Effort or Aimless

For this very reason, make every effort to add to faith goodness; and to your goodness, knowledge; and to your knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. II Peter 1:5-8

For what reason? Because “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (verse 3-4)

We are to make every effort to pursue ownership of good qualities as intentional aspirations of focus. This endeavor is not for us to somehow earn our way to Heaven. And we do not expect these qualities simply to be poured out upon us, but we work along side the Father as an effective participator in His Kingdom.

Our lives are full of passions we give our all to. But, God also calls us to give great attention to becoming like His beautiful son, Jesus.

Sadly, the unintentional mind is aimless like a wayward ball in a pinball machine being flung to who knows where. Such a mind really doesn’t experience the feeling of accomplishing good results in a life of serving Jesus. There is little thought given to mastering one’s weaknesses in the power of God and to learning to work with Him in all things. Such a mind void of the Lord will never know true joy.

These efforts we seek start with faith (our belief in God whom we do not see) which leads to goodness (excellence in our choices), then to knowledge (growing in understanding), then to self-control (restraint over the desires of our flesh), then to perseverance (steadfastness and surrender to God in all situations), then to godliness (conforming to God’s ways), then to mutual affection (kindness and sympathy) and then to love (shown to us by God in the giving of His only son to death on a cross and in turn our living this out to others).

We become acquainted with such qualities in increasing measure, practicing every moment of our lives, especially in the hard times. We become daily purified as we grow in abundance of them. Doing so, naturally brings about fruit in God’s kingdom and a sense of accomplishment living out in us.

Lord, at first, this list looks daunting, but you are building up these qualities in us little by little. As we stay in step with you, we continue to add to what we are learning. It is not so impossible with you! You are right here aiding our every effort and drawing us closer to you. Thank you for changing our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Radiance in Darkness

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior. II Sam. 22:3.

When I think of a fortress, I imagine thick, high walls and solid towers. In history, the massive construction was built to withstand enemy attacks. Whole towns could live and survive within a fortress. A fortress was a stronghold, a place of protection.

When I look at pictures, however, the fortress, in a way, actually looks like a prison. Yes, it protectively keeps the enemies out, but it also keeps the residents somewhat walled in.

Today’s verse speaks of God being a fortress. When I turn to Him in all my troubles and trials in which I feel enemy attacks, He guides me to His word. He points me to odd commands such as pray for my enemy, go the second mile, don’t expect anything in return (when I give of myself), don’t allow myself to be ruled by my anger, answer with gentle responses, be the least, be last and be joyful in my trials.

His warnings and directives are challenging to my flesh. Sometimes, God’s will feels like a prison of sorts. Yet, the older I get, the more I realize that the hardest things God calls me to are really surrounding me like a fortress. They are there for my protection and good.

When ‘I’ am living in my Father’s abundance, others in my life will want the same thing. So now, my fortress spreads to protect and uphold them.

God is so good.

His mercies never end. His compassion never fails. His love binds me to His heart. I cannot help but look up and see love and warmth shining from His face as He beholds me. God wants to be my rock, my deliverer, my refuge and shield.

I strive to keep His thoughts in mind; His thoughts and ways are better than mine, and they are completely and absolutely freeing to my soul (not enslaving or harming me).

There are also times when I feel stuck in a different kind of prison….because of the circumstances of life. Yet, truly I am only imprisoned when my mind believes it. When I give everything over to my loving Father and submit myself to Him in all things, I find meaning and opportunities to serve, even if only through my prayers for others. I can sing aloud and live in joy. I can be a light to the world around me. I can go forward in kindness and compassion and watch God do mighty works through me and others who follow His ways.

No circumstances are so dark that I cannot find the radiance of God. No situation can block my Mighty Fortress and Shield. No person can take away my joy or choice to love and assist others. It is not possible for anything to disturb my peace unless I allow it.

I am free in Christ, no matter the conditions that attempt to confine me.

Lord, help me always to search for you in all situations and to find you near me, waiting with open arms of protection and refuge. Thank you for being my Mighty Fortress in times when a rock of protection is what I need to stand on. Help me to stay strong and shine my light. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thriving Through Giving

Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. Prov. 28:27

It takes a selfless soul to notice people in dire straits and a noble soul to do something about it. A man, considerate of others is a man who thrives. His kindness is well-known.

He has pity and refreshes the downcast. His generosity is comforting as he supplies money, food and clothing (or whatever needs arise) for those God puts in front of him. Such a man has ways that are humble. Giving to others brings him joy. His life is enriched and blessed by God.

The poor, essentially, can be anyone less fortunate in means, nourishment or attire. When a need presents itself and comes to mind, it is probably the Holy Spirit prompting the giver to have courage to give.

Today’s verse says that the one who gives to the poor will lack nothing. Yet, I know some who give generously, but still lack so many things.

Lacking nothing doesn’t mean that the giver has everything he desires. It means that his heart is so fixed on the giving that he doesn’t realize his need as much as he did before he gave. The giving, in a sense, helps him to thrive in deeper ways than in the physical world.

The opposite sort of man doesn’t care about anyone but himself and those closest to him. He pretends that suffering doesn’t exist and looks away or feels disgusted at want. His neglect of the poor causes God’s eyes to turn away from him.

Hopefully life will teach this man what really matters, and he will learn the art of giving of himself and of his means to those in need.

There are times when we’re on the receiving end of the blessings, and the humbling aspect of the event moves us to refuse what we’re offered.

For example, I’ve had days in which my spirit was sad (poor) and someone with a glad heart offered to share with me her strength and courage.

Another time, someone with the gift of time came to sit with me as I mourned a loss.

Today, an old friend, dear to my husband and I, took the time to hear our life stories. He weaved together some truths we had never seen before. We were brought into a clearer and deeper understanding of ourselves, which broadened the way for our ministries to grow. Areas of our lives in which we had unknowingly struggled and been ‘poor’ received such amazing light and truth.

It is hard to receive from others when we are used to presenting ourselves as ‘having it altogether.’

Never turn down these gifts. They bless the giver as much as they bless the receiver, if only we would humble ourselves, open our hearts and freely experience the compassion of another soul.

Father, giver of all that is good, show us from YOUR heart how to be generous and kind to those around us in such desperate need. Open our eyes to those in want. Give us compassionate hearts. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Generous Thriving Heart

The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them. Prov.28:22

When my husband and I were first married, we lived in a cute little garage that had been converted to a three-room (plus tiny bathroom) home. We got married before our senior year of college and lived off very little. From what I remember, our gas bill was around $7.00 per month and our electricity wasn’t much more. I remember stocking up our kitchen shelves with Kool-Aid, hotdogs and canned corn.

Honestly, we were so happy to be on our own and taking care of each other that what little we had was hardly noticeable.

I had been brought up to give my best to and for others. So when it came time to entertain whole groups of people, they all piled into our little bitty home, with me oblivious of what I didn’t have to offer. I served them whatever I had with excitement and joy. It never occurred to me that anyone would think less of me because I lacked stuff.

However, today’s verse speaks of those who withhold hospitality in order to hoard more for themselves. The needy will not find a comforting place to heal or to be served at the hands of hoarders. And when withholders go through hardship who will help them in return for their stinginess?

It’s funny the way humans think. We think if we focus on riches for ourselves (hardening our hearts to others in need) we’ll receive the best life has to offer. Yet, we miss out on the greatest riches of all: deep, meaningful friendships and experiencing the joy of freely giving to others and receiving freely from others as well.

Stingy people are blind to what their hearts most long for. And it’s NOT a pile of possessions. Perhaps there is jealousy or envy. The thought of a neighbor having something they don’t drives them crazy, like a child who wants to grab the toy his sibling has. The necessary expenses of living bring them resentment and complaining hearts. Their desire is to seem wealthy and ‘altogether’ to everyone who knows them.

Stingy people are in a constant state of insecurity. They worry about what will happen if any of their wealth goes away? Riches define them, so fear consumes their souls as they keep vigil over their precious stuff. They seem always in a passionate (out-of-control) and impatient hurry to work at piling up more. Such an attitude can often lead to wrongful gaining of funds and sin through greed.

Perhaps, by God’s favor, if ever a stingy person sinks into less wealth (or poverty), it may very well be his salvation. It may be the truest wealth he’s ever experienced. He will be able to see what life truly consists of, and it’s not about his possessions.

Riches aren’t a sin, but how we go about gaining or sharing them with others matters in the depths of our hearts as to the kind of person we are before our Lord.

Let’s go deeper. What other things might we learn to be generous with besides riches and possessions? How about our time, energy, kindness, love, vulnerability and authenticity?

Do we ever hold back these valuable intangible things in reserve for ourselves and then find ourselves poorer than before?

What about our relationships? Today our world is filled with people who walk away from friendships or marriage, because selfishly, in that bond, they haven’t found joy for themselves. Yet, if their focus was taken off of amassing a large emotional ‘bank account’ that depended on the happiness others brought them and instead put it on the joy of doing God’s will, they would be able to understand where the real wealth of joy is found.

Not one day goes by that I can’t find someone out there who needs something I can give.

Father, forgive me for not looking after your beloved people. Give me a generous, thriving heart with all things you have enabled me to provide for others. You are the true provider for all things, but you use your children to open our hands to those in need. Help me to keep my eyes on you when I hunger for things of this earth. Help me to abundantly feel the fullness you give me in your presence. I want to be as liberal to others as you are to me! In Jesus name, Amen.

Glutton for Good

A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. Prov. 28:7

If I wanted the very best life in my short amount of time on earth, who would I turn to for advice? Obviously, my steps would turn in the direction of those who have lived a long life of wisdom. They would be my parents or teachers. They would be people I admired whose choices showed evidence of good fruit.

When I don’t follow good wisdom, my flesh becomes the instructor of my soul, and I become its slave. I am led to gluttony, which is really an addiction, which is really idolatry, a turning to something or someone (other than the One True God) for my needs. When I turn to the Lord’s instruction, I have no need for gluttony.

A glutton is someone who is fixated on behaviors that steer them in the wrong direction. They are out-of-control in their choices or deep in a cycle of bad habits. A glutton hangs around others who will lure him into giving into temptation. The others simply feed into what he wants. It is a lifestyle of luxury and gain (never content with what he has). He has more than enough food and more than enough possessions. Yet, he wastes his time and earnings on what is frivolous and excessive and ruins his health and his life.

Gluttony is about more than just eating a lot of food. One can decrease the quality of one’s life by seeking companionship with gossipers who are gluttons of making themselves look better than others, husband bashers, those in perpetual bad moods and lazy complainers.

When someone says about Sally, “She is a glutton for punishment.” It means that Sally always puts herself in difficult situations. Perhaps she craves the tension and stress she receives from such choices and never quite realizes the joys of peace.

Let’s rephrase this saying for the wise one who follows instruction well. He is a glutton for good, for what the Spirit leads him to do and for God’s will.

Good deeds can be addictive just as much as bad deeds. Yet, the kindness we offer others is a positive force that changes those around us for the better as well as changing ourselves.

The best way to remove ourselves from bad companions is to follow instruction that comes from the Holy Bible, and we will become wise by heeding it.

Instruction is about finding wisdom for our lives. We pick godly companions who draw out our best (not our worst) qualities. Also, wise companions tend and look after our souls and we, there’s.

Father, give light to our eyes through the friends with whom we spend our time. Lead us to those who will help us fix our hunger and thirst on Christ, the filler of our souls. Lead us to yoke ourselves to wise instructors for our lives. Lead us to what makes us thrive in the Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Ruler Over My Soul

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order. Prov. 28:2

Imagine living in a place where a king ruled the land. And he was wise and good, and the land prospered because of his insightful understanding and discretion. One day, an official in his court makes plans to overthrow him and take over his throne. For some time, the official has secretly opposed the king, so now he wants to uphold his own ideals through his endeavors. As he speaks to others who share his ideals, they pretend to agree but secretly hold back their personal views of how things should be run. The king is disposed of and the official now reigns, only to be discarded by the next official (who is supposed to be loyal for a lifetime). Oh, well, so it goes.

Every ruler (whether good or bad) has opponents who wish to take his place of power. This happens in the workplace, in marriage and churches. It happens with the extroverted, outgoing type. Yet, even shy and awkward souls secretly wish to somehow have a voice and influence. They fight however they can for this place of subtle but very real power.

There comes a time when the peace of a country, home or workplace must matter more than the all-consuming quest for power. True authority is based on servanthood and profound wisdom, compassion and kindness. Yet, at the same time, it is based on a strong grasp of the firm realities that make a nation prosper.

Those of us who by nature are followers, sometimes must learn that not everything will go our way. And leaders must learn to listen to their people.

When the ‘king’ is surrounded by moral character and worthy advisors, there is more chance of an orderly kingdom in which the people see the benefits of following him, even through the toughest of times.

Someone must lead. Not everyone will agree on who that leader should be. But revolutions only promote more revolutions and violence. In that type scenario, peace for all concerned becomes lost. The welfare of the nation crumbles.

As Christians, Christ is the King of our souls. His word rules over our lives and in surrendering to His will, we are a blessed and happy people, especially when we disagree with how He is managing our lives. No one can ever take His place even when we rebel or leave Him. He is Lord of Lords regardless of what other worldly gods try to entangle us. Ultimately, we are better off to give our lives to Him in complete relinquishment of all we have and all we are. For Him, we give our absolute allegiance.

Next, I must be ruler of my own soul, giving into the Lordship of Jesus. I must use servanthood (carefully attending who God made me to be), wisdom, compassion and kindness to rule over me. I must have insightful understanding and discretion about my choices. It is wise to become aware of traitors (enemy lies, distractions, negative thoughts) that would attempt to rob Christ’s rightful place as ruler of my soul. They would have me to become enslaved to the cruel power they desire to have over me.

Picture a specific discussion you have with a friend who, in great detail, speaks of an issue he is facing. You sit through the whole thing and offer encouragement and some awareness of a greater perspective. But, after the conversation is over, you overhear him telling another person and then another, in similar detail, the same story (that you thought was ‘solved’ because of your great insight). You had given a lot through your patience and kindness to listen, and now he’s run off to go bend the ear of others.

But, because you love your friend and want what is best for him, it dawns on you that the telling of the story helps him process his life. He is gaining another piece of the puzzle from each person with whom he interacts. Your input was valuable, but only a part of the whole he needs to discover. Every time he walks away from another listener, something inside makes a little more sense. Each hearer adds to him.

In this situation, in order to rule over my own soul, I gladly see my friend through eyes of love. I pray for him to find his way to God, which matters more than anything else. I am careful not to let thoughts of jealousy, low self-esteem or distance set up real estate in my head.

Lord, earthly kings will always falter. Help me to set my eyes ultimately on the one and only perfect King. The dark rulers of this world will always be conniving and striving for kingship of my soul. When others are irritable, depressed or burdened, and I want to give into pettiness (because I want the topic to be about ME), help me to rule over my soul. When I am tired and overwhelmed and want to turn to my ‘go to’ response of withdrawal and quiet anger, help me to rule over my soul. When there is conflict and difference of opinion, and I want to immediately defend myself and not listen to their side, help me to rule over my soul. You are my King of Kings. I bow to you, forever. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Blessed Wait

Isaiah 40:31 Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

I’ve heard it said that an eagle will teach its young to fly. Both parents guard the nest and take food to the young. At about 11-12 weeks, if the eaglets have not ventured forth, the parent eagle “stirs” or rocks the nest, tipping them out! The young eaglets flap about in panic, still new at flying. The parent eagle carefully watches, waiting for the critical moment. With wings spread wide, the eagle then swoops down underneath those babies and delivers them back to the security of the nest.

Ours is a God of powerful gentleness. Ours is a God whose timing is perfect. Like the parent eagle, He is sensitive to our needs. He knows when the nest has become too comfortable and needs a little stirring. He, too, watches carefully, and, as with spread wings, catches us up, bringing us to Himself. But He wants us to learn from our fluttering & flopping and to mature. He wants us to leave behind our helpless panic and learn to wait on Him. Then, with our eyes on our Father ‘eagle,’ we begin to know what it means to soar on eagle’s wings!

The trials in our lives can teach us how to fly. We may flutter around at first, but we will learn and grow if we keep our eyes on Jesus.

The verse says that those who ‘wait on the Lord’ will renew their strength. Waiting can be defined in many ways:

Looking for treasures in the trial
Sitting with God in the pain
Letting him carry me through it
Letting him build up energy in me to be able to soar above it

Energy is gained not from temporary distractions of the world, but by being carried on the solid wings of Christ and allowing Him to be the power by which I lunge forward and fly.

Waiting on the Lord renews my strength.

When I head out to go running, but haven’t run in several months, I have to build up stamina and strength. I don’t like to run. But running my goal-amount improves my health. At first my muscles are sore from being stretched and pushed. Once I’ve built up stamina I run without getting weary.

It’s the same with trials. I’ve lived long enough to know that trials come and go. They have such huge value in our lives if we let them. They hurt us in the deepest places of our souls where God can be discovered and leaned upon and where we can allow the pain to change us from the inside out, giving us wings to fly.

This week, I took some time to think about what renews me. God works through inspirational movies, books or sermons to reawaken my tired spirit. It’s like my perspective changes, in an instant, and in the exhausting trials, I’m ready to stop complaining and get on with my life in the way He leads me.

Today’s verse is a promise:

Those who wait…shall renew their strength
Shall mount up on wings like eagles
Shall run and not be weary
Shall walk and not faint

Wait means to believe and trust in God’s goodness no matter how bad things seem. Wait means to fix my eyes on Jesus and not on the problem. Wait means to be still. Wait means to stop being controlling, having an agenda, labeling ‘one outcome’ as the only thing to make me happy. Wait is believing in a big God who has a reason for asking me to obey Him in areas I would rather not, like: going the second mile, returning a blessing for a curse, being the first to give a kindness in a relationship of built up walls, speaking softly to one who is angry with me or praying for my enemies.

Notice on whom we are to wait: the Lord. Everything stops with Him. He is my all and all. He is my everything. He is the One I am waiting on during the trial.

In trials, I DO get overwhelmed and weary, but somehow, when I become still in His presence, my breath is restored, and I am able to go forward into another day, even, at times, in joy. His strength is enough.

Father, thank you, thank you for this awesome verse. It breaths life into my soul at a time when I so much need it. Teach me how to better wait on you. Keep my spirit calm, steady and steadfast. Move the mountains out of the way that stand before me. Be my God, and I declare with confidence that you alone are my Jehovah. Thank you for your care and for your saving wings that carry me through my trials. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daunting?

Proverbs 31:10,17 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

As far back as I can remember, the last chapter of Proverbs has stirred negative emotions among women. Classes I’ve attended that mention the wife of noble character always feel the need to apologize and skim over her story, as if it’s impossible to live up to her standards.

We tell ourselves that there is little chance for us to conform to such goodness. It’s way too much work. We want to do our own thing. Why should we care about what she has to say to us? After all, she had servant girls who helped her with her work. She was probably rich and spoiled. At least, that’s how we make ourselves feel better about not following in her footsteps.

I have to speak out for this noble wife. Nothing is said about her physical appearance which seems to be the world’s way of judging women. Today, if you are female, you must present yourself in stylish clothes, with a grand figure and your hair, every strand, must always be in perfect place.

Yet, the noble woman, though she dresses in linen and purple, has greater beauty that comes from her fear of God. Her beauty is deeper than ‘appearance.’ That is something worth emulating: dress presentably, but focus on what is inwardly beautiful.

I dare say, the fear of God is much harder to encourage within ourselves and much more difficult to refine than outward beauty, especially in a world in which what we look like is greatly upheld. Yet, when this woman comes forth, she is prettier than all the rest and her eyes shine with something deeper than dress or makeup can present.

Proverbs 31, to me, is not a negative chapter, but a positive one. It gives me direction. It helps me to know the good path of life. It’s not about attaining everything in these verses all the time (no one is trying to ram perfection down my throat). It simply gives me a map of the good places I need to visit often and get to know well. I am wise to put myself around such women and learn from them.

In refining these skills, I never will be at a flawless place even to the end of my days, but that’s not the point. When my eyes truly see the wife God wants me to be, I can believe that He will guide and show me the way. I love it when He makes the good road clear. And when I follow it to the best of my ability, my life is blessed, and others around me are blessed.

Complying with this passage makes me happy. Doing whatever I can from these words brings peace and rest to my soul. I feel better about myself as a person when I am looking towards walking on this path.

Honestly, it’s not very helpful to beat myself up over when I’m not faithfully doing every single verse. However, I can read the whole chapter and simply let it inspire me to kindness and compassion in my marriage.

Sure there are struggles:

One reason I may struggle with becoming a noble wife is because of my own poor choices, after which I am too tired, too stressed or too emotional for the important stuff. (Read that again!)

In order to sustain the best possible direction of life, it became clear to me that I must learn to set boundaries. Boundaries have a tendency to disappoint those I love or strangers I want to impress. Yet, the only way to reach God’s goals for me as a wife, mother, daughter or friend is to set good boundaries like: “I can’t attend that event” “I need to put my phone down or turn off the TV or get out of bed” “My heart needs to recognize its own self-centeredness and think of others, especially my husband and family” “I will stay in the moment to encourage our conversation and listen to my husband’s heart, his struggles and his needs instead of getting on social media.”

For me, it is hard to say no. So I must become creative in looking for ways to become solid in my choices inside the necessary disappointments I may cause others. The masses invite me to come, to join every social event, to care for every need and to answer every phone call…to be BUSY, all the time! I choose some of these things as long as I’m able to accomplish my priorities, first (mostly, for my marriage).

I also delegate. The wife in Proverbs 31 did indeed have help. We can ask our husbands to please empty the trash, feed the dog or put the dishes in the dishwasher. Our children need to be trained in helping out around the house as well. I raised my kids on chore charts where each one had tasks to accomplish in the morning and after dinner.

In order to be strong and vigorous for my tasks, I take care of myself, eat right and exercise.

This strong wife will strengthen herself, not by angry words or grabbing for her rights, but by renewing her mind, taking captive her thoughts and refusing to go with the enemy. This gives her spiritual hardiness and inward tenacity, maybe not always for what she wants to do, but for what needs to be done, which, in the long run is so much more rewarding. It’s God’s way.

Another reason for my struggles to become a noble wife is that I try to do what I must do all on my own, and I can’t. God’s power is the only resource for these grand tasks to keep me from being overwhelmingly daunted and fearful.

I have found great value in prayer. Most of my work involves this sacred time with my Father. He is my constant companion and needful for the success of this journey. Prayer renews my mind.

How amazing to be able to soar on wings of eagles, to run and not grow weary. It happens through prayer.

God equips me for what is to come in my days ahead. He alone, grants me all I need, emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. I cannot move a step in any right direction or in any great way, without Him.

I have learned to refuse to let the Proverbs woman scare me away. Instead, I allow her to energize my soul. She develops passion within me to pursue things that are of value and that will last long past my life here on earth.

Father, you fill me up when I read your word. You help me to have a good life. I am so grateful for your higher ways. My heart is amazed at your works and mighty deeds that you do through me, who am so weak and sinful. Let me see your face as I turn my attention to you, then please send me out with a vigorous readiness for your purposes, especially in my marriage. In Jesus name, Amen.

You Gave Me Drink

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21, 22

Why is this verse in the Bible?

Giving to an enemy honestly seems impossible, demeaning and humiliating. Giving to an enemy feels beyond our abilities. “I just can’t to it!” we say.

So why are we given such difficult tasks? Is this guideline supposed to help the other person (the enemy) and make his life better, or is this a lesson for us?

An enemy is any person who hurts us deeply, who neglects, doesn’t consider or uses us. He doesn’t get our views, or clap and approve our values.

He’s not the kind of enemy one thinks of in war or hostile situations. Where I live, I am blessed to have a safe home and neighborhood. So the only way I can interpret the verse is to say that he is someone who simply isn’t on my side. He is someone who isn’t like me, and I’ve got plenty of those. Well, truth be told, there is no one exactly like me, so I deal with the “enemy” everyday, everywhere I go (if my thoughts take me there).

My choices are limited. I have no way around the fact that I’ll always have people in my life who don’t like or agree with everything I say or do.

I’ve seen situations in which friends are warm with each other when they are in agreement and then everything goes cold when the other expresses a different feeling or view. Yet, I KNOW that they have such potential to change the world together, if only, they would keep the unconditional love intact through the ups and downs of their relationship. They see each other as the enemy, when in reality the true enemy is working hard to separate their friendship on purpose.

What a loss to God’s kingdom!!

Yes, I’ll always have people in my life who think differently than I do. But the only time that makes them an enemy is when ‘I’ let the differences go into my heart and tear at me. In my weakest moments, it happens. I have to work through the struggles deep within.

First, I have to forgive them, though they did no wrong. They simply disagreed with me, I still have to work through forgiveness.

Second, I must look at the bigger picture. Why is the need for their agreement or approval bothering me so much? What is the REAL enemy (the enemy of God) trying to do in my life? Petty, annoying distractions take away from the good I could be doing for others, especially for the very person with whom I’m upset, the very person through whom God desires to do a mighty thing.

Therefore, third, I must figure out a way to give them food and drink (serve them).

Four, this kind of breakthrough is the sort of thing that opens up the heavens to let the power of God into our world. Wonderful, supernatural events occur because we choose to get over ourselves and give to someone with whom we have conflict. (I didn’t say ‘give in.’ We can stand strong in what we believe, but we can find a way to give a cup of cold water without losing our values.)

Sometimes my enemy is ME. I over-exert myself and get weary, and with that comes an avalanche of unwanted, uninvited emotions. I don’t act like me, and I don’t like me in those moments.

I become what I teach others not to be. Irritability comes to the surface and spews it’s ugly contents. So how do I give food and water to the enemy inside? Explain my situation the best way I can to those around me, go to bed, take a break and do something fun, stop the onslaught of the negativity and choose to be kind until I feel like being kind. Kindness is really who I am, just not in the moment.

Naturally, I can’t always find rest and play when I need to. In those times, I must hang on tight to the hand of Jesus and find my rest in Him. I ask Him to overcome the enemy that is within.

A habit of kindness comes in handy at times like this. It’s who people expect me to be and that makes it easier to continue being that even when I don’t feel like it. I joke around and laugh to bring happiness to others and that actually brings happiness to me. Kindness is healing. So are all the other items on the list of good things that come over me when I reach out for the Holy Spirit of God. Eventually, the enemy within dies away and my faith journey continues once again. The habit of serving kindness is a habit to fan into flame throughout my whole life.

Lord, teach me more about loving and serving my enemy. Often times, I am the one who is ‘your‘ enemy. I don’t mean to be, but I wander away, I forget, I fight or I don’t trust your ways for me. Yet, YOU give ME overflowing amounts of drink and you feed me every day in abundance when I least deserve it. You are my greatest example of this verse. Thank you for loving me even though I falter so much in life. Show me how to follow you. In Jesus name, amen.

Restful, Still, Humble

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 18:14).

I found today’s verse to be the most remarkable words. I’ve come to define humble to mean accepting my unchangeable situations, my ‘reality,’ with a gracious heart. But mostly it means: NOT building up myself as better than others.

 Phil. 2:3-4 agrees: “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

These words are nourishing to my soul because they direct me in times my heart would rather stand in pride, and then I forget to really see people (or their side) for who they are.

My husband and I were talking the other day about marriage and the need for curiosity to be of prime importance. I loved that thought. I loved the idea that I must always be getting to know my ever-changing husband and vice versa. Yet, I can extend this favor to others in my life as well.

Instead of demanding that everyone get on the same band wagon as me (my choices, beliefs and ways), why not take the time to get to know, really know those with whom I have conflict? We all want to be heard, to be acknowledged for who we really are deep inside. Why not freely give this same gift to others and leave the rest to God, who knows me more than I know myself. Why not let go of always having to make sure everyone is clear about who ‘I’ am. I would rather uphold who God is and fight for His kingdom here on earth than fighting for what little I know about myself.

The dividends of humility are vast and varied:
It helps me to reconsider the words I say and the tone in which I say them. After all, I’m learning how to spend my energies getting to better know them.
When I DO share my heart, it is from love and kindness, not bitterness. And doing that is not to demand similar views but to live who I am in truth.
Even angry truth can be shared in a way to enhance not to destroy (because of humility).
Humility realigns me to my place before God. It reminds me that I am not Him. And His ways are higher and better.
It reminds me to be still and restful in His presence, for He has my life in His hands.
Humility and peace go hand and hand. They lock arms and help one another.
When humility is conquered there is joy in the conquering that doesn’t compare with earthly joys. The obedience to God in this area makes for a tremendous holy life!
Humility is also a place of trust and faith. I must let things go and know that He will direct my steps His way.
It is a death to self of sorts, a  breathing of the breath of God and acting the way Jesus would act.

Of all the lessons I’ve learned this week, when one is humble, it can set off pride about the very act of being humble. “Look at me, I’m doing it! That other person is so prideful, but not me. I’m doing it right!” God has a way of humbling me, Himself, in circumstances such as these. I realize that I’m actually right back where I started and didn’t learn a thing.

It is crucial, when humility is conquered, not to believe for one second that I will continue this attitude on my own or that I can view others as less than me because of my new tricks. I must still continue in the attitude of Christ: to value them above myself, to die to always having to seem like I’m in the right and they are wrong. My thoughts must be benevolent, not stingy, believing the good and not the bad, dwelling on their treasures, not their flaws.

Humility isn’t about me always giving in. It’s about experiencing life the way it was meant to be.

In truth, it is pride that takes my life from me and humility that gives it back.

Lord, I am such a baby at this. Show me your clear path to meekness and surrender. I am sorry for my self-congratulations and making this life about me and my feelings. I desire to turn away from these things and dive into the pure, clean waters of humility…no strings attached. Show me how. Show me your son, Jesus. Reveal to me when my heart is going in the opposite direction. Thank you for your loving discipline and comfort when I fail. Thank you for bringing me to a place of rest. I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Empty Pockets

“Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather” Luke 17:37.

I read some articles about this verse and there was a dozen different interpretations of what it meant, all of which had to do with the topic of the second coming of Christ.

Yet, no matter what was meant when those words were spoken, there is a spectacular truth that kept speaking to my heart:

Death can be a nasty business. Spiritual death (the corroding of a soul while still alive) is even more profound in its far reaching depth.

This is such a negative thought. I’d rather think about wonderful, happy things.

Yet, truthfully, this verse has been a brilliant light during my week which has a positive outcome. So, I’ll take it.

Every time I was tempted to make a choice towards spiritual death, I tried to remember that the vultures were circling high in the sky, just waiting to pounce on my spirit and take me down. Likewise, God loves when someone small and insignificant like me makes a step towards life in Him through my words and actions. He rejoices when I choose Him.

The angels rejoice as well; “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)

I like having the mindset that Jesus is drawing me to Him. It’s better than my wandering choices drawing the vultures!

What choices lead to spiritual death?
*Dwelling on my desire to be over there instead of right here (longing for different circumstances).
*Inner temper tantrums over the lack of what I think I deserve, which reveals my lack of trust in God.
*Standing up for a truth only to be ignored, allowing that to eat me alive and then missing out on the good stuff of life happening all around me.
*Skipping my quiet time because I’m too busy.
*Not speaking a kind word that God puts on my heart because I’m too lazy or hurt.
*Filling up my life with fluff (stuff that doesn’t matter).
*Complaining over every inconvenience and not seeing the good around me (the millions of blessings), and so on…

The Bible says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). He is always there for me. He is always good to me. He always cares for my deepest needs.

When it doesn’t feel like those things are happening, it is my chance to trust, that, in fact, it is happening, right now. Having this knowledge brings me joy.

One of the visuals that came to mind during the week was of God asking me to empty my pockets of all they contained. I was having a hard time sleeping, and so, one by one, I pictured taking out the contents of my “pockets” and setting them at His feet. They included several things on the above list, things that cause spiritual death. Yet, I had thought that somehow I needed them in order to survive.

The more I dug deep into my pockets, the more I found to discard and the more room I had for God and His love. It was so freeing!

Father, you are Lord over all. In you, I find everything I could ever want or need. Help me to keep my pockets cleaned out and filled with you. Thank you that you draw me to yourself every day and THAT is my highest joy. Forgive me for my death-filled choices and cleanse my heart. Thank you for your grace and your desire to take me to higher places. In Jesus name, Amen.

My Last Penny

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

Last week, I didn’t realize there was one tiny verse that I left out. And it has been a shining light for me, far more than the first part of this passage.

Learning to seek the deeper meaning of the verses I read, I’ve discovered bigger barns in my life that have to do with more than simply possessions.

Being rich toward God matters in our lives that we give Him.

Here are a few places I need to improve in my richness toward God:

1. I store negatives of life in my mind and forget to praise Him.
2. I internalize what makes me unhappy; it becomes about my hurt versus my trust in God.
3. My hunger for food overrides my hunger for God.
4. Thinking about tomorrow’s finances grabs my attention versus my faith that God will provide.
5. The small irritations of life become so big, it blinds me to the more important things I should be doing for God’s kingdom.
6. I have become hooked on the next episode of certain shows. I anticipate the next story versus my anticipation of God’s next powerful act in my life.
7. MY life matters more than justice and kindness in the things that matter most to God…the least of these.
8. I store up bad moods and allow the enemy to rule over me and fail to give to His people in love.
9. The opposite of storing up in barns can still be harmful. For example: NOT putting away any savings or planning for my life is procrastination. I’ll just wait until tomorrow to start my retirement, my diet or exercise. I’ll stay up late and watch a movie again tonight because I’m lonely. I say, “I will eventually get around to giving up this habit.” I say, “I’m trusting God,” but really I’m being foolish by not counting the cost of how these things eat into my soul. In the end I become a burden to others. This isn’t richness toward God either.
10. I store up insensitivities, offenses, grudges, self-pity, sadness, overwhelming feelings, emotions and forget that God made me strong and mighty in the land. He is my richness, my power, my ability to obey the impossible. I can give to God when I rely on His power, when I surrender all. I can do all things through Christ.

Father, I give my last penny, like the widow in the Bible, in my extravagant love for others. May my life be rich toward you, Lord Jesus. Help me move from self to surrender. May it be to me as you have said. God, I could list all my wants and this page wouldn’t be enough. It all leaves me, however, in a void. My heart knows who to turn to and it’s not any of these things. It’s you, Lord. I give my desire for all I desire to you. I repent of my wayward focus by finding new ways to live by your word. You are my all in all. In Jesus name, Amen.

Famine Flower (Part 2)

Elisha said to the woman, ‘Go away with your family…The Lord has decreed a famine for seven years.’ She and her family went away to the land of the Philistines. At the end of the seven years she appealed to the king for her house and land. He said to the official, ‘Give back everything that belonged to her, including all income from her land from the day she left the country until now.’ II Kings 8:1-6 (shortened)

Here are the thoughts I’ve gathered all week:

1) Israel experienced a famine while the surrounding areas had plenty, perhaps in judgment of the nation’s unrepentant sins.

When we have wandered away, God is known for using kindness to bring us back. He also uses hardships. Hardships can strip us of our wants and lead us to our need of God.

The flower in the desert opens its petals to whatever moisture is available. When God is our only source of strength, we turn our faces to Him in adoration, and we blossom.

2) The famine wasn’t caused by the woman. Yet her life was turned upside down.
The famines of my life (trials, hardships or bad choices of others) can turn my world upside down. God is still my All in All.

I once saw a person sadly shake his head and say, “That guy is a shell of a man.”

The words were in reference to a person who made some foolish decisions, and his life was in shambles. I knew the man. I had heard his story. However, I saw something very different.

I saw a man, stripped of everything he once held dear. Now, he was totally sold on God and His provisions. His previous poor choices led him into his core where God lived in all His glory. Perhaps, he HAD to go through that famine in order to have it replaced with the plenty of God.

Sometimes, we have hope of finding our heart’s desire through earthly means, and then we find ourselves in a self-made “famine.” In reality, God can use these times IN the famine to bring us back to Himself.

As a wife, I have followed my husband to ends of the earth (not always perfectly), and he has done the same for me. We both have experienced discomfort because of each other’s or someone else’s choices. Though, we warn or question when we see a red flag, in the end, the consequences of another person’s decisions can still affect us.

Sometimes, the bad choices lead to the right outcome, the need to hit rock bottom. When people make decisions in which we become the recipient of uncomfortable consequences (exclude all immoral or abusive situations in which we should flee) it is important to remember that God is still our All in All.

We warned them, they did not heed and we couldn’t stop the avalanche. God still uses such matters to refine them (boss, husband, wife, teen) and us.

3) The woman was warned ahead of time (through Elisha’s kindness) about the famine. She was given a chance to move away and live a plentiful life, free from the suffering that would accompany her people.

Philistia was a godless place. Yet for her, it would be a place of God’s bountiful provision.

At the beginning, this new place must have felt strange and difficult. Yet, I imagine her daily reminding herself of what life could have been had she failed to leave home. How thankful she must have felt even in the hardships of a different culture. She was alive!

I see the need in my life to remind myself of God’s blessings, especially when everything feels so foreign to me and out of my control.

The woman must have learned contentment and patience, similar to Joseph who waited on the will of God in an Egyptian prison. Perhaps Joseph learned humility and wisdom in a way he couldn’t have learned in his own country.

It’s odd to think that the woman thrived better away from her familiar surroundings than in the place of comfort she had known and loved.

Sometimes I am driven away from what I know in order to receive good things from God’s hand.

4) I honestly don’t know the state of the woman’s heart when she had to move away. But, a broken heart should never dictate our decision to obey or disobey God.

Surely, she was sad. Yet she completely heeded Elisha’s warning and packed up and left her land.

In response to a calling we may say, “I don’t want to. Just the thought of it makes me cry.” “I don’t think I could survive this.” “I’m not strong enough.” “My heart is breaking; please don’t make me!”

What faith did it take for the woman to leave? What faith does it take for me to do things I don’t want to do, even as the tears run down my face? God’s good is rarely easy.

5) She went to a land of plenty where all her needs were met.

God is my plenty. He gives me all I need, not only to survive but to thrive.
Then with His provisions intact in the depths of my heart, I have what it takes to share my breath, energy, and time with those in the famine. I can also share Him.

6) Sometime during the seven years in Philistia, the woman must have reached out and made friends. Perhaps she learned to cook new meals from the local women and scrub her clothes in different ways. However, she would have hated some of the local religious beliefs, especially if they went against everything she knew about God.

I’ve heard people say concerning their job or pets, “It’s a love/hate relationship.” They hate certain aspects of the situation, but are happy with the wonderful, lovable things.

There are always people or circumstances in our lives, for whatever reason, with whom we have a love/hate relationship. We may not like certain things about the person, but God still says, “Go!” So…we love them, even though they feel to us like a famine!

(“I don’t like this or that about you, but I love you.”) This makes such a difference in how we interact with everyone around us.

We are not called to every famine. In fact, in some famines, we are led to flee, as the woman did. The famines God calls us to won’t always be who or what we like but who we’re called to serve and what we’re called to do.

We may not feel supported or loved by those people in our callings.
Not everyone is going to like us, either.

The situation may be about friendship or needs. It may, however, be about something completely different.

Still, God is working in the circumstances. He is providing for all concerned, and all of us are being refined.

7) Since famines come in all shapes and sizes, it is possible for another person’s famine to become my famine. It happens when I give into despair and dry emptiness. It happens when I don’t recognize the bounty God has provided IN the land of Philistia where HE has led me. However, His directives are good. They keep me safe.

The woman could have lived her seven years in a self-made famine even though she had plenty all around her. She could have whined and complained about her lot in life. She could have put off finding shelter and food, thinking she could go back to her own land tomorrow.

Her new friends worshiped idols and were void of the one true God. Their lives would have held much darkness. If she was dried up, she could have bought into their spiritual famines, even in this land of plenty, or she could have lived within God’s plenty and become a light to all round her!

I have a tendency to push GOD out of the way in order to get close to what my flesh labels my land of plenty. After all, if I can be king or lord over my life and do what I want, I can be happy. Surely, then I will feel full. I long for what brings me comfort. I long to be filled up the way I was filled in the past. I want to go back. I want, I want, I want!

MY famine is defined as “life has to be a certain way (my way) in order to be happy.”

*One key to unlock the true plentiful life is to ask what plenty is right in front of me, no matter the situation. If I don’t intentionally seek out the blessings of my day, I can dry up without knowing it.
*Key #2 – It is important to make myself constantly aware of famines within and without, so that I can find my true source of sustenance.
*Another key is to ask how I might serve others without being drawn into their famines.
*The last key for now – Famines (mine or other’s), wherever they come from, must be met with preparation using the armor of God. It’s why I stay in God’s word every day, without fail. It’s why I stay in prayer in this relationship that is the most important of my life.

8) There was nothing the woman could do about her property while she lived in Philistia. I don’t know if she worried about her previous home or not. I do know that she had to help herself emotionally, mentally, and physically to be able to for forward during those seven years and keep her sanity.

I have times I simply have to trust God with my life and move on in joy knowing that He has this.

9) The woman did not ask the king for her property until she returned to her country. The famine was over and now arose a new problem: someone had taken possession of her home and land.

Satan is a hard taskmaster who tries to steal my property. What property has he taken? What is he trying to take from me, now? To whom shall I turn to get it back?

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

When the woman came to the king and asked for her land, not only did he provide her request, he also provided the income her land accumulated during the years of her absence.

That takes my breath away! God provides before the famine, during the famine, and after the famine.

For some, like the woman, the provision is shelter, food and water which look and feel good.

For others, the provision has more to do with deeper lessons learned about life. That may not look or feel good, but it is still good.

And sometimes, the famine has nothing to do with those in trouble and more to do with God teaching us to leave our comfort of plenty to help those without comfort, even though it cannot be returned. That is also good.

God supplies what we need most. And this provision doesn’t always match our expectations. We can trust Him with everything.

Lord of Plenty, when I feel empty keep my eyes on You. When I am called to love the unlovable, guide my heart and my attitude to realize how blessed I am to be able to give. In all situations, help me to see you and know that You, alone, are my all in all. In Jesus name, Amen.

Fields of Green

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13).

I look out over the fields of green. My needs are MET (not in small portions, but in abundance).

At the beginning of each day, I make a mental or physical list of things to do and how I think the day should go. On my list are my most important projects and tasks. This is a reasonable and great practice. However, my heart remains alert and aware of what God wants altered that day for His will.

Sometimes, in the chaos of the hours I spend, I watch as some of my fields seem to dry up as the day or month or year progresses. This world takes from me. It is sometimes harsh, cruel, and unfair. I feel like I am somehow being robbed of (health, identity, dreams, longings, love). It is humiliating to find myself in the outsider’s box when there was a time I had a place at the table. The fields before, behind and beside me seem wilted and barren.

What the world takes from me, I realize, in God’s eyes, apparently isn’t something I need. What green pastures wither, He has something greener, in the restoration of what was lost or in other provisions, but mostly within His presence.

The undersized green patch on which I stand appears to be my only source of blessing: time and space have cut everything else away (or so it seems).

Yet, on my one square of plenty (where my toes hang off the edge), I find contentment. God knows how to multiply His blessings from miniscule beginnings. He knows how to make something from nothing. The square is, in fact, overflowing, though I may not see it. His provision is enough for now. And now is all that matters.

This field is not my home. It is only the temporary place where I dwell. Yet, I hear the Father call my name. Not only does He ask me to be content, He asks me to share my little piece of green field, wholeheartedly with others.

Not only does He ask me to share, He asks me to contribute my square to the very world that takes all the pieces of green from me. He asks me to give of myself as He did on the cross.

How? Here’s what I’ve come up with:

My expectations of the green fields to yield its fruits to me are not where my expectations should be. (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1).)

I am to go with the flow of having a lot or a little (money, food, support, attention), and I know that God has purposes in either situation. The secret of being content is to place my expectations on Him alone.

I must seek to be flexible with the ups and downs of my life, people’s flaws and my own limitations.

I am not their judge. I am a lover sent by a Loving God (a God who shows by His actions that He means business; after all, He sent His only Son to die for me). God made me to love.

There is good that comes from training myself not to become agitated over much of anything. When something disturbs my composure, it is an opportunity for me to grow. It is a chance for me to represent God in patience, kindness and forgiveness. The disturbance is my ticket to ride on the breath of God while He shows off his greatness.

Somehow, there seems to be the need for a sort of holy detachment from this world (and what it has to offer) that keeps me focused on the Lord.

Jesus had this quality when He walked the earth. He had to in order to prioritize His Father’s will and not get sucked in by the pulls or temptations of the world.

This holy detachment is not emotionless and robotic. It is a choice to be all in, but also to let the heart be replenished by an utmost care for God’s kingdom. It is a chance to extravagantly love Him more than all else that is held dear (using actions).

Feelings are real and they matter. Yet, when I worship Him, the feelings don’t seem as big and scary.

The pains of life never completely go away. I will always struggle within my trials or hurts. However, I wonder what my life would be like without Him? I can’t imagine. Not having my Lord would be worse than not having everything else.

Most of the time, the tiny square is how I live my life (though, in reality, I truly possess acres of fields of green from God’s hands). On earth I just don’t always feel it. I’m learning to feel it in a deeper place of my heart. In the meantime, I’m learning to have faith to enjoy things I do not physically see.

Last week, as I was severing myself from the wants of this earth, finding contentment and joy in my life and pouring out my love to those around me, I received an astonishing gift.

The package came in the form of words that deep down, I longed to hear, words that I thought had been set in stone on the opposite side. I had relinquished this gift long ago and my eyes filled with tears the moment the words were spoken.

I didn’t weep because the gift was solid, sure, nourishing, or filling. My tears happened because the gift showed me that hearts of our people can soften and that God’s love is deep and broad and high. It showed me that miracles still occur today! It reminded me not to depend on the gift but to adore the giver, who ultimately is God.

At the same moment another package came. Two days later yet another arrived, and then another.

My pasture wasn’t any greener because of these gifts. In fact, my fields are always bright and thriving. Yet, God allowed the gifts to help me feel His undying love. The seeming desert of earth I had learned to cherish and enjoy came alive, and now I could see the fountains flowing. I could taste the clear cool water on my tongue.

I was overwhelmingly amazed to my core. That’s the way gifts should be: unexpected and breathtaking.

The reason why earthly gifts are not solid and sure is because they can be hindered or withheld the next time around. They can change colors in an instant, be broken or lost.

The only sure gifts we have are from God, and they can never be taken from us.
As I think about what I received this week, my mind isn’t on those gifts at all, not anymore. My mind is on what heavenly offerings I have in the green fields around me. Here are some of God’s gifts as shown in his word:

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
(His gifts are perfect.)
I Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
(The gifts Peter is referring to are special talents God has given to each of us. These gifts aren’t to be hoarded but shared.)
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(His greatest gift is eternal life with Him.)
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
(God gives us grace when we have sinned. Thank you, God!)
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
(God gave His own Son.)
Matthew 7:11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
(God’s gifts are far better [on a different level] than our attempts at giving.)
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
(Wisdom is a gift from God.)
Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The Holy Spirit is a gift.)
Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
(Children are a gift from God.)
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
(God doesn’t withhold good things from us.)
Psalm 37:1-5 Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
(God knows what we need, and He provides.)

Father, I know you will provide everything I need when you ask me to give. My patch of green is a holy place where you support me with your strong hand. You are my God, and I am your child. I do my work of the day as if I am doing it for you alone. Forgive my attitude when my thoughts take me elsewhere. Help me to be grateful for all the blessings you bestow. Make me aware of your presence and your gifts of love. Thank you for salvation and grace and for giving me your Holy Spirit forever. Thank you for never leaving me alone and for your perfect gifts. I love you, Lord.
In Jesus name, Amen.

The following song tells of our need to GIVE ourselves wholly to the Father of us all and keep our days completely open to what he wants us to do.

God in My Gut

…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another…Forgive as the Lord forgave you…put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV).

Breakthroughs, when they happen, usually come unexpectedly. They cannot be summoned, pursued, or forced. They happen when a direct ray of light infiltrates a dark, hidden space inside a soft heart; and all at once fresh God-discoveries pierce through the darkness and become easier to comprehend. Eyes are abruptly opened and lives transform in greater spiritual perception than before.

The ‘space,’ now aware of its life-long struggle to remain independent of earthly competitors, actively makes room for the One who is LOVE himself; the brilliant, shimmering light who takes up his rightful residence as Lord of all.

As time goes by, however, the ‘honeymoon’ seems so quickly to be over. The fresh start transforms into the ‘mundane.’ The breakthrough becomes unexciting and outdated. In fact, the work begins now to feel impossible, wearying and dull.

Yet, the Bible says to put on inner clothing that is profoundly attractive. Such a task requires faith and trust in someone bigger than my weakness! When God (and nothing else) perfectly dwells in my gut, the inner attire naturally takes on beauty, and the result is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love.

Since I don’t ever perfectly keep God in my center, my flesh tends to discourage compassion and love. My flesh prompts me to judge other people and see things in them unworthy of my love. Yet, if one was to define each quality, one would discover that the receiver doesn’t always earn compassion, kindness, or humility and rarely deserves gentleness, patience, or forgiveness.

Certainly, love isn’t always easy to give. Yet, learning this unconditional-type-love helps me to give God back His place in my center. And having God in my center, in turn, helps me to love His people more dearly.

The phrase unconditional or agape love means to look after the best interest of others. It is an act of the will, a commitment. There is no condition that would take the love away. [Please note: abusive situations must have professional help and aren’t included in this blog.] Unconditional love means loving when one doesn’t feel like loving or when the moment to love is inconvenient.

Sometimes the feelings line up with the actions of a heart at ease and ‘in love.’ Yet, unconditional love, many times, calls us within circumstances of weariness, bad days, or simply unlovable people. This love goes forth with deeper motivations than feelings. Love is work. We make the choice to love.

This love doesn’t mean that we don’t ask for what we want. It doesn’t ignore the other’s faults or turn a blind eye to their sins. It is in the best interest of others for us to set healthy boundaries with reasonable expectations and to correct and voice opinions when needed. Love is showing those closest to us how to love us better and not allow poor behaviors to continue.

However, the commitment to love remains the same, through the good and bad. When one person isn’t complying, unconditional love whispers in gentle tones, “The world hasn’t come to an end like you thought it would, and God has equipped you to return good even when you don’t get your way.”

Through the long years of a relationship, each person reveals his or her love-needs, but the awareness of being whole and intact as a child of God keeps both parties from demanding perfect satisfaction, which neither can provide.

We can graciously learn to come to a place of acceptance for the noncomplying decisions, unchanging traits, and choices of others. We can find fullness in God and choose to love despite what we think we lack.

Yet, love refuses to abandon hope that God can yet do wonderful things. And, love turns to God to bring complete healing to our wounds when other people’s apologies and right behaviors don’t quite mend our hearts.

Most times, God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want, but we still love and serve Him. When His people don’t respond the way we want, we can love and serve them, too.

God shows unconditional love by not giving up on me and by pursuing and loving ME even when I am undeserving.

Unconditional love is illustrated all over the Bible. Not every situation calls for these specific actions. Yet, the following verses (and 1000 more) help us to think through our choices when we find ourselves tempted to withhold love.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV).
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12 NIV).
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matthew 5:41 NIV).
“…do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39 NIV).
“… in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but…to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV).
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16 NIV).

Now, let the thoughts from an old commentary further explain a few of these inner clothing qualities:

The Biblical Illustrator
“…a man’s disposition is the dress of his soul. You know the tone of spirit which distinguishes him from another…there is yet a certain tone and temper of mind which should belong to every child of God.”
“Forbearing and forgiving are meekness and long-suffering in exercise. A man may forbear and bite his lips till the blood comes rather than speak unkindly, but forgiveness is an entire wiping of enmity and irritation out of the heart.
Is this a type of character that the world admires? Is it not uncommonly like what most people call ‘a poor spiritless creature’? It was a new man emphatically, for the world had never seen anything like it; and it is a new man still. Christianity…has altered the perspective of the whole, and created a type of excellence in which the gentler virtues predominate, and the novelty of which is proved by the reluctance of men to recognize it….’Better is he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.'”
“’Over all these put on charity[love].’ This is like a…cloak, which is at once…useful. It completes our spiritual dress, and adds a general grace to the entire outfit. Further, all this is not to be merely ‘put on.’ There is a radical cause which should produce it all. This lies deep in the heart; and without it, the rest would be a cloak of hypocrisy.”
(end of quotes)

The ‘radical cause’ in the last paragraph comes from allowing God into the deepest places of our hearts so He can rule over our minds and actions!

Now, listen to a sweet story from the Bible; “When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy” (Matt 8:1-3)

People with leprosy were considered unclean. No one would go near them, much less touch them. The disease of leprosy didn’t kill a person, but it gave them years of slow, lingering anguish. Back then, people thought that simply touching a leper was a risk to one’s own physical and emotional health. It would have felt like a huge sacrifice to do so.

Imagine the leprous man as he knelt before Jesus. Look into his eyes, not his misshapen face, hands, and feet. See past his ugliness. A real person was in there, somewhere. He was unfit, loathsome, and unclean;…probably grumpy, sick, and suffering much of the time; needy of touch, love, and kindness. The leper had been shunned for so long. He saw Jesus reach out his hand. Feel the emotional effects of being touched.

Touch has such power to bring comfort and healing, but Jesus went further. He healed the needy leper.

Who among us are the “lepers?” I’m not speaking of disease of body, but disease of soul: People who aren’t kind, who have little patience, and whose pride disfigures their faces. Look into their eyes, not their misshapen attitudes and character qualities. See past the ugliness. There is a real person in there, somewhere. They’ve been hurt or wounded for so long. Might the hand of Jesus reach out to these lepers through YOUR hand of compassion, humility, gentleness, and love? Everyone else responds to their deformities of disposition with loathing, frustration, or walking away for good.

The leper in our lives could be our mates. My husband and I, long ago, learned to love the leper in each other. For we all have him in us, at times.

Intentionally, come to notice the disdain and contempt we are capable of having toward our lepers. Notice how many years and decades can go by without recognizing what impact our own soul sickness has on our relationships.

The ‘leper’ may be a neighbor, a family member, someone who constantly frustrates us or a person who doesn’t ‘get’ us and our precious needs (I say ‘precious’ in a respectful tone).
Was Jesus ever so paralyzingly needy of being loved that he could no longer focus on his Father’s great work ahead? Do we agonize over our need to feel loved, more than over our sacrifice to spend our love on others?

Sometimes, the focus I give MY NEEDS are a huge distraction from God’s kingdom.

My gut, the inmost core of me, is a place of passionate hunger. The sign on the entryway, reads, “Reserved Only for the God of the Universe.” Yet, I convince myself to trample down the door with various other hungers: “I HAVE to be perfect,” “I HAVE to be approved by others,” “I HAVE to figure IT all out on my own,” “I HAVE to be loved in return in order to give love.”

These hungers grow in significance like a spreading infection. They contaminate the hallowed God-place of my spirit and in so doing, I become spiritually deformed and sick like the diseased leper.

If this is you, feel the touch, the kiss of the Lord, and His healing hand of love upon the hideous, inward spiritual lesions. Once touched, one is forever changed. Once touched, one can go out and touch others in Jesus’ name and forgive as Jesus forgives. One can love without loathing and without expecting much in return.

Wonderfully, within, now the gut has potential to be stirred in profound compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience for the lepers that kneel down and ask for healing. They may not ask in words or kneel in body, but their offensive actions are begging and pleading for the Lord’s touch, through you. Never forget the sickness you survived by His hand and how you were once in the leper’s place.

Not one of us is created with capabilities to come to the aid of EVERY leper that shows up at our doorsteps, but we know when God is prompting us to let Him in (our center) that we may clothe ourselves with whatever is needed for the person in front of us. The wearing of this attire is a labor of sorts that produces more children of God; it produces fruit.

In closing, I want to turn to another passage. The Bible says, “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance….‘ (Matthew 3:4-8 NIV).

Truly, snakes don’t care about what devastation they leave in their wake. However, if I was one of the ‘vipers’ in this audience, and if I was convicted by John’s words, desiring Jesus to become Lord of my life, I would repent of my ‘viper’ sins. Yet, my repenting (my plan to change) wouldn’t really be repenting if I didn’t have a goal of producing fruit.
Fruit comes from being clothed in Christ-like garments. Fruit is produced when I care less about what “I” get in return and more about WHO dwells in my gut and what is He being asked of me now.

I am full of His bounteous blessings. I am overflowing with energy and time to give others who need His touch.

Matthew 10:8 says, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Father, give me a spirit-filled, uncluttered, and undivided heart of love for those you give me. Help me to pass onto them the sweetness of body and soul you breathe into me when I obey you. Sometimes, you will move me to express my own needs openly and clearly. Other times, you will focus me more on other’s needs. Either way, help me to wear the holy attire that is compassionate, kind, and humble. Clothe me in the noble, inward raiment fit for a daughter of The King. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Dragon Stirs (Anger Series 8th of 9)

The study of anger in the passage of Cain and Abel’s story (Gen 4:2-7) continues to pick and prod at my heart strings. Ever since I started writing this blog, God has allowed turmoil to show up in the most unforeseen places, and in it all, He guides me by His hand and heart.

Last week, I covered the topic of difficult circumstances in our lives and how sometimes we have no choice but to respond in righteous anger. Yet we still must practice self-control. Here are some examples:

1. Some relationships such as a boss, a family member, a neighbor, have natures that are over-controlling. Sometimes, you don’t have the luxury to just walk away from the situation, and spending energy, time, and words debating the issues only further agitates the situation. (I used to be the controller; that part of me returns from time to time!’ Perhaps, this is why I can spot these people so easily.)

My husband and I share similar views about controllers in our lives and how to interact with them. We know that we have One to whom we want to give control, and that is the Lord Jesus. We choose His rule over us. He will never force us to make good and wise decisions, but we can hand our lives over to Him of our own accord, even concerning those who try to control us.

When I feel wrongfully controlled and nothing seems to change even after I’ve done all I know to do, I close my eyes and feel the anger or pressure in my gut (my own desire for control), and I intentionally transfer that feeling to God’s hands.

God, what are you trying to say to me in this situation? Are you using this person to get through to me? Have I been ignoring your voice? Is this person showing me something about myself? Melt my stubborn heart and any control I try to have over things of this earth or over people. Give me listening ears. Use this circumstance to refine and mold me, and to help me envision yielding my life to you in abandonment. Give me wisdom with this person. I surrender my will and choose to love in kindness and respect, despite how they make me feel. How am I being distracted by this situation from your Kingdom, and what can I do about it? Help me to give this ‘controller’ over to your control. Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2. Another example of those who can anger us is the fighter. Some people don’t feel comfortable unless they are in some sort of chaos or angry argument. Fighters tend to attract complainers; the complaining feeds the anger and turmoil inside.

What feeds the fighter? …more fighting!

So, stop fighting. Walk away from the fight until you both have had a chance to cool down and reasonably talk. If that is never the case for the other person then solidly speak your mind and let go. Refuse the fight.

My marriage is one of the sweetest in the world; a haven, a place of rest. My husband is kind to me. He looks after and treats me with love. He seeks my opinion and wants to know how I feel about things. But it hasn’t always been that way. We’ve been married 39 years and until about 12 years ago we fought all the time. The fighting started even before we were married. Arguing became a habit. And it almost ruined us.

I used to be the fighter!

What changed?
It only takes one person to stop feeding the fight. I wanted my marriage to be holy and good. So, as hard as it was, and as many times as it took to bite my tongue (which I’m sure he did the same), I began taking the road of refusing the fight. It took a pretty long time, but, in general, the fighting eventually stopped (not the necessary confrontations, just the fighting). I gave my husband gentle responses. When things needed to be said, I spoke firmly, but in kindness. He did the same for me. We didn’t always perfectly follow through with this goal, and even now there are times when we fail. But they are very few and far in between.

This life is so much better than the life we used to lead. It takes courageous work and focused energy. But the work is well worth it. I feel cherished by my husband, and he feels cherished by me.
…and it all translates into every relationship we have with others.

Sometimes the beast or the dragon gets stirred up in people around us and sometimes the beast is stirred up within ourselves. Many times we don’t even know it.

I must check my thought-life.
I must check my relationship with God.
I look for signs that the beast is crouching at my door ready to spring into action the moment I have an unguarded weak spot.
I remember that my struggle is not with flesh and blood, but with the spiritual forces in the heavenlies and in this dark world that are trying to trip me up.

In Genesis 4:6, the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

God spoke with kind truth to Cain. It didn’t work.
Kind truth doesn’t always work.
But when I speak in kindness, it sure does something wonderful in my own heart. I feel the control of God over me.

3. Another example of an angry moment happens when I wholeheartedly follow God the best I know how, and a situation calls for righteous anger, but I wrongfully dismiss the anger thinking it’s wrong. Yet, God still leads me in what to do next. Angry words and actions sometimes bubble up and then out of my mouth, shocking me and the person with whom I interact. I may even wonder later if I made a mistake. But the convicted and sorrowful response of my counterpart reveals to me that the spirit of God was there. I don’t know how else to explain this phenomena, except to say that it is a very personal God-thing.

Sadly, there have been times in my past that my heart was self-seeking, and I may have spouted off unkind words and even thrown things, knowing it wasn’t a God-thing. I’m laughing as I type this, because out of the blue this morning, my husband remembered how I used to throw things at him; vitamins, forks. (whatever was closest to me!) We tease each other about those days, and he said, “Yah, you used to breathe fire!” My eyes got real big and I smiled and said, “That’s what my blog is about today!”

So, yes, in my past and to this day, I am known for my angry episodes.

In contrast, however, when a person is in God-mode, firm words may be spoken, voices raised, and even objects thrown, but there is a difference in one than the other.
Jesus overturned tables in the temple courts and yelled at the money-changers for what they were doing. But He was completely under God’s direction and control (Matthew 21:12-13).

Why is confrontation necessary? Because we all have blind spots, hidden faults someone needs to point out for us.

In essence someone says to us or vice verse, “This is something you need to address in your life.“

The words may not be easy to hear or to confront in others, but if you were to speak such things to me, you would be doing me a huge favor!

Having said that, I must stay close to the Father, as Jesus did. I must stay in His word and in prayer, so that I recognize His voice. I must listen to Him to be discerning of whether the occasion calls for self-control and silence, or whether I am called to stand in anger.

This personal God-anger experience hasn’t happened to me in a very long time, but it has happened to those I know and love.

MOST situations require me to have more patience and understanding.
MOST difficult interactions require gentle, but firm responses after a time in prayer.
MOST circumstances require of me a deeper and greater love for others.

Let us now return to our study of Cain and Abel.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him (Gen. 4:6-8).

Consider the following: If you and I were to be introduced and then over the years we developed a deep friendship, you would discover my flaws, my human nature, and even things that are ugly about me (the dragon that stirs). You might even be tempted to walk away when the going gets tough. Yet, if you hung in there with me, you would also find a soul that passionately seeks after God, and you would find beauty.

It’s the same everywhere we go. When we love an ‘ugly’ person with the love of God, we eventually see the beauty in them and that beauty truly benefits us. That woman or man may not know they are seeking God, but it’s true. The pursuit of God is our truest longing, put there by God, himself.

God pushes pass the ugly to bring out the beauty in us. He sees what is good and valuable. His Son died on a cruel cross for us, taking that ugly away.

Oh, how God must have loved Cain. If only Cain had accepted God’s love and changed his ways! But Cain allowed his ugly anger to fester.

Biblical Illustrator Quotes:
“Let us inquire, Are none among us discovering the temper of Cain? Are there none who, like him, are persecutors of God’s people?” [Go deep with this question.]

“How often do men thus barter a future of blessing for some mean gratification of temper or lust or pride; how often by a reckless, almost listless and indifferent continuance in sin do they let themselves be carried on to a future as woeful as Cain’s; how often when God expostulates with them do they make no answer and take no action, as if there were nothing to be gained by listening to God—as if it were a matter of no importance what future I go to—as if in the whole eternity that lies in reserve there were nothing worth making a choice about—nothing about which it is worth my while to rouse the whole energy of which I am capable, and to make, by God’s grace, the determination which shall alter my whole future—to choose for myself and assert myself.”

“…his [Cain’s] self-will led him, even in his worship, to insult Him whom he professed to worship.”
[Why didn’t Cain spend his time praising God; it’s hard to be angry and praise God at the same time!]

“When anger was in Cain’s breast, murder was not far off. If you want to find out Cain’s condition of heart you will find it after the service which he pretended to render; If you want to know what a man’s religious worship is worth, see him out of church. Cain killed his brother when church was over, and that is the exact measure of Cain’s piety.”

“The croucher cannot be tamed. It must be caged, starved, slain. But how is this wily foe to be caught? How are the strength and fierceness of this cruel foe to be subdued? He who warned Cain that the croucher was at his door, would have helped Cain to repel him. And He who warns us that sin is our subtle and implacable antagonist, will help us to detect its wiles and to withstand its assaults.”

“It does not appear that Cain was startled or overwhelmed with terror at the voice of God. There were no thunderings, but all was gentle and kind on the part of Deity. And it is in this way He continues still to appeal to the hearts and consciences of His people. The voice of God itself heard within us is yet calm and inviting.”
(end of quotes)

Sweet Jesus, what I do today will have rippling affects not only on those around me but on my future. I rouse all my energy to determine, by God’s grace, to bend under the Potter’s hands as he molds and makes and changes my heart to be a more peaceful woman of Christ. Change me to be a true disciple whose life reflects Jesus’ face and heart even after the church services are long over. May I learn how to starve the croucher, the dragon, the beast at my heart’s door. I cry to you from the depths to plead with you to lead me out and away from a life of sinful anger. I hear your gentle voice calling me to come to you. I kneel at your throne and give you my all. In Jesus name, Amen.