May 15, 2018

When Ugliness Takes a Fall

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. – 1 Peter 2:23

His mugshot was grainy. Dull. His expression was one of shock and disbelief. He’d skirted the law many times, hurting others and lying. He’d spewed ugliness, assuming he would never get caught. Until one day, he was.

There was no satisfaction in it. Not for me, anyway. Only a deep sadness that he still hadn’t changed. That’s the way of evil. It gets worse until one day goodness stops it cold.

It would be easy to gloat or cheer or let my heart be filled with satisfaction. I don’t know if the arrest has caused him to rethink his behavior or if he’s still blaming everyone else for his choices. Only God knows the truth of a person’s heart.

My hope is that his present reality causes him to reevaluate his choices, to turn toward Jesus, to invite Him into his heart. God loves this man just as much as he loves you and I. We forget that sometimes when our only focus is exacting revenge on someone who has harmed us.

It isn’t always easy to pray for our enemies but that is His calling on our lives. We are to do good to those who harm us. He tells us to love everyone, even those who have hurt us deeply. It isn’t an easy road but, then, His way rarely takes the easy path.

Sometimes it’s through grace and mercy, the same grace and mercy God shows to us, that others can clearly see Jesus. Don’t rejoice in the tribulations of others. Instead, pray that hardship will finally draw them home.

January 3, 2019

Chosen

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” – John 15:16

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

– 1 Peter 2:9

Have you ever been rejected? Most of us have. It hurts, doesn’t it?

All of us want to be accepted for who we are. We want to be enough. We want to be part of the “in” crowd, whatever stage of life we happen to be in. It doesn’t really matter if it’s work, church, neighborhood, service organization or social group. We want to feel welcomed and valued. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen.

Even when the majority like us, there’s always going to be someone who just doesn’t want us around. There’s always going to be that person who criticizes everything we say or do. We know it’s not about us. It’s about them. But it stings just the same.

Unfortunately, sometimes that sting hits where it hurts us the most. Have you ever been rejected by your spouse? Affairs happen every day but the betrayal cuts deep into the most vulnerable parts of us. The same is true when we are rejected by parents, children, even our employer. It threatens our stability, our belief in who we are.

Fortunately, we don’t ever have to worry about being rejected by Jesus. We don’t have to clean ourselves up. We don’t have to pretend we’re someone we’re not. We don’t have to be brilliant or beautiful or have it all together. All we have to do is show up and He meets us with open arms right where we are. How amazing is that?!

Jesus tells us that He chose us. Jesus picked us to be on His team. He wanted us. He values us. We are part of His family. That’s something that still just amazes me. No matter how many times we’ve faced rejection, we are gathered close and welcomed by the only One who matters.

We are people of the light. We are called to service. We are called to honor Him with our lives. We are set apart. We are His. Don’t ever lose sight of that.

Life hurts sometimes. People don’t always like us. People don’t always include us. But we have a Heavenly Father who loved us enough to send His Son to die so that we could live with Him forever. Let yourself be filled with His Spirit. Let His peace soothe your vulnerable places.

You are chosen. You are loved. You are welcomed just as you are.

November 19, 2018

Bring God Glory

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.

– Romans 12:6a

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10

She wanted to know exactly what we would be doing at the craft event. One craft had already been announced but she wanted to know what the other one was. I didn’t know. She was surprised by that.

I directed her to the sweet woman who heads up this event for the Women’s Ministry Team. I may lead the team but I don’t micromanage or try to control what other team members are doing. I trust them. I know their talents and abilities. And they know if there is anything I can do to help, promote or support their efforts, I will gladly do it.

I realize that’s a different approach for some people. They want to be involved and consulted at every stage of an event. They want to be in control even if they aren’t in charge. I’m not one of them.

Maybe it’s because I spent years supervising more than 100 employees located in different geographical areas. I depended on managers and their assistants to do their jobs. If they didn’t, I found someone who would. At a certain point you have to realize and accept that you can’t do it all yourself.

Or maybe it’s because in my season of caregiving I learned how little control I have over anything. My plans could, and often were, disrupted on a daily basis by the needs of parents, livestock or other things. I learned a great deal about trusting God in the midst of continuing storms. I learned a great deal about the ugliness that happens when others want to control without actually showing up to help.

So, I don’t need to control everyone or everything around me. It’s a lesson God taught me. It’s a lesson I hope never to have to relearn.

We are all gifted in different ways, with different talents and abilities. The sweet woman who heads up the craft events is gifted at finding wonderful crafts that are easy to make and that everyone will enjoy. Another sweet woman is gifted in producing snacks that everyone loves and raves about. I am merely the worker who helps where I can, whether it’s plugging in glue guns or arranging snacks.

I have my own gifts, my own abilities. We all do. God meant for us to work together, each gift and skill complimenting those of others, to produce good works for His people. God surely wanted us to get along, to trust each other, and to let others use their talents.

I’m not really sure why some people need to control everything and everyone. I don’t know why they’re never satisfied with their own gifts and talents. I don’t understand why they need to do their part and direct the parts of everyone else. That’s not how God organized us all.

We can do so much good by simply getting out of each other’s way and letting others shine with their gifts. We can work together as a team and produce great things for God’s glory. Every one of us is gifted in some way. Use your gifts to let God’s light shine brightly.

September 16, 2018

Ignoring It Doesn’t Erase It

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

– 1 Peter 5:8

Does ignoring something make it go away? Does silencing the voices of hurt take away the pain? Does refusing to acknowledge a problem erase the problem?

A suicide rocked a local high school. She was apparently bullied on social media. Threats were left in her locker. Nothing was done. She died. End of story?

Obviously, not. There are kids who are hurting. Is it from guilt because they said and did things they shouldn’t have? Is it pain that comes from not knowing, not seeing, not listening to a girl hurting so badly that she only saw one way out? Is it because there’s a real chance that others feel as she did?

Today I learned that teachers were warned not to mention the girls name. There’s no grief counseling. There’s no outlet for processing what has happened. Nothing. Maybe the school administration thinks that by ignoring one girl’s suicide, it will all just go away. It won’t.

There are kids who will live with the aftermath of this for the rest of their lives. There are teachers who will struggle with what if questions. There are those of us on the outside who will wonder about a school system that refuses to deal with trauma head on.

Did you ever see the movie or read the book The Prince of Tides? It’s a powerful story of trauma covered up, only to resurface years later. One woman buried her trauma so deep she didn’t remember it, even though depression and suicide attempts were her normal. Her brother had to face the trauma, to talk about it, to finally cry, in order to help his sister live. The story is about what happens when we aren’t allowed to process something awful. We may survive the moment but the horror is only hidden just below the surface.

Let me ask you another question: Are you enough just the way you are? Don’t throw out a flippant answer. It’s a serious question. Every day we hear thousands of messages that say we aren’t enough. You may not acknowledge them but they are there just the same.

Think about it. Are you a little too heavy? Do you lack hair? Is it the wrong color? Maybe you need an alcoholic beverage and a party so you can be with the “in” crowd? What about a tropical vacation? Or a new car? Everywhere we look we are being bombarded by messages that tell us we need something more or to be someone better in order to fully enjoy life.

Now add adolescent pressure to the mix and what do you get? A horrible scenario where kids are acting out in order to be someone they aren’t so they can fit into a system that’s beyond broken.

Do we really believe that not talking about this girl’s death will keep it from happening to someone else? Do we really believe that looking the other way will remove all the guilt kids and teachers feel? Do we really believe that ignoring a problem means it never really happened?

We are giving Satan a foothold into our broken hearts. We are exposing our open wounds to more trauma. We are asking for more of the same because we aren’t brave enough to offer the hope that is Jesus. Shame on all of us.

September 4, 2018

Refined by Fire

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. – 1 Peter 1:6-7

Deepening your faith is a little bit like baking a cake. If you do it right, you’ll love the end result. If you do it wrong you’ll end up with a big mess.

Our recipe book is the Bible. It tells us exactly what to do in most any situation. Don’t let others tell you it isn’t relevant in today’s world. The only ones who say that are the ones who don’t read it. It’s amazing how many things we think of as being of this time are actually repeats of long ago.

Once you decide on a recipe, you have to make sure you’ve got all the ingredients. You need salvation, prayer, the fruit of the Spirit, an open heart (where you pour the “batter”), an open hand (to let go of things) and a willing Spirit (to be open to what God calls you to).

What do you do with all the ingredients? You mix them together. Do you sometimes get flour on the floor? Do you ever drip anything on the counter? Probably so. That’s how life is. We’re heading straight to where we believe God has called us to go and we’re making a mess along the way. And that’s okay. Fortunately, God never leaves us to navigate life on our own.

Does the cake always come out like you planned? Probably not. Sometimes you think something is going to taste wonderful and it just doesn’t. And sometimes you don’t have a lot of faith in what you’re baking but it turns out better than you could have imagined. That’s how it is when you follow Jesus. Things rarely turn out the way you planned but it’s amazing what happens when we turn it over to Him.

Of course, you’ve got to pour the batter into a pan and bake it. Heat turns the batter into something new, something wonderful to eat. It’s that way with our faith. Our faith isn’t about standing on the sidelines. It’s about getting into the game of life and trying.

How do you know when the cake is done? It smells good, doesn’t it? My Mother taught me to use a wooden toothpick to stick in the center. If it comes out clean, that means the cake is done. If not, the cake goes back into the oven.

I wonder if that’s what God does with us. We go through a trial and we reach the other side. If it has truly changed our hearts, we’re done. If it hasn’t, back into the fire we go. God is patient. He will send us back to the fire however many times it takes for us to become more like His Son.

When the cake is finally done, does it resemble the batter you put into the oven? No. The ingredients are the same but the cake looks and tastes different, doesn’t it? Just like we’re different after we’ve been through the fire.

What changes? Maybe we’re a little more compassionate. Maybe we have more confidence that God truly is in control and everything will be okay. Maybe we’re a little kinder. Maybe we have more mercy for those who don’t quite meet our standards.

Of course, the fire destroys some people. Their hearts harden and they turn away from God. They failed to understand that bad is part of life and the only thing, the only One, who can carry us and turn it to good is Jesus.

Have you been through the fire? Did you come out changed for the better or for the worse? Think about it.

August 7, 2018

Praise Him Boldly

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

– 1 Peter 2:9

God seems to have a thing for the loser and the underdog. That’s something our pastor pointed out to us on Sunday. Unfortunately, we don’t always share God’s passion for the least among us.

We want it to be about us. That’s what the prosperity gospel teaches. It’s all about us and how God will bless us. God does bless us. He shows us mercy and grace we don’t deserve. And He does it because of the blood of Christ. That’s very different than assuming God will always give us everything we want if we will only just believe.

We also give ourselves way more credit than we deserve. “I” chose to follow Jesus. It’s “my” ministry. “I” choose to do this. “I” choose not to do that.

Newsflash: We aren’t in control. God is. Scripture tells us that He chose us first. He leads us where He wants us to go. Do we have freewill? Absolutely. But don’t you think the God who made you already knows the path you’re going to “choose”?

We are chosen to serve God and to bring Him glory. It’s not about us. Really. It’s not. I know you’ve heard that so many times but do you believe it? Do you understand that when you belong to Christ, you give up your independence?

We are a stubborn people. We want to be in charge. We want to tell God what we will and won’t do. I wonder sometimes if He views us as rebellious teenagers who refuse to follow the rules and be blessed. We’d rather wander in the desert for years than to acknowledge that God knows what He is doing.

When you are truly called by God, there is no choice. Just ask Jonah. He didn’t want to go to Ninevah. Guess where he went? Ninevah – with a little detour inside of a giant fish. We will go where God wills us to go.

What has God called you to do? It varies by person and by season but one thing it isn’t is to exalt yourself. We are called to self-sacrifice, to be the least, to serve and live lives that point others toward Jesus.

Have you ever wondered why God has a soft-spot for those who are considered losers and underdogs? Because we know how desperately we need Him. Those who are focused on “I” don’t truly recognize their need for God. Their pride keeps them from opening their hearts to His calling on their lives.

In our society, we place so many gods above the one, true God. We worship money, power, prestige. We look down on those who have less money, less education, less stuff. We think more highly of ourselves based on the exterior of our lives. God looks at the heart. What does He see?

Our lives are meant to be lived as praise for God Almighty. What does your life look like?

February 27, 2018

What Are You Doing?

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. – 1 Peter 2:21

How often do you volunteer at your church? How often do you volunteer in your community? How often do you sacrifice your time and money to be Jesus in the world around you?

Most churches and outreach groups are hungry for volunteers. Everyone has good intentions. We mean well. We’re just so busy. Too busy. Surely, everyone else understands.

No. Actually. We don’t. “I just want to show up and not have to do anything,” came one excuse. Well, so would I. Except we wouldn’t have the ladies’ Bible study if I did that because none of the hundreds of women at our church will volunteer to lead a study.

“My work schedule is just so crazy,” came another excuse. Most work schedules are crazy. So what? Offer to pick up someone who can’t drive and take them to church for worship or other functions. Help coach the softball team. Take a turn in the nursery. Help make coffee or provide a covered dish to a grieving family.

“I’ve got young children,” is a common excuse. What a precious blessing God has given to you! Have you considered including your children in outreach ministry. My Mother was so excited when one woman brought her three young boys to the rehab facility. The boys wore Santa hats and passed out candy to all the residents. Everyone – children and residents – had a wonderful time and were blessed by the experience. Such a simple gesture on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

I could go on and on with examples. The truth is that most of us just don’t want to be bothered. We don’t. We’d rather stay in our staid little worlds and let someone else be the hands and feet of Jesus.

For most of us, God didn’t call us to organize a massive march on Washington. He didn’t tell us to start a world-wide relief effort. Nor did God say we were to sell everything and go live in a hut in South America. God called us to serve right where we are.

I wonder how many elderly people would give anything for a visit form a young family or, better still, to be included in a meal or outing? I wonder how many single people would love to be part of a family gathering?

Maybe you have a gift for flowers and plants. Did you know that some folks aren’t healthy enough to do that and, yet, they don’t really have money to hire it done? Your talents and their needs could benefit you both.

Maybe you know a teen who spends most of his time alone while his parents work. He or she sure could use a mentor. Surely you have some time to offer. Or what about that young Mom who is so overwhelmed? An encouraging word, and maybe a casserole, would brighten her day.

We aren’t called to live focused only on ourselves. We’re to reach out wherever God places us and touch those closest to us with kindness, compassion, and help. Even if that means we must sacrifice of ourselves.

April 5, 2016

Kindness Always Matters

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. -- 1 Peter 3:8-9

Were you popular in school? Were you part of the “in” crowd or did you find a special group to call your own? Did you ever feel left out?

Cliques are abundant in school. Really, they’re abundant everywhere. We see them in our churches. And we see them in the senior centers that dot our area. I don’t think cliques were part of God’s plan.

The local senior center is all about card playing. That’s wonderful if that’s something you enjoy. If not, well, you’re just out of luck. No one really wants to have anything to do with you unless you play cards.

Of course, some people love to play cards but as they’ve aged their abilities have declined. What happens when they can’t play as well as they once did? A dear neighbor has faced that. Her mind just isn’t what it once was. Playing cards is one of the few things she still enjoys but most people won’t play with her anymore.

Ah, the competitiveness of winning versus the compassion of playing with someone who can’t play so well anymore. Which would you choose? Most of the people choose not to play with her.

I understand why. It’s hard to think constantly for someone else even as you’re having to think for yourself. It takes the fun out of playing. Are you willing to sacrifice your time to be kind to someone else? Or do you want to play with your friends and let her be someone else’s problem?

There are so many things you could do at a senior center. You could play other games. Some people participate in crafts and one center even offers painting classes. Those big rocking chairs are there for a reason. We used to find joy in sitting around and talking. Whatever happened to that?

People who are declining in health as they age still have feelings. They might not be able to do the things they once did, but they still hurt when faced with rejection. It’s like not being chosen when we were all in grade school. Some things really never change.

At the end of the day, what really matters? Who won at cards or who showed compassion? Don’t make choices for the moment when all eternity beckons us to make choices that will matter forever.

March 19, 2015

Don't Be A Busybody

 

 

But let none of your suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. -- 1 Peter 4:15

 

Isn't it interesting that Peter put busybody right up there with murderer, thief and evildoer? In a way, it fits. A busybody can murder a reputation, steal your peace of mind and cause all sorts of evil.

 

Make no mistake: We are all busybodies to some degree. We are. Have you ever asked questions about something that has nothing to do with you? Have you ever tried to find out what is going over at your neighbor's house -- without asking them directly? Have you ever been tempted to eavesdrop on a co-worker's phone conversation?

 

The reality television show business is booming. Why? Because we like to watch other people. We like to look down on their drama and be thankful it's not us. We like to tell other people how to live their lives. It's just so much easier than trying to live our own lives for Jesus.

Years ago a pastor got upset with a woman in the church who was a known busybody. Or gossip, if you will. She knew everything about everyone. There can be some benefit in that at times. On that particular Sunday she was still stinging from the pastor's words and determined to keep her mouth shut. Yet, she had something to say. Something important. Something we all needed to know. A church member had suffered a devastating stroke earlier that morning. He and his family needed prayer and, frankly, support in many ways. In the coming weeks there would be a house that needed to be remodeled and food that needed to be delivered. Another preacher explained to her the difference between passing on gossip and telling something we all need to know.

Of course, there are other times when we get involved in something that we really need to stay out of. Two people I know are getting married. I wish them the best. Unfortunately, I knew the man's first wife and know way more than he realizes I know. I look at him and see the same issues because he hasn't changed a bit. I fear history will repeat itself and this dear woman will be devastated. I've told myself repeatedly, "Not my monkeys, not my drama." I saw that on Facebook a while back and it helps me remember to stay out of it. Maybe this situation will work out for the best. Maybe it won't. But my nose needs to stay out of it. My mouth needs to stay closed.
 

What are your button points? What makes you want to get involved in other folks' business? Why do we have this "need" to insert ourselves into situations that aren't about us? Maybe it helps us focus somewhere besides what we aren't doing for Jesus. Maybe we'll feel better about ourselves if we focus on the faults of others.

Don't be a busybody. Find some Scripture and repeat it to yourself. Or tell yourself that whatever is going on in someone else's life really isn't your drama. Walk away. It's better for you and it's better for them.

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Jesus’ Light Shines In The Details

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. -- 1 Peter 2:9

Sometimes I really get in a tizzy. There’s just no other way to describe it. Things aren’t going as I planned, are likely careening out of control, and I’m a mess.

Deep breath, I tell myself. My mind races to quote Scripture to myself in the midst of frantic thoughts of doomsday. Not THE doomsday, you understand. Nothing that serious. Just my panicked thoughts of what night happen because my plans have gone awry.

It’s been that kind of year. I make plans and other people’s lives change my plans. It’s just how it is. Most of the time I laugh it off. There’s no point in getting upset about something that can’t be helped and, really, I’m blessed and I know it.

And then there are those days. I’m tired. Burnt out. Crabby. I just don’t feel like dealing with the issues other people are throwing at me. But I have to deal with them anyway.

That leaves me with a choice: Do I show them how put out I feel or do I show them that even in irritating circumstances Jesus’ light still shines within me? Because how we react when things aren’t going the way we want is how people truly see Jesus in our lives.

We don’t just belong to Him when things are going great. And we don’t just belong to Him when we’re sick or facing heartache or some other devastating trouble. We’re His in the details of our lives and that’s where others see Him best.

So in the midst of my tizzy, what are others seeing? A frustrated woman who is upset at the world? Or a woman holding tightly to Jesus while the waves of life knock her around?

And what about you? Surely you didn’t think you’d get a pass on this one. Because we all have meltdowns from time to time. We all tend to forget our manners, forget who we belong to, forget that this moment will pass and that it really isn’t important anyway.

And that’s why I’ve learned to laugh. It isn’t always easy but it helps me keep the little things in perspective. Laughter helps me focus on what matters and how blessed I truly am. I’ve walked that other path and, believe me, these small irritations are nothing much to worry about. I just grab hold of Jesus’ hand knowing He can handle anything that comes my way.

Monday, August 27, 2012

God Uses Our Weaknesses

These (trials) have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. -- 1 Peter 1:7

God uses ordinary people. That was the message from Pastor Rob yesterday. God uses people like you and me. Well, there goes that excuse that you’re not smart enough, talented enough, gifted enough, or whatever your excuse usually is for not stepping up and out into God’s will.

See, God doesn’t want to use us for our strengths. That would be too easy and, frankly, it wouldn’t accomplish a great deal. People can’t relate to your strengths. They use the same excuses that you and I use: he could accomplish that because he was smart, talented, gifted, etc.

No, God wants to use our weaknesses. That’s where we can really help people. Think about it. When your teenager is breaking your heart, are you more likely to listen to someone who’s been there or to someone who has never had children? You listen to people who have been where you are right now.

I know. It’s hard to do that. Our instinct is to close up and not let others into those vulnerable places of hurt and failure. We want to gloss over the details and make it sound better, easier, than the experience really was.

And we want to hide our role in whatever happened. It’s just so much easier to blame others for our own hang-ups and mistakes than it is to take responsibility for our part, our choices, in whatever happened. But that doesn’t help anyone -- including us.

So how do you help others with your past experiences? Pastor Rob gave three ways. First, be humble. Nobody wants to listen to a know it all. And everybody knows that none of us really have it all together. We may be -- hopefully -- working on it. But we don’t have all the answers.

Secondly, it’s important to be real, transparent and vulnerable. I know. We already admitted that we’d rather avoid all three of those. But when you share your story -- the real, unedited story -- you end up not only helping others but healing yourself.

The last way to help others is not to lecture. Don’t tell others what or how to do whatever it is you’ve decided they need to do. Nobody likes that. All you can do is share your own experience and let others decide how best to live their own lives.

God wants us to use our weaknesses, our failures, our hurts, habits and hang-ups, to help others. Are you willing? He’s calling you today. What are you waiting for?

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Experiences Make Faith Stronger

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. -- 1 Peter 1:6-7

There are few people around who don’t wish they could somehow go back and wipe out at least part of their past. We’ve all done something we wish we hadn’t. We’ve all done things we don’t want others to know.

And we’ve all felt the weight of judgment on our shoulders. Someone makes an offhand comment about not knowing anyone who has ever done what we’ve done or been where we’ve been. And we sit there silently, afraid to speak and yet wanting to shock their condescending hearts into somehow understanding that real people, good people, make mistakes.

A dear friend recently faced just such a situation. She did something more than 20 years ago. She is a different person now. No one would ever know. But she knows. And she wonders if her silence just reinforces that secret culture that makes Christians think we’re somehow better than we really are.

Because we are all sinners. And sin is sin, no matter how much we’d like to categorize it as “my sin isn’t as bad as someone else’s sin.” But it is.

So does silence mean that we’re saying it’s okay to prejudge? Does keeping secrets make abuse okay? We look around and we see perfect people because their brokenness is hidden. They fear condemnation and rejection. We all do. Because isn’t that what happens when people see our scars?

Except we wouldn’t be the people we are today without the pasts we try so hard to hide. All those mistakes, all those heartaches, work together to turn us into the people we are today. How could we ever appreciate the good, the true, the Holy, without first having experienced the bad, the lies, the darkness?

The fire that comes from trials is what God uses to refine us, to make us stronger and to draw us closer to Him. Just as fire heats gold, sending its impurities to the top, so does God sift us, separating the good from the flawed. It is a painful process but the end result is someone who is of far more use to God than we were before.

So wear your scars without shame. Jesus paid your debt and stands by your side. You have been refined by fire and you are more precious to God than gold.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Hold On To Hope and Joy

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -- 1 Peter 5:8

Palm Sunday is a day filled with hope and promise. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, something Zechariah had proclaimed. The disciples, the followers of Jesus, did not know or understand that this triumphant entry would soon be replaced with deep sorrow and pain.

That’s how Satan works. He comes upon us when we are least expecting his presence and he tries to steal our joy, our happiness, our peace. Peter warns us to be wary, watchful, wise.

It’s just so easy to focus on what’s wrong in our lives rather than what is good. A woman is slowly getting her health back after suffering from a serious condition. She’ll always have the condition but she is now mobile and able to do most of what she wants to do. That’s a long way from not being able to stand by herself or even pour herself a glass of sweet tea.

But instead of focusing on her recovery, she is obsessing over what she can no longer do. It is so frustrating. There is no joy in her life because she refuses to see the good. And that makes everyone around her miserable. I’ve no doubt that Satan is cheering her on.

A dear man has been slowly reaching what we laughingly refer to as the twilight years of our lives. He cherishes card games and time with friends and family. Then he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given only a few months to live. He is angry and bitter, on tranquilizers for the depression that haunts his every waking moment.

I pray that he’ll find peace, and soon. His friends have rallied and his pastors are regular visitors and counselors. It is a hard road and I am not making light of it. Nor am I claiming to understand how he feels. I only know that anger and bitterness will rob him of the joy and peace he could experience during these months he has left on earth. Satan wants it that way.

In our lives many times we face circumstances we can not change. We can either be joyful where we are, giving God glory and total control of our lives, or we can let Satan rob us of God’s peace and strength. It isn’t always easy. I fail repeatedly to reach that moment where, as Paul says, I can be content in all circumstances. But I’m trying every day.

What about you? Are you choosing to be joyful or are you letting Satan have his way with your life? Today is all about hope and promise. Grasp it firmly and don’t let Satan take it away from you.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

What Has God Taught You Today?

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. -- 1 Peter 1:7

Some days you just wish God wouldn’t feel the need to test you. Some days you’d just like things to go smooth and easy. Some days you just want to make it through because you know tomorrow has just got to be a better day.

Probably everyone knows what I’m talking about. We’ve all had days like that. I one time sat for hours in a hot car with two dogs in the back seat because my car decided to die on the wrong side of the interstate. No one could find me in rush hour. Go figure. That’s a day I’d rather not ever repeat. But, you know, I have a lot more sympathy for people who are having car trouble now. I may not stop and help strangers but I do try to always say a prayer for them. I didn’t do that before.

A great many people have no doubt learned a few things during this economic downturn our country continues, to endure. Some have learned that hard-working people can’t always find a job. They’ve learned that honest and decent people sometimes lose their homes, cars and dignity through no fault of their own. They’ve learned that downward spirals can happen to anyone. Maybe they’ll remember to have empathy, compassion and lend a helping hand when they get on their financial feet again.

That’s the thing about lessons from God. He always uses the bad and the ugly to turn us into better people. God can turn even the worst things into good, if we’ll only let Him. No. God doesn’t want bad to happen to us. But He does sometimes allow it. Our promise is that we’ll never suffer anything we can’t endure with His help.

It’s something I’ve really thought about recently as a friend recovers from a serious motorcycle accident. God’s hand is everywhere during this awful time, bringing blessings and healing from something that could have been so much worse. His Presence has carried us through and will, without a doubt, continue to do so during her long recovery.

Peter tells us that our faith is more precious to God than gold. We are more precious to God. He wants us to know how much He loves us. God wants us to depend on Him, to learn from Him, to grow in faith and inner strength.

So what has God taught you recently? It kind of puts a different perspective on hard days and tough times, doesn’t it?

Monday, October 17, 2011

Care For God’s Flock

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers -- not just because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. -- 1 Peter 5:2-3

What has God entrusted to you? Who has God entrusted to you? Because God didn’t place us on this earth to merely exist. He gave us abilities and talents, responsibilities and possibilities.

We are here to serve Him, our Creator, our God, our Father. All that we do is meant to glorify God and care for His sheep.

So, I ask you again: What and who has He entrusted to you? Do you have children to nurture and raise? They could be our own. They could be students or the neighbor’ children. They could be nieces and nephews. But if God places a child in your path, do all you can to protect that child and see that he/she knows Jesus.

Some of us care for aging parents. Others care for siblings. Or elderly neighbors who are alone. One friend has taken it on himself to roll out the garbage cans of his elderly, widowed neighbors to the road the night before garbage pickup, then take the receptacles back to their house after garbage pickup. A simple task -- but a really big deal to someone who has trouble walking. My friend believes God put him in the midst of five widows for just such tasks as these.

Maybe you teach a Sunday school class or pass out bulletins at the front door of the church. Maybe you‘re the one who makes sure coffee is ready before everyone else arrives. Maybe all your kids’ friends gather at your house to socialize, to play, to feel welcome and safe.

We never really know sometimes how our actions effect the lives of others. When I was a small child, my great aunt taught me the words to “Jesus Loves Me.” It was one of my few memories of the time before my parents stopped attending church. The words of that song echoed in my mind many nights as I nursed my broken and rejected heart. I thanked her one day several years ago. She didn’t even remember it. We never know how what we‘re doing may impact someone else.

God put you where you are for a reason. Look around. Measure your words. Be free with your smiles. Let others see Jesus reflected outward from you. God has entrusted you to keep watch over His sheep. Don’t let Him down.

Friday, September 16, 2011

We Need God

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.

-- 1 Peter 5:6-7

Wow. This just sounds so easy. Like passing a glass of sweet tea to a friend. “Here you go. You drink this. I don‘t like it. I don‘t know what to do with it. So I‘m giving it to you. You deal with it.”

I keep thinking that one day I’ll uncover a secret ingredient that makes this whole step easier. The only problem is that I don’t think it exists. The “secret” isn’t a secret. The ingredient is trust. And life has taught me that trust isn’t a dependable thing.

But God is trustworthy. He is honest. He loves me, though sometimes I can’t imagine why. He wants good things for me. I could go on and on. I know all this in my head. I do. But it’s that heart of mine that has been broken by life so many times that really messes with that whole trust thing.

I have a running dialogue in my mind for any given scenario. Well, the bad ones anyway. I’ve learned to expect the worst and that’s a really bad place to be. I don’t want to chose that path again. I don’t want to believe those lies one more time. I want to believe God. I want to trust His vision of who I am and who I can be.

I look around and I see so many worries everywhere. I know I am not alone. I see the unemployed mother working in a backyard garden trying to grow food. I see the elderly woman living alone in an apartment in a dangerous area of town because it’s all she can afford. I see a couple longing for a child they can’t have. I see marriages breaking apart, children falling behind, and a world that is lost and flailing.

And then I remember His offer. Give Him our worries. Follow His light. Find answers and peace. All we have to do it admit what we already know: We don’t have the answers and we aren’t likely to. We need help. We need guidance. We need God

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

What Is Your Story?

And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.

-- 1 Peter 3:15a-16b

What is your story? How did you come to know Jesus? Was it gradual as you grew up attending church? Did it come after years of grappling about who God is and what Jesus did for you? Or was it an instant flash of understanding that transformed your life?

Everybody’s story is different. There is no right or wrong version. What’s important is that you recognize how you came to know Him. The reason? So you can tell others about what He’s given you.

At some point all of us want to share our faith with someone else. Maybe you’ve got a friend who’s hurting and really needs the peace that only God can provide. Maybe it’s a co-worker who lost a family member suddenly. Maybe it’s that grouchy neighbor who just seems so alone and yet pushes people away again and again.

How can you even begin when you don’t really know your own story? People don’t want to hear you quote Bible passages or repeat what your pastor said last Sunday. They want to hear what Jesus has done for you, personally. They want to hear your story. They want to know how Jesus changed you, how He has impacted your life.

So I’ll ask again: What is your story? If you’re squirming, uncomfortable, unsure even, that’s a sign that you need to spend some time figuring it out. Maybe read the Bible a little more. Maybe spend more time with God, not just talking to Him but listening to Him.

And figuring it all out for yourself. Because your faith isn’t simply about what you’ve been told to believe. It’s about what you believe in your heart. It’s about what Jesus means to you. You must understand that before you can share it with anyone else.

So figure out your story, then share it with others. Explain the hope you carry in your heart, being careful not to condemn or criticize others. That only makes them defensive and pushes them away from Christ. Instead, speak from your heart with words the Holy Spirit gives you. It is your story after all.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Live Like Jesus

Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world. -- 1 Peter 2:12

What does a Christian look like? Are Christians short or tall, bald or hairy, white, black, brown? Are Christians wealthy or poor? Do they reside only in the United States or anywhere? Silly questions, I know. But sometimes trying to find a Christian in all the public rhetoric seems silly too.

In his book Being Gray in a World of Black and White, Adam Hamilton noted that when he asked people why they didn’t attend church, they told him they liked Jesus but didn’t like Christians. We should all take a moment to think about that.

Hamilton, of course, didn’t stop with one question. He asked them to explain why they didn’t like Christians. The labels weren’t surprising. Hypocritical. Narrow-minded. You get the idea.

Of course, most Christians aren’t that way. You’re probably not that way. But, honestly, I could name quite a few who are. I’m sure they don’t see themselves in that light but every time you think that someone needs to “clean up his” act before he comes to church, you’re being exactly that way.

But the people who really give Christians a bad name are those in the public realm who are vocal with their narrow opinions and claim to speak for all of us. They are, Hamilton notes, the black-or-white opinion folks who refuse to even contemplate a gray area in between. I suppose they can’t see the gray because they refuse to listen to anyone whose opinion differs from their own.

That’s why those of us who do see the gray really need to get vocal about it. That doesn’t mean we throw out our values or the Bible or anything else that helps us determine right from wrong. It simply means that we listen to what other people have to say and try to understand where they’re coming from.
We forget sometimes that Jesus didn’t condemn the sinners. When He got angry, it was almost always at the religious groups who were so busy trying to make everyone keep their laws that they failed in the most basic areas of faith. Compassion. Love. Forgiveness. Mercy.

We can disagree with others without condemning them. We can live according to our Biblical interpretations without looking down on those who interpret things differently. Even as He hung dying on a cross, Jesus sought forgiveness for those who had murdered Him. And, yet, we condemn someone simply for having an opinion that is different from our own.

People see our behavior and group us under one big label titled Christians. How we live, how we respond to criticism, can impact how someone sees Jesus. We’re suppose to draw people toward Him, not push them away. Next time stop and think, listen and learn. Show someone who Jesus really is by living like He really does live inside of you.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Praise God In The Storm

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. -- 1 Peter 1:7

A few weeks ago, parts of Alabama and the Deep South were blasted by devastating tornadoes. Hundreds died. Many were left homeless, with physical and emotional scars that will last a lifetime. A test of faith.

A young woman and her two small children emerged from a basement, unhurt. Their home was destroyed. Literally. Nothing left but a few photos and a smattering of clothes buried underneath the rubble. They looked around their neighborhood. It was wiped out.

The woman’s father owned the home. People questioned how he was doing as he and others worked to clear away debris. He shook his head. Funny how little a house means, he said, when you daughter and grandchildren emerge unhurt. Kind of puts things in perspective.

His daughter marveled at the outstretched hands. She noted the volunteers who came by regularly to make sure they had food and water, tools for the cleanup, toiletries and other necessities. Compassion and kindness in the midst of tragedy.

Churches reached out, even when their buildings were gone. People learned that the church isn’t a place but rather the people who occupy that space. A few more folks found time to attend worship services. Out in the parking lot, standing or sitting in borrowed lawn chairs, paying attention to the words of the sermon and the songs. Praise for a God who remains faithful in the presence of the storm.

Thursday, May 19. 2011

Trust God

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him, will be the salvation of your souls.

-- 1 Peter 1:8-9

Trust. The firm belief in the reliability or truth or strength of a person or a thing. That’s what the dictionary says. I just know trust is something that doesn’t always come easy.

But I trust God. Do you? Do you trust Him to always do the right thing? Do you believe He always has your best interests in mind? Do you believe He’ll always take care of you?

What about when the doctor gives you a cancer diagnosis? What about when your spouse is killed in a car wreck? What about when a tornado destroys your home and leaves you without any material possessions? What about…well, you get where I’m coming from. It’s easy to trust when life is going just fine. It’s not always so easy when bad things happen and we don’t understand why.

Yet it is that faith that carries us through. It is that trust that gives us strength. We trust God’s love even when we don’t understand His reasons. We believe His promise of salvation and eternal life even as we stumble in the darkness that sometimes surrounds us.

I’ve never seen Jesus. And yet I have. Again and again. I have felt His Presence in the deepest parts of my soul. I have sought His guidance in the darkest nights. I have cried out to God in agony and laughed aloud in joy. He is my God and my everything. I’m counting on Him today, just as I did yesterday and as I will each day I walk on this earth.

Trust. No. I don’t trust easily. But I trust God to walk by my side no matter where the road goes. I trust God to carry me when I don’t have the strength to make it through another minute. I trust God to love me no matter what I’ve done and to welcome me back no matter where I’ve gone.

How about you? Do you trust God? Tell Him. He’d love to hear from you.