I'm Mad

I had a frank discussion with one of the precious girls I mentor. She had some questions about a taboo subject. The subject was pertaining to the human body and how God created us. I found myself explaining things to her that were never explained to me because the subject was never discussed at church.

In fact, the only discussion I ever heard was at college; and the talk was titled,

‘How kissing can get you pregnant.’

And boy was that talk wrong…

Especially for this girl who has infertility issues.

So while sitting back and thinking through the conversation, I became really mad. I realized that in the last 20 years things have not changed a bit.

I wonder how things could be different – for many people if some discussions could have openly happened and been taught in a godly way.

I wonder if people would know how to approach marriage in a new way, with less expectations.

Could people know how to approach a honeymoon?

How to approach dating?

Or not dating?

How to approach the subject of Sex?

There I said it.

Why do we shrink from it like it's the worst word ever invented?

God created it for the purpose of marriage.

For the purpose of multiplying the earth.

For the purpose of raising up a new generation.

And we are afraid to discuss it with our young and lead them to a healthy understanding of what God intends.

And...this girl has the exact same knowledge at her age that I had at her age 20 years ago!!!

Did I already mention that?

Did I already mention that I’m mad?

So what do we do?

I believe we hit our knees and start gathering some strong men and women that are willing to approach and teach the subject.

I believe we need to find godly material that is accessible and trustable. I am in fact going to start working on this myself.

I have a son coming up in this generation – graduating in 2033. He needs a healthy understanding of God’s creation and His word. And dang it – I don’t want him having to ask other people what’s right and wrong.

Scripture: Song of Solomon

‘The Dream Of You’ Book Recommendation:

Sometimes I have so many things hidden in my heart I want to say or don’t even realize I need to say or need to hear someone say them to me. (Hope that sentence made sense…) Thankfully, when I picked up this last book, God chose to use this gifted lady to speak to my heart about what He wants to do. Especially through healing.  Healing can sound scary, but when you have been beat up by some things life has to offer, healing is often a cool stream. The funny thing is, I didn't realize this was something God wanted to do.

Healing comes in so many forms, but sometimes, returning to who God created you to be  - before life hits you, knocks you down, and tells you who it thinks you should be, is the best place to start. Once healed, who knows what things God might have for you to do:)

All that being said,

Today – 

I recommend a book:

‘The Dream of You ‘ by Jo Saxton.

https://www.amazon.com/Dream-You-Broken-Identities-Live/dp/0735289824

It’s time to be the person God intended you to be.

Let’s go on a journey back to the basics to get ready for the ‘adventure of a lifetime.’

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

'Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.'

Just as I am

Today, I was reading Joseph’s picture Bible and I came across the section where Jesus beckons the children to come to him. (Matthew 19:14)  The sweet picture book asked the question, 'If you were going to meet Jesus ‘do you think you’d have to dress up?’  ’ ‘Do you think you have to be on your best behavior?’ ‘Do you think Jesus would ask how good you’ve been before He gave you a hug?’ (https://www.sallylloyd-jones.com/books/jesus-storybook-bible/)

This stopped me. Jesus takes us in as we are. We do not need pretense, the right clothes, the right words – or even the right attitude of waiting until you’re spoken to.

He takes us as we are.

Why do we feel the need to dress up for him, or speak eloquently? Why do people feel like they can’t go to church if they are dressed right, or if they had a bad week? Why do we do this?  Or what if they really screwed up? Do we say to them, ‘No – you have to clean up before you can talk to Jesus’? Do we rebuke them like the disciples rebuked the parents for bringing the children to Jesus? Or de we welcome them into our congregation, or our home, or our small group, just as they are?

I sadly can say I have seen people not welcome others as they are. I can say that I have not been allowed to be in certain places – because I didn’t fit the church status quo. 

I say all this to bring up two points.

1. No one is perfect. I can guarantee we all sin often. So, why do we feel the need to point out the sins of others before they can come in a church?

2. Do we really mean it when we sing 'Just as I am?’ I think we mean it for us in the moment sometimes, but do we mean it for others who don’t ‘fit.’

The Bible tells us – ‘for All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God’ (emphasis mine - Romans 3:23.) I believe this means…none of us can walk into a place looking or acting like a perfect Christian. I do believe that far too often, we put on the Christian mask. We say the right things, we show up at every event. We walk the walk. We wear the right clothes. We also recognize if someone else is not in the ‘club.’ 

In the midst of all that doing, are we truly walking with Christ? Are we walking in His word? Are we living the words we are reading?

If all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, do we have the right to pick on certain sins before we let someone in to see Jesus?

For God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten son that whosever believes should have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

This doesn’t say, after you stop sinning, God loves you. This doesn’t say, make sure you point out sins and then bring them to God.

I have seen my nieces innocently invite people to church. They believe all should meet Jesus. They have a faith that believes everyone can come to Jesus.

Isn’t it time we do the same? I am tired of acting like I think I am supposed to act.

I am tired of trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

I love Jesus. I know Him by spending time with him.

My goal is for people to get to know Jesus. Just as they are.

He can take care of the rest. 

I believe that’s why He ended this section of the Bible with ‘Luke 18: '17Truly I tell you, if anyone does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, he will never enter it.”…

Faith like a child. Let’s pray for that. Let's live like that. Let's love like that. Who knows what God can do through a heart that loves as He does.

Fresh starts

Don’t you love fresh starts? Out with the old, in with the new? I do. Sometimes, I want a New Year. Last year was hard. Did anyone else have a hard year?

My first thought was to recount everything that was hard. And then it hit me; I don’t want to do that. It’s done; it’s over, let’s move on. 

So how do we have a new start from a hard year?

We learn.

There has been a firestorm over America – and its social media. People have been on all sorts of rants and judgment calls. I was angry myself and had to step away. What did I get from spending time reading tweets? Higher blood pressure, and a lot of words that I thought ‘should have been spoken.’  And thankfully – during this- I had a Redeemer who was working on me. 

God helped me to see a goal he has with pain.

Pain brings a certain ‘squeezing’ process to help us find our better selves. It refocuses us to what’s important.

It also helps us take a personal inventory of ourselves.

During my inventory, a lot of things came up that I didn’t even realize existed.

Psalm 19:12-14 addresses this:

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?

    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!

    Don’t let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt

    and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouth

    and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing to you,

    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

So, as I began seeing some ‘issues’ I had – I realized, who am I to judge? That’s God’s business. I just need to stay humble, and out of the way and let Him work on who and what He needs to work on.

Also – in that personal inventory – I saw false motives, false idols, distractions and selfish ambitions: sin mixed with weights that were holding me back from what God wanted. 

Once the air was cleared – and I saw the light (so to speak,) God then had a clean airway, or pipe to start shuttling his will through.  His direction has since been becoming clear. Psalm 25:4 Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.

I realized I needed to go forward – with gusto – and His word became clearer too:

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

So it makes sense, clean up your act, be humble, and I will show you my will…

But how do we test and know God’s will? Romans 12:2 covers that answer.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform 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.

So, if I am listening… I think this year – I will…. (and I am suggesting for you, too.)

1.       Stay in the Word of God – (try a bible study, or a read the bible daily plan.)

2.       Pray. Balance praying with studying. (I keep a journal by what ever I am studying. I pray through my studies.  Let’s practice taking everything to the Lord in prayer.)

3.       Fellowship.

a.     Get with other believers, (if you don’t already go, then find a great church, and surround yourself with Christian friends.) if you don’t know where to start, send me a message and I’ll look up churches in your area.)

4.     Seek God Expectantly - He will show up

a.     Psalm 5:3 ‘At daybreak, LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.

b.     James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

Happy New Year! And here's to an exceptional 2018!!!

---

It will not be taken away from her...

I write this with a pen dipped in sorrow. I rejoice at mom being whole, but I miss her.
Her ending was one of Light. not of the Circumstances of her body - but of the people she touched through her ministry. The words of Jesus ring through my head...
    'It will not be taken away from her.'

To set this up - let's look at a well known passage from the Bible - a passage that describes sisters (in flesh and in Christ) so well...

Luke 10:38-42
 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This is a story where one sister is working, the other is sitting at Jesus' feet. Martha - the worker - doesn't think the other sister, Mary, is doing enough to 'help' and she tattles on her. Jesus brings back a truth we all need to remember - Mary was concerned about the right thing - sitting at the feet of Jesus.

You see, mom was a bit of both. She had the gift of serving and was typically the one doing the preparation in the kitchen, behind the scenes. However, Mom sat at the feet of Jesus and learned from him. 

I watched her read her Bible.

I watched her teach Sunday School.

I watched her go out of her way to meet the needs of people who had less.

I read her journals where she prayed for me to have a child.

I saw her wrestle with her circumstances and go to God for the answer.

I saw her being a light to the very special CNAs and nurses that took care of her.

At the end, mom could no longer serve with her hands and feet - as Martha served. She couldn't walk or cook.

But - I saw her serve with that which was not taken from her. She gave out Jesus. She loved. She listened. She prayed. She taught the word of God until two days before she died. Her time that was spent at Jesus' feet was not taken from her. It was multiplied. As His word says in Isaiah 55:11 'So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it..' 

So in honor of my mother - I want to make a challenge.
Sit at the master's feet. Read the word of God. Listen, dwell, let it sink in. Get to know Him. Live for Him.
We don't have much time in this life - so we, with urgency, should know and share this precious savior with everyone. He Is the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except through Him (John 14:6) 
He was worth every step mom took with him. He was worth ever moment she spent with Him when she could no longer take steps.
He is worth it, and other lives were blessed because she sat at his feet.
And it was not taken away from her.

Choose Love

Matthew 22:34-40

This has been a rollercoaster of a year in America. I almost don’t want to know any more news about anyone. TV can stir up anxiety. Elections tend to bring out the worst of people – and watching comments fly on Facebook… Words sting.

I have seen people rip people up – as have you – for disagreeing on ‘points.’ But I wonder… Do we really know what ‘points’ we stand for? I know I could use more education.

Watching all this makes me feel sad and lonely. I sat down to just get in the Word – to recover from the stress of life and God brought me back to His purpose – love.

Love covers a multitude of sins. (1 peter 4:8)

I think we feel a decline in society – a moral decline, an authoritative decline, a decline in faith of the One we had put our trust in with this country.

Due to this decline – we suddenly feel the need to bring up what we stand for –and throw insults at those who don’t agree. I have seen this in brothers and sisters in Christ – and you have too.

But how do we choose love in such circumstances? 

1.     Go back to God. Spend time in His word – asking for his truth.

a.     Arm yourself with the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) our battles aren’t against flesh and blood – which translates – each other

b.     Ask him to change your heart

c.      What is truth? Seek it. Jesus says – I am the way the truth and the life. (john 14:6)

2.     Search out what you believe in his word. Just don’t take others words for it. (I see many arguments where people are stating words, but where is the truth?)

3.     Look at the things we can work on as individuals… in other words, we have logs in our own eyes we need to fix before we worry about specks in others. (Matthew 7:1-6)

4.     Finally – look at Jesus. How did he live? How did he treat others?

I keep thinking about love your neighbor as yourself. We have a gift as a Christian. We have Jesus. This is a gift to share. I met 3 precious children on a walk yesterday. They wanted to pet Edward and asked how old joseph was. They were sweet, kind and courteous.  They were different races from me. They were created in God’s image.

As I walked away – my heart broke for those out there who are precious creations of God. They need a savior – He came that ‘non should perish’(john 3:16.) And I realized… We are wrong. We are looking at everything wrong, we are hurling stones, we are sitting in pits like vipers waiting to strike at anything- like a hurting animal striking at the very person that could help them.

And I remembered the verse – love your neighbor as yourself. I looked that up in Matthew 22. I wanted to see the background to this statement. I read the entire chapter and observed that Jesus spent a lot of His time answering questions that were thrown at him to catch Him in a trap. He was there to save – and he was rejected by the religious leads of the time -  and his own received him not (John 1:11)

He was asked ‘What is the greatest commandment?’ here is his response:

Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

As humans – we are each uniquely designed – in the image of God. One translation of the Bible (the message) put it this way:

Genesis 1:26 God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them

        reflecting our nature

We should take care with God’s creation. We are all we have on this Earth. We won’t all agree-even in our own faith. But have compassion towards one another. Our goal isn’t to be proven right – it’s to love. How will other see his love in us – if all we throw out there is hate.

If we err – let it be on the side of love – and trust God enough to fix what we can’t. Let’s bring him back into the picture.