Like Stars

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:15-16

This week, I heard someone tell another, “Enjoy every moment you can with your loved one. Shine brightly and let him feel God’s love through you.”

However, if that person had been at odds and in constant struggle with his family member, hearts would not have settled so peacefully.

Somewhere, somehow, today, we all have opportunities to shine, whether it’s to the troubled downcast or the broken sufferer. But if the relationship has, in the past, been torn by unfavorable attitudes, there’s not much of a chance that we will be called upon when the trials come their way.

We’ve lost our shine!

No one wants a sour, irritable, argumentative person to be by their side when the hard times come.

If we want to be bright stars in the lives of others, we had better take a look at how often we take offense, how badly we cling to always having to be right and how self-despair takes a hold of our hearts with complaints and cries of woe.

Certainly, there will be times when our voices must be heard about a wrong done or said to us. A gentle, honest conversation can actually make us shine bright for the Lord to the world around us (this takes a lot of years of practice). A complaint is when we simply desire to stir up trouble and spread our negative hearts. It’s a matter of how things are said and why. Therein lies the difference.

Lord, teach us how to let go of constant complaining and to become pure and blameless in our day and time. Guide us as we read and hold to your word’s truths that brighten our lives and in turn shine you to the world around us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Unashamed Pilgrims

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Jesus was talking to His disciples about the hardships they were about to face.

No man escapes trouble. As followers of Christ, we want to learn to face these troubles well in the higher life we live with Him. Hardships are what show us what we’re made of. They test our true faith in God.

Each trial we go through seems to strengthen us for the next if we let it. Somehow the difficult circumstances turn into something productive and good in our lives. We come to a place of rest and trust in the Father. We experience His concern and care, no matter how long the wait.

In my old neighborhood, a large ash tree still stands in majestic splendor. We were told by the neighbors of an arborist they hired to save the tree from being destroyed. The tree was 300 years old and survived the borer insects that were killing the ash trees in the surrounding area. It survived not only the damage of the pesky insects but many more storms that came it’s way.

These wonderful trees along with the oaks, maples and others of solid, sturdy quality go through such blows and blasts in their great lives. They set their roots deep into the ground, making them stand stronger. Watch the trees during a storm. They bend, and then, once the storm is over, they bounce back, looking as if nothing has happened. They stand as does that 300 year old ash tree down the road (though, it needed a bit of help along the way).

So it is with us. When bad things happen because we are following Christ (who is our help) and not the world, we have the opportunity for so many things. We can:
Let our roots grow deeper in Him.
Aid our faith to be refined.
Know He is holding us up in times of storm.
Cry out more in our anguished prayers.
Love those He puts in our paths.
Stir us to a greater passion and zeal for His work.
Serve His people and even our enemies.

Jesus knew that the disciples would soon be going through persecution because of Him. There would be many who would come against His people, but He told them to,

“Take heart! I have overcome the world!”

One day the persecution would all come to an end, and His followers would be with Him in eternity. In the mean time, we, as did the disciples of old, live in a world that will have sorrow, but the sorrow will be blended with joy and peace (found only in Jesus) and of knowing that He has already won the victory. This peace is offered to us freely to receive if we so choose.

Why does the world need to be overcome?

Because it pulls at us to leave our position in Christ (to our own detriment). It works secretly, hidden in places we would never suspect. It calls us to come just as Jesus calls us to come. The world ways seem attractive, luring us to participate in what would seemingly make us ‘rich,’ ‘powerful’ and ‘beautiful,’ though our true riches, strength and beauty are found in Christ. It makes us feel we need to be part of it and included in its deception.

Yet, may we pull away from the world’s hold and pull all people towards Jesus, surrounding and saving ourselves in His protection from things that would tempt us. May we bear His name proudly as unashamed pilgrims who walk this earth, for a time, and lead many to Him.

Lord, your son, Jesus, lived His life in perfect harmony with you. Though He was pulled just as we are towards earth, He stayed close to His Heavenly Father and drew many to Him. He gave us an example of how to reject the world’s standards and to remain in communion with you. His death on the cross defeated Satan and therefore brought victory to all of us. We claim that victory and the peace He gives. Help us to remember how He has overcome the world and how to die to ourselves and to what the world has to offer. In Jesus name, Amen.

Together

Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3

Within the crowds with whom we journey throughout our lives, so much diversity arises even in times we are somewhat like minded. Various views bring about a dynamic that makes each of us unique, set apart from others and offering of our own experiences of how we perceive life. This is our gift to the world.

Yet, these views can divide us as well if our approach is demanding, unforgiving, or unapproachable in hearing other’s perceptions. Our beautiful selves can become berating and selfish.

One thing that can bring us together in our colorful array of contrasting perspectives is God. Our love for God can unify us, and when we sing and glorify His name TOGETHER, He is not only honored but pleased to have our hearts collectively joined before Him.

In a group, we are reminded to humble ourselves at His feet.

Any quarrels among us soften, and we are encouraged to drop the matter to unite.

Any troubles we have can be shared and carried together. (Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2))

Any joys we experience can be celebrated. (Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Rom. 12:15)

Marriages, births, graduations can be joined in with fun. Such things as divorce, illness, loss and depression can be mourned and comforted.

Glorify the Lord ….”WITH”…..me.

Certainly I can sing and pray to God alone. In fact, I love being in His presence all by myself. But there is a deep layer of connection and discovery that can happen when we praise Him…together.

Glorifying God in our assemblies focuses our minds on something bigger than ourselves.
It sets us back on the right track when we stray.
It helps us to think, not just about ourselves, but about our fellowman.
It actually binds us together in unity.
Neurological studies directed by Dr. Caroline Leaf (on YouTube) have shown that interactive worship provides endorphins (physiological benefits) that improve our health!

Certainly, there are profound and holy moments when I am glorifying God all by myself. Yet, even in my alone times, pictures get stirred up in my mind of a host of people gathered round about me, and we are all praising Him…together.

One time, years ago, I was counseling at our church Bible camp. Almost every night, we would all head to the ‘cellar’ of one of the buildings on campus. There were no windows and when all the lights were turned out, we could worship without any inhibitions. These young, shy teens would raise their hands or bow to the ground, and no one would pay attention to their awkward, yet worshipful hearts. Nothing could keep them from worshiping the way that they wanted. At one point, the song leader led us in a praise song that was obviously a song that took us to our knees. You couldn’t see anything, but you could hear the knees hit the ground in a loud whoosh-sounding glorious time of praise.

Sometimes, that sound is what I envision and ‘hear’ when I worship God alone. Everyone is around me with knees bent to the God of the universe in prayer and song, all hands raised in surrender and all eyes on Him….uninhibited, with abandon to the Father.

Father, when our church recently sang to each other “The Lord Bless You,” (facing each other) my heart nearly came out of my chest. I was so happy to be with you and my church family. Worshiping you together was such a joy. In those moments we shared, I saw and experienced other’s joy, and I saw and experienced other’s sadness. Unite us, Father, in all that goes on in our lives. May our praises glorify your name, always. Keep us close and connected that we may be a light to this world. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The Enemy Within and Without

Joshua then said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” Joshua 10:25

What in you constitutes bravery?

*Becoming daringly authentic and not phony.
*Continuing to be ‘on’ at your job and still 100% for your spouse and kids (even after busy evenings and sleepless nights .
*Pouring out for others is your greatest gift and also your greatest drain, but you keep going.
*Courageously giving of yourself with little or negative feedback, yet moving forward with trust in a Mighty God.
*Finding time to be away from it all and just ‘be.’
*Your losses, disappointments and let downs take your breath away, but your gallant belief in God carries you through. His calling speaks to you daily to love, and so you do.
*Taking a deep breath when anger comes over you, finding ways to wisely let off steam and then heroically communicating and forgiving.
*You have been fighting demons for a long time. But you are still in the fight. Your spunk in your mighty God keeps you alive and you never give up.
*Going out of your way to speak to people about Jesus and His love in valor and in God’s strength, no matter how nervous or difficult.
*Surrounding yourself with those you love (participating in life!) but also greatly anticipating being with Jesus one day.

Phoniness, busyness, insomnia, jobs, weariness, jeers, burdens, losses, disappointments, let downs, anger, addictions, nervousness or difficulties are considered my ‘enemies.’ Notice, I did not list people but events and circumstances.

Joshua 10:24 says, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And then verse 25 says, “…thus the Lord will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.”

In our Christian walk, our real fight is not with people (who are flesh and blood). Our fight is with the principalities of darkness in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6).

Psalm 9:17 says, “The wicked go down to the realm of the dead.”

One door we choose to walk through every day is called ‘self-denial.’ It is the door Jesus asked His followers to walk through to be called His disciples. I have a few women and men who have chosen an individual list of things to which they die. I call it ‘the door of death’ or our ‘die to list.’

It is a door that signifies that we serve instead of scream out mean things when we’re hurt. We wash someone’s feet instead of criticizing them. We dwell on the goodness of God and depend on Him to rescue us. We visualize the good in people, instead of dwelling on negatives. (We set boundaries and communicate needs, but we still respond in love…not gossip or meanness, and we give cups of cold water, prayers and good deeds no matter how the other person acts, not yet perfectly! It is a life-process.)

Through the Psalm 9:17 verse, it dawned on me that when we walk through the door of death, SO DOES OUR ENEMY, meaning, God takes care of us and protects and shields us. Our enemy (fears, insomnia, anger) are destroyed by God. We do not know how or when it happens. We just know that God, in his good timing, removes them…all at once, or slowly in a process that cleanses us surely and thoroughly.

In the earlier Joshua verse, people were not my focus as the enemy, even though I have people in my life who bring pain, trials, and trouble, and even though they may be considered my enemy at times. It happens with all of us who live in families and who have close friends who bring their hurtful selves into the picture. It is part of life. It also happens with strangers who intentionally or unintentionally cause us hurt. The real enemy is not them, it is Satan and his demons.

And though God does not stop bad things from happening (trials that come from living in an evil world), God is still with me and upholds my cause. He is my focus, not evil.

Psalm chapter 9 talks about how the enemy falls into the very pit he dug for ME. His feet become entangled in the very net he hides (for me). Somehow God avenges me when I continue to belong to Him and when I continue to choose to walk through the door of death, serving, loving, giving, and dying to self.

Psalm 9:17 (the verse above) amazes me as I read the implications of the powerful words.

God is my God. When I am on His side, He is there by my side.

I never wish for anyone who causes me distress to ‘fall through the net,’ though I know there is a place to defend myself and though my human mind seems to take me there at first, as did King David’s.

But I do wish for the demise of Satan and his demons. I desire for his presence to be cast out of my house, city, nation and world, forever.

When he comes to my house and brings havoc, fights, depression and weariness, it is time for us, together, as a family to rise above and soar like eagles into the skies of God’s provision. It is a time to focus on the demise of and to step on the necks of our REAL enemy who is trying to bring us down.

Psalm 10 is also an incredible read. It goes into great detail about our enemy and God’s rescue.

Talk about an adventure…this is the greatest thrill of a lifetime to walk alongside our loved ones and our big God in these battles against our foes not against each other!

I love seeing the bravery in people all around me. It is inspiring!
I love knowing that I have a God who fights for me and that there is hope and comfort in knowing what God will do to my ‘enemies.’

I have friends and family who will dive into this exciting adventure every day who are my heroes and who help me to stay with it.

Put your helmet on and feel the wind on your face as we speed-ride on this journey together and as we skydive into the wild blue yonder. Today let’s knock it out of the park, dear friends!

Oh Lord, I long to be free from my enemies. I long to be clean and to be holy like you, Father. You and you alone have the power to use me for your good and to free me, to lift me up, high above my enemies. I pray for those who would bring me harm and hurt. I ask that you soften their hearts and reveal the name of Jesus to them. In fact, I bring every individual in the entire world to your throne and pray for revival and peace. Help each soul, everywhere, to become mighty in your kingdom. In Jesus blessed name, Amen.