Change It Up!

I struggle. I am my own worst enemy. I go straight to my version of the bleak possibilities of the future rather than taking one day at a time. I think “what will I do if this happens” instead of living in the here and now. I overthink everything…or do I…no, I don’t…maybe… If someone doesn’t respond promptly to a text or email that I’ve sent, I automatically wonder what I might have done or said to make them mad at me. I imagine that some of you are reading this and thinking – WOW! I do that, too. 

Matthew 6:34 (ESV) – “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” 

I have found myself having to make certain choices to protect my mental health during this time more than ever. The news is typically on the television at my house every morning and evening so we can keep up with current events. Nowadays, not so much. We all know the situation of this pandemic, but we don’t have to dwell on it by watching and listening to every report. That tends to drag me into a dark hole quicker than anything. 

Philippians 4:8 (ESV) – "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

Instead, I find myself reading more, listening to positive and uplifting music, focusing on God’s Word and praying more, intentionally reaching out to people whether by phone calls or notes sent in the mail. That sounds old-fashioned, but who doesn’t love to actually hear another person’s voice or read a thoughtful handwritten note letting you know that you are cared for?

Do something you never have time to do. Get out your paint brushes and capture the beauty that this season has to offer. Cook some of those recipes you’re always too busy to prepare. Start writing that novel you’ve been putting off for years because there’s no time. Play games with your kids. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Have meaningful conversations with friends and family. Whatever this looks like for you, change it up. 

Genesis 2:18 (ESV) – “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” 

These are very trying times for all of us. Maybe your thoughts get the best of you. Maybe you feel alone and cut off from your people. 

My daughter lives out of state, so we’ve been FaceTiming a lot. This doesn’t replace physically being together, but at least we are staying connected. A friend and I met at our local walking trail earlier this week and enjoyed being together while still maintaining social distancing. That little bit of time spent with her made a huge difference in my day. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 

No matter what you’re going through or what stage of life you’re in, someone cares about you. Someone thinks you are special. Don’t wait for people to reach out to you. Go ahead and take that step to reach out to them. You never know what that phone call or handwritten note might mean to a person. It might be just what they need to lift their spirits. We can all be the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Change is hard for some. It certainly isn’t easy for me, but we need to understand our circumstances and adapt so that we can do our best to stay mentally healthy. These times are very uncertain and can be scary, but the most important thing to remember is that Jesus is victorious over all of this mess. 

John 16:33 (ESV) – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 

If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, I pray that today will be that day. Don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t mean that you will not experience trouble, but you will have a peace and joy like you’ve never known. 

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

"Tetelestai" It Is Finished, Now Go...

What a glorious few days we experienced this past week celebrating our Resurrected Lord! After seven church services and a huge community outreach event, it’s amazing to think of the thousands of people that were touched and changed by the incredible love displayed for them on the Cross. As hard as it is to believe that Easter Weekend 2019 is finished, every year I’m reminded that while church services may have ended, Easter outfits may be back on their hangers, and Honey Baked Hams may now return to normal prices, the story of the Resurrection is far from over. 

From elementary school through college, I did not enjoy academic subjects involving numbers, formulas, or scientific methods, but I loved learning about all areas of social studies and history. My Bachelor of Arts in History indicates just how serious my pursuit of the subject became. Among other reasons, I continue to love history because of how it contributes to my study of God’s Word and my understanding of the life of Jesus. Historians often hesitate to make broad, subjective claims or conclusions about periods of time from the past, but anyone who has carefully examined the evidence surrounding the period between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday could easily conclude that those moments represent the most profound three day period ever recorded in human history. A man that suffered a humiliating public death at the hands of His own people was nowhere to be found just a handful of hours later, and his body hasn’t been located since. Many claim to have seen him alive, spending a brief amount of time on Earth with his disciples before leaving for his rightful place in Heaven. A profound sequence of events to say the least. In the midst of this unthinkable story, Jesus provides us with possibly the most profound statement ever spoken by a human being, and only he had the power to say it. As he surrendered His spirit to death on the cross, Jesus uttered a single word that altered the course of human history and countless lives for eternity:

“Tetelestai,” literally translated in Greek

to mean “it is finished.”

Tetelestai comes from the verb teleo, which means "to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish." It is a crucial word because it signifies the successful end to a particular course of action. As Dr. Ray Pritchard says, “It's the word you would use when you climb to the peak of Mount Everest; it's the word you would use when you turn in the final copy of your dissertation; it's the word you would use when you make the final payment on your new car; it's the word you use when you cross the finish line of your first 10K run. The word means more than just ‘I survived.’ It means, ‘I did exactly what I set out to do.’”

But the significance is much greater than just the word itself. Tetelestai is in the perfect verb tense in Greek. That’s significant because the perfect tense speaks of an action which has been completed in the past, but whose results continue into the present. It's different from the past tense which looks back to an event and says, "This happened." The perfect tense adds the idea that “This happened, and continues to happen today.”

Jesus died for all the sins of mankind, past, present, and future, but Jesus’ intentional choice of word, “Tetelestai - It Is Finished” really means that Jesus is just getting started. The story of the Resurrection has continued ever since. Jesus has huge plans for the lives of those who choose to believe in him. His command is clear for the redeemed to now go and make disciples of all nations. His redemptive work on the Cross is now the launching pad for disciples to spread the good news of the Gospel with the confident hope that the finished work is still working, alive and active and prepared to rescue all who confess and believe. 

History really is HIS-STORY isn’t it?

This week, what will you do to share the finished and continuously fresh work of God?

See Christmas Like a Child

Children are messy. Their tiny chubby fingers leave fingerprints everywhere. They spill, leave crumbs, break things, and generally leave rooms in disarray when they leave. Children can be loud, and they ask lots and lots of questions.

Children are also curious and filled with wonder. Their imaginations soar. They wrap their little arms around you and give hugs with all their might. They laugh and share their contagious smiles. Children do exactly what children were made to do.

Kids trust and when they have faith in something, they believe big. God created them that way, and in His Word, He tells us to be like children when it comes to faith. In the book of Mark (and Luke), we read about a day when parents were bringing their children to Jesus. The disciples were sending the children away, but Jesus rebuked them and instructed them to let the children come.

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like this child shall not enter it. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:15, 16

Jesus understood the hearts and faith of children. From this account, I believe we can see the “fun” side of Jesus. I imagine he laughed with the children and answered their questions. He may have told jokes and played tag. Think about it…What children are drawn to stuffy, serious adults?

Christmas is an especially great time to be a tyke. They can be excited, wild, and crazy and not care one bit about what other people think. They go “all in” to celebrate. For many years, I taught preschoolers, and hosted a birthday party for Jesus each Christmas. Every year the lively class of kids sang “Happy Birthday” with all of their hearts as if Jesus was sitting at the table. These lively preschoolers wore party hats and eagerly tooted horns to celebrate.

This Christmas, let’s try to be more like children: be messy, give hugs, laugh, and share smiles. Be filled with wonder as you remember the reason for Christmas and go “all in.” Let’s see Jesus as the guest of honor at every table and remember to celebrate with all of our hearts. Tooting horns is optional!​

That You May Know

One of the questions I have had many times in my experience as a Christian is, "Am I sure I will go to heaven?" A little context might help here...see, I grew up in a Christian home, I've been going to church as long as I can remember. I was ‘saved’ and baptized at an early age, went to Sunday school every week, went to Bible College, Seminary, and have been serving in ministry for over half my life. Basically, I feel confident that I 'know' a lot of stuff about faith, church, and the Bible. Even still, there have been times where I wondered, "Am I sure I will go to heaven?"

I am sure the Devil plants seeds of doubt in all of us, and, in these times of uncertainty and since feelings change like the weather, we need to turn to what we 'know' to be true. 

One of the early followers of Jesus, whose life was dramatically changed because of what he saw, heard, felt, and touched, basically 'knew,' as it pertains to the Lord Jesus Christ, wrote a gospel and three letters, which are part of the Bible, for the very reason..."that we may know!” His name was John.

If you were to read his writings, the Gospel of John and the First, Second, and Third Epistles of John, you would notice that he wants us to 'know' because he uses that word two, three and four times as much compared to the other gospel writers and over 30 times in his short letters. He plainly says, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."

He tells us many ways we can know, such as our abiding in Christ, our walking in the light vs. darkness, the way we love God and others, and many more, which are worthy of our intent study, but one specifically he mentions is if we 'keep the commands' of God, we can know!  

So, how is your 'obedience factor?' Would you characterize your 'following of Jesus' as obedient or disobedient? Keep in mind there are always areas of our lives that we are growing in obedience. Just because you disobey and commit a sin does not mean you are not saved, just like it does not mean that a child who disobeys his parents is no longer their child! The key is, what is the pattern of your life or what is the overall characteristic?  

A mark of a follower of Jesus is obedience! Jesus himself expectantly asked, "Why do you call me Lord and not do what I say?" Obedience is required as the 'pattern' of our lives. So the next time you are tempted to doubt or wonder if you'll go to heaven, just ask some honest questions about your love for God and others, or your abiding in Christ, or your faithful fight against sin. Turn to John and read his writings. He wrote them from his own experience as one of the 12 disciples so that...you, and me, may know!

Are You Limiting Yourself?

I believe God has created individual plans for His followers that are as unique and creative as each one of us. Sadly, I also believe many of us will never even begin to tap into the potential that God has placed within us. What could Christians achieve for God’s Kingdom if each one of us walked in faith following God’s true plan for our lives?

Do you dream of things you would like to do for God but never do anything about it? What is it that keeps us from moving forward and taking that step of faith? Fear? Self-doubt? Laziness? Worry? Busyness?

I love this quote by Francis Chan: “But God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.”

Do you trust God that much? I wish I could say I do. There have been times when I felt God nudging me to speak to someone, give something away, or get rid of things in my life. I never regretted the times in which I obeyed; however, I hate to admit that many times I make excuses for ignoring His leading rather than following it.

Many years ago, we moved to a small town. Shortly after our relocation, I went to a local bakery to order a birthday cake for my son who was turning three. The ladies at the bakery informed me that they only put icing flowers on their cakes, no exceptions. Their solution to my son’s birthday cake was “We can do blue flowers.” Needless to say, I went somewhere else to buy his cake.

How often do we do we limit ourselves like this small town bakery? How often do we tell ourselves or others, “I only do flowers.” Or do you say, “But I’ve always done it this way. I’ve never tried that before. People might think I’m strange.” The excuses go on and on. We aren’t only disobeying God when we ignore His direction, but we also restrain and limit our personal spiritual growth.

Have you ever felt God was encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and take a risk? Maybe learn a new skill that seems impossible? Reach out to a group of people that are your exact opposite? Or use a talent to start a brand new mission?

The possibilities are exciting and terrifying all rolled into one. The good news is when God prompts us to step out, He promises to go with us. If God sends you out of your comfort zone, He will go with you.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

Let’s dream big. Imagine your testimony after accomplishing something radical for God. If God has placed a huge idea or a small act of kindness on your heart, try acting on it today. Our world desperately needs us to follow God’s plans for our lives.

5 Ways to Practice Spiritual Disciplines

As we learn what it means to follow Jesus and how to be more like Him, it can be difficult to know how to put it into practice. It’s usually said that we should read our Bible and pray, but what are some more practical ways to connect with God? 

There are effective spiritual disciplines that we can practice that will help us to become the person God has called us to be. The more ways that we connect with Him, the more that we can understand where He is leading us. Sometimes, it can be difficult to hear from God and know how to pursue Him. 

Richard Foster gives a great guide on spiritual disciplines in his book, Celebration of Discipline. Let’s take a look at some of the disciplines that he suggests. These help me so much when I feel like I’m in a “spiritual rut.”

Prayer

We know that we are supposed to pray, but how can we practice prayer? A great way to start is to dedicate a time each day to pray. Grab a journal or turn on some worship music to get focused. If I pray without writing it out, I get distracted, so I usually use a journal to help.

If it’s difficult for you to remember to stop and set aside 30 minutes or so to prayer, set a reminder on your phone and schedule it into your daily activities! It’s okay to schedule prayer. It’s a discipline!

If you need help knowing what to pray about each day, maybe just choose a topic: friends, family, your community, your church, your country, your world…There are so many things that we can pray about! I personally like to start with just telling God about my day and processing life with Him. He speaks so much when we dedicate that time to Him.

Fasting

These days, fasting sounds old school. Fasting seems like something that was done in the Bible and that shouldn’t be a priority today. But fasting is another discipline that we can learn. Again, we are dedicating our time and needs to God. When we dedicate important parts of our lives to Him, it draws us closer to Him, and He speaks in crazy ways!

Fasting may include many different things. Some people fast from foods, others from social media, and even from certain music. For me, I can’t fast from all foods all day because my blood sugar will get all messed up, but I can fast from some foods or other things that I feel may be keeping me from connecting to God more.

What is something that may be keeping YOU from connecting with God? Think about how you could fast from it. 

Solitude

One of the best experiences that I ever had was a particular time when I was assigned to practice solitude. I was attending a Christian leadership program, and every student was asked to spend five hours of solitude in the middle of the woods. We were on a hiking trip, and each one of us got dropped off at a different place, left in the silence of the woods by ourselves. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was honestly not very excited about it! I couldn’t imagine being confined to a certain spot with one book and one journal for five hours. 

Today, I am so happy that I had the opportunity to do that! It was difficult to figure out what to do at first, but as time went on during those five hours, I learned so much about myself and my relationship with God. When you dedicate your time and your focus to God, He doesn’t let that return void.

You may be thinking, “When in the world am I going to find time to have five hours of solitude?” But you don’t have to do five hours! You can do 30 minutes. Give whatever amount you can to dedicate your time and all of your focus to Him. There are always going to be reasons for us to avoid practicing this spiritual discipline, but we should really be carving out time for it regularly.

Simplicity

Practicing the discipline of simplicity means to first focus on the purity of your heart and then live out a lifestyle of simplicity. Without a change of heart and without knowing your identity in Christ, you will really struggle to live the simple lifestyle. Living in simplicity means living without fear and obsession of status. 

In our culture, everything revolves around living a certain lifestyle and upholding that lifestyle. Without the certain looks and the certain nice things, we are frowned upon. Jesus asked us to give things up for Him. It’s easy to try to live up to the standards of our culture and forget about the standards of the Bible.

Celebration

One of the spiritual disciplines that I think we forget about the most is the discipline of celebration. Celebration basically means joy, according to Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline. Don’t the words “celebration” and “joy” make you smile when you think about them and the things in life associated with them? That’s the kind of feeling in your heart that makes you stronger and energized! Why would we not want to feel this way all of the time? That’s why it’s so important to practice thoughts of joy. 

What are some things that you can celebrate right now? A great way to keep track and remind yourself is to write them down. Look at them daily and come back to them when you’re in need of some celebration. In her book, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp was dedicated to writing out even the tiniest of things that bring her joy, making a list of 1,000.

Ultimately, when it feels like there’s nothing else to celebrate, as Christians, we always have the celebration of what Jesus has done for us and that God is actively present in our lives! If you’re having trouble seeing that, spend time in one of the other spiritual disciplines to give opportunity for God to speak to you in new ways.

To find all of the spiritual disciplines that Richard Foster talks about, check out his book, Celebration of Discipline! I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who is looking to grow spiritually. It is very helpful and gives a great path on how to connect with God in practical ways.

Not Okay with Lukewarm

It’s difficult to change. Moving from a place of complacency to a place of radical change is one of the scariest things we can do. It requires lots of effort and determination. If you’re like me, sometimes it seems impossible to muster up enough courage and energy to even try.

But God doesn’t call us to stay in a comfortable place. If we’re comfortable, we’re lukewarm. And here’s what God says about being lukewarm:

"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16

Eww. So are you lukewarm? If so, what are you going to do about it?

Looking at my own life, I would say I’m an “average” Christian, I guess. I read my Bible, sometimes with fervor, sometimes not so much. I attend church regularly. I’m part of a small group. I pray (ditto on the Bible reading). We tithe. We give more when asked.

But lately, I have been thinking about more. I really want more out of my “Christianity.” I’m okay with being average in that I’m behind the scenes; I don’t want recognition. But I don’t think I’m okay with having an average faith. I want to be sold out, torn up, and falling out for Christ, not lukewarm.

The older I get, the more frustrated I become with myself for bothering with the petty stuff.  What really matters? When everything is stripped down and raw, what remains?

Wild abandon. That’s what I want. I want to be content with Christ and true to the core. I want to shed social conditioning. I want to grip God so tightly I leave fingerprints. I want people to look at me and see flames because I’m so on fire for Jesus.

Are you there too? Are you tired of settling for lukewarm Christianity?

How do we get from yesterday’s simmering soup of the day to volcano eruption? I really don’t know. But I do know we won’t get there standing still. Let’s budge and start tackling the hard things. What would happen if we make practical changes to move from lukewarm by piling the energy-draining distractions on the burn pile and adding some beneficial things back in our lives?

Here are some ideas we can at least try…

1. Throw it out!

Stuff, junk, clutter…whatever it’s called, it’s gone. The time has come to release material things that smother us. Lately God has been wearing me out about the extra stuff, waste, excess in my life. It’s a distraction from what matters most.

2. Limit Social Media

I am so tired most nights that I’m looking at Facebook and Instagram with my eyes half shut. Why? Who cares what people I knew in high school had for dinner last night? I don’t know about you, but this is a black hole of comparison for me. I already struggle with self worth. Why continue to rub other people’s so-called perfect lives in my own face? That’s a habit that keeps me distracted and lukewarm.

3. Add God’s Word

No more checking off the scripture reading to-do list. The focus is on quality not quantity. Dig deeper like never before. Also leave margin for God to speak through His Word.

4. Pray and Wait

No more praying then moving on. Allow God time to speak. Shut up and really listen. It’s a worthy skill I need to learn. (Ummm…I’m not just talking about prayer there.)

5. No, Not Doing It, Ain’t Gonna Happen

It’s hard to be on fire for God when you are burned out. Lukewarm people run on empty, so we need to consider each new activity, event, or opportunity and honestly assess our time. It’s a scientific fact we must have rest. Personally I wish I could scratch laundry, cleaning bathrooms, cooking, etc. permanently off of my list, but that’s reality. Make a plan, stick to the plan, and quit adding other stuff!

So there it is…some ideas to encourage us to budge and not settle. Maybe these ideas don't fit your situation exactly, but let's agree to stop hiding behind the excuses. No more lukewarm. So what if it’s not time to make a new year’s resolution? I’m done living with status quo faith. You too? We may not move mountains with our efforts, but at least we will move one step away from being lukewarm.

Peace Be Still

“Peace! Be Still!” Read those words again and say them out loud as you do. “Peace! Be Still!”

You may know the story from where these words come, but in case you don’t, Jesus spoke these words when He was trying to calm the nerves of His disciples. The story is found in Mark 4:35-41. The simple version goes like this. Jesus was crossing the sea with his disciples in a boat, and He decided to take a nap. While He was sleeping, a storm came up, and the wind and waves made the disciples fearful and worried. They woke Jesus because they thought they were going to die. Then Jesus stood up and said, “Peace! Be Still!” to the wind and waves! Then all was quiet and calm, and the disciples were amazed that the wind and waves obeyed Him.

As I read this passage recently during my quiet time, the thing that jumped out to me wasn’t Jesus' amazing power over the wind and waves. The thing that jumped out to me was that Jesus could sleep through a storm! I find that impressive. I’m a very light sleeper. I don’t think I could have rested well enough to take a nap in a storm that is bad enough to make you think you’re not going to survive!  

Here is an interesting and worthy observation: the passage says a “windstorm arose and the waves were breaking over the boat,” and the disciples were “amazed because wind and waves obeyed Him”…hmmmmm, I'm thinking…not a coincidence! Jesus was in full command the whole time! There was purpose in the storm!

Isaiah 9:6 tells us that one of the names of Jesus is “Prince of Peace.” Clearly we see the name and character of Jesus on display in this story. In the midst of the storm, He is able to be asleep because He is the Prince of Peace! He commands the wind and waves, not once, but twice, to be silent! He is commanding peace because He is Peace! (Eph. 2:14).

What wind and waves are you currently experiencing that make you wonder if Jesus cares or if He is asleep somewhere?

This summer as you ‘get away’ on vacation, remember that peace is not the absence of conflict or tension. Peace is not your presence under an umbrella on a beach, as nice and relaxing as that is. Peace is the presence of Jesus resting ‘in the boat’ of your heart and mind!  

Say it again slowly…“Peace! Be Still!”

Firm and Secure

The two words, Firm and Secure, remind me of a particular trip with my family. We were camping in the North Georgia Mountains and decided to go hiking. We were walking through this area and then all of a sudden the terrain changed, and we found ourselves amongst boulders of granite as big as homes and cars. We were so amazed and excited that we did what everyone does when they see big rocks...We starting climbing all over them! Of course we had to get to the top of the biggest one, right!?

I don’t mean to make myself sound all spiritual, but to be honest, in that moment I did think of the Scriptures that describe God as our rock and refuge. I had my wife take a picture of me standing on the rock as I held my walking stick over my head like I was the victor! This was personal because, to be honest, I was at a low point in my life where I did not feel like I was strong or the winner of anything! I wanted a picture to always remind me of the truth that God is my Rock.

Just this morning I read Hebrews 6 and the words “Firm and Secure” jumped out to me from verses 18-19. “…we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul," ‘Firm and Secure’…

These two words describe our hope and faith! The writer to the Hebrews wanted them to be strong in their faith and to not waiver or “fall away” from the truth of who Jesus is and what He had done for them. Honestly, there are times, and probably will be times ahead of each of us, when our faith is challenged, and, if we are dependent upon ourselves and our own footing, we will most likely slip and fall. But here’s the beauty of it…our faith is “Firm and Secure,” not because of our strength but because of who our God is. He is our Rock! The Bible says in Psalm 18:2  - “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (CSB)

Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know your name trust in you…” (CSB). One of God’s names is El Sal’i, God my Rock! The more you get to know someone the more you will trust that person, and that's the simple truth of Psalm 9:10. Get to know your God, and you will trust Him because of who He is…your Lord is El Sal’i, your rock! The next time you see a rock, big or small, remember…because of who He is, you are and can always be…”Firm and Secure!”

Be Still and Know

I am a worrier. I have always been a person who worries. Once I became a mom, my worry hit a whole new level. I think about the bad that can happen, and many times it truly ruins my day. Do you do that? Do you worry to the point of taking the joy out of the day? If so, you know exactly what I am talking about.

As I have grown deeper in my relationship with the Lord my worries are less frequent, but Satan, the prowling lion, waits until I am vulnerable and pounces. That's how Satan works. He waits until you are vulnerable, and then he strikes. But lucky for us, the Lord has already won!  

In the midst of our vulnerability we must remember Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Why must we Be Still? In order to hear from the Lord, you must listen. You can't hear in the chaos; you need to be still.  The Lord can't speak to you when your complete attention is on something else...whether it be work, social media, simple everyday tasks, or just being plain busy. When we are focused on the day-to-day grind, we lose sight of the Lord. Satan gets us where he wants us. That's the perfect time for the worry to strike, or maybe for you, it's not worry but stress, or anxiety, or temptation. Whatever it may be, you are under attack. You lose sight of what the Lord has already done and will continue to do for you.  

So how can we be still? Remember how I said the closer I am to the Lord the less I worry? That's the key - your relationship with the Lord. Make time daily for the Lord. Spend time with the Lord, read His word, pray and disconnect from the distractions for a little bit. Allow this to be the time that you are still and listening. To be still is to stop, to be quiet, to be patient, to wait and listen.

We can't forget that our Lord is the Creator, the one who has numbered every hair on our heads. Talk to the Lord during your stillness and remember during this time you are building your relationship with Him. No relationship is going to be successful with one way communication. I guess I should go ahead and say, sometimes even when you are still and listening, the Lord won’t answer right away. The answer could possibly be found in the waiting or maybe just knowing He is the Almighty is enough.

This brings me to the next part of the verse. "And Know!…Know that I am God." God created the world for us. Then He created you and He created me in His image. Not because He didn’t care, but because He cared so much for you to have a relationship with Him. He values knowing you, and He desires for you to know Him. In order for you to know God, you must realize how valuable you are to Him. We are so valuable that He sent His one and only Son to DIE on a cross to save US from the sin of the world.

God is with us, and He never leaves us nor forsakes us! During points in life there are both mountain peaks and valleys. God is there through it all. Knowing Him is trusting Him, knowing is having faith that can’t be shaken. In your times of vulnerability you must be still and know. To know is to realize that God is larger than this world and has overcome the battle of death, so you may have eternal life with Him.

Proverbs 3:5 tells us to, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Trust God in this journey and know that He is for you. I encourage you today to take time to Be Still and Know. In the busyness, Be Still and Know. In the chaos, Be Still and Know. 

It's Raining, It's Pouring

This week I stood in the doorway looking out at the relentless falling rain and was immediately reminded of an experience I had a couple of years ago. I had to run into the grocery store to grab a couple of things before picking up my son from rehearsal. It was just sprinkling, so I dashed inside. However, when I came out of the store it was pouring, and I was without my umbrella. I hesitated. Should I wait it out or make a run for it? I decided to run for it. Halfway to my car, an image flashed across my mind. It was from a rainy day when I was a kid.

My friends and I were in our bathing suits covered in mud. When the rain started, we had all run inside to put on our bathing suits and meet up for the best softball game EVER! We didn't care who won. (I know...those of you who know me are thinking, "yeah, right," but it's true!) The object of this game was not about scoring runs...it was about sliding into first (yes, I know that is not allowed), and diving to catch the ball. We were breaking all the rules that day. After all, we were outside playing ball in the RAIN! We were out to get muddy and enjoy every drop of that rain.

So when did I stop thinking rain was so FABULOUS?

Before I reached my car, I just had to stop. I held my arms out with my groceries and all and lifted up my face to really take it in. People probably thought I was CRAZY...but I didn't care. I just wanted to hit the pause button and enjoy the rain. 

One of my favorite quotes is:

"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain." 

Life is filled with storms. If you haven't experienced one, you will. Storms come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities. There are little pop up showers like a disagreement with a friend, a flat tire, or a banking error. You feel it, but it passes quickly. Then there are those storms that come into your life and turn your world upside down. You find yourself in the middle of a relational typhoon, a financial tsunami, or a health monsoon like cancer or chronic fatigue. These are the storms that knock the breath out of you and leave you struggling to stand.

One thing is certain...life is filled with storms. The question is not will we have storms, but what will we do when the storms come? Will we stop living when they come, OR do we learn to dance in the midst of the rain? I don't know about you, but I don't want to stand by waiting for the storms to pass. I want to get out there and DANCE!!!!

Next time it's raining I'm gonna

Look up, mouth open wide...

Stretch my arms out to take it in...

I may even break out in song!

One thing is for sure...

I'm gonna DANCE!

Wanna join me?

Taste the Goodness of God

On a recent visit to my childhood home, I found myself over-enthusiastically sharing some of my favorite things and memories with my husband. My eyes widened as we approached a chocolatier that I frequented when I was young. A flood of “sweet” memories immediately came to mind. This place served the best chocolate covered popcorn I had ever tasted! What made it even more magical when I was a child was that they gave me FREE SAMPLES of one of my favorite treats! Needless to say, as an adult, I was so excited to share it with someone else (especially someone with a strong affinity for sweets), so he could experience the same delight. 

As I experienced all of the emotions of sharing the special landmarks and food spots, I began to think about how this same idea applies to our relationship with God.  

Psalm 34:1-2 (ESV)

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.”  

David is describing his commitment to verbally communicate the truth of God’s goodness. The same way that I constantly talk about and praise some of my favorite things, David delights in and enjoys God so much that he can’t help but talk about Him! Verse 8 says, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” The goodness of God is real to David - as real and exciting as those places and things I was so eager to share. The same way I urged my husband to taste and see how good the chocolate covered popcorn was, David is urging us to experience the goodness of God. 

So how do we know that God is good and that He is worth sharing? David himself answers this question.

Psalm 86:5, 10-12 (ESV)

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” 

He loves you! And His word and the Christian community are full of the proof that He has done great and wondrous things. There’s nothing that we could taste, see, or experience that deserves our praise and affection more than the God that David so beautifully describes.

A friend told me a couple of weeks ago that she had the opportunity to go to an evangelism seminar, and at the end of it, they went out into their community to share the gospel. She explained how nervous she was and how she felt like she would fail at sharing her faith. As I talked to her, a story came to mind.

I was sitting in my favorite restaurant (one that I had successfully brought every single one of my local friends or visiting friends to) and a stranger began a conversation with me. Apparently, she had already identified my enthusiasm for this restaurant and thought that I would be the person to ask for help before she ordered. I proceeded to share all of my favorites, telling her the things that she absolutely had to try, and she smiled at my excitement.

As I talked to her, I realized how much the Kingdom would grow if we all had as many passionate conversations about the Creator as we do about His creations. True, it might be easier to convince someone to try something at your favorite restaurant than it is to convince them to take a step toward Jesus, but the good news is, you don’t have to persuade or convince, you just have to be a witness to the sweetness of who our Father is.

Count the Cost

2018 is here, filled with possibilities! Opportunity and a fresh start are the values we find in the coming of a new year, but really every new day offers the same promise. Any chance we get to move forward and leave the past behind is a path worth taking, and the option is given to us each day.

What are your goals?

It seems everyone is looking for motivation and inspiration to accomplish their goals and objectives this year. Surely you have considered areas of your life that need improvement, steps you should take in your growth journey with the Lord, and ways to love and lead your family better. You may also have occupational targets you want to hit, physical wellness milestones to reach, and perhaps a new hobby or recreational activity you’d like to pursue.

Every time I set new goals for myself, I tend to be ambitious. I believe I can accomplish anything I set my mind and heart to, and I believe in my God who is for me. Philippians 4:13 serves as a constant reminder of our potential with Jesus as our strength. However, around this time of year, I am also reminded of what the word potential really means. As an influential leader in my life says, “Potential just means you haven’t done squat yet.”

How will you accomplish those goals?

In order to accomplish the goals and objectives you have for yourself, you actually have to put in the time, energy, and effort necessary to achieve desired results. It will not be easy because life never gets easier, but anything can be done with the strength of Jesus and unwavering determination to make this year different. The hope of better, not easier, is the promise of Jesus in John 16 when he assures his disciples that he will send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to be their peace and their guide.

It is never easy to change, but it is always necessary. No one is ever meant to stay the same. Some people tend to resist change while others thrive on it. I think we can all agree change sounds good at times, but we ultimately end up resisting or quitting when difficulty and unwillingness emerge. Another quote I read recently reminded me of what’s really going inside of us when necessary changes become apparent:

“It costs what it costs. Greatness never goes on sale.”

Is it worth the risk?

You have the desire, God is on your side, and the new year presents a clean slate. However, any change, any desired result, any step of growth, any new commitment – they all have price tags. It will cost you. It may be more than you’re willing to pay, and the price is never reduced. With every goal you set, you have to weigh the real costs involved.

If you truly want to grow spiritually this year, that goal will cost you all the selfishness that held you back last year. If you truly want to see your body change, that goal will cost you the laziness and lack of discipline that has hindered your results in the past. If you want to be a better husband, a better mother, a better friend, or a better leader, you will have to give up the attitudes and behaviors that have derailed your progress time and time again.

You don't have to do it alone!

One of the great mysteries of the gospel is that God never forces us to do anything. The opportunity to choose Him and to choose His will for our lives is a precious gift, but it’s a gift we often mismanage. It would be easier if we had no decisions to make and God forced us to live in a way that pleases Him. Nevertheless, He allows us to choose, and it’s always easier to pick ease and comfort over surrender and uncertainty.

God never shows us everything that’s ahead, and the path towards His plans and purposes for our lives is never the smoothest option. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us about how to respond when we are forced to lean on God and trust His character and nature over our insecurity and doubt.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

It’s a new year. Change is inevitable. Plentiful opportunity lies before you. Worthwhile change will cost you. Pay the price, whatever it may be. Goals that come with a cheap price tag are not goals worth having. God will be glorified, and you will be satisfied in the choice to honor Him. Live an obedient, surrendered life this year. Commit your activity to the Lord and your plans will succeed. You will never regret living God’s way.

Looking for more inspiration for the new year?

Check out "Here's to Being Intentional"!

Hungry for God's Word

Do you have a certain food that you absolutely hate? We all have that one thing that it doesn’t matter who brings it to us or what the circumstances are, we are not touching that food. For me, it's most things green. I know what you are thinking, but yes, just about anything green is the worst food ever to me. But no matter how much I hate green foods, once I reach a certain hunger level I'm grabbing whatever I can find. We have all experienced this; the moment when you never would have eaten at that restaurant because of its reputation, or the food you swore you wouldn’t eat because you're trying to be healthier, but because you were hungry, you settled.

The same principal is true for your spiritual life. When you are hungry, you will settle for almost anything. Think about it. When we look back at past regrets, most of them were not made over night. No one wakes up one day and decides to make a decision that will ruin their lives. No, it starts small. Small compromises to go to that place but not partake. Small steps towards settling to just go on a date with that guy, despite his reputation, because after all, it's just a date.

How can we tell though when these moments are coming? Because if it starts small, that means we need to be able to see the small things heading our way. I believe it all begins and ends with God’s word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

This means that when we are focused on what God has to say, it's easier to see when our thoughts and the words from others don’t line up with His truth. All of God’s word is here for us. Not to be a book on our shelf, but a word that we store in our hearts. It helps us realize what is wrong, and it teaches us to do what is right. This isn’t condemnation; this is loving correction from a loving Father who wants us to have a John 10:10 life.

John 10:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

That rich and satisfying life that we are all searching for, and that we so easily fill with other things, is available. We just have to stay full on God’s word.

Fogged In

Fogged In

I woke up...got ready and went to the kitchen to get some coffee. I looked out the window to take in the view of the lake and to my amazement, it was GONE! Vanished overnight! All that I saw was the back deck and shadows of trees emerging from a dense white fog. Okay...so the lake didn't actually vanish. It was just hidden by the fog that moved in overnight.

We were heading to church, so we hopped in the car and headed out. I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. TWD fans know what I'm talking about. Anything could be lurking in that fog! It was so dense that we were left with very little visibility. Our car was surrounded by this dense fog. The trees that were just feet away were merely shadows hidden by the white wall of fog that seemed to engulf the world around us. I had to slow down a little and really watch out for deer and other unexpected obstacles. Seriously...I could only see a few feet ahead. Even traffic lights were hidden until I was right up on them. YIKES!!!

I don't know about you...but I really like to see where I'm heading. It is not enough to see the road right in front of me. I want to see what's happening behind me, what's coming from the side and what lies far down the road ahead. I want to be able to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Do you ever feel like your life has gotten FOGGED IN? You go to bed seeing clearly...knowing exactly what lies ahead, but then you wake up surrounded by a dense white fog. The only thing you can really see with total clarity is the road right in front of you. Times like these can leave me feeling uneasy and on edge. I want to be prepared for whatever is going to emerge from the fog. I want to be able to plan and prepare for the days...weeks...months...years ahead. I don't want to have to worry about all the things I can't see yet....I want to sit back and enjoy the journey.  

I really think that "FOG" is God's way of slowing us down and helping us learn to trust Him more.

I really think that "FOG" is God's way of slowing me down and helping me learn to trust Him more. It puts me in a position where I am no longer charting my own course...planning out every detail of my life. No...I have to truly trust God to show me the way. It teaches me to rely on Him and trust Him completely. There is a song that I absolutely love. It says;

"I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies is always by my side

The One who reigns forever

He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies is always by my side"

( “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)”

Written by Ed Cash, Scott McTyeire Cash, and Chris Tomlin)

When you can't see the path ahead, focus on the One who can. God is there...He alone goes before you and stands behind you at the same time. He knows where you have been and he knows where you are going...not just the here and now....He knows it all....AND He is ALWAYS by your side.

When you can't see the path ahead, focus on the One who can.

 

Next time you get fogged in, don't keep traveling full speed ahead. You also don't want to stop because you are afraid of what you can't see. Sure you need to slow down...but you also must keep moving forward. You will quickly notice that as you move forward you can see a little further down that road.   

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Trust the One who is always by your side, then sit back and enjoy the ride.

Truly Thankful

Thanksgiving comes like clockwork year after year after year. We can become so comfortable with the holiday that we forget what it is really all about. Why do we press the pause button each year? What is the big deal? Is it just an excuse to have a day or two off from work? Is it all about the football...food...or frantic shopping? Has it become so routine and so hectic that we don't take time for personal reflection? If it has...we are missing out on so much.

Before this Thanksgiving is over, I plan to take time to look at my life and make a list of all the things I have to be thankful for. My list will probably look a lot like yours:

1. Salvation
2. Family
3. Friends
4. My Church
5. My Job
6. A Beautiful Home

These are all true...and all things I am deeply thankful for. But I realized that if I'm not careful, I will "phone-in" my list. If we really want to fill our gratitude tanks we need to take time to elaborate on each of the things on our list. 

Why am I thankful for Salvation?

Without it...there is no hope...no peace and no future. What Christ did was not easy...it cost His life....He endured the cross for me. Sure I put Him at the top of my list...but He deserves more than that. He deserves to be first in my life each and every day. Without Him....I am nothing...with Him....I am a child of the Most High God. Reflecting on His sacrifice motivates me to live for Him and grow in Him. 

Why am I thankful for family and friends?

I realize they are a precious treasure, and those we sit around the table with year after year are not promised to be there the next time we gather together. We take it for granted and need to cherish each of the relationships we have been blessed with not just on Thanksgiving but throughout the year. Thanksgiving is a great time to put those relationships in perspective and remember what makes each person in my life so dear to me.

Download a free gift today!

Why am I thankful for my church?

My church is more than just a building or a place I go on Sunday. I don't know what I would do without the men, women, students and kids God has put in our lives that make up His church. They are family. It is a place where I am accepted, loved and challenged. I get to make a difference by being a part of something so much bigger than me. I am thankful for the spiritual journey God has me on. I love the groups of women I meet with every week and the women I have shared life with throughout the years. We have laughed, cried, prayed, cheered, encouraged, challenged and supported one another over the years...doing life together.

Being truly grateful is more than a list...it's a lifestyle! Thanksgiving isn't just a day...it should be a way of life for each of us. 

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever!

Giving Thanks for each of You today and always!

Walking as a Disciple

A man coming home from work noticed his neighbor struggling with a large box in his front doorway. Desiring to help, he parks his car and quickly runs to pick up one side of the box. The two struggle and fight with the box for 10 minutes until finally the helpful neighbor sets his side of the box down and proclaims, “Friend, I don’t think we will ever get this box in the house!” Frustrated and bewildered the neighbor in need barks out, “In the house? I have been trying to get the box out of the house!”

I can think of countless embarrassing moments in my life where what I thought was going to be a help actually wasn’t. Has that ever happened to you? Many times we as believers can see what we think is a need and charge in to solve it, but actually end up stopping all progress and keeping the Kingdom from moving forward. 

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul lays down the tracks for how the believers are to live as the body of Christ.  

Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

If we want to help the Kingdom of God move forward (help get the box where it is designed to go) then we must all understand what we are to do. 

We are to walk worthy

What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of our calling? To be a disciple, a part of the body of Christ, a member of the church, is a high calling. It is something that we are not worthy of in our sin, and when we are called out of our sin to follow and walk with him, we are given something we could never buy. We become children of God! We are now no longer our own, we were bought with a price! Our lives are found in Christ, and we live our life through him! Our lives are rescued by Christ, and his calling to follow him changes the direction of every decision we make.

We are to consider others greater than ourselves

In verse 2 we are urged to be humble, gentle, and patient with each other. Showing love and maintaining unity causes us to think less of ourselves and more of others. In the letter to the Romans, Paul tells us to outdo one another in showing honor (Rom 12:10). This can’t happen unless we believe that others’ needs are greater than our own needs.

We are to trust God and love his Church

God is serious about the church. It is his chosen method of reaching the world. And the church will not change in its make-up and in its purpose, ever! We are a body of disciples who are focused on making more disciples. We have the promise that God is over all things, working through all things, and in all things. If we trust that God is working through his church, then we must trust the church and serve with everything we have.

Reminder of the goal (being and building disciples)

We must never forget that the greatest thing we can ever do or be a part of is the body of Christ. Our faith in Christ is the only thing we truly have that can never be taken from us. This same faith is what we take to the people around us. We pray that they will place their trust in Christ as well. We need to be disciples who build disciples. This is how we came to Christ, and it is our duty to do the same for others around us!

A challenge for your life

Are you a disciple? Have you placed your trust in Christ and begun to follow him? You can begin that journey today! Place your trust in Christ and follow his lead found in the Bible. Join a small group and get in an environment where you can grow.         

How are you being a disciple? What marks can you point to as evidence that you are a disciple? Could you be convicted in court of being a disciple of Christ?

Want to learn more about what it means to be a disciple?

Check out "Seven Steps" by Ken Adams!

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed

Thankful…Grateful…Blessed. You see it everywhere. It is hanging in our homes, in our offices,  we see it posted on social media…we are even wearing the t-shirts. It’s sounds really great, but do we really know what it means? Do we believe these words enough to live them out or is it just a cute trendy thing to say? As we approach Thanksgiving, it is a perfect time to take a moment to sit back and reflect on what these words really mean.  

We are thankful. We are grateful. We are blessed. If we truly believe these things then it should affect how we live our everyday lives. Moment by moment with a heart filled with gratitude, with a spirit of thankfulness knowing we are truly blessed by God.  

I thought I knew what it meant to be thankful…grateful…blessed until I traveled to India. As we drove from the airport to the hotel I was overwhelmed by the poverty. The streets were filled with chaos, and everywhere I looked there was trash and filth. Then I visited the slums. In the midst of the most deplorable conditions, I met the most precious children. They were so thankful for the opportunity to go to school. Grateful for the chance to have an education. Blessed to have people in their lives to care for them, clothe them and teach them about God.

We went to bless them, yet we walked away the ones who were blessed. Hearing the laughter. Seeing the smiles and listening as these children sang, “My hope is in you Lord. My strength is in you Lord,” was a reminder of how blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father that can bring contentment and joy in any situation. To say these kids have a hard life is a gross understatement. They are defying the odds every single day. They are an inspiration of what it means to be thankful in all things.  

Pastor Ken always says, "We have been blessed in order to be a blessing." How can we be more of a blessing to others? First, we have to get our focus off of ourselves. We must look at the world around us. When we do, we see the abundance that we have in our lives, and we can’t help but turn around and share it with others.  

We have been blessed in order to be a blessing.

The ultimate blessing we have is salvation through Jesus. What an amazing gift God has given us. Words can’t describe it, and there is nothing we can do to earn it. All we can do is accept it. When we have the gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is living and active in our lives then we can wear the shirt…Thankful, Grateful, Blessed…and realize the depth of what that means.

We are thankful for a God who loves us. We are grateful for a Savior who gave his life, and we are blessed beyond measure. Let’s take Thankful, Grateful, Blessed to a deeper meaning. Let’s not make it our focus one day a year or use it as trendy decor. Instead, let’s impact the world around us by living Thankful, Grateful, Blessed lives 365 days a year.