A week or so ago I attended Colby's school recital. For the most part it was the normal telling of the Christmas story with Colby's class performing a play that intertwined the story with a sci-fi twist about traveling through time in an attempt to visit Bethlehem. The younger classes - preschool age- were used as the shepherds and angels in the Christmas story. One lucky little girl and boy were chosen to portray Mary and Joseph, and they were dressed in what you normally see little children dressed in these events.
As the play is progressing just as you would expect, the unexpected happened! Mary's head wrap fell off her head! So as any proper young lady would, she leaned over to pick it up. But in the process she forgot about the baby Jesus she was cradling in her arms! Baby Jesus (just a doll, not a real baby for those of you picturing a live nativity) landed up on the floor! But get this - when Mary realized what had happened she lost it! She began wailing (VERY loudly!!) uncontrollably and she was not to be consoled! Someone tried quickly to hug her, hand her the baby and assure her it was ok to go on with the play, but she was having none of it! Mary was devastated that she had dropped baby Jesus and they had to wrap her up and remove her from the play. Thank goodness the play was almost at the end!
But what about the lessons there if you ponder a bit...First...How often do we drop Jesus? I do it at some point everyday in my reactions, actions, or thoughts. Are we dropping Him now during the very season we are to be celebrating Him? Are we too wrapped up in gifts, travel, decorations, or cooking so that we cannot focus on Him and how He would have us to celebrate by worshipping and serving others? I realize it's Christmas Eve now, but make sure to pause sometime today to worship and if you feel led to serve by blessing a family in some way do it! Toby Mac keeps reminding me "You ain't living til you choose to give love, joy, peace to one of His!"
Second - when we realize we have dropped Jesus, what is our reaction? Do we come undone like Mary did, or do we just go about our day with an "oh well" reaction? Undone is good. Hopefully a reaction like that will keep us close and from dropping Jesus frequently. Our hearts should break when we drop the One who gave every blood drop in His body for us to have salvation, abundant life, grace, and mercy - the best Christmas presents anyone can receive.
In the Christmas story in Luke 2:25, Simeon was described as righteous and devout and He was LOOKING for Jesus. The Bible says he was looking forward to Israel's consolation. What a thought. Consolation. Maybe we should have told Mary in the play all she had to do was pick up her consolation. Maybe that's something we all need to hear. If Christmas is not a season of enjoyment this year, Jesus is your consolation. Just pick Him up, and if you by chance happen to drop Him along the way during the year, remember He will console you because He is consolation. Merry Christmas from a fellow Jesus dropper.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Need a Piece of Peace?
When I was a little girl I always
remember my Mother saying she just wanted some peace and quiet. Now that I'm
an adult I SORTA understand what she was talking about. I understand that life
gets hectic, pressures mount, time and money is limited, and often people just
want more of us than we really have available to give them. Of course, I really
think she was talking about the noise level - but that still doesn't make sense
to me because I'm an only child!
Seriously one of the things I look
forward to most, is sitting in my pajamas in my chair with the candles (and
now the tree) lit, a cup of coffee, Bible, iPod, and eventually the newspaper. I can
sit there for two or three hours during the morning with no
trouble....peace....at least while the kids sleep. But that is a false peace
created by my own staging on Saturday mornings.
Sure, the Lord and I meet together,
but I set the stage with my props. And
my peace is usually over the moment one of my kids awakens. Not that it's a bad thing.
I'm sure we all advocate for our "quiet times" but the kinda of peace we all really need is the kind of peace that sustains us when our world is
crashing in on us. The kind of peace that we need when our future is very
uncertain. The kind of peace we need when we get an unfavorable health report.
The kind of peace we need when our job is in jeopardy. The kind of peace we
need when relationships that are supposed to be solid, get rocky. I think you
know what I'm talking about. This is the kind of peace I'm talking about. In order to obtain and cling to that type of peace there are a few things we need to know:
1. Peace is not meant
to be understood - just accepted and experienced.
Philippians talks of a peace that
surpasses understanding.....
Philippians 4 tells us that when we rejoice in the Lord, when we are gracious and remember the Lord is near, when we don't worry but petition the Lord with our requests and thanksgiving that:
"the peace of God which surpasses every thought ( or our understanding) will guard our hearts and minds."
If
you have not experienced this, it is almost impossible to explain, let alone
comprehend. When we have prayed in this manner Paul describes we become
enveloped in a peace that can only come from God. When life’s circumstances are the worst
possible, we still find protection from the world in the God of Peace. It is so
incredible that the Bible tells us we cannot understand it. How can you be
facing the worst situation in your job or marriage, with your kids or other family
members, in your finances, with your health – and still experience this
incredible peace. It is spiritual and straight from God – not meant to be
understand, just experienced. Kinda like math - I don't understand it, but I experience it. Trust me, peace is much better than math!
Peace translates as several different meanings in the original Hebrew and Greek. Some of my favorites are rest, quietness, exemption from the rage and havoc
of war, peace between
individuals,
of the Messiah’s peace, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through
Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, the blessed state of devout and upright men after death.
I think my favorite part is the exemption from rage and havoc of war. This doesn't just refer to political wars but our very struggles in our lives - the basic war between spirit and flesh. I can have peace over that. I don't have to understand it, just experience it.
I think my favorite part is the exemption from rage and havoc of war. This doesn't just refer to political wars but our very struggles in our lives - the basic war between spirit and flesh. I can have peace over that. I don't have to understand it, just experience it.
So - where did/does this peace come from? Let's go back to
the Old Testament to find out!
Isaiah 9:6 - "For a child will be born to us and the government
will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
2. Jesus was sent to us to BE our peace- not just as He saved us from our sin and to provide ultimate peace at death, but He came to BE OUR PEACE ONE DAY AT AT TIME while we live on earth.
This word peace here is "Shalom" and it is connected to the peace found in Philippians. Some have called the Prince of Peace to be known as The Tranquilizer (referring to Hosea where lion and lamb will lie together). How interesting to think of Jesus as my Tranquilizer - when my emotions are running amuck, when I'm tired, or upset with someone, or feel I have been wronged, or I'm just sad and disappointed. Whatever I need Him to be, Jesus IS. This is promise that was given through the propehcy. Now lets look at the manner in which God sent peace to earth and the angelic reaction.
2. Jesus was sent to us to BE our peace- not just as He saved us from our sin and to provide ultimate peace at death, but He came to BE OUR PEACE ONE DAY AT AT TIME while we live on earth.
This word peace here is "Shalom" and it is connected to the peace found in Philippians. Some have called the Prince of Peace to be known as The Tranquilizer (referring to Hosea where lion and lamb will lie together). How interesting to think of Jesus as my Tranquilizer - when my emotions are running amuck, when I'm tired, or upset with someone, or feel I have been wronged, or I'm just sad and disappointed. Whatever I need Him to be, Jesus IS. This is promise that was given through the propehcy. Now lets look at the manner in which God sent peace to earth and the angelic reaction.
Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth
to people He favors.
This is what the angels sang! They didn't sing of prosperity, health, or political freedom. They sang that Peace had arrived.
I love the words of Sara Groves in the introduction to Jars of Clay's "Peace is Here: Christmas Reflections." She describes the angels announcing the birth of Jesus as if they were bursting at the seams...that perhaps they had to beg God to let them sing to just one town, or small group of shepherds...that perhaps they promised it would only be a few of them and they would not blow the cover of the Christ Child. And then they sang.....Peace is here!This is what the angels sang! They didn't sing of prosperity, health, or political freedom. They sang that Peace had arrived.
The angels GOT it! They saw the entire picture and they KNEW the gift that had just been given to mankind. The interesting thing is that the Roman government had instituted a policy of "peace" but no government, even one as powerful as the Roman government, can dictate your personal presence of peace - either with God or with life in general.
3. What a government cannot do, God alone does.
Ephesians 2:14a - "He is our peace....."
The idea the language gives us here in the use of these particular nouns and verbs is the idea of joining together...specifically Jew and Gentile ...but also Jesus to us and us to Him.Jesus and Peace cannot be separated! So if you have Jesus, there is no question whether you have peace in your life or not! Now, you and I can make choices that make peace elusive or foggy! Sin does that and so does forgetting exactly what authority Christ brought to earth! Remember, of all the things the angles could have sang, they sang of peace because they knew how desperate mankind was and would always continue to be for peace, and they knew the gift God had just sent to the world.
4. And the Giver of all good things gave us exactly what we needed:
John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not
give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful."
In this simple statement - a normal greeting but also a
parting word - Jesus left a legacy for the disciples, but also for us. He didn't
just leave peace for them - He left it for me and you too. Sin is forgiven and
forgotten. He made and continues to make a way for us. He left us with precious
promises to claim: Romans 8:28, Psalm 27:13, and so many others of being with
us when we go through the fire and flood, never forsaking or leaving us, loving
us with an everlasting love and so much more.
This Christmas as we wrap gifts up with fancy trimmings and bows and place them under the tree, perhaps we should all take our favorite verses, maybe some of the above, or others you love or need to hear, and place them in a box under our tree to be opened Christmas morning. Then we are reminded exactly why He journeyed far to earth - how He was announced by the angels, and the exact gift He left us. Peace is here! Gloria!
This Christmas as we wrap gifts up with fancy trimmings and bows and place them under the tree, perhaps we should all take our favorite verses, maybe some of the above, or others you love or need to hear, and place them in a box under our tree to be opened Christmas morning. Then we are reminded exactly why He journeyed far to earth - how He was announced by the angels, and the exact gift He left us. Peace is here! Gloria!
[1]
Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s
Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[2]
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Lk 2:14).
Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
[3]
Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies
from the Greek New Testament: For the English reader (Eph 2:14). Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans.
Monday, September 3, 2012
When the Answer is Nowhere in Sight...
My tenacious BSF (Bible Study Fellowship - for all my sweet, non FBC friends) class loosely nicknamed "Griner's Gutsy Girls," (really not sure where that came from,) has been intently focusing on learning about prayer. In fact we are doing a book study entitled, "What Happens When Women Pray." This book by Evenlyn Christenson has been around for decades, and is very rich in encouraging, motivating, and teaching women about the power of prayer.
But there is always one question we come back to: unanswered prayer. There could be so many reasons why God has not answered our intense, heartwrenching prayers. It could be something positive such as praying for something specific, and God has something better in store for our lives. This could be a job we think is good, but He's preparing us for an even better one. It might be that we are praying completely out of God's will (Lord, please let me hit Powerball tonight!) It might be that we pray half-heartedly, not really expecting that the Lord will answer, while we should be believing Him for all He promises rather than doubting.
And then there's the big reason we don't like to talk about because it's not sweet and sugary: SIN. Fact is, we ALL sin frequently, probably multiple times daily. It then becomes about what I do, or don't do, about my sin. I know that just sounded like I don't think Jesus is big enough to wipe away my sin clean away like Oxi-Clean and dry up my mess with a ShamWoW! But it is precisely the opposite.
Once I sin, I have to DO something with that sin - I have to own it and ask God to forgive it or else my prayers don't make it past my ceiling. And that takes time and effort - for me to own up and ask for forgiveness. This is such an important part of prayer and we so often skip over it. I'm convicted right now about being convicted! If we don't take time to admit and confess those sins, and then trust God to exterminate our sins, it's not that He WON'T hear our prayers, it's that He CAN'T. Big difference there.
Isaiah 50:1-2 says, "Indeed, the Lord's hand is not too short to save, and His ear is not too deaf to hear. But your iniquities (churchy word for SIN) have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have made Him hide His face from you so that He does not listen." Holman version.
Yikes! So most of us haven't committed sin that we consider gross sin like murder, theft, etc... And I can only speak for myself, but I KNOW how many times I have committed sins such as bitterness, jealousy, pride, selfishness, not being a good steward of money, gossip.....and I could continue to bore you with the list. ALL of those sins have to be removed however, for my prayers to be heard.
God gave me a great visual picture of this. My ten year old son, Colby, loves to play outside with his fearless friends. They build forts, ride bikes, get dirty in the marsh, play in the rain....you get it: boy stuff! When he is ready to come in from playing, if he is covered in the dirt and mud he LOVES to come hug me. While I love him desperately, the last thing I want are his grimy, muddy feet, and stinky smell in my house, let alone touching me. After he has hosed off a bit outside and then made it to the shower for a deep cleaning, THEN I am all about the hugs!
Do you see it? When WE approach God with stinky, smelly hearts, and messed up thoughts, He says, "Woah!!! Nope, you need to get cleaned up first!" Well, at least that's how He says it to me. I have to get my heart and head in the game, spiritually speaking, acknowledge and confess those sins, and then I can approach the Lord with my desires, requests, and petitions. Sometimes I may even have to call someone and beg their forgivness in the process. I so desperately need prayer in so many areas and I have so many friends with specific needs and requests that I don't have time to stay dirty!
So, if you have some specific prayer request hanging out there (or lots of them) that doesn't seem to be getting through the ceiling, and you believe you are praying aligned with the will of God, then do a self-check. You will be amazed what the Lord will bring to your mind for which you might need to ask forgiveness. He will often bring to me thoughts of a behavior or habit that needs changing; or perhaps my attitude needs adjusting about something.
Then the strangest thing often happens: once I get cleaned up, the Holy Spirit will usually direct me to pray specific requests from a different angle. It might go something like this: Suppose I am praying for a financial need for a friend. The Lord might respond back for me to pray a different way about the need - perhaps I am not asking for big enough results. Or, He may direct me to pray a specific Scripture over a need or a person.
If you are still with me this far, and I hope you are, I am praying that you find encouragement and motivation to seek the Lord with all of your being through prayer. Just don't forget to take care of business first! And if you show up at my house wth muddy feet, I will hose you down and then pray for you!
But there is always one question we come back to: unanswered prayer. There could be so many reasons why God has not answered our intense, heartwrenching prayers. It could be something positive such as praying for something specific, and God has something better in store for our lives. This could be a job we think is good, but He's preparing us for an even better one. It might be that we are praying completely out of God's will (Lord, please let me hit Powerball tonight!) It might be that we pray half-heartedly, not really expecting that the Lord will answer, while we should be believing Him for all He promises rather than doubting.
And then there's the big reason we don't like to talk about because it's not sweet and sugary: SIN. Fact is, we ALL sin frequently, probably multiple times daily. It then becomes about what I do, or don't do, about my sin. I know that just sounded like I don't think Jesus is big enough to wipe away my sin clean away like Oxi-Clean and dry up my mess with a ShamWoW! But it is precisely the opposite.
Once I sin, I have to DO something with that sin - I have to own it and ask God to forgive it or else my prayers don't make it past my ceiling. And that takes time and effort - for me to own up and ask for forgiveness. This is such an important part of prayer and we so often skip over it. I'm convicted right now about being convicted! If we don't take time to admit and confess those sins, and then trust God to exterminate our sins, it's not that He WON'T hear our prayers, it's that He CAN'T. Big difference there.
Isaiah 50:1-2 says, "Indeed, the Lord's hand is not too short to save, and His ear is not too deaf to hear. But your iniquities (churchy word for SIN) have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have made Him hide His face from you so that He does not listen." Holman version.
Yikes! So most of us haven't committed sin that we consider gross sin like murder, theft, etc... And I can only speak for myself, but I KNOW how many times I have committed sins such as bitterness, jealousy, pride, selfishness, not being a good steward of money, gossip.....and I could continue to bore you with the list. ALL of those sins have to be removed however, for my prayers to be heard.
God gave me a great visual picture of this. My ten year old son, Colby, loves to play outside with his fearless friends. They build forts, ride bikes, get dirty in the marsh, play in the rain....you get it: boy stuff! When he is ready to come in from playing, if he is covered in the dirt and mud he LOVES to come hug me. While I love him desperately, the last thing I want are his grimy, muddy feet, and stinky smell in my house, let alone touching me. After he has hosed off a bit outside and then made it to the shower for a deep cleaning, THEN I am all about the hugs!
Do you see it? When WE approach God with stinky, smelly hearts, and messed up thoughts, He says, "Woah!!! Nope, you need to get cleaned up first!" Well, at least that's how He says it to me. I have to get my heart and head in the game, spiritually speaking, acknowledge and confess those sins, and then I can approach the Lord with my desires, requests, and petitions. Sometimes I may even have to call someone and beg their forgivness in the process. I so desperately need prayer in so many areas and I have so many friends with specific needs and requests that I don't have time to stay dirty!
So, if you have some specific prayer request hanging out there (or lots of them) that doesn't seem to be getting through the ceiling, and you believe you are praying aligned with the will of God, then do a self-check. You will be amazed what the Lord will bring to your mind for which you might need to ask forgiveness. He will often bring to me thoughts of a behavior or habit that needs changing; or perhaps my attitude needs adjusting about something.
Then the strangest thing often happens: once I get cleaned up, the Holy Spirit will usually direct me to pray specific requests from a different angle. It might go something like this: Suppose I am praying for a financial need for a friend. The Lord might respond back for me to pray a different way about the need - perhaps I am not asking for big enough results. Or, He may direct me to pray a specific Scripture over a need or a person.
If you are still with me this far, and I hope you are, I am praying that you find encouragement and motivation to seek the Lord with all of your being through prayer. Just don't forget to take care of business first! And if you show up at my house wth muddy feet, I will hose you down and then pray for you!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Life Lessons I Learned from Neal Cordle
Over the last seven years I have learned many "life lessons" from Neal Cordle. While Neal IS Bro. Neal, he is also a great friend and mentor, and I will dearly miss interacting with him and his family on a regular basis. So...while I could fill volumes with what I have learned from Neal, I am going to attempt to sum it up to ten! Here goes:
10. The VBS Snack Room - The Vacation Bible School Snack Room at FBC Brunswick has a great legacy. This is NOT the snacks for the children mind you, but for the volunteers (and staff). While I have not been able to join in this effort the last two years, from my previous experience, Neal is a snack room connoisseur. He makes sure to meet and greet and taste and enjoy. Neal taught me in that small, often warm room, that snacks tie people together - physically and spiritually. More than just snacking went on in there...relationships were built around that snack table. And they were nurtured and they grew. If you are ever around during VBS time, drop by the Snack Room - and Neal - you always have an open invitation.
9. Dairy Queen - We'll continue the food theme here. While Neal has been a bit health conscience over the last year or so, he reminds me frequently through Twitter and Facebook, that once in a while it's ok to ignore the fat, calories, and sugar and indulge in a DQ blizzard. Great reminder to have balance in our lives!
8. Look Across Generations - Neal is a master at this. There are few that can transcend generations from the 2 year old class to the BSF classes that promote to heaven, but Neal does it with grace and ease. Neal's example is a constant reminder to acknowledge and connect with all...we truly all are family.
7. Unplug - While Neal is a techy whiz whom I have consulted tech services on multiple occasions, he's not afraid to unplug for a few days at a time. Neal knows the value of letting go of constant activity and connectivity, to seek the Lord's face and to connect with his biological family. Most of us probably need to revisit this one often!
6. St. Arbucks - There are few people that love St. Arbucks as much as Neal and I do. We don't agree on our preferred drinks and that's ok (his is cheaper when I buy him one anyway!) but we both love to find St. Arbucks everywhere we go. Neal is the person that taught me it was ok to be as crazy as I am about Starbucks because there WAS a St. Arbucks. And Neal has taught me that a lot of ministry can happen over a small (or Venti) cup of coffee (or non-fat, skinny, raspberry mocha with no whip).
5. Let Others Lead - It has been a privilege to execute many events, conferences, retreats, etc under Neal's direction and leadership. Neal has taught me the best way to lead is to let others lead in their giftedness. That is where true leaders are made.
4. Trust - This one goes hand in hand with #5. Neal has taught me to trust others with the gifts that God has entrusted to them. Neal has given me extensive freedom in women's ministry in our church. I know he has always checked up on me when I wasn't teaching the standard curriculum, (Ok I never have) yet Neal has always given me the freedom to teach my ladies what the Lord was teaching me.
3. Listen - I can't tell you how many countless times I have plopped down in Neal's office with a problem or issue, and he let me ramble, cry, rant, or all of the above simultaneously, and he just listened. Neal will TELL you he is not a counselor or therapist, yet he is one of the best listeners I have ever met. Often by the time I was finished with my tirade, an answer had appeared and Neal just listened to me. That's a valuable lesson I will take throughout ministry.
2. Relationships are Vital - This one connects a bit back to #8. Neal is connected all over our church. Yet he has a few close relationships that I know sustain him. He and Joan are amazing to watch as a couple married for many years. Their apparent spiritual connection is obvious to all. His children adore him (and act just like him might I add) and the church body has incredible respect for him. Neal has taught me to pour into the relationships with my family first, with my sisters in Christ, and with my church body.
1. The Wilderness - I have held it together until this point, but this is where it gets tender. When my life was falling apart Neal said, "I have a Word for you.....Don't try to get out of the wilderness too fast... God has lessons there for you." Truer words have never been spoken. The wilderness was lengthy, intense, and at times, almost too much to bear. Oh but the treasures God taught me there! Many times I was tempted to bolt from the wilderness, even though I had no idea where to go, but Neal's words haunted me. We will all face our own wildernesses, whether we put ourselves there, or God allows us to go there. Take your time and feel every emotion God created you to feel and learn every lesson God intended to teach you. That is the greatest lesson Neal Cordle has ever taught me.
Neal, Joan, Tracey, and Josh - I wish you all the blessings God can bestow on your family and your ministry. Fruit Cove is receiving probably the biggest blessing they will ever receive. You will be greatly missed by many.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:24-25
10. The VBS Snack Room - The Vacation Bible School Snack Room at FBC Brunswick has a great legacy. This is NOT the snacks for the children mind you, but for the volunteers (and staff). While I have not been able to join in this effort the last two years, from my previous experience, Neal is a snack room connoisseur. He makes sure to meet and greet and taste and enjoy. Neal taught me in that small, often warm room, that snacks tie people together - physically and spiritually. More than just snacking went on in there...relationships were built around that snack table. And they were nurtured and they grew. If you are ever around during VBS time, drop by the Snack Room - and Neal - you always have an open invitation.
9. Dairy Queen - We'll continue the food theme here. While Neal has been a bit health conscience over the last year or so, he reminds me frequently through Twitter and Facebook, that once in a while it's ok to ignore the fat, calories, and sugar and indulge in a DQ blizzard. Great reminder to have balance in our lives!
8. Look Across Generations - Neal is a master at this. There are few that can transcend generations from the 2 year old class to the BSF classes that promote to heaven, but Neal does it with grace and ease. Neal's example is a constant reminder to acknowledge and connect with all...we truly all are family.
7. Unplug - While Neal is a techy whiz whom I have consulted tech services on multiple occasions, he's not afraid to unplug for a few days at a time. Neal knows the value of letting go of constant activity and connectivity, to seek the Lord's face and to connect with his biological family. Most of us probably need to revisit this one often!
6. St. Arbucks - There are few people that love St. Arbucks as much as Neal and I do. We don't agree on our preferred drinks and that's ok (his is cheaper when I buy him one anyway!) but we both love to find St. Arbucks everywhere we go. Neal is the person that taught me it was ok to be as crazy as I am about Starbucks because there WAS a St. Arbucks. And Neal has taught me that a lot of ministry can happen over a small (or Venti) cup of coffee (or non-fat, skinny, raspberry mocha with no whip).
5. Let Others Lead - It has been a privilege to execute many events, conferences, retreats, etc under Neal's direction and leadership. Neal has taught me the best way to lead is to let others lead in their giftedness. That is where true leaders are made.
4. Trust - This one goes hand in hand with #5. Neal has taught me to trust others with the gifts that God has entrusted to them. Neal has given me extensive freedom in women's ministry in our church. I know he has always checked up on me when I wasn't teaching the standard curriculum, (Ok I never have) yet Neal has always given me the freedom to teach my ladies what the Lord was teaching me.
3. Listen - I can't tell you how many countless times I have plopped down in Neal's office with a problem or issue, and he let me ramble, cry, rant, or all of the above simultaneously, and he just listened. Neal will TELL you he is not a counselor or therapist, yet he is one of the best listeners I have ever met. Often by the time I was finished with my tirade, an answer had appeared and Neal just listened to me. That's a valuable lesson I will take throughout ministry.
2. Relationships are Vital - This one connects a bit back to #8. Neal is connected all over our church. Yet he has a few close relationships that I know sustain him. He and Joan are amazing to watch as a couple married for many years. Their apparent spiritual connection is obvious to all. His children adore him (and act just like him might I add) and the church body has incredible respect for him. Neal has taught me to pour into the relationships with my family first, with my sisters in Christ, and with my church body.
1. The Wilderness - I have held it together until this point, but this is where it gets tender. When my life was falling apart Neal said, "I have a Word for you.....Don't try to get out of the wilderness too fast... God has lessons there for you." Truer words have never been spoken. The wilderness was lengthy, intense, and at times, almost too much to bear. Oh but the treasures God taught me there! Many times I was tempted to bolt from the wilderness, even though I had no idea where to go, but Neal's words haunted me. We will all face our own wildernesses, whether we put ourselves there, or God allows us to go there. Take your time and feel every emotion God created you to feel and learn every lesson God intended to teach you. That is the greatest lesson Neal Cordle has ever taught me.
Neal, Joan, Tracey, and Josh - I wish you all the blessings God can bestow on your family and your ministry. Fruit Cove is receiving probably the biggest blessing they will ever receive. You will be greatly missed by many.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you." Numbers 6:24-25
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Cookie Jar
Do you ever find yourself having conversations with yourself that lead to nowhere good? Thoughts that overwhelm, or are negative, speculative, or just plain figments that you have conjured up out of nowhere? Yep, me too. And these thoughts take lots of energy that would be better spent elsewhere - in prayer interceding for others or just putting my brain on hold for a while.
I knew that 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us that we are to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," but I wasn't exactly sure HOW to do that. So I prayed about it...I asked God to show me what exactly that meant for me. And He did! I very clearly, in my mind, saw the image of a cookie jar or something like a canister. I knew in my heart that the Lord was telling me to take that thought - negative, false, or otherwise, and to take the lid of the jar, put the thought inside and put the lid back on tightly and to focus on something else.
So, that is exactly what I have been doing for a couple of months now. Whenever I find myself chewing on a thought or going down a path that is not productive, I simply imagine myself placing the thought in the jar and putting on the lid. Sometimes I just think,"Cooke Jar Lord!" And it's working! I probably have a dozen or so jars now...but when I fill them, I just mentally give the entire jar to the Lord. This little mental trick has brought a new focus this year...and the bonus is that it allows me NOT to focus on myself but on others and on Christ. How about you? Do you need your own cookie jar?
I knew that 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us that we are to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," but I wasn't exactly sure HOW to do that. So I prayed about it...I asked God to show me what exactly that meant for me. And He did! I very clearly, in my mind, saw the image of a cookie jar or something like a canister. I knew in my heart that the Lord was telling me to take that thought - negative, false, or otherwise, and to take the lid of the jar, put the thought inside and put the lid back on tightly and to focus on something else.
So, that is exactly what I have been doing for a couple of months now. Whenever I find myself chewing on a thought or going down a path that is not productive, I simply imagine myself placing the thought in the jar and putting on the lid. Sometimes I just think,"Cooke Jar Lord!" And it's working! I probably have a dozen or so jars now...but when I fill them, I just mentally give the entire jar to the Lord. This little mental trick has brought a new focus this year...and the bonus is that it allows me NOT to focus on myself but on others and on Christ. How about you? Do you need your own cookie jar?
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Beginnings
I know yesterday actually marked the beginning of 2012, but this post originated from my Bible Study Fellowship lesson from yesterday, so I have waited to post it. Plus new beginnings are at the forefront of our mind on Dec 31st and Jan 1st, but what about on Jan 2nd? Have we already moved into the new year and forgotten about new beginnings?
I know for a fact that God is a God of New Beginning and Second Chances. How do I know? Well, in two ways...one because He always provides me with them (mercies new everyday you know) and it is well documented in Scripture. Wherever you find yourself in life in 2012, I think one of these five characters will resonate with you!
Abram (Genesis 12:1-9) A new physical proximity beginning. At age 75, when most people would be downsizing and moving into a small duplex, God called Abram to pack up his wife, nephew, and belongings and move to a new land that God would "show" him. Sometimes God calls us to a new place in the way of the town in which we live, a new job, or a new house which changes our neighbors.
I have been very blessed to live in the same town for the majority of my life. That causes you to set down deep roots with family and friends. I can't imagine how hard it was for Abram to leave - but it's obvious God matched the difficulty with magnitude of blessings he received. Are you facing a new beginning in location? Embrace it and trust God. Seek new opportunities that can accompany a new move!
Ruth (Ruth 2:1-9, 15-16, 4: 9-10) A new financial beginning. Ruth was a destitute, childless, widow. But she professed incredible faith when she insisted on accompanying her mother-in-law, also a widow, back to Bethlehem. This was a risky, difficult trip for two women alone. But Ruth declared that Naomi's "God would be her God" and off they went. So poor that Ruth had to glean in the fields for the leftover grain so they would have food to eat, God stepped into her life in the shoes of a wealthy, noble man named Boaz. God gave her a completely new life - a husband whose wealth and impeccable reputation was known through the land, a child that landed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ, and a legacy that gives hope to all who need rescuing.
The past few years have been financially excruciating for many people as our economy has tumbled. Some of the pain has been caused by poor personal choices, as well as individuals being affected by unavoidable circumstances out of their own control. Doesn't matter, financial stress is financial stress no matter how it began. That might mean however, that we have to take responsibility for our choices and make changes in our saving and spending habits. When we honor God with our finances, tithing, giving, and how we spend the leftovers, He makes a way. Let Ruth's story be an encouragement that those faithful to God will receive His faithfulness in return.
Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-22) A new physical health beginning. Hezekiah was a King of Judah who for the most part, did right in the eyes of the Lord. His reign was characterized by destroying idol worshipping and trusting the Lord in some difficult circumstances. But then came the Word of the Lord telling him to get his house in order, he had contracted an infection and was going to die. Hezekiah cried out to the Lord, who heard his prayer, healed him, and added fifteen years to his life. WOW! Sometimes the Lord heals physical illnesses and sometimes He doesn't. I can't explain how He chooses where to heal and where to give the ultimate healing of taking his children to glory, and I'm ok with that. I rest in the Lord's decisions are sovereign. Doesn't make it any easier to let go of loved ones...just rests my mind.
But, Hezekiah's story does teach us that sometimes the Lord does choose to heal. We should always pray for physical healing and for miracles. In 2010 one of my closest friends battled cancer. Her resolve and faith were a testimony to all who watched her stand and sing of God's goodness each week in worship with her head wrapped in the trendiest scarf another mutual friend could find for her. Be faithful to pray for physical healing of those who God intertwines your path. View it as an honor and privilege to petition for healing. And if you need the physical healing cry out as Hezekiah did and implore others to intercede for you as well.
Joseph (Genesis 45: 1-15) A new relational beginning. Joseph's story is a bit complicated. His father favored him over all his brothers (beware favoring one of your children!), his brothers really resented the favoritism (guard your heart against jealousy!), and as a result Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. They led their father to believe Joseph had been killed by a wild animal and they thought the story was over. Key word: thought! In the meantime God went to work overtime in Joseph's life. He spent some time in prison due to false accusations, was forgotten when he should have been remembered, and eventually through ways only God can work, rose to power to 2nd in command next to Pharaoh in Egypt. Eventually back in Canaan, a famine struck the land and the brothers set out in search of food. Of course, Egypt was the only place that had food, due to Joseph's God-given wisdom and skill of planning. So the stage is set, and you can only imagine what happens: Joesph runs smack into the brothers that sold him into slavery years before. What do you do with that? Well if you are Joseph, who relied on God for everything, you choose to forgive and reconcile.
Relationships are the hardest aren't they? They get messy....we are selfish...emotions run high. But still, Joseph's story is a living testimony that God can reconcile even the most difficult relationships - betrayal, hurt, jealousy, all abound yet forgiveness trumps even the deepest hurts and emotions. If you are in need of reconciling a damaged relationship, ask God to give you eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to feel all the emotions the other person is experiencing. Ask God to help you to forgive - remember forgiving someone doesn't mean that they weren't wrong or they didn't hurt you - it just means you are releasing both of you from all of the mess. Forgiveness is as much for you as it is them. What if you need to be forgiven? Ask God to give you the opportunity and courage to seek it!
Paul (Acts 9:1-22) A new spiritual beginning. Paul, originally called Saul until God gave him a new beginning, was at the top of his game. A Hebrew of Hebrews, a scholar, a leader in the temple, and a hater of all who followed Christ. A hater to the point of murder. And then on a trip to Damascus, God stepped into his life and changed the future of the church by giving this one man a new beginning. With a strike of light, God struck Saul blind and left him that way for three days. During that time God while Paul couldn't see, God gave sight in the form a vision to a man named Ananias. Ananias was to go where Paul had been taken and pray for him to regain his sight. Ok, so I know this sounds like physical healing, but the truth is when Saul/Paul's sight returned it returned with eyes that now saw who Jesus really was. And it wasn't that he just saw, he then began proclaiming to everyone that Jesus was the Son of God. That would be a 180 degree turn from where he was just a short time earlier. Paul experienced a true new spiritual beginning.
We can begin a new spiritual beginning at any time as well. It often starts with a desire for something more, a need to be filled that we cannot find anywhere else. This happened to me at 30 and I have never been the same since. The question becomes then, have you ever had a new spiritual beginning? Have you met Jesus like Paul? Or have you become complacent in your spiritual walk? No better time to make changes than right now. Pick up your Bible and read. Visit a church if you have been out of touch for a while. If you have been seeking Jesus, what new spiritual disciplines need fine tuning? Scripture memory? Fasting (YIKES! Yes, I'm Baptist, but fasting is Biblical!) Journaling? Tithing?
Wherever you are today in 2012, remember that new beginnings are possible and they all begin with Jesus!
I know for a fact that God is a God of New Beginning and Second Chances. How do I know? Well, in two ways...one because He always provides me with them (mercies new everyday you know) and it is well documented in Scripture. Wherever you find yourself in life in 2012, I think one of these five characters will resonate with you!
Abram (Genesis 12:1-9) A new physical proximity beginning. At age 75, when most people would be downsizing and moving into a small duplex, God called Abram to pack up his wife, nephew, and belongings and move to a new land that God would "show" him. Sometimes God calls us to a new place in the way of the town in which we live, a new job, or a new house which changes our neighbors.
I have been very blessed to live in the same town for the majority of my life. That causes you to set down deep roots with family and friends. I can't imagine how hard it was for Abram to leave - but it's obvious God matched the difficulty with magnitude of blessings he received. Are you facing a new beginning in location? Embrace it and trust God. Seek new opportunities that can accompany a new move!
Ruth (Ruth 2:1-9, 15-16, 4: 9-10) A new financial beginning. Ruth was a destitute, childless, widow. But she professed incredible faith when she insisted on accompanying her mother-in-law, also a widow, back to Bethlehem. This was a risky, difficult trip for two women alone. But Ruth declared that Naomi's "God would be her God" and off they went. So poor that Ruth had to glean in the fields for the leftover grain so they would have food to eat, God stepped into her life in the shoes of a wealthy, noble man named Boaz. God gave her a completely new life - a husband whose wealth and impeccable reputation was known through the land, a child that landed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ, and a legacy that gives hope to all who need rescuing.
The past few years have been financially excruciating for many people as our economy has tumbled. Some of the pain has been caused by poor personal choices, as well as individuals being affected by unavoidable circumstances out of their own control. Doesn't matter, financial stress is financial stress no matter how it began. That might mean however, that we have to take responsibility for our choices and make changes in our saving and spending habits. When we honor God with our finances, tithing, giving, and how we spend the leftovers, He makes a way. Let Ruth's story be an encouragement that those faithful to God will receive His faithfulness in return.
Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:1-22) A new physical health beginning. Hezekiah was a King of Judah who for the most part, did right in the eyes of the Lord. His reign was characterized by destroying idol worshipping and trusting the Lord in some difficult circumstances. But then came the Word of the Lord telling him to get his house in order, he had contracted an infection and was going to die. Hezekiah cried out to the Lord, who heard his prayer, healed him, and added fifteen years to his life. WOW! Sometimes the Lord heals physical illnesses and sometimes He doesn't. I can't explain how He chooses where to heal and where to give the ultimate healing of taking his children to glory, and I'm ok with that. I rest in the Lord's decisions are sovereign. Doesn't make it any easier to let go of loved ones...just rests my mind.
But, Hezekiah's story does teach us that sometimes the Lord does choose to heal. We should always pray for physical healing and for miracles. In 2010 one of my closest friends battled cancer. Her resolve and faith were a testimony to all who watched her stand and sing of God's goodness each week in worship with her head wrapped in the trendiest scarf another mutual friend could find for her. Be faithful to pray for physical healing of those who God intertwines your path. View it as an honor and privilege to petition for healing. And if you need the physical healing cry out as Hezekiah did and implore others to intercede for you as well.
Joseph (Genesis 45: 1-15) A new relational beginning. Joseph's story is a bit complicated. His father favored him over all his brothers (beware favoring one of your children!), his brothers really resented the favoritism (guard your heart against jealousy!), and as a result Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. They led their father to believe Joseph had been killed by a wild animal and they thought the story was over. Key word: thought! In the meantime God went to work overtime in Joseph's life. He spent some time in prison due to false accusations, was forgotten when he should have been remembered, and eventually through ways only God can work, rose to power to 2nd in command next to Pharaoh in Egypt. Eventually back in Canaan, a famine struck the land and the brothers set out in search of food. Of course, Egypt was the only place that had food, due to Joseph's God-given wisdom and skill of planning. So the stage is set, and you can only imagine what happens: Joesph runs smack into the brothers that sold him into slavery years before. What do you do with that? Well if you are Joseph, who relied on God for everything, you choose to forgive and reconcile.
Relationships are the hardest aren't they? They get messy....we are selfish...emotions run high. But still, Joseph's story is a living testimony that God can reconcile even the most difficult relationships - betrayal, hurt, jealousy, all abound yet forgiveness trumps even the deepest hurts and emotions. If you are in need of reconciling a damaged relationship, ask God to give you eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to feel all the emotions the other person is experiencing. Ask God to help you to forgive - remember forgiving someone doesn't mean that they weren't wrong or they didn't hurt you - it just means you are releasing both of you from all of the mess. Forgiveness is as much for you as it is them. What if you need to be forgiven? Ask God to give you the opportunity and courage to seek it!
Paul (Acts 9:1-22) A new spiritual beginning. Paul, originally called Saul until God gave him a new beginning, was at the top of his game. A Hebrew of Hebrews, a scholar, a leader in the temple, and a hater of all who followed Christ. A hater to the point of murder. And then on a trip to Damascus, God stepped into his life and changed the future of the church by giving this one man a new beginning. With a strike of light, God struck Saul blind and left him that way for three days. During that time God while Paul couldn't see, God gave sight in the form a vision to a man named Ananias. Ananias was to go where Paul had been taken and pray for him to regain his sight. Ok, so I know this sounds like physical healing, but the truth is when Saul/Paul's sight returned it returned with eyes that now saw who Jesus really was. And it wasn't that he just saw, he then began proclaiming to everyone that Jesus was the Son of God. That would be a 180 degree turn from where he was just a short time earlier. Paul experienced a true new spiritual beginning.
We can begin a new spiritual beginning at any time as well. It often starts with a desire for something more, a need to be filled that we cannot find anywhere else. This happened to me at 30 and I have never been the same since. The question becomes then, have you ever had a new spiritual beginning? Have you met Jesus like Paul? Or have you become complacent in your spiritual walk? No better time to make changes than right now. Pick up your Bible and read. Visit a church if you have been out of touch for a while. If you have been seeking Jesus, what new spiritual disciplines need fine tuning? Scripture memory? Fasting (YIKES! Yes, I'm Baptist, but fasting is Biblical!) Journaling? Tithing?
Wherever you are today in 2012, remember that new beginnings are possible and they all begin with Jesus!
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