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!
Monday, September 3, 2012
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!
Monday, May 16, 2011
More Than Words...
Music - melodies, rhythms, lyrics, harmonies - all combined those elements have affects on us like nothing else. I have passionately loved music as long as I can remember - from the music of Simon and Garfunkel, The Carpenters and The Eagles that my parents listened to in the 70's and the infamous boy/hair bands (still love Bon Jovi!!) from the 80's to my current play lists, not a day goes by without a song in my head and my heart.
Music somehow transcends us to another place, another attitude, another memory...and that can be good or bad depending on where we are and where we are going. Music can make us laugh or cry, give us hope, or connect us with another person - or God. I love the way a friend of mine described music. She said it leaves footprints. I like that.
I have felt the gentle press to work on a Bible study about music. It's been a long time since I have written - or felt like writing. But somehow I can't ignore this tug at my heart. Music is God - ordained and God- organized. Sometimes man messes it up and distorts it, but sometimes man has an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and gets it right. When that happens a song will sing to hearts in ways that are difficult to describe. When a song sings to my heart and soul, I feel it to the depths of my being. I might not be able to put it in intelligible words, but it resonates and worship happens.
You and I were created with a need to sing. Sometimes it is the only way we can express our feelings. And in my case, someone else has been gifted with the ability to pen the emotions I feel, but don't know how to say. So I sing along and you probably do too.
Here is what is currently blaring in my ears :
If you put your arms around me, could it change the way I feel?
I guess I let myself believe that the outside might just bleed its way in.
Maybe stir the sleeping past, lying under glass, waiting for the kiss that
breaks this awful spell to pull me out of this lonely cell.
Close my eyes and hold my heart.
Cover me and make me something...
Change this normal into something beautiful.
What I get from my reflection isn't what I thought I'd see.
Give me reason to believe you'd never keep me incomplete.
Will you untie this loss of mine, it so easily defines me.
Do you see it on my face? And all I can think about is how long
I've been waiting to feel you move me.
Close my eyes and hold my heart.
Cover me and make me something..
Change this something normal into something beautiful.
And I'm still fighting for the Word to break these chains and I still pray when I look in your eyes that you'll stare right back down into something beautiful.
I'm sure if you have stuck with me for this long, you probably guessed it's a Jars of Clay http://jarsofclay.com/ song. I love it because I think it delicately describes the transformation for which so many with authentic faith are desperate. One of the members of Jars describes songs as "living." They take on lives of themselves - and their meaning changes over time through experiences. I can certainly testify to that one.
So the next time you sing, think about what you are singing and why you are singing it. Reflect on the words, listen to the depths, and drink in the meanings...and when you think have it figured out, it might just change on you - or it might change you.
Music somehow transcends us to another place, another attitude, another memory...and that can be good or bad depending on where we are and where we are going. Music can make us laugh or cry, give us hope, or connect us with another person - or God. I love the way a friend of mine described music. She said it leaves footprints. I like that.
I have felt the gentle press to work on a Bible study about music. It's been a long time since I have written - or felt like writing. But somehow I can't ignore this tug at my heart. Music is God - ordained and God- organized. Sometimes man messes it up and distorts it, but sometimes man has an inspiration of the Holy Spirit and gets it right. When that happens a song will sing to hearts in ways that are difficult to describe. When a song sings to my heart and soul, I feel it to the depths of my being. I might not be able to put it in intelligible words, but it resonates and worship happens.
You and I were created with a need to sing. Sometimes it is the only way we can express our feelings. And in my case, someone else has been gifted with the ability to pen the emotions I feel, but don't know how to say. So I sing along and you probably do too.
Here is what is currently blaring in my ears :
If you put your arms around me, could it change the way I feel?
I guess I let myself believe that the outside might just bleed its way in.
Maybe stir the sleeping past, lying under glass, waiting for the kiss that
breaks this awful spell to pull me out of this lonely cell.
Close my eyes and hold my heart.
Cover me and make me something...
Change this normal into something beautiful.
What I get from my reflection isn't what I thought I'd see.
Give me reason to believe you'd never keep me incomplete.
Will you untie this loss of mine, it so easily defines me.
Do you see it on my face? And all I can think about is how long
I've been waiting to feel you move me.
Close my eyes and hold my heart.
Cover me and make me something..
Change this something normal into something beautiful.
And I'm still fighting for the Word to break these chains and I still pray when I look in your eyes that you'll stare right back down into something beautiful.
I'm sure if you have stuck with me for this long, you probably guessed it's a Jars of Clay http://jarsofclay.com/ song. I love it because I think it delicately describes the transformation for which so many with authentic faith are desperate. One of the members of Jars describes songs as "living." They take on lives of themselves - and their meaning changes over time through experiences. I can certainly testify to that one.
So the next time you sing, think about what you are singing and why you are singing it. Reflect on the words, listen to the depths, and drink in the meanings...and when you think have it figured out, it might just change on you - or it might change you.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A Faithful Family
This morning in worship I was overwhelmed as I looked around me. I saw faces of all different ages and stages of life, different races, and different personalities, yet we all worshipped the same God together. I felt surrounded and encompassed by the love of my church family. I also felt many of their hurts, pains, and fears.
That's what family does - we love and we take care of each other. From the very beginning way back in Numbers 10, God commanded the "entire community" to gather together at the Tent of Meeting for worship. We can also see the same unity and worship in the early church in Acts as they loved, supported and encouraged each other.
This morning all around me were many brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring today trials and storms of all sorts including health issues, financial issues, addictions, persecutions, and crises of their faith. On the other hand, I also see faces of those who have found liberty in Christ and healing for their wounds for many of the same problems. Their triumphs and victories encourage me each time I see them.
It's not an accident that we are all on this path together. God knew thousands of years ago that we would need to live as family and community helping one another, praying together, ministering to each other and simply just being there together through this journey of life. Sometimes just seeing a face in our church family and knowing that person survived the road you are walking now is enough of a reminder of God's faithfulness.
I am so thankful for God's faithfulness in my life and for how He has demonstrated that through His own people in our church family. As we gather to worship each week, lets be reminded that our lives are constant living testimonies. If we have passed a significant landmark, we should be reaching back for those behind us showing them the way. If we are struggling to make it to the next landmark, there are many around us to look to for examples of God's grace and mercy..
FBC Family - I love you and I'm thankful for each of you that have poured into my life. May we all be faithful to pour out on another and be a faithful family!
That's what family does - we love and we take care of each other. From the very beginning way back in Numbers 10, God commanded the "entire community" to gather together at the Tent of Meeting for worship. We can also see the same unity and worship in the early church in Acts as they loved, supported and encouraged each other.
This morning all around me were many brothers and sisters in Christ who are enduring today trials and storms of all sorts including health issues, financial issues, addictions, persecutions, and crises of their faith. On the other hand, I also see faces of those who have found liberty in Christ and healing for their wounds for many of the same problems. Their triumphs and victories encourage me each time I see them.
It's not an accident that we are all on this path together. God knew thousands of years ago that we would need to live as family and community helping one another, praying together, ministering to each other and simply just being there together through this journey of life. Sometimes just seeing a face in our church family and knowing that person survived the road you are walking now is enough of a reminder of God's faithfulness.
I am so thankful for God's faithfulness in my life and for how He has demonstrated that through His own people in our church family. As we gather to worship each week, lets be reminded that our lives are constant living testimonies. If we have passed a significant landmark, we should be reaching back for those behind us showing them the way. If we are struggling to make it to the next landmark, there are many around us to look to for examples of God's grace and mercy..
FBC Family - I love you and I'm thankful for each of you that have poured into my life. May we all be faithful to pour out on another and be a faithful family!
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Perfect Plan
As usual when God wants to get my attention about something, He presses the same verse into me over and over again. At first I didn't pay close attention because Jeremiah 29:11 is such a familiar verse in church circles. But, the Lord had me back up to the beginning of the chapter and take it apart very slowly. What I found amazed me, and I think if you will stick with me for a few minutes it will amaze you too!
This chapter includes a letter the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the Israelites who were in captivity in Babylon. This captivity had been prophesied and was a result of the disobedience of the Israelites to follow their God (who by the way is your God and my God too!) In this letter Jeremiah was attempted to instruct them how to live in the Babylonian culture and also to encourage them that it would not last forever. Over and over in the chapter Jeremiah refers to the Israelites as exiles. Ok, this is where it gets interesting.
You see, I think all of us have been in "exile" at some point in our life, or perhaps that is where we find ourselves now! Captive to something we don't want to be. So, if that is where we are, how can we be encouraged in a difficult place, circumstance, relationship, or situation? Well, to begin with we really have to understand the orginal meanings in the Scriptures.
The word "exile" has several meanings: to remove or be led into captivity; revelation; an opening of the eyes or ears; secret; or to uncover. It is that last definition that I find most fascinating: uncover. This is the same word used when Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz in the book of Ruth, (see Ruth Chapter 3) petitioning him to rescue and redeem her. It is the idea that our shame or sin is uncovered in the eyes of God. It is also us simply being vulnerable and helpless in front of our God.
Now that you understand who or what an exile is, listen to Jeremiah 29: 10-11 "For thus says the Lord, 'When 70 years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
As we break down these verses we find that the word completed means to cover. Did you notice it's the exact opposite of exile? So the Lord is saying to us, that in His timing when He visits (which means to come to the aid of) of, He takes our shame and reverses it and restores and covers us. Think back to Ruth chapter 3! When Boaz realized Ruth had uncovered his feet she petitioned him to "spread his covering over her!" This meant he would redeem and restore her, and cover any shame she had as a widow!
Even the term "bring you back" in verse 10 means to recover and restore! God is clearly encouraging us in these verses that He is for us, that He is the One to make right what is wrong in our lives. He heals the wounds, He fulfills His promises to us and He restores what is lost.
And it gets better! In verse 11 we see "plans for a future and hope." The word hope has several different meanings: expectation and the thing we long for. Those aren't suprises. It is just what hope sounds like. BUT it also means "cord." It's the very same word used for the scarlet cord that Rahab let down to signal to the Israelites where her family was located so they would spare their lives. (If you don't know that story check it out at Joshua Chapter 2 and don't forget that Rahab became the mother of Boaz!!!) That cord represented the hope for a brand new life established in the Lord.
So now you are probably asking the most important question: "What does this have to do with me?" It has EVERYTHING to do with you!
These verses so clearly illustrate that our hope in Christ is so very real. God has a magnificent plan for all believers - individually and corporately - in churches, in the nations and worldwide. He has a wonderful plan to release us from the things that hold us captive, uncover our shame and guilt, and then release, restore and cover us with His love and His blessings. He is so faithful to do such a work in His people and encourage us as we wait for Him.
What is it in your life that needs uncovering and covering? What is it that you need release from? What are you hoping for in and through Him? We are not a people without hope. Our God is for us and not against us. Your hope is very real when it is found in Him. May He do more abundantly than you can think to ask or imagine in your life!
This chapter includes a letter the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the Israelites who were in captivity in Babylon. This captivity had been prophesied and was a result of the disobedience of the Israelites to follow their God (who by the way is your God and my God too!) In this letter Jeremiah was attempted to instruct them how to live in the Babylonian culture and also to encourage them that it would not last forever. Over and over in the chapter Jeremiah refers to the Israelites as exiles. Ok, this is where it gets interesting.
You see, I think all of us have been in "exile" at some point in our life, or perhaps that is where we find ourselves now! Captive to something we don't want to be. So, if that is where we are, how can we be encouraged in a difficult place, circumstance, relationship, or situation? Well, to begin with we really have to understand the orginal meanings in the Scriptures.
The word "exile" has several meanings: to remove or be led into captivity; revelation; an opening of the eyes or ears; secret; or to uncover. It is that last definition that I find most fascinating: uncover. This is the same word used when Ruth uncovered the feet of Boaz in the book of Ruth, (see Ruth Chapter 3) petitioning him to rescue and redeem her. It is the idea that our shame or sin is uncovered in the eyes of God. It is also us simply being vulnerable and helpless in front of our God.
Now that you understand who or what an exile is, listen to Jeremiah 29: 10-11 "For thus says the Lord, 'When 70 years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
As we break down these verses we find that the word completed means to cover. Did you notice it's the exact opposite of exile? So the Lord is saying to us, that in His timing when He visits (which means to come to the aid of) of, He takes our shame and reverses it and restores and covers us. Think back to Ruth chapter 3! When Boaz realized Ruth had uncovered his feet she petitioned him to "spread his covering over her!" This meant he would redeem and restore her, and cover any shame she had as a widow!
Even the term "bring you back" in verse 10 means to recover and restore! God is clearly encouraging us in these verses that He is for us, that He is the One to make right what is wrong in our lives. He heals the wounds, He fulfills His promises to us and He restores what is lost.
And it gets better! In verse 11 we see "plans for a future and hope." The word hope has several different meanings: expectation and the thing we long for. Those aren't suprises. It is just what hope sounds like. BUT it also means "cord." It's the very same word used for the scarlet cord that Rahab let down to signal to the Israelites where her family was located so they would spare their lives. (If you don't know that story check it out at Joshua Chapter 2 and don't forget that Rahab became the mother of Boaz!!!) That cord represented the hope for a brand new life established in the Lord.
So now you are probably asking the most important question: "What does this have to do with me?" It has EVERYTHING to do with you!
These verses so clearly illustrate that our hope in Christ is so very real. God has a magnificent plan for all believers - individually and corporately - in churches, in the nations and worldwide. He has a wonderful plan to release us from the things that hold us captive, uncover our shame and guilt, and then release, restore and cover us with His love and His blessings. He is so faithful to do such a work in His people and encourage us as we wait for Him.
What is it in your life that needs uncovering and covering? What is it that you need release from? What are you hoping for in and through Him? We are not a people without hope. Our God is for us and not against us. Your hope is very real when it is found in Him. May He do more abundantly than you can think to ask or imagine in your life!
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