door to yet another very destructive emotion—FEAR. So why do I worry? We all know what an inefficient use of time worrying is. In fact, over 90% of what we worry about never even comes to pass. Yet, many of us to choose to engage in it on a regular basis. It is important to note that there is a difference between worrying about something and being concerned about it. Whereas worrying immobilizes, genuine concern moves one to action.

Because worrying is so detrimental to one’s health and faith-life, Jesus strongly warns us not to worry. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

The bible gives us 7 reasons not to worry:

1. The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
2. Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
3. Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
4. God does not ignore those who depend on Him.
5. Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6. There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them.
7. Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

When we chose to worry, we forfeit our peace. More importantly, worry reveals a lack of faith in God’s control. Psalm 37:5-7 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” When God tells us to “commit our way” to Him, he wants us to entrust everything to Him—our lives, our families, our jobs, our possessions, and our future. He wants us to loosen our grip and give Him control. Committing ourselves to God means trusting in Him. Trusting that He can take far better care of us and everything that concerns us and patiently waiting for him to work out what is best. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? The real test of faith is whether or not you can do that.

Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1 I just love that verse. It is such divine truth. If we knew the outcome, if we could see it all, it simply would not be faith. We would be trusting in ourselves, not in God. True faith drops a letter in the mailbox and lets it go, trusting that a response is forthcoming. Worry and distrust holds onto a corner of it, and wonders why the answer never comes. Holding onto the corner doesn’t produce a response, does it? It will not accomplish a thing until we let it go out of our hands and trust the postman and the mail system to get the letter to its desired recipient. This is how it is with true faith. It hands over its case to God, and leaves it with Him, trusting that He will work it out.

Worrying is a very destructive emotion that reveals a lack of faith that God loves us and is in control over our lives. It is also a very “inward focus”. Next time you find yourself beginning to worry, take a “time out.” Find a place where you can commune with God, give Him all your worries, and ask for His peace to rain down on you. This will give you an “upward focus”, and not allow you to dwell inwardly on your problems or worries. If you focus your attention on God and His goodness, He promises you will find peace.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

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

Thirsty, anyone?

I admit I have been guilty. Guilty of drinking from the well to satisfy my thirst--guilty of trying to do things my way, in my time, and in my strength. Is it any wonder I end up dry and parched and thirstier than ever? Why is it that we always drink from our own wells? We attempt do things for ourselves without even giving a thought to asking God for his insight and help? I know we are taught early on to be independent, but by leaving God out of the equation we only set ourselves up for failure. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He knows that we can either stumble along on our own or we can soar with Him.

God gives each one of us a personal invitation. An invitation to come to Him. "Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fair." Isaiah 55:1-2

What God is offering is not temporary…it is free nourishment for our soul and it is eternal. Everything else in life satisfies for such a short time. Food tastes delicious at the moment but as soon as it is devoured its taste fades. Money buys material possessions, but once we have them, they no longer satisfy and we crave more. Vacations are great fun, but quickly fade to distant memories. Only a growing relationship with God can give us the nourishment for our soul that sustains and empowers us. We need the Living Water that flows from the throne of God. This Living Water is Jesus.

In Jeremiah 2:13 the Lord says, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” Remember the story of the woman at the well. She came to draw water from a well and met Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13

We are to thirst after God as we thirst after water. Jesus alone is the Messiah who can give us this gift that satisfies the soul’s desire. And it is not a one-time event. It is a moment-by-moment way of life. Furthermore, if we are to give back to others, we absolutely must be filled with God’s Spirit—filled with the Living Water, or we will simply not have anything worthwhile to give. How can we possibly encourage, inspire, or pour anything into the precious life of another human being if we have not been filled with the Living Water ourselves? We simply cannot give that which we have not yet received ourselves.

God gives us the choice from where to drink? We can drink from the well of our own cisterns or we can drink from the Living Water and never thirst again. I have a suggestion…why don’t we fill our empty vessels with Living Water. That God-shaped void in our lives simply cannot be satisfied with a career, money, a beautiful home, or even other people. It is designed to be filled with Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be thirsty again. I chose the Living Water.

"If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37

Living Mindfully

Have you ever stopped to reflect on how quickly time seems to fly by? When a person is young this question never enters the mind. Interestingly, one usually doesn’t take inventory of “time” until he or she ages. Youth holds the promise of a bright future as one anticipates entering college, meaningful relationships, and traveling the world. Eventually thoughts turn to marriage and children, and thereafter, career and family matters take precedence. At least that is how it was for me. It was not until I got older that I became increasingly more aware of how fleeting time really is. No sooner was one birthday celebrated when the next one magically appeared. Where did the time go? Both the unexpected and anticipated moments seem to come and go as quickly as spring is ushered in after a long, cold winter.

The fact that I have now become cognoscente of the brevity of life allows me to savor each day and live it to its fullest. There are times, however, when I “forget” and in my haste I return to the multi-tasking mode of the past. I begin performing various tasks simultaneously and yet I’m not really present in the moment at all. You know what I mean. You’re busy unloading the dishwasher as you’re preparing supper and your husband is talking to you while your child is whining in the background. You half-heartedly carry on a conversation with him while you try to ignore the cries of your child, as you’re cooking tonight’s dinner and then you find yourself putting the butter in the dishwasher!!! Maybe the situation is not quite that bad, but you get my point! You are not giving your best anywhere because you are trying to do too many things at the same time.

I recently went on a weekend retreat and the theme was about “living mindfully.” To live mindfully is to live fully in the moment. Not in some multi-tasking whirlwind sort of way, but fully embracing and enjoying whomever you are with or whatever you are doing. It is being fully alive and aware of the present moment. Although the culture of today tries to teach us the art of multi-tasking, I believe that when you try to do too much at the same time it lessens the quality of the experience.

So, how do you begin to live mindfully? The speaker encouraged us to take “sacred pauses”—to carve out time and take deliberate pauses in the day wherein you stop what you are doing and talk to God, or look out the window and enjoy His creation, or do some deep breathing and realize God’s breathe is in you, or reflect on His grace and goodness. These pauses help you to live in the now. They bring you back to reality and the reason for your existence—to have a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, and to live thankfully and lovingly with all those that He has put in your path. These pauses make space for God in your life and allow you to live with an open heart of love and gratitude. So many wonderful experiences of God are all around us, yet we often don’t see them when we are hurrying about our days.

The New Testament uses two different words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos is the time governed by the clock. It includes time tables and pre-arranged work schedules. It is task driven and hurried. Chronos time misses out on the joy of the moment for the purpose of completing a task. Kairos time, on the other hand, is measured by events or special moments and allows for meaningful experiences and memories that are long-lasting and precious. It savors those special moments when time seems to stand still as one relishes a memory, a laugh or smile, a meaningful conversation. Even Scripture charges us to redeem our time and use it for all it is worth. “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Martha became angry and frustrated because she was torn between chronos (the schedule and the tasks) and kairos time (the special moment of sitting at Jesus’ feet). Her sister Mary chose the better part. She relished the moments sitting at her Teacher’s feet.

So my question to you is “How do you use your time?” Are you always in a hurry? Are you missing out on life experiences because the activity or task at hand is becoming more important than the people you are doing it for? Hurrying means losing touch with those around you and it creates a cluttered life rather than a simplified life. Never forget that “Time is the soil in which relationships grow.”

As Christians we are to aim for a balanced life. There are times when it is more prudent to live in chronos mode. However, we must deliberately pursue living in kairos mode too. Look for the kairos even in the seemingless insignificant tasks and remember that God is in them too. Scripture tells us that “there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Place speed limits on your life to maintain a pace that is safe, sane, and steady. Take “sacred pauses” often throughout your day. One of my favorite sayings of all times is “Every new day is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God.” If you can remember this and practice doing it, you will learn what it means to live mindfully. You’ll redeem your time and it will be lived more passionately. And I don’t know any better way we can spend our time than investing ourselves in others and storing up treasures in heaven!

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Tim 6:18-19

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Col 1:10

Your Big-Picture Direction

Have you ever questioned what your life purpose is? What is it that God put you here for and what does He want to accomplish through you? Or are you simply meandering through your life with little or no vision? As Christians we are told in God’s Word that He has a plan and purpose for each one of His children, yet have you taken the time to discover what that plan and purpose could be?

We also know that God has gifted us each individually and uniquely with specific talents and abilities to use for His kingdom purposes. Have you discovered what they are? Now please don’t say that you don’t have any gifts, talents, or abilities. By stating something as insidious as this you are claiming that God made you inadequate and deficient, and we know that this is NOT true. You may just need to do some soul searching to reflect on your life and the type of person God created you to be. And then pray and diligently seek God’s direction for your life. Something I did that was very helpful to me was I developed a life mission statement. This enabled me to discern what God wanted to accomplish through me in my lifetime. Furthermore, it helped me realize that God did not waste a tear, an experience, or a valuable lesson. He used all of these life experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, to mold me into the person I am today. He has equipped me to reach out to others in a way that brings Him glory. Some questions you can ask yourself in helping you to determine what your life mission may be are:

1. If you were to die tomorrow, what do you want people to remember?
2. What do you feel passionately about? What do you never grow tired of talking about?
3. When you go to a bookstore/library what section do you drift toward?
4. What do people compliment you about? What activities do you excel in?
5. If you could do only one activity all day long for the rest of your life what would it be?
6. Has God laid a special burden or concern for a group or ministry on your heart?

Summarize these thoughts into a few sentences and you are on your way to defining your life mission. Seek God’s guidance and direction in fine tuning it. Then write it down somewhere where you can review it often. When you are more in tune with who you are and how God has gifted you, you will become more aware of opportunities that surround you to join Him in accomplishing your life mission.

Zig Ziglar, a renowned motivational speaker and Christian once asked a poignant question, “Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful specific?” A wandering generality is a person who lacks direction. Often this person is a very busy person indeed. She is the soccer mom, her children’s chauffeur, and she is on several committees. She is running here and there, trying not only to take care of her family, but busy trying to please her friends, her church family, and various other organizations that she is involved in. While these are all wonderful things in and of themselves, they are not wonderful if she is leaving God out of the “big picture” only to win the approval of everyone else. In no time at all she will find herself stressed out and ineffective. Unfortunately by saying “Yes” to everything and everyone else, she often says “No” to God. This woman will never make a lasting mark on her world until she discovers God’s mission for her.

The meaningful specific, on the other hand, is a woman who doesn’t seek to do for God, but who is available to Him so that He can do His work through her. This woman takes the time necessary to develop an intimate relationship with her Maker. She knows Him and seeks after Him with all of her heart. Although she too may be busy, she is not aimlessly living her life. She has a passion, a purpose, a mission. And God is at the center of it. She realizes that God loves her and has equipped her for great things. But she is also willing to surrender her dreams knowing that God’s plan for her life is her ultimate goal. She trusts that God will reveal and equip her to accomplish His kingdom purposes. Her primary joy in life is developing her relationship with Him, fully confident that He will speak and guide her in her day to day life. Therefore, she doesn’t fret or strive. She simply abides.

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? I truly believe that the greatest pleasure we can give the Lord is our full and undivided love and affection. We are a people who always believe we must be doing something for Him. Why is it so hard for us to just sit quietly at the feet of our Lord and wait for Him? When we step into His plan, we will not grow weary or tired. He will miraculously provide us with the energy and the means to fulfill His purpose.

As we take the time to develop and strengthen our walk with Christ, God will give us the big picture direction for our lives. He doesn’t desire to keep secrets from us, but He does insist on our participation. He won’t do it all for us. Before long He will whisper to the deep places in our souls what we were uniquely created to do. He will lay on our hearts specific burdens for a group of people, a country, or a ministry. We simply cannot bypass the relationship. It takes lots of reflection, prayer, and even feedback from others. Ask God outright for the “big-picture” direction for your future, and ask Him to guide you daily in your choices. Refuse to say “yes” to others’ demands until you have spent time listening to God. He knows you better than you know yourself and if you delight in Him, He will surely give you the desires of your heart. And you will find your Big-Picture direction!

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:3-7

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

A Letter from Heaven

In this fast-paced society in which we now live, most communications that come our way are in the form of e-mails, text messages, and junk mail. How often do you get a letter from a friend or a loved one? It is a rare but joyous occasion when I go to the mailbox and find a letter amongst the many daily pieces of junk mail. I usually tear open the envelope because I can’t wait to read what personal message is inside just for me. I think most people enjoy receiving personal letters or note cards. They have a way of making us feel “special”, because someone took the time to sit down and handwrite a message to us. Maybe they just miss us, or are thanking us for a kind gesture, or encouraging us through difficult times. Whatever the reason, I’m sure you would agree that a personal handwritten note can truly set one’s heart soaring!

So, I have a simple question for you. If God was the one who sent you a letter, would you read it? Would His letter bring you the same enthusiasm and excitement as a letter from a friend? His letter would be full of encouragement and He would spur you on to be your very best. He would profess his absolute love and devotion to you and even let you know of things to come. This letter would be packed with insight and even give you tips on how to deal with unruly children or a difficult neighbor. Best of all, this letter would be written specifically with You in mind. I’d like to think that everyone would shout “Absolutely” and be very interested in hearing what God had to say.

Now I have another question for you. When was the last time you opened your Bible and spent time reading and meditating on it? Hopefully, you can say with confidence, “Yes, today, in fact!” Can I propose to you that the Bible IS God’s letter to you? It is His love letter directed personally to you; it is His words of affirmation and encouragement concerning you; it is His plans for your prosperous and successful future; and it is even His revelation about what is to come. Now who wouldn’t want to read a letter like that?

Although I’m quite sure many might possibly want to read it, I also believe that many will not take the time to do so. Other things will get in the way. Kids, work, and a busy schedule are sure to be the most common excuses. Now I’m not trying to put you on a “guilt trip”. Believe me, I’ve been there myself. Unfortunately for me, I waited until catastrophe struck my home and then I was desperate to hear from God. Had I taken the time to get to know my Maker sooner, I would have known exactly where to go in my letter for the forgiveness, consolation, healing, and peace I so craved. So, please don’t follow in my footsteps and wait for trials to come before you pursue a relationship with God. Get to know Him now. In His letter, He tells you all about Himself and what He is like. Once you know Him, you can’t help but Love Him. Obeying Him will become easier and His commands will no longer seem burdensome.

So next time you look at that dusty bookshelf with a myriad of choices, remember God’s letter nestled in between all those other books. He is waiting for you to open it and attentively read it. It surpasses any book of romance, mystery, intrigue, or suspense. In addition, it will supply just what you need for today. Whether that comes in the form of encouragement, or the resolution to a problem you’ve been facing, or to a feeling of love and acceptance filtering deep down into your soul, His letter has the power to transform your very life. How do I know this? I know because it has changed mine. I’m living proof. His letter is never boring, and the more I read it, the more addicted I become to it. Even though I may read the same chapter today that I read last year, it will speak to me in a fresh way concerning my situation today. It is replete with love, wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. More than anything, God’s letter to me has given me Hope. Hope for a brighter today and Hope for an eternity in heaven with Jesus. I know it will do the same for you.

So what are you waiting for? It’s your love letter from God and He is waiting for you to read it. The wisdom He imparts to you through His written Word will bless you in unimaginable ways. Go ahead, open it. You won’t regret it. I promise.

For the word of God is active and living, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing the soul and the spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb 4:12

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

A Heart of Love

The cold, snowy days have finally ushered in the month of February. The highlight of this chilly winter month is probably Valentine’s Day, symbolizing a day of love. Nothing warms the heart like red roses and chocolate hearts freely given to our loved ones as tokens of our love and appreciation. Being the chocolate lover that I am, it would be quite natural for my favorite gift to be some form of chocolate. But not just any kind—I prefer the dark, bittersweet variety over the creamy, milky kind. Could it be that I am justifying my habitual cravings by insisting that the darker variety has more cocoa, and is therefore much healthier?

Just as my favorite chocolate is bittersweet, February has always represented a “bittersweet” month for me. Several birthdays are celebrated this month including my husband’s, my sister’s, as well as my own birthday. Yet, nestled in all these “happy birthdays” are some very sad days too as they represent the anniversary dates of loved ones who have passed away. Most significantly for me, my very own son.

Though it has been many years, 19 to be exact, since I last saw his beautiful face, sometimes it feels like just yesterday. Other times, it seems like it has been an eternity. How does one make it through such sorrow you might ask? Being the seasoned mourner that I am, I can honestly tell you that contrary to popular belief, “time is not what heals the wounds.” JESUS is. I can ditto the emotions of a Christian song’s lyrics, “Heal the wound, but leave the scar. A reminder of how merciful you are.” For Jesus was merciful to me. He forgave me my sins and wooed me to Himself for He was fully aware of how much help I needed. He alone understood the internal anguish I was in and He knew that He alone could satisfy the deepest longings in my heart.

Jesus unequivocally and solitarily is the One who gave me a reason to live again, this time with Him in the center of my life. He is the One who filled my broken heart with joy, and gave me beauty for ashes. Before you think I was a super Christian who had it all together, I must inform you that I was not! I was as carnal a Christian as they come. Hedonistic you might even add. Worldy pleasures, selfishness…you get the picture? Has my grieving been easy? Absolutely not. Have I cried out in pain? Have I questioned why? Have I begged Him for help? Most definitely, yes.

In the deepest, darkest pit, Jesus heard my faint voice. He reached down to lift me out of the mire, out of the pit of destruction. For He had plans for my life. Plans I knew nothing about at the time. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11.

All that my mind could conceive was how to make it through yet one more day. There was no foresight or thought for my future. However, Jesus sees it all—the beginning and the end. He would not waste a single tear. And He won’t waste yours either. Can I encourage you to turn to the One who understands every little pain, every sorrow, every hurt? No only does he care about the most minuscule concern you may have, He can also handle the biggest obstacle you have ever faced. He wants to journey with you through it all.

So this Valentine’s Day as I reflect on my loved ones, my thoughts wander to my first-born, the son of my youth, my little angel in heaven. I thank God for his life, as brief as it was. For through his death, Jesus taught me about life and love. I’ve learned that Love is the most wonderful gift we can give one another. So, let’s not wait for Valentine’s Day. Let us love one another passionately everyday. Not just the people closest to us, but also the ones we find hard to get along with. And let us not forget about the stranger. He may need a friendly smile to warm his weary or broken heart. And Jesus may just want to extend His love to him through You!

Happy Valentine’s Day Derrick. Happy Valentine’s Day Jesus.

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, save me!” Psalm 116:3-4

A new command I give you: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

God's Favorite Fruit

Anyone who knows me well knows just how much I love to EAT! In fact, I

love to eat all kinds of foods from all five food groups. I truly savor all sorts of foods with varying textures, smells, and tastes. But I do believe that some of my absolute favorite foods are fruits ripened and in season. Take a big, juicy strawberry, for instance. Or how how about fresh blackberries, peaches, nectarines, and exotic fruits such as kiwi and mangos? My mouth waters just thinking about how delicious they taste. How about you? What type of fruit do you savor and long for?

My mind turns to yet another type of fruit—heavenly fruit. It is the fruit that gets God’s full and undivided attention. It is not edible, of course. Yet it is a fruit that God honors and unequivocally savors. It is called the “fruit of the Spirit” and its effects last much longer than the edible kind.

As Christians growing in the Lord, God calls us to possess these qualities in increasing measure. Now, I have to be brutally honest. How is it possible to always be lovable, joyful, peaceful, patient, and kind? How can I always have goodness, gentleness, and faithfulness in my heart? Let us not forget self-control, which I believe is one of the most difficult character traits to possess.

Early in my walk with Christ I remember asking God specifically for these fruits of the Spirit. “Please Lord, give me love, give me joy, give my peace, give me patience, give me, give me, give me.” Now, please don’t misunderstand me. My heart was in the right place, but I was somewhat misinformed. I soon found out that there is no way my human sinful nature could display all of these wonderful virtues in my life day in and day out. I would try to be loving, patient, and kind and some days I did pretty well. Then the next day would roll around and for some reason I lacked patience and self-control. Of course, I’d blame it on hormonal imbalance or my kids. I quickly began a self-defeating, downward spiral believing that I would never be able to possess all of these wonderful character traits. Frustratingly, I concluded that I just didn’t have what it takes.

Fortunately, God loves me enough to clarify His Word to me. My eyes were opened and I found new hope as I began to understand that I would never be able to master the fruits of the Spirit in my own strength. I learned that the Holy Spirit is working spontaneously in me to produce these character traits and only as I fill myself with Him will I ever be able to exhibit these stellar qualities. Simply put, they are by-products of living under His control. God lovingly taught me that the more I submitted to His control, the easier it would be for me to be loving, joyful, or patient. I realized that the Holy Spirit is the one who possesses all of these qualities and I can’t obtain them in my own strength or get them without his help. In short, I can not bypass a relationship with Him. These qualities are the very nature of Jesus Christ and as I join my life with His and make my relationship with Him a priority, He will begin to produce these traits in me in increasing measure.

Will I still mess up and lack self-control or patience at times? I know I will. But through God’s forgiveness and grace He will enable me to begin again. Thank goodness, He doesn’t give up on me as easily as I do myself! Together, we’ll tackle these virtues that need to be perfected. I know he’ll lovingly teach and guide me because He’s invested a lot in me. And he thinks I’m worth it!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:22.

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. Lam 3:23

Waiting on God

My pastor is currently doing a series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount wherein Jesus gave the Beatitudes. Jesus taught the multitudes about what really mattered – heartfelt obedience, not legalistic observance of the law. The third beatitude talks about the meek. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5. I’ve always wondered what it means to be meek. Although the dictionary defines it as being patient, humble and submissive, the worldly definition seems to invoke a state of “weakness” and “timidity.” Is that what meekness really is? No. On the contrary, biblical meekness is strength under control. It involves quietly submitting to God and in one’s patience keeping possession of his own soul, even when he cannot possess or change anything else. In other words, he recognizes that “self” can’t do anything. Basically it means that self-help can’t help. It is a recognition and desire to hand over the controls of your life to God. Biblical meekness is about releasing your life and decisions to God. You recognize that you are insufficient to handle life on your own. Then, you do the hardest part of all—be still and wait on God, especially through the difficult situations. God is certainly not slumbering while you are waiting for His answer. He has a magnificent way of working on his children during the “waiting” period, and often the process of waiting for a message from God can be just as important as the message itself. So be on the lookout for God’s answers. Don’t give in to worry which will do nothing but promote anxiety and distrust.

What makes waiting so difficult? It is interesting to note that we are willing to wait on things that are important to us. For example, we wait in line at a grocery store so we can buy groceries; we wait by the phone for an important phone call regarding a doctor’s prognosis; we wait for months for the arrival of a healthy baby; and we even plan and wait for next summer’s vacation. In short, the value we place on a person or object dictates the amount of time we are willing to wait on them. Don’t we value hearing from God? Why is it we always feel we have to run ahead of Him and take matters into our own hands? It is inevitable—He will speak and He will act, yet in His timing. The question remains, “Are you willing to wait?”

If you are willing to wait on God why not take a moment to consider meekness. Jesus taught that the meek are blessed and will inherit the earth. Remember though that being blessed means much more than a state of happiness. Things in this life do not always promote happiness. Can you be happy when you watch your savings account plummet to an all time low? Can you be happy when your employer terminates your position due to downsizing and hard economic times? Can you be happy when your child makes unwise decisions that reap severe consequences? No, of course not. Being blessed in God’s kingdom means experiencing a hope and joy despite any difficult circumstances you may be going through. This hope and joy goes much deeper. It means not fretting over unrighteousness, but leaving that in the hands of mighty God. It involves releasing your fears and the things you have tried to control over to Him. It means following Jesus and trusting Him to keep His Word. Above all it means continually focusing on Him, not your outward circumstances. This is not to say that it will be easy—it will take diligent effort on your part. Fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word and let it sink in deep. Surround yourself with Christian brothers and sisters who can pray for you in your weakness. Pray and fast while you wait for your answer.

When Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth I believe He is saying that this meek state of heart will promote comfort and security, and that you truly will be able to find solace and peace even in the midst of difficulty. Continue to be patient, doing the work God has given you to do, and allow Him to choose the best time to change your circumstances. He promises that if you submit to His timing, He will honor you.

“Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. Psalm 37:34

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:5