Six Degrees of Separation

For nothing is impossible with God.  Luke 1:37

1. In May, Polly buys 2 tickets to the Deeper Still Women’s conference featuring Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore in Birmingham, December 3-4. God tells her to wait and He will show her who should have the other ticket.

2. In August, high school friend, Lynne Croxton, contacts Polly about the possibility of attending a Beth Moore conference in Birmingham the first weekend of December. Polly informs Lynne that God already has a ticket waiting for her and all she has to do is come to Birmingham to spend the weekend with her lifelong friend. (They haven’t spent that much time together since they visited another friend together over ten years ago before she died of cancer.)

3. Lynne comes to Birmingham for an awesome weekend with her friend, Polly. Lynne wants to pay Polly for the ticket before they go to the conference, but Polly refuses and tells Lynne to “pay it forward”.

4. Completely unbeknownst to Polly and Lynne, Allison Springer (who neither knows or has ever met) receives a ticket at the last minute to attend the conference in Birmingham.

5. Allison has been called to join a mission venture, The World Race, uncertain how God would provide the resources she needs for this venture.

6. Allison sends a handwritten note to the speakers of the conference asking for prayer, specifically about God’s provision.

7. After lunch, Priscilla Shirer, one of the speakers, announces several prayer requests of many they received to over 14,000 in attendance, one of which was Allison’s. While those in charge of the conference are not prepared to take up an offering for her trip, they do place her email on the screen for those that want to make donations.

8. Lynne and Polly look at each other and agree that this is the “pay it forward” opportunity that God had in mind for the cost of Lynne’s ticket.

9. Lynne makes the donation to Allison after her return trip home.

10. Polly forwards the response from Allison and Lynne to Carol, a friend who will definitely would appreciate the way God has worked in this situation.

11. Carol screams with amazement because not only was she in attendance at the conference, but she has been friends with Allison’s Mom since elementary school. Carol contacts Allison and makes a donation to Allison’s trip.

NOT, the end.

For more information about Allison’s trip, http://allisonspringer.theworldrace.org/.






God's Favorite Charity

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.

Luke 1:28

 

This is the greeting that the angel, Gabriel, spoke to Mary . The Greek word for highly favored is charitoo and is only used one other time in the New Testament. In Ephesians 1:6, Paul writes that we are the objects of God’s grace and that He has freely given (charitoo) it to us because He loves us. Just like Mary, we, as believers, are the recipients of Divine favor through His grace.

 

Being the object of Divine favor brings about special privileges. Paul continues in verses 7 & 8 of the first chapter of Ephesians to say that as God’s favored ones, we have:

 

1. Redemption through his blood.
2. Forgiveness of our sins.
3. Riches of God’s grace.

 

As I hear all the requests for donations to various charities this holiday season,  I am thankful and humbled to be the recipient of God’s gift of love and grace through His son, Jesus. Gabriel’s words to Mary are meant for us all-

 

Do not be afraid, YOUR NAME, you have found favor with God. For nothing is impossible with God!

 

A Man of Faith and Influence

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Luke 7:9


When I heard the scripture from today’s reading from www.pray-as-you-go , I immediately thought about one of the five pledges of faith from our recent Beth Moore Study, Believing God,

God can do what He says He can do.

Jesus is talking about a Roman centurion who had sent word to Jesus asking that his servant be healed. In ancient Rome, a centurion was a loyal, courageous captain over 100 foot soldiers in the Roman army. Working their way up the ranks, they were highly respected for their dedication and leadership skills in battle. This was a leader that had notoriety.

Undoubtedly, this was a man of action. His request of Jesus was one that had the ability to influence many-not only those under his immediate authority, but also others that heard of his request and the subsequent healing of his servant.

What is noteworthy in this passage is the centurion’s humble position before the Lord, “That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to you.” His lack of bravado and understanding of his position before the Lord spoke volumes to those that were sent to make the request to Jesus.

“His purpose from the moment He created humanity was to invite man to partner with his Maker in His work. Simply put, faith partners with God. Faith also invites God. Swelling faith can hasten swelling works of God because frankly, He favors the invitation.” Believing God, Beth Moore

Jesus favored the faith of the centurion and used his faith to perform a miracle that had an impact on many-not only those that were under his authority, but those that bore witness to the miracle as they shared the story with their family and friends. Even today, we can be impacted by the faith of the centurion as we read the story.

Dear Lord, Give us the same attitude of the centurion, humble and full of faith that You can do what You say You can do. Partner with us so that we can be your vessel for wonders and miracles to a hungry world that needs You. You are Immanuel, God with us.

Thanksliving from a Widow’s Perspective

Taking the time to reflect on the ways that God connects the moments of my life always brings revelation. It’s one of the gifts that He has given me since leaving the busy life of sales. Yesterday, God’s word to His people at His church was how to live a life of thankfulness-thanksliving. Our minister asked us to use the thank-you cards provided to write a note to God during the service. She laughingly commented that “Polly McClure will probably use a whole card-back AND front, but yours can be as brief or as long as you want”. She was right, I did use the whole card-I have a lot to be thankful for! I could spend the rest of my life thanking God for all the things He has done and continues to do in my life.

As I listened to the words of Mark 12:43-44 this morning, I realized that I don’t hold a candle to the widow.

I can tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on.

How long had it been since she lost her husband? How had her lifestyle changed since his death? What was her source of income now? In spite of her situation in life, she was thankful enough to give everything she had to live on. Now that’s real thanksliving and, as we just learned in our Beth Moore study, Believing God, she was practicing present-active-participle believing faith. There’s no doubt that God credited this act of belief as righteousness to her.

The question that God is burning in my heart is “What are you going to believe me for?” How does God want me to put thanksliving into practice?

Dear Lord,

Give me the faith of the poor widow that was thankful enough to give you everything she had to live on. Reveal to me the things that I need to believe you for. Lord, help my unbelief. Amen

Change of Plans

Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat."  "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish", they answered.  "Bring them here to me", he said.  Matthew 14:16-18

For the last several years, my husband and I have taken a few days away from home in celebration of our anniversary.  This year, the discussion of where and when centered around a Eastern Apiary Society Meeting in North Carolina (he's a beekeeper) that was scheduled during our anniversay date.  Since the meeting was going to be held in a desirable location (Boone, NC), I envisioned a weekend prior to the meeting in a quaint bed & breakfast in the mountains.  I would accompany him to Boone where I would work during the day while he attended the meeting and we would enjoy our evenings together during the week.  As we started to plan the details, it was apparent that the extra expenses of the weekend prior to the meeting couldn't be justified with the upcoming household and personal expenses (mainly, extended dental work for me-not the anniversary present I had planned).  Change of plans #1.

About a month before our departure, I learned that one of my husband's beekeeping buddies was planning on attending the same meeting, following us on our trip to the meeting and being with us during the week. Change of plans #2.

So, as I read and listen to the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand in Matthew 14:13-21 this morning, God reminds me that the disciples had a change of plans, too.  They were counting on sending the large crowds away to get something to eat.  I also imagined them feeling exhausted and wanting Jesus a little for themselves after a full day.  "They do not need to go away." Change of Plans #1

"Okay, okay, Jesus, they can stay, but how do you propose to feed them?"  "You give them something to eat." What, are you kidding? "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish".  "Bring them here to me". Change of Plans #2

And the rest of the story is the miracle that we know so well. 

I don't know what God has in store for me this week with the change of my plans and expectations, but I will surrender this time to Him and trust that His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9)......and wait expectantly for the miracle....He is Immanuel, God with us! Amen

Job Opening: Harvest Field Worker

Then Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues,preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-37

As I listened to this scripture this morning, I couldn't help but think about our outreach ministry at church, "LRE"-Loving, Relating and Encouraging.  Each week we go out into the community and make friends and meet neighbors, asking God to lead us to those places that He wants us to go. Those that go each week are very dedicated and have great stories to tell about their experiences each week. 

But, in addition to our LRE ministry, it seems that God desires for us to become a worker in the harvest field in our daily lives.  I don't think God saves one night each week for a few of us to meet the "bewildered and helpless". 

So, what are the job requirements for being God's worker?
1. God-Vision-"He saw the crowds"
The enemy loves to keep us busy so that we do not take the time to "see" those around us each day that need the love of our Savior.  Take that next step in your relationship with one person that God seems to be putting in your path each day.
2. God-Heart-"He had compassion on them"
The Greek word for compassion means of emotions: heart, affection, tenderness, compassion. Just as Jesus opened Lydia's heart to respond to Paul's message in Acts 16:14, Ask God to change your heart so that you can have His heart for those that are lost or need His love.
3. "Worker" Experience-"but the workers are few"
According to Jesus, only a few of us qualify to be a worker. Ask God to give you  life-experiences that could help build your "worker resume". 

A couple of months ago I received an email from a member of our church:
"I do want to share something about the experience this morning. I was planning for a whole day of sitting in the courtroom. So I brought my Bible and Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets to read. I hadn't gotten very far into the chapters of Intercessory Prayer. I picked back up with my reading in Chapter 3 about re-presenting Jesus and what is intercession-how the work has already been laid out and prepared, that God needs someone (an ambassador) to represent Jesus and use His authority here on Earth to distribute what God has prepared in lives around us.

Then, I read the story about the little (insane) girl tied to a tree. It wasn't just luck or coincidence that I was reading this story while sitting in that courtroom with several people walking around in chains(a VERY visual picture of people chained by their sins). As I read the story and then sat to ponder on what I read, I heard the judge telling an inmate in chains to wake up and face the music. God prompted me to pray for that person, to awaken her spiritually and to remove from her eyes what has been blinding her to God, interceding on her behalf, no matter what she had done to put her there physically in chains. As I began praying for others in the room, the air got thick and heavy and smells began circulating around me. At one time I could smell overwhelming alcohol, another time a sweet nauseating scent, and then a nasty stench, all coming and going to the point my head started hurting and I started getting quesy."

Lord, with the power of Your Holy Spirit, change our vision and heart so that we can become a qualified worker to be sent into the harvest field. And, when the call comes for a worker to be sent, help us to gladly go to share Your love and healing power to those that are bewildered and helpless.  You are Immanuel, God with us!

What Designer Do You Wear?

These days, most of my shopping for clothes is done in consignment and thrift stores.  With the loss of weight and change of jobs, I find myself with clothes that no longer fit or are useful.  I must admit that I am somewhat ashamed of the amount of money that was spent during my sales career days on clothes, not to mention the time spent on trying to find those that were "in style" as well as the storage space required for those that were out of season.  So much time, money and effort spent on "stuff" to adorn our bodies seems almost laughable at this time in my life.
As I read a passage in Galatians this morning, I gave thought to what Paul meant when he wrote:
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  Galatians 3:27
Jesus used the same word when He said, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."  Luke 24:49
The prophet, Isaiah says the following about being clothed: I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.  Isaiah 61:10
As I pondered these verses, thoughts of the media commenting on which designer certain actors and actresses are wearing as they come down the red carpet during those award shows come to mind. Words like "stunning", "beautiful" and "exquisite" are used repeatedly to describe the dresses or suits worn by the rich and famous. 
I can't help but think that if we allowed ourselves to wear the clothes provided by Christ and His sacrifice, those same words would resonate through the voices of heaven and from our Heavenly Father.  When we allow God to be our designer, we're wearing those "clothes" that will allow us to delight and rejoice in God...in other words, we'll look good from the inside out. 
Dear Lord, help me to clothe myself with your designer clothes, garments of salvation and robes of righteousness.  Use me to share those same clothes with others.  Help me to remember that the clothes provided from your designer closet come with power from on High. 
You are Immanuel-God with us! Amen.

The Ezra Fast

There by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions….So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Ezra 8: 21,23


"Faced with a significant problem, Ezra called for a fast. Notice that the problem was more than a personal matter. It involved all of God’s people who were traveling across the wilderness, plus all of the thousands remaining in Babylon who had given gold & other treasure to him. The fast that Ezra called for was not an attempt to escape problems but to enlist the Holy Spirit’s aid in tackling them."  Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, Elmer Towns

Yesterday, God's church at Faith fasted and prayed from daylight to dusk to enlist the Holy Spirit's aid in tackling some specific financial issues.  We concluded the fast with a prayer service in which we offered up prayers taken from the text of a book, Acts 29 by Dr. Terry Teykl, that we had been using to pray through the book of Acts following Easter. It was a powerful service as members of God's church at Faith gave lay witnesses,  went to the altar to ask for healing and asked for forgiveness for those we had wronged in the past.
  
This was my first experience with a fast.  I had felt God calling me to fast for some time as He peeked my curiosity over the last several months.  I started my day by offering the day and fast to God, with no expectations.  As I drank diluted fruit juice and some herbal tea throughout the day, I found that it wasn't that difficult to go without solid foods.  I used the time following our morning worship to be still, read and pray.  I was reminded that this was what God meant by Sabbath rest.  Using the time that He provides to still our bodies and spirit to receive the rest that only He can provide. 

I AM and a loving mother

There's a bigger picture you can't see.

You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.
'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan,
And through you I will show them, I Am.

As I listened to "I AM" by Ginny Owens this morning, I thought about the testimony of the beautiful daughter of one of the ladies in our Women's group at church.

Only a few weeks after the tragic death of her father, she was invited on a mission trip to Mexico.  This trip set the stage for a series of events orchestrated by God to take her by herself at 21 years of age on a later trip to meet a couple serving God in Burkina Faso, Africa. While there, she contracted malaria and was forced to cut her trip short.

After she talked about how they were able to share with those teaching them the language, teach some basic hygiene to those in the villages and worshipwith a group of people without being able to understand anything (now that's worshiping in spirit and truth), she was asked what had inspired her to answer God's call to go.

With the most tender words and glances toward her Mom, she shared how her Mom had single-handedly carried she and her three brothers to church her whole life, despite the efforts on their part to resist.  She also shared that, during her teenage and young-adult life, her Mom had "given her the space" to find her own faith and that she just knew in her heart that church was where she belonged.

As I think about all the years that her Mom got up each Sunday morning, got her FOUR children dressed, got them in the car, carried them to church, corraled them after church, got them home, I know that God must have been smiling....because He knew that one day, her daughter would "find her way" to answer His call to go far away to carry His message to people in a small, poor country in Africa. 

Yes, there is a bigger picture that we can't see.  We must continue to be faithful to what He is calling us to be each day....and through each of us, He will show them that "I AM". 

It's the Little Things......

My husband and I returned home last night after a long trip to Missouri and back to Birmingham via Kentucky to drop off my Mom and brother-in-law's mother after my nephew's wedding. On our way home, I had a brief conversation with a friend.  Big Red (a.k.a., Satan), used the topic of this conversation to turn my thoughts to places that I had thought I had left behind over the last couple of weeks.  Interesting, how Satan can take anything and turn it around...I'm convinced he knows our weaknesses and is just waiting to attack.  So, I started praying and asking God to take these thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).  I must admit that I had to battle thoughts of unworthiness.  I even questioned whether I should "lay low" (meaning, not go to church) for a couple of Sundays...

Then, we got home and I listened to the messages on the answering machine.  There was one from a fellow in our church that simply said, "Just wanted you to know that I missed seeing you today.  With my work schedule, I don't get to come that often, but wanted you to know that I missed you at church."

I have no doubt that my heavenly Father knew exactly what I needed to hear and used this phone call to let me know how much He loves and cares for me (and where my place is suppossed to be).  God connected my heart to this sweet couple in our church a couple of years ago when the husband lost his job.  There's no way to explain the connection except it was an act of God...I was even honored to be part of the ceremony when they recently renewed their wedding vows. 

This is evidence of how much our heavenly Father cares for us and how He will use relationships in our lives to show us His love.....even a little thing like a phone call. 

The Roots of Love

A life without relationships may well be a simpler life, but it is also an empty life.  The path to the greatest life possible and the greatest joy possible is found in the priority that Jesus taught us to keep at the top of the list:

Place the highest value on relationships.

The Relationship Principles of Jesus, Tom Holladay

On the morning of our daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner, I heard a song with the following words:
just as the roots of the trees hold firm the soil, so it is the roots of Love that hold the ground of our being together.

I don't think I will ever forget the wonderful stories that were shared by Blake & Caitlin's friends in attendance that night about the love they shared for each of them.  Many of these have been their friend for most of their life. Keeping those relationships is not easy task.  I know it required time, energy and sacrifice-something that both Caitlin and Blake make a priority.

We are so blessed to know that there are many surrounding them with deep roots of love that will hold the ground of their being together for many years to come. What wonderful memories that I will hold dear in my heart forever.

  

Obedience = 153 Large Fish

On a quiet, cool Saturday morning, I listened and then read the passage of scripture from John 21:1-14.   I wonder what was going through the minds of those fishermen when they had fished all night and then someone who they didn't even recognize suggested that they throw their net over the right side to catch fish. No grumbling, no "he doesn't know what he's talking about, they just did it.  Was it because in their desire to catch fish, they would try anything or did "this man" have a voice of authority?

Immediately after "the catch", Jesus was recognized by "the disciple whom Jesus loved. 
Can I tune my heart and mind to hear the direction of Jesus in my life?  Will I be obedient to Him? 

Dear Lord, in the quiet of this morning, just like it was on that morning at the Sea of Galilee, help me to hear your voice directing me to the unexpected abundance you have for me....just when it seems hopeless after exahustive efforts...your faithfulness shines through.  Help me to take the time following that abundance to sit and share those blessings in your presence, just like this group of fishermen did around the fire.  You are Immanuel, God with us! Amen

From Mourning & Weeping to a Call to Action!

When Mary went to the tomb, grief overtook her.  We know that from the scriptures and also from the statement by the angels that were in the tomb.  In fact, I think she was so overcome with grief that she mistook Jesus for the gardener.  I'm curious about that...was it because of the difference in his appearance or was it because of her state of mind?  It wasn't until He spoke her name that she recognized him....the sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:4).  Then, instead of allowing Mary to continue in her grief, Jesus gave her a call to action.  Reading Mary's first words gives me chill bumps, "I have seen the Lord". 

I believe that this passage has huge implications for God's church at Faith.  No more weeping and grieving over what may happen-He has given us a call to action...Love God, Love Others and Share God's Love.

Dear Lord, Help us to hear your call to God's church at Faith (and the individual call to each of us).  Give us the same excitement as Mary when she said, "I have seen the Lord"!  You are Immanuel-God with us! Amen

What Now? Avoid Sklerokardia!

As I read through the gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and Ressurection this weekend, I kept thinking about what the disciples were thinking after the death of Jesus on the cross.  There is no mention of them until Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother or James and the others that were with them went to the tomb-

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.Luke 24:10

Mark's gospel states that they were mourning and weeping when the women came to tell them that Jesus was alive and that they did not believe. (Mark 16:10-11)

This must have been the longest 36 hours of their lives...then to hear the news that He was no longer in the grave.  What an emotional roller coaster!  No wonder they didn't believe...it was too much for them to fathom. 

I love Mark's account of  Jesus's reaction when He appeared to them while they were eating-

Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Mark 16:14

But, Jesus has work for us to do...we cannot allow our hearts to become hardened.  Because He lives, we have a part of "The Armor" that shields and protects our hearts-the breastplate of righteousness. 

Dear Lord, As we face the days ahead as your people of Faith, help us avoid "sklerokardia".  Keep our hearts protected with that breastplate as we keep our eyes focused on what you are calling us to do, Love God, Love Others and Share Your Love.  You are Immanuel, God with us!  Amen.
The word for stubborn (sklerokardia) means hardness of heart.  In a very short period of time, the disciples heart had become hardened. It appears that the same reaction could occur today when we receive news that seems unfair or experience a sudden change in our lives.

Maundy Thursday & Faith Foot-Washing

Hearing the scripture of John 13:5 this morning brought back memories of our pastor, Amelia, washing our feet at one of the services early in her ministry at God's church at Faith.  It was one of the most moving services that we have had.  Seeing one of the older men in our congregation walk to the altar bare-footed is a memory I will hold dear in my heart forever.  Now, as we have gotten the news that she will be called to another appointment, it is even more special to have had our feet washed by His servant,Amelia.  I wonder if the disciples had the same feelings when they heard that Jesus, who had washed their feet, was leaving them?We have been blessed by the messages Amelia has brought to us from God.  She clearly is intentional about listening and preaching His word. 

Jesus's instructions after He washed their feet was very clear-

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them  John 13:14-17

So, following the example of Jesus requires me to humble myself in service to those that God brings in my path.  I am also challenged to fix my eyes on Jesus, not on the messenger (a very good message for those of us that are grieving over the upcoming loss of our pastor). 

Dear Lord, as I listen to you today, help me to humble and see myself as washing the feet of those that you bring in my path each day.  Thank you for the wonderful service of your servant, Amelia.  Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You as we continue our journey at your church, Faith.  You are Immanuel, God with us. Amen

Worth the Tradeout

One of my favorite sayings is "Everything in life is a tradeout".  As I listened to the Stations of the Cross this morning on http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/ , and read the scripture from Mark 15:1-15, I am humbled to realize that Jesus knew what He would have to tradeout...His life for my sins.  He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, "Yet not what I will, but what you will".
Pilate traded out the desires of the crowd, Barabbas, as he handed Jesus over for flogging then crucifixion. 
What am I willing to tradeout to do the will of the Father?  Will I listen to "the crowd" or will I pray the prayer of Jesus, "Not what I will, but what you will"?

Dear Lord,
As I continue my steps toward the cross this week, the words  from Romans 12:2 speak to my heart:

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

Through the work of your Holy Spirit in my life, help me to tradeout the patterns of this world for the ability to know your will.  You are Immanuel-God with us.  Amen

From a Distance.....

As I continue to listen to the Stations of the Cross @ http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/ , the scripture in Luke 22:54-62 describes the scene in which Peter denies Jesus at the house of the high priest.  Verse 54 recounts how Peter followed "at a distance" those that seized Jesus and were taking him to the house.  Peter had just testified to his devotion to Jesus in the guest room at the Last Supper, "I am ready to go with ou to prison and to death."  Of course, Jesus already knew of Peter's denial and said as much after Peter's statement of devotion. 
While before the Lord, I confess my devotion and love, but do I follow from a distance when others are ready to mock him? 
Thank you, most loving and holy Lord, that despite my failings to stand with you, You still love and care for me as my Holy Father.  Help me to be bold through the power of the Holy Spirit and share Your love with those that are hurting...despite the costs or accusations. You are, Immanuel, God with us...Amen

Where Do I Fit in the Crowd of Betrayal?

As I begin this Holy Week, I am listening to the Stations of the Cross devotionals on http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/. As I begin the First Station, The Arrest of Jesus, I am challenged to think about where I would fit in the crowd that was present at Jesus's arrest (Mark 14:43-51).   There was the twelve (including Judas), a crowd armed with swords and clubs and the young man wearing nothing but a linen garment. 
I am fascinated by the young man wearing only a linen garment that flees naked when Jesus is seized. 
I tend to think that I might be that young man, dedicated to following Jesus, showing the world that I have sacrificed for Him ("Look at me, I'm only wearing this linen garment...I've given up so much"). But then, as Jesus is arrested, he leaves the sacrifice behind and flees.....
Dear Lord, as I continue my journey toward the cross this Holy Week, help me to be faithful to that which you have called me.  Despite what I will face on this earth, help me to continue to stand with you, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage me. Immanuel-God with us! Amen

Feeding the Beast of Unworthiness

Now, Haman thought to himself, "Who is there that the king would rather honor than me"? Esther 6:6

As I worked through the daily lesson of the Beth Moore Bible Study (Esther) this morning, I recalled an event in my life that I had long forgotten.

After having an unprecedented year of sales, I was given the opportunity to interview for a national training position. This was a position that I had desired since entering pharmaceutical sales. I had taken advantage of many opportunities to participate in training events, both in our region and at the national level. I had been told many times, “You’re a natural trainer….you should consider working in the training division…” In other words, I felt like I had received support and was a shoo-in for the position.

Unbeknownst to me, my interview was a sham. The position had been filled and my interview was only conducted to make it “look like” they had offered me an opportunity. Not only was I hurt and disappointed, but I was angry. It took me a long time to “shake off” those feelings and refocus my efforts on my current position.

This and other past events have been used by “Big Red” to reinforce my feelings of unworthiness. It is a constant struggle for me to see myself as worthy in the eyes of my Creator and King. Many times, I found myself seeking honor or praise from others to overcome these feelings. God has taught me many times that my worth comes only from being His child…there is no greater honor.

As I continue my journey to the cross, I find myself completely humbled to even BE on the journey. To be a participant in this journey comes only from the saving grace and mercy of my Lord and King. If it weren’t for His sacrifice for me and my sins, I would be struggling to feed the beast of unworthiness with empty honor and praise from the world.

My salvation and my honor depends on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:7

Dear Lord, As I continue this Lenten journey to the cross, help me to humble myself and realize that the only praise and honor that’s needed is to be a servant of my King. Help me to realize that praise and honor from the world is empty and useless in eternity. My heart’s desire is to hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”. What a great honor that will be! Amen

Dreaming About a Dirty House

On my journey to the cross during this Lenten season, per request of our pastor, I am recording thoughts that God seems to be giving me along the way. Last night I had a dream that I know has significance in my journey. My husband and I were moving into a house that clearly was unfit for human habitation. We were trying to clean, repair and get the house in some shape in which to live. Finally, after exhaustive efforts, we finally decided that it was beyond repair.....and that's when I woke up.

As I reflected on that dream this morning, I was reminded of the words of one of my favorite songs, Gentle Savior by David Phelps. There is no doubt that God is speaking to me through the dream and the words of the song.

Why can’t I walk away from my regrets
And why is forgiveness so hard to accept.
My past surrounds me like a house I can’t afford.
But You say, "Come with me; don’t live there anymore".

Turning around to return to a "dirty house" will only be futile..I must surrender any thoughts of looking back on my journey toward the cross.

The psalmist said it the best...
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Now, that's the place I want to live....

Dear Lord, Help me to see how futile and uncomfortable it is to live in a house with all of our wordly "furniture and filth". Your promise of being with you forever in the house of the Lord is more than we can fathom. Thank you for the grace, mercy and forgiveness that allows us to leave that earthly house and move-in to a house full of Your love.
Immanuel, God with us! Amen

The World Behind Me, the Cross Before Me

At our Ash Wednesday service last night, our pastor created a labyrinth to initiate our Lenten journey.  The theme of this year's Lenten season is "Steps to the Cross".  There were many "markers" on the labyrinth that reminded us of steps-how many steps in a mile, how many steps Peter took out of the boat, how many steps Jesus took to the cross.  We were then invited to pray the prayer of John Wesley

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt;

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low by thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things

to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

Our pastor also asked us to consider keeping a journal to record our thoughts and any work that God may be doing in our life.  As I listened this morning on http://www.pandora.com/ to the song, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, by Selah, the words, "The world behind me, the cross before me", I realized that the only way I could take steps toward the cross was to walk away from the world. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses ,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Hebrews 12:1-2

Dear Lord, Thank you that the great cloud of witnesses are surrounding me, cheering me on,  as I take these steps toward the cross of Christ during this Lenten season.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to throw off any excesses in my life that will hinder me from running this couse set before me. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.  Immanuel, God with us..

He Leadeth Me....Don't be Confused About That

Yesterday, confusion seemed to face me on every front.  There was confusion with my daughter about who should be invited to a bridal tea, confusion about the details of an upcoming training event this weekend and even confusion about what I should eat.  As I stopped to talk to God about it, the song, He Leadeth Me, popped into my head and I immediately started singing the chorus.

He leadeth me, O blessèd thought!

O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be

Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

The story behind the hymn is very interesting...Joseph Gilmore tells this story:

As a young man who recently had been graduated from Brown University and Newton Theological Institution, I was supplying for a couple of Sundays the pulpit of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia. At the mid-week service, on the 26th of March 1862, I set out to give the people an exposition of the Twenty-third Psalm, which I had given before on three or four occasions, but this time I did not get further than the words "He leadeth me." Those words took hold of me as they had never done before, and I saw them in a significance and wondrous beauty of which I had never dreamed.

It was the darkest hour of the Civil War, I did not refer to that fact – that is, I don’t think I did – but it may subconsciously have led me to realize that God’s leadership is the one significant fact in human experience, that it makes no difference how we are led, or whither we are lead, so long as we are sure God is leading us.

At the close of the meeting a few of us in the parlor of my host, good Deacon Wattson, kept on talking about the thought which I had emphasized; and then and there, on a blank page of the brief from which I had intended to speak, I penciled the hymn, talking and writing at the same time, then handed it to my wife and thought no more about it. She sent it to The Watchman and Reflector, a paper published in Boston, where it was first printed. I did not know until 1865 that my hymn had been set to music by William B. Bradbury. I went to Rochester to preach as a candidate before the Second Baptist Church. Going into their chapel on arrival in the city, I picked up a hymnal to see what they were singing, and opened it at my own hymn, "He Leadeth Me."

William Bradbury added the last two lines of the chorus, "His faithful foll’wer I would be, for by His hand he leadeth me" as he put it to music.Watchman and Reflector printed the hymn in its December 4, 1862 edition.

The words to the rest of the hymn paint a wonderful picture of God's promise:

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom

By waters still, o'er troubled sea,

Still tis His hand that leadeth me.

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,

Nor ever murmur nor repine;

Content, whatever lot I see,

Since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,

When by Thy grace the vict'ry's won

E'en death's cold wave I will not flee.

Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

The first four verses of Psalm 23 are very clear regarding God's promise to lead his sheep...He leads, He guides, He is with us....
 
Dear Lord, Please help me to follow your guidance in all that I do.  Even when this world presents confusion, help me to stop and listen to your voice (John 10:4) and follow your lead.  Immanuel-God with us.

Go to Sleep....I'm Right Here

When my girls were young and I was trying to get them to go to sleep on their own, one of the techniques I learned was to appear at their door every 15 minutes for a set amount of time and assure them of my presence.  "I'm right here", I would say as I stuck my head in their room and encouraged them that it was time to get some rest so that we could enjoy the day ahead without being tired and grumpy.  My oldest daughter went right to bed playing some of the Disney records I had as a child on her Fisher Price record player.  In order to lure us back to reassure her of our presence, she would yell, "Turn it over".  My youngest daughter's problem was that she didn't want to miss anything, so getting IN the bed was a nightly issue.
 
This morning, I read the story of the wicked king of Judah, Manasseh.  God certainly went to great lengths to get his attention:

The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.  So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. 2 Chronicles 33:10-11

Now that God had his attention, seems that King Manasseh could focus:

In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himslef greatly before the God of his fathers.  And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jersalem and to his kingdom.  Then, Manasseh knew that the Lord is God. vs.13

Entreaty (NIV) denotes a petition to God, who is waiting to listen.  Isaac called out to God in the same way when he prayed to God on behalf of his wife, Rebekah, because she was barren.  While these two situations are completely different, it seems that there is a similarity in that both Issac and Manasseh were in a desperate frame of mind and cried out to God BECAUSE they knew he was there, waiting to listen.

"Commands such as do not be anxious typically come after the reason why we don't have to be anxious.  In this case, the reason was slipped into the preceeding verse: "The Lord is at hand" (Philippians 4:5).  That changes everyting.  The emphasis is not on how we pray.  It is on the God who has come close, who hears and who is with us"  Peace That Passes All Understanding, Ed Welch, Table Talk

While I repeat, "Do not be anxious...." to myself at least once per day, I have never realized that the phrase preceeding that verse is "The Lord is at hand (near-NIV)".  That DOES, change everything. 

God, thank you for being Immanuel, God with us.  Help us to remember that you are "right here", listening and waiting for us to bring all of our cares and concerns to you. Amen

First Responders

So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my right hand. 

Isaiah 41:10

You would think that in the midst of a national disaster (devastating earthquake in Haiti) that God would have all of "His first responders" busy. But, God sent a group of first responders to His church last night.  In less than twelve hours, God called a group of His people together for the sole purpose to share His love to a hurting family.  The message was very clear from God, "this prayer service is not for information, gossip, conjecture, or gloating. There will be plenty of people OUTSIDE this church who will be throwing that and more at them. This is a prayer service to show this family that we love them, God loves them, and we are surrounding them in prayer and love. They need this more than ever at this time".  

The prayer vigil was powerful.  We sang, read scripture and prayed.  Not only did we pray for the family, but we prayed for ourselves....that we would be strong and courageous as we face the days ahead together. 
It was evident that these prayers originated with God...

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 

We do not know what we ought to pray for but the Spirit himself intercedes for us

with groans that words cannot express. 

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for the saints (believers) in accordances with God's will.

Romans 8:26

All of us that were present bore witness to what God can do for His children in crisis. These words do not do justice to the power and love that was present as we joined together last night.  We truly do not have to face anything in this life alone. 

Thank you, most precious Lord, for what you did last night for this family.  Mostly, thank you for allowing those of us that were there to experience the mighty power of your love.  Help us to share this experience and your love to those that are hurting in the world.  Help us to be first responders to all those in need...whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.  Amen

God-colored Glasses

This morning, God's family at Faith, face the task of supporting a family who's son has been shot and charged with armed robbery.  This young man was a member of our youth group and grew up in the church.  His parents are an active part of our family of Faith and deeply committed Christians.  Most days I listen to daily devotionals at http://www.pray-as-you-go.com/.  While listening to one in October this past year, I was inspired to reach out to this young man.  The following is the letter I wrote to him. My heart is not only burdened for his family, but also for him.  I pray that I will continue to see him as God sees him and all of us, as children created in His image. 

This morning the text was Luke 13:10-17-the story of Jesus healing the crippled woman on the Sabbath. Immediately, God brought you to mind. If you read the story, she was crippled by a spirit for eighteen years-bent over and could not straighten up. I can’t imagine what it would be like to see the world for eighteen years in that way. In some sense, I know that you have been crippled also by a spirit (the demons of addiction) and are seeing the world in a very different way than most of us. While we all have our own issues and problems, it is difficult for those that have not been crippled by the same spirit to know what it’s like.
I also found it interesting that she had been this way for eighteen years...the scripture does not say how old she is, but what if she was your age? What if she had been this way since she was 12? She probably had no friends and felt very alone. I doubt that she had much of a place in society-how could she work?

What’s amazing about this passage, is that Jesus called her to Him-“When Jesus saw her, he called her forward”…..Why did she step forward? It took an amazing amount of courage for her to leave the crowd and once again face the humiliation of her crippling body….but she did. I see you so clearly at the same point. Jesus is calling you to step forward and face the fact that you have lived for eighteen years(?) with these demons. While you have made great progress in decreasing your use of drugs, you are still living as this woman was-bent over and not able to straighten up…seeing life from a perspective that is not at all how the rest of the world sees life.

In verse sixteen, Jesus again confirms that the reason for her crippling body was that “Satan has kept her bound for eighteen long years. Don’t you see, we are fighting the evil one for your life and soul! I am convinced that you would not be alive if it were not for the prayers of many specifically for you.


While I know it’s hard to see (how could you? Your perspective is totally different from most of us!), Jesus is the only one that can set you free from these demons….”Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.” I don’t know if this is the way God intends to set you free, but why not acknowledge what you are fighting and get some help (spiritual and psychological). Your healing will only come when you call on God Almighty to help you…our prayers can sustain your life, but it’s you who must want to be healed inside and out.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12

I did not want you to think that I have given up on you. Because I have known you since before these demons took over your life, I know what great things you can become and I refuse to give up my prayers for one of God’s precious ones. I can’t stand for Big Red to win! He is a deceiver and manipulator and will convince you (and has for so long) that things are hopeless….I assure you they are not.

While I know that you regret many choices you have made in your life and the consequences that have resulted in those choices, God always provides the opportunity to begin again. Once Jesus placed his hands on her, she immediately straightened up and praised God….can you imagine what it was like for her to suddenly see things in a different way. In verse sixteen it says she was “set free”. It literally means to loosen what is bound, to dissolve, sever or break. That is what must happen in order for you to straighten up and see the world and all that God has for you….you must be set free.

As I said at the beginning, I do not have the skills or knowledge to counsel or guide you to healing. But, I do want you to know that you are not in a hopeless situation. God has won the victory over Big Red, but you must surrender yourself to His healing in your life. None of us can do that for you. No matter how many texts, phone calls or pleas for help you make to your family and friends, nothing will change until YOU decide that you want to see life from a different perspective.

My prayer is that you would admit that you are crippled and need professional and spiritual help-step forward from the crowd. It will be a long journey, but all of us will be there praying, encouraging and cheering you on….”but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things He was doing”.

Dear Lord, May we see each other as you see us, your children created in Your image.  May we extend Your grace, mercy and love to those that see their life as hopeless.  Thank you for making a way for all of us to be set free from our sins through your son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Who's Responsible for That?

On the day that the Alabama football team will be playing in the BSC Championship game, I thought it was interesting to review what I wrote during Saban's first season at Alabama......

So Monday, Saban ripped into his players as harshly as he has all season.

He questioned their character, he wondered why some of them made choices that led to suspensions, he lambasted the leadership, and then assaulted their commitment to winning.

If football is important to the players, then "they don't disrespect rules and regulations of the organization," Saban said. "What guy would make a choice, if football is really important to him, knowing that it's going to affect him being able to play?"

To him, not enough players are acting as they should, even though the coaches have made a "tremendous effort" to help them do so. The Tide has had to play at least half of its games this season with at least one player suspended.

"Who is responsible for that?" Saban asked.

Birmingham News 11/19/07

These words by Nick Saban made me stop and think about my own relationship with my Saviour. If Jesus and my relationship to Him is really important to me, why would I continue to make choices that would keep me from living the life that God created me to live. God’s tremendous effort resulted in the sacrifice of His only Son so that we might have the opportunity to be free. God ask so little of us- Love the Lord your God with all our heart, soul and mind and love our neighbor as yourself- and yet we continually live our lives as if our relationship to Him is not that important.

As Saban points out, “Who is responsible for that?” I continually try to take control of my life only to find that I fall miserably short of living the life that Jesus calls me to live. Having the power of the Holy Spirit (that same power that raised Jesus from the dead) living within me as a believer requires me to submit to Him daily in order to be who He created me to be….and I AM responsible for that!

If you are going to have healthy relationships, you'll need to spend time alone with God.  For Jesus, time alone wasn't a way of escape; it wasn't a selfish right. It was a conversation.  Even his time alone had a relational strength to it.   He talked to the Father, and he listened to him.  Jesus told the Father what was in his heart, and he listened for what was on the Father's heart.  If you will follow this simple pattern, you will quiet your soul and broaden your perspective.  You will focus your life.  And you will strengthen your relationships through this decision to spend time alone with God. 

The Relationship Principles of Jesus, Tom Holladay

Spending time alone with God has become my heart's desire.  I realized several years ago that God was calling me to a life of prayer and to encourage and challenge others to do the same.  I have come to realize that prayer is not just "conversation with God', but a lifestyle of developing a relationship with Him.  (I like to use the analogy of getting married and marriage...getting married (praying) is an event, but being married (prayer) is a process of developing a relationship that requires time together).

I love to get up early before there is any activity in the house,while things are still quiet and start my day with God.  I also enjoy reviewing my day each night with Him before I drift off to sleep.  But, I have to confess that many days I don't speak with Him regularly during the day, unlesss something or someone prompts me to do so.

 It was almost always late afternoon or early evening when I arrived, and as smoke from the evening cooking fires filtered through the rays of the setting sun, the call of the muezzin (a chanter in a mosque who intones the call to prayer) resounded across the fields, punctuated by the tinkling of the little bells tied to the necks of cows and goats as small boys herded the animals home for the night. 

Stones into School, Greg Mortenton

Adhan is called out by the muezzin in the mosque, sometimes from a minaret, five times a day summoning Muslims for mandatory (fard) prayers (salah). There is a second call known as iqama (set up) that summons Muslims to line up for the beginning of the prayers. The main purpose behind the loud pronouncement of adhan five times a day in every mosque is to make available to everyone an easily intelligible summary of Islamic belief. It is intended to bring to the mind of every believer and non-believer the substance of Islamic beliefs, or its spiritual ideology. Loudspeakers are sometimes installed on minarets for the purpose. Wikipedia

While reading Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools, I notice that there is a call to prayer in every walk of life for Muslims-no matter if they are in a large metropolitan city or in the most remote part of the country.   There is even an "app for that": Mobile Muezzin provides a new service to the Muslim community to ease the daily practice of the Islam: any Muslim observant can now download on his mobile phone a Java application that provides prayer hours for each day of the year. Also, everyone stops for daily prayers, from the highest official to those in the fields. 

How will I order my days so that prayer (time alone with God) becomes immeshed in the fabric of my day and not just morning or evening? 

Dear Lord, help me to be joyful always and pray continually; giving thanks in all my circumstances.  Use the Holy Spirit to prompt me during the day to stop and talk with you.  Immanuel, God with us!