Run The Race

I just heard from a dear, sweet friend that is about to head abroad to her calling. She has known her calling and has run toward that calling not looking back.  Hearing from her and seeing her zest and excitement at this new adventure has made me think.

Do I run with that kind of zeal? Do I press on?

I feel like age and life have left me a little more timid, a little more fearful and a little more cautious.

Where are the days of throwing caution to the wind and running?

I think they were before the baby and the dog.

And while I’m on this subject, should I not remember the incredible miracle that brought this baby to us the way it did?

Sorry for all of the questions – but sometimes I think we need to reevaluate our ‘zeal.’

Yes, I feel we are more zealous the younger we are. When we are leaving high school, college, vocational school, etc., we are like the stallions standing behind the gates at the Kentucky Derby; waiting for the gates to swing open to take off, bounding toward our goal.

Now, I sometimes feel a little like my puppy standing in the doorway on a rainy day, not wanting to get his feet wet. But to see his reaction once he comes back in from the rain – he’s ecstatic, running around, wiping his feet- and thankful he went.

So – where do we stand?

Somewhere in between stallion and rainy day puppy.  

I want to be the stallion – braced and ready to go. The stallion is who he is due to his training, his breaking, his thoroughbred, his build, his care, and his jockey. I think its time to realize we are bred by the ultimate ‘breeder’. We are given gifts and talents that are special and unique to each one of us. We have been raised in such a way to prepare us for every step we take. 

So why not run? Why hesitate? Why doubt? (Yes, we are human, but we have a maker that is greater, stronger and mightier than anything.) He can move mountains. His voice can shatter the cedars of Lebanon. (Psalm 29:5) Since we are discussing mountains, I’d like to point out that he has given us the ability to move mountains – with only a mustard seed of faith. (Matthew 17:20)

So am I ready to shoot out of the gate? Are you?

Let us run with perseverance the race that has been marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1)

It’s time.

Write Your Story

Hebrews 11:8

Today,
I am having a hard time. We are making a change. Another one. After a long line of changes, God is taking us in a new direction, and it's hard.
I understand a little of what military families go through, and in a way, we are serving in a godly army.

Sometimes, you are moved to a new position. Sometimes you are moved to a new location. And you follow.

God gave me several verses over the past few years, and I have wondered what they meant. I am seeing some of the fruition of the verses, but I don't believe I'll fully understand until we are there.

Verse 1
John 17:18  'I am sending them into the world.'

This verse stopped me in my tracks and sent a wave through me. As I have stated before, I believe that when you are reading scripture, God will magnify certain verses to you, to speak to you.
We had been studying Jesus' prayer in John 17, so I decided to read through the entire prayer.

I knew in my spirit that God was up to something, and it scared me a little. Joe and I have been on many journeys, and most of them consisted of some sort of staff position in the church. The only one that didn't was our move to New York. That's the only other time that we sensed this kind of faith walk.

Some walks take you into the unknown, and all you know to do is go. Sometimes it's a specific calling to a specific ministry, other times, it's a location. It could be the calling of your career, the college you will attend, your spouse. There are many things we can be called to, and some things are obvious, This one is not.

Going back to the verse, I knew God was up to something, just not sure what. As time progressed, I received a 2nd verse.

Verse 2
John 12:26 'Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.'

So, beware when reading the book of John, or really any gospel - because when God shows you how Jesus and his disciples work, He calls us to similar work.

So, upon reading this verse, I had a feeling God was going to move us. I do want to state that God is everywhere. So don't think he's only where we are going. He is calling us to follow a specific work He is doing there. And that requires us to follow Him to a particular location.

I could site many verses about going where you don't know where you are going (look at the story of Abraham), but I believe that is not needed in this moment.

Then, Ryan Ortego preached a sermon on the burning bush. I only had the Message bible with me, and he quoted from it. So that got my attention. We were in the fostering process, so I thought God was speaking about that. The speaker said that Moses stopped to pay attention to the bush. He said in these moments when something stops us, to ask more questions. So, I began asking, seeking and knocking as Matthew 7:7 tells us. Joe was fasting and seeking, too. We were then bombarded with where in the world is God calling us.

We sought out several places - all resulting in 'No.' Not understanding, and a little exasperated with the seeking - we went to Knoxville for a family reunion. Isn't it like Gods to hit you in those moment? When you finally just give it a rest? The searching, the seeking, the crying out? Sometimes I think we get so caught up in this we forget to breath.

We were driving through the hills of Knoxville, when a spark hit me. I prayed about it and mentioned it to Joe later. He had the same spark.

I again could give many details of God answering fleeces and confirming and speaking - but I am going to let you trust that He did.

Then we knew. He's calling us back to do a work that we aren't completely sure of yet. We have some ideas, but we know this is a Go. I can tell you, this has been serious kind of a faith walk.

Why do I tell you all of this? I believe some of you are struggling with decisions and are not sure of an answer. I believe God is telling you to go and you are hesitating because all the t's are not crossed and the i's are not dotted.

I believe God is calling some of you to big things that scare you and it's hard to take the first step.
I believe God is asking you to move, or do something new and you are afraid of what people will say and think, especially when you don't have the answers they want to hear.

When God calls, Go. Yes, it's hard. Yes, people question. Yes, people discourage. Stay around those people who will encourage you and pray.

I tell you all of this because walking with God is a journey. It's an adventure and it's not about the destination - its about the call. It's about willing hearts that will Go when He asks. It's not all about you. It's about the people God is using you to reach. We only have one life to live and I want to live it going. I want to encourage others to do the same.

If you are struggling with a decision - read Joshua. Take a step, don't be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Scripture:
John 17 - Jesus' Prayer
Exodus 3 - Burning Bush / Moses
Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8 - Call of Abraham
Joshua 1-6, 10 & 24 - Story of Joshua & Israelites Taking possession of the Promised Land

Tools For Prayer

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

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!!!

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