August 22, 2018

Where Is Home?

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” – John 14:23

What does home look like to you? Is it a place? Or is it the people that you love? Is it a particular state or city? Maybe it’s the house you grew up in or the house you live in now?

We all have a different definition of home. For some home is a safe haven but for others it’s filled with danger. For some home is where you are loved and accepted but for others home is where you are hated and cast out.

It’s taken me a long time to fully understand that I am always home with Jesus. There is a peace, a safety, that rests in the Presence of Jesus. He is with me now and one day I will dwell with Him forever in heaven. All this? It’s just temporary.

Have you ever noticed how often the Bible talks about places? Why do you think that is? Perhaps we are alive in this time for a reason. Perhaps we are also in this particular place for a reason. Have you ever considered that?

Because Jesus lives within us, we become the light of Jesus. Everywhere we go, our light shines out. Sometimes it shines in a good way. Sometimes we say or do things that dim how others see Jesus. But our light is always there.

So, consider your daily routine. Did you stop by the gas station on your way to work? What did others see? Were you crabby? Were you kind? Did you ignore others? Whether you were aware of it or not, you were representing Jesus.

What about your job? Do others note your integrity, the peaceful way you handle tough clients, the dedication you give to even menial tasks? Or do they talk about how well you play office politics? Are you cut-throat? Do you bark orders or whine about your work load? You’re representing Jesus. What do others see and hear?

If Jesus truly is at home in us, we represent Him everywhere we go. Every word we say and everything we do becomes a testimony to Him and about Him. We can’t turn that off but we sure can clean it up.

Imagine Jesus is walking beside you every day, all day long. How does your behavior change? What about your words? That’s how you should live. Because He is with you every moment of every single day.

April 18, 2018

Church Doesn’t Save You

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

It sounded good. Her voice was adamant, determined. Surely, she was speaking for God. Christians – true Christians – should be willing and able to give one hour each week to attend church and worship God.

Except, maybe, she was missing the point. Something one sweet friend pointed out.

Attending church each week doesn’t make us a Christian. Not even if we add Sunday school to the equation. It’s not about showing up. It’s not even about giving the correct answers. It’s about a Savior and our hearts.

Maybe she thinks that someone without a church home or regular church attendance needs a sermon. Maybe she believes faith will rub off on someone she cares about. Maybe she believes that one hour a week will make us all better people.

But here’s the thing: If all you’ve got for God is one hour each week, then maybe you don’t know Jesus at all. It’s a funny thing about faith. The more you know Jesus, the more you want to know. The more time you spend with Him, the more time you want to spend with Him.

I’m not saying that someone who doesn’t attend church, or someone who only spends time with God once a week, isn’t a Christian. Only God knows our hearts and knows whether we are truly saved or not. What I am saying is that true faith provides evidence of that in how we live our lives.

We all make mistakes. We are all sinners. We all at times do things we know we shouldn’t do. But there should be something in us that sets us apart, a light that shines truth, a heart that sees beyond ourselves.

Church isn’t about a building. It isn’t about style of worship or about showing up and ticking that box off your to-do list. It’s about learning and growing, about fellowship, about choosing to honor and glorify the One who saved us from eternal hell.

She was right about our need for fellowship with other believers. I always encourage people to get involved in a small group. Get to know people who share your faith. Let them hold you accountable and you do the same for them. Participate. Pray. Be there in heart and spirit, as well as in body.

And take your critical, pointing fingers down a notch. Be an encourager rather than a critic. Be part of the solution rather than stirring up discord and problems. Be kind. Be gracious. Let mercy fill your heart. See others through the eyes of Jesus.

Attending church is a wonderful thing. I rarely miss that. It’s the same with Sunday school and Bible study. But I do those things because they feed my heart, they bring me closer to Jesus and surround me with people who love Him too. It’s not about giving God an hour of my time. It’s about showing He is the foundation of my life.

May 25, 2016

Love And Obey God

 

“If you love me, keep my commands.” -- John 14:15

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” -- John 14:23

God and I are having an ongoing discussion. Actually, I guess it’s really me whining and God being a patient Father.

I want to do something. I am tired and I am stuck and I am very unhappy about it. God keeps telling me to wait. To be patient. I am not patient.

I know. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit. I don’t have it. I try. I do. But I don’t have it. God knows it and so do it.

Here’s the thing though: I love God with all my heart. I fail Him daily but I love Him. I also trust Him. In a world where I really don’t trust anyone anymore, I trust God.

So I’m doing what He has said. I’m waiting. I get impatient and I tell Him about it. I get tired and I cry out to Him. I feel the pressure of this task and I beg Him for strength and wisdom.

God always provides. Always. When His children cry out to Him, God hears and He always takes care of us. I count on that.

Just like I expect the attacks from Satan. They’ve been rolling in, again and again, until I think I can’t take anymore. I hide behind my God. My Father. My Abba. My protector.

There are people who would destroy me out of jealousy and hate. Lies are like poison and those that spew them out are filled with that poison. I could never battle that on my own. But God tells me to stand still and He will fight for me. I know He will.

The days are long but God is here. I trust Him to know what is best. Loving God and trusting Him means that I listen to what He says and try, to the best of my ability, to do what He says.

I haven’t learned a lot in this life. Some lessons I’ve had to learn several times. But the one thing I do know is that God is always on my side. He always wants what is best for me and will always guide me down the right path. My job is to follow Him.

So I pray every day for wisdom to know His will and the courage to do it. I love God. I trust Him. I want to do His will. What about you?

January 24, 2016

Faith Is What Matters

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. -- Ephesians 2:8-9

I was amazed. This long-standing Christian was talking about the need to do good works to be saved. Excuse me? No.

I quickly corrected him. We are saved by faith in Christ. It is His blood that washes us clean. Good works should spring from true salvation but works have nothing to do with us being saved.

He argued. I quoted some scripture, including this passage from Ephesians. He tried to brush me off nad just shook his head. A woman listening tried to stay out of the conversation. She probably isn’t allowed to talk about her faith. She just quietly said “that’s right” when I explained again about faith in Jesus.

I wonder how many people believe that good works will get them to heaven. It sounds good but they are playing with hell and that’s a scary thing. I’ve heard people say they would just take their chances. I’ve heard others say that someone was a good person and surely he went to heaven.

They don’t get it. Good works don’t matter. Really. They’re nice and all. But they aren’t a ticket to heaven. What does the Bible say?

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -- John 14:6

Do you believe the Bible? Do you believe Jesus? Then lets ask that question: How do you get in to heaven? Through faith in Jesus. Period.

　

　

Friday, October 19, 2012

Find God’s Will For Your Life

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

-- John 14:5-6

Where is your passion? What breaks your heart? What pushes you to anger? Where do you see need? Honest answers to these questions can help you discover God’s purpose for your life.

It’s easier to hide behind a screen of uncertainty. It’s more convenient to turn blindly away from what you see than to open yourself up to what you feel. It’s safer to stay where you are than to step up and out where God lights the path.

We feel empty inside. We don’t know our purpose for this life, we complain. We ask God to tell us what to do but we never stick around long enough to hear what He has to say.

What is your passion? God made us all differently. Some things excite you. Some things don’t. Maybe you love children. Maybe you’ve got a heart for the elderly. Maybe you love to travel or to cook or to grow vegetables. Whatever your passion is, that’s a good place to begin.

What breaks your heart? Some people are hard-hearted when it comes to the homeless but they’re heartbroken when it comes to someone facing cancer. Some people can’t deal with hospitals and illness but they ache for those desperately seeking working and trying to stay financially afloat. Again, everyone is different so follow your own heart.

What makes you angry? Do you get mad when people blame the poor for needing help? Do you get upset when the school system struggles to afford the supplies they need? Anger can be a good thing when it’s directed in such a way that causes good to come from it.

God wants to lead us to our purpose, the reason He created us. Sometimes it seems that we hear Him loud and clear. Other times we can’t seem to get past ourselves to hear what He’s trying to tell us.

There’s no way to be certain where God is leading you. Don’t use that as an excuse to procrastinate. Take a step forward. If a door opens, take another. And so it goes. If you are following God’s will for your life, He’ll light your path and make your way clear.

Don’t let yourself get too comfortable where you’re at. It’s just so easy to let life slip by and find out one day that you’re on the downside of life and you’ve never really done what you intended to do. God is waiting. Take a step in faith and find your purpose.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Some Days Just Hurt

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” -- John 14:18

I hate Mother’s Day. There. I’ve said it. It’s the one day of the year I wish I could bury my head under the covers and not emerge until the day has past. This day, above all others, is a reminder of what I am not and what I never had. It hurts.

The day never seemed that big of a deal until I returned to the Deep South. In this part of the country it seems that every woman is a mother. And every mother loves her children to pieces. Her grandchildren even more. Well, that’s not reality but it’s polite to pretend.

My reality isn’t so sweet. I once dreamed of a family of my own, with lots of children, laughter and love. I gave that dream up a long time ago. For a while I replaced it with the hope of a child who needed a home. That hope is gone too. A sadness remains, an aching that reminds me of what will never be.

Most days I know God made the best decision. How could a woman raised by a mother who hated her ever be enough for a precious child? Oh, wait a minute. A few years ago she decided that she really doesn’t hate me. She just doesn’t like me. Gee. That makes me feel so much better.

No. I’m not getting out the violins and launching into a self-pity party. It’s tempting but I’ve been down that road before. Nothing changes and there really is no point. Life is what it is. I’m very aware of all the many blessings I have in my life. I am grateful.

So, I’ll smile and nod as I face this day. I’ll force myself to remember that everyone means well and that, for some, this truly is a day of celebration. And I’ll remember that I’m not an orphan, no matter how I sometimes feel.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Do You Believe In Easter?

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so I wold have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. -- John 14:2

This story was forwarded to me by a good friend. I'd heard or seen it before, but didn't have a copy. I have no idea if Edith Burns was a real person or who originally wrote the story. But it is a wonderful story that touched my heart. I wanted to share it with you.

The Story of Edith Burns

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure.

Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up."

Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient."

With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up.

Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter.."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital in Texas. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen,” and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked…" Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death,
burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh, I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life.” Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross
did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying nor pain."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross...Do you believe in Easter?"

If you believe in Easter, forward this on. God works in wonderful ways, and to believe in his power is to truly be free. If Jesus had e-mail, he'd do the same for you. (Actually, maybe He just did)


"Father, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day"

Monday, April 11, 2011

Peace Comes From God

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

-- John 14:27

At the Lutheran churches I've visited, there is a time to greet those seated around you. Lots of churches have that. Except at the Lutheran churches, you smile, shake hands and say, "Peace be with you." Oh, how I want some of that peace.

The dictionary defines peace as being a state of freedom, without war or civil disorder, or a state of harmony between people, the absence of strife. All those things are wonderful but they talk about things of the world, about relationships between people. I want to feel peace within me. I want a settled soul that refuses to doubt, to fear, to worry. That's the peace I want.

I suppose you could use that dictionary definition. I don't want a war within me as to what I should or should not do. I want to walk confidently in God's light, following closely behind Him so that I don't take a wrong turn. I want to feel the freedom that only Christ brings. That is peace to me.

I also don't want to fight with other people. I want everyone to get along and live in harmony with one another. I want to shove my ego and my pride to its dark place and focus instead on the light that comes with loving relationships. I want to see everyone -- including people who don't like me -- through God's eyes. I want to love them like Jesus. There's a peace in that, in not needing anything from them and being okay with it.

The peace I want only comes from God. It is a deep feeling of security in knowing that Jesus paid my way. He took the punishment for my sins. I'm headed home one day to a place full of light and love and beauty that is unimaginable. In the meantime, all this around me is just stuff.

I have no idea the direction the days ahead will take. Or even if there will be days ahead. I only know I want desperately to feel God's peace on this journey. I want to know that I am walking the path He laid out for me. I want the confidence that comes with knowing He's right there with me every step of the way. I want to feel His Presence at all times and remember that I am not alone. There is peace in that. And I want it.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Jesus Offers Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

-- John 14:27

The Lutheran Church, like many others, has a greet-those-around-you time shortly after the service begins. Except they don't use the common "How are you?" or "Good to see you" comments. Instead, everyone says "Peace be with you." It was a little strange to me at first, but I really like it. Those four simple words are packed with meaning.

We've all had times when we sure could use a little peace. You're waiting on medical test results and it could be cancer. Your job is being eliminated and you don't know how you'll ever get another one. You had a fight with your spouse and the anger is eating you up inside. The list goes on and on. Life is rarely an easy journey. It's filled with peaks and valleys and lots of green and brown patches in between. Sometimes it just gets to be too much.

Peace. That's what Jesus promised.  He told us He would be a safe haven from the stress and worry and struggles of this world. He didn't promise to take those things away but rather to be our refuge along that journey. We are given His strength -- His peace -- to weather whatever storm comes along. We are never alone.

"Do not be afraid," Jesus said. We belong to Him. That's the one sure thing amidst all this stuff that swirls around us. We bear His mark. "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He is there. Always. Close your eyes and feel His peace wash over you. You are safe in His arms.