"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:1-2 NLT
I think that we treat following Jesus like working our way through a buffet line. The Bible says to be renewed in our thinking. To live a life of worship to God. To live a life that is contrary to the standards of the world. But instead, we work our way through the buffet line. We pick and choose what teachings of Christ we want to follow and the ones we don't. We add a heaping spoonful of grace and prosperity to our self-indulgent plates. But we turn up our noses at obedience and selflessness.
Jesus didn't just give a piece of Himself for us at the cross. He doesn't just offer us a partial relationship. He gives us His all.
So, as you go through the buffet line of following Jesus, what are you leaving off your plate? Why? Try eating your veggies. You just might find they're not only good for you, you might actually like them!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Suffering
"And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering." Romans 8:17 NLT
We don't like to talk about suffering. Even less, we don't like to suffer. We pay millions of dollars to avoid suffering. We purchase appliances, medicines, and even addictions to ease our suffering. We like the scriptures that teach prosperity, happiness, and ease. But, we avoid the passages that speak to our suffering.
There are various types of suffering. I just lost a close friend. His wife is suffering her loss. Some suffering is self-inflicted. We spend without thinking and suffer the consequences of debt or bankruptcy. We treat someone we say we love with contempt and suffer the lose of a relationship.
Sometimes we suffer for doing the right things. We suffer because we follow Jesus. The Christ follower that won't compromise their relationship with Jesus for an immoral relationship with a lover. They suffer loneliness and rejection. The person that won't compromise their relationship with Christ over their family. They suffer loss and rejection.
Jesus suffered in our humanity. He suffered through rejection, temptation, loss, ridicule, poverty and finally the cross. Don't think that God is angry with you, uncaring or unreal when you suffer. Jesus said that in this world we will have suffering. But He also said that we should take heart, because He overcame the world. He has something much better in store for us.
We are not alone in our sufferings. In the midst of your suffering cling to Jesus. Cling to your living hope!
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, 'For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.') No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 NLT
We don't like to talk about suffering. Even less, we don't like to suffer. We pay millions of dollars to avoid suffering. We purchase appliances, medicines, and even addictions to ease our suffering. We like the scriptures that teach prosperity, happiness, and ease. But, we avoid the passages that speak to our suffering.
There are various types of suffering. I just lost a close friend. His wife is suffering her loss. Some suffering is self-inflicted. We spend without thinking and suffer the consequences of debt or bankruptcy. We treat someone we say we love with contempt and suffer the lose of a relationship.
Sometimes we suffer for doing the right things. We suffer because we follow Jesus. The Christ follower that won't compromise their relationship with Jesus for an immoral relationship with a lover. They suffer loneliness and rejection. The person that won't compromise their relationship with Christ over their family. They suffer loss and rejection.
Jesus suffered in our humanity. He suffered through rejection, temptation, loss, ridicule, poverty and finally the cross. Don't think that God is angry with you, uncaring or unreal when you suffer. Jesus said that in this world we will have suffering. But He also said that we should take heart, because He overcame the world. He has something much better in store for us.
We are not alone in our sufferings. In the midst of your suffering cling to Jesus. Cling to your living hope!
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, 'For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.') No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 NLT
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thank you God for Women
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last,
but a woman who fears the LORD will be
greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30 NLT
As we all know--or should know--this Sunday is a day that we dedicate ourselves to honoring our mothers. After all, if there weren't mothers, you and I wouldn't be here now would we?
I come to this day with two thoughts: one is that mothers are very special people and should be honored. Every day. Not just one day a year. Their role is such an important one. And they don't always get the respect and thanks that they should.
The other thought is this--I have known women who would give their eye teeth to be able to become a mom and for whatever the circumstance is, aren't. Shouldn't they be honored as well? Special days like this Sunday is like a sword to them. It brings to home the emptiness, the sadness, the ache. Some women may even feel that they are being "punished". Of course they aren't. But that's how they feel.
And then there is the woman who just chooses not the become a mom. What about her?
So, this is what I am thinking. This Sunday, May 10th, let's honor ALL women. Not to take away from our mothers, but God created all women.
I am so thankful for all the special women that the Lord has brought into my life. My mom. I know that we have had an estranged relationship, but she is my mother and I treasure her. My strong & beautiful Peggy, who amazes me so often with her ability to take what God gives her, the good and the bad, and runs with it. Amanda, the daughter of my heart, that at 19 has such grace and wisdom that is far above her years. My friend Melanie, who lost her daughter 2 years ago to cancer and now is losing her husband to brain cancer--she's re-teaching me the importance of making every day count. Kay Mickel, who's strength in the Lord, keeps her going to chemo every week, knowing she's going to feel horrible the next day. And when you see her, she has such a beaming smile. The list could go on.
If you have a woman in your life that has made an impact, tell her. If you have an estrange relationship, if appropriate, call and make amends. What could be a more appropriate time?
but a woman who fears the LORD will be
greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30 NLT
As we all know--or should know--this Sunday is a day that we dedicate ourselves to honoring our mothers. After all, if there weren't mothers, you and I wouldn't be here now would we?
I come to this day with two thoughts: one is that mothers are very special people and should be honored. Every day. Not just one day a year. Their role is such an important one. And they don't always get the respect and thanks that they should.
The other thought is this--I have known women who would give their eye teeth to be able to become a mom and for whatever the circumstance is, aren't. Shouldn't they be honored as well? Special days like this Sunday is like a sword to them. It brings to home the emptiness, the sadness, the ache. Some women may even feel that they are being "punished". Of course they aren't. But that's how they feel.
And then there is the woman who just chooses not the become a mom. What about her?
So, this is what I am thinking. This Sunday, May 10th, let's honor ALL women. Not to take away from our mothers, but God created all women.
I am so thankful for all the special women that the Lord has brought into my life. My mom. I know that we have had an estranged relationship, but she is my mother and I treasure her. My strong & beautiful Peggy, who amazes me so often with her ability to take what God gives her, the good and the bad, and runs with it. Amanda, the daughter of my heart, that at 19 has such grace and wisdom that is far above her years. My friend Melanie, who lost her daughter 2 years ago to cancer and now is losing her husband to brain cancer--she's re-teaching me the importance of making every day count. Kay Mickel, who's strength in the Lord, keeps her going to chemo every week, knowing she's going to feel horrible the next day. And when you see her, she has such a beaming smile. The list could go on.
If you have a woman in your life that has made an impact, tell her. If you have an estrange relationship, if appropriate, call and make amends. What could be a more appropriate time?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Ultimate Day Planner
"For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLT
For those of you that know me, this may take you by surprise, but I like to plan. No kidding! I'm a planner. I make the plan and then release it to someone else to get accomplish. Then I start a new plan. And release. The cycle continues. Until, uhg, there's a bump in the road. Man, does that irritate me. I don't remember planning a bump in the road in my plan. Great! Now I need to plan a plan-revision. That definitely wasn't in my plan.
Do you relate to me? Does any of this sound familiar? We are a society of planners--time-fillers. We have Blackberries, laptops, cellphones--to help us to control our time. But what about God? I'm as guilty as the next person. I get so wrapped up with my planning, that I don't always remember to bring God in. To ask Him His blessing, His input. And then, uhg, the infamous bump in the road.
Bumps in the road can be very irritating but they can also be a blessing. A gentle reminder from the LORD, "Hello, I think I have a better plan." And He's right you know. He is the ultimate planner. He created the earth in six days. Pretty impressive resume, don't you think?
If we give our day to the Lord, then we will have the assurance that whatever happens that day, whatever we get accomplished or don't get accomplished, was a part of His divine plan. And with that assurance, comes peace and tranquility. We can release any hurriness, guilt or regret and enjoy the life and people He has blessed us with.
What about you? Who's going to schedule your day? Try trusting Jesus.
"You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21 NLT
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NLT
For those of you that know me, this may take you by surprise, but I like to plan. No kidding! I'm a planner. I make the plan and then release it to someone else to get accomplish. Then I start a new plan. And release. The cycle continues. Until, uhg, there's a bump in the road. Man, does that irritate me. I don't remember planning a bump in the road in my plan. Great! Now I need to plan a plan-revision. That definitely wasn't in my plan.
Do you relate to me? Does any of this sound familiar? We are a society of planners--time-fillers. We have Blackberries, laptops, cellphones--to help us to control our time. But what about God? I'm as guilty as the next person. I get so wrapped up with my planning, that I don't always remember to bring God in. To ask Him His blessing, His input. And then, uhg, the infamous bump in the road.
Bumps in the road can be very irritating but they can also be a blessing. A gentle reminder from the LORD, "Hello, I think I have a better plan." And He's right you know. He is the ultimate planner. He created the earth in six days. Pretty impressive resume, don't you think?
If we give our day to the Lord, then we will have the assurance that whatever happens that day, whatever we get accomplished or don't get accomplished, was a part of His divine plan. And with that assurance, comes peace and tranquility. We can release any hurriness, guilt or regret and enjoy the life and people He has blessed us with.
What about you? Who's going to schedule your day? Try trusting Jesus.
"You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21 NLT
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Life is a Gift
"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.
Before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5 NLT
Recently I was confronted by a Christian sister that was in tears. The night before, a 20 year old young man in our community had committed suicide. She was confused and angry. She wanted to know why God hadn't shown her that this young man was in pain so that she could of tried to help him. She saw him everyday at the feedstore and she said she could have helped him but instead, God had just let the young man struggle alone.
Yes, God allows us to struggle at times, but NEVER alone. And I'm not sure where his heart or spirit were, but along with Himself there, God did send angels to try to spare him--his mother, his brother, his girlfriend, some friends--they were there but this young man had freewill and he choose what he choose.
Please understand, I'm not being callous. But in my years of counseling, a person who really wants to end it, will end it. No matter what. They have come to the brickwall. For whatever reason, to them, taking their life is the only answer. What they don't think about is the ones they leave behind. The guilt that the survivors feel is tremendous. Like this sister, the what if's and if only, keep going around and around.
Life is a precious gift from God. He formed you and as He created you, He designed great plans for you and your life. What you do with that life is up to you because with the gift of life, He also gave us the gift of freewill.
Don't let life get so lost that the only option is to check out. I know that suicide is a subject that can be uncomfortable to talk about. But with it happening more and more these days, it needs to be talked about.
You need to know that every day is a gift from your Heavenly Father and even if it runs rough, it is only for a time. Turn to Jesus--He will bring you through. Turn to His Word, the Bible--it will strengthen you. Turn to a good group of support people that you trust and are well-grounded--they will carry and encourage you.
Life IS a gift--are you going to accept it or reject it?
"Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life." Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
Before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5 NLT
Recently I was confronted by a Christian sister that was in tears. The night before, a 20 year old young man in our community had committed suicide. She was confused and angry. She wanted to know why God hadn't shown her that this young man was in pain so that she could of tried to help him. She saw him everyday at the feedstore and she said she could have helped him but instead, God had just let the young man struggle alone.
Yes, God allows us to struggle at times, but NEVER alone. And I'm not sure where his heart or spirit were, but along with Himself there, God did send angels to try to spare him--his mother, his brother, his girlfriend, some friends--they were there but this young man had freewill and he choose what he choose.
Please understand, I'm not being callous. But in my years of counseling, a person who really wants to end it, will end it. No matter what. They have come to the brickwall. For whatever reason, to them, taking their life is the only answer. What they don't think about is the ones they leave behind. The guilt that the survivors feel is tremendous. Like this sister, the what if's and if only, keep going around and around.
Life is a precious gift from God. He formed you and as He created you, He designed great plans for you and your life. What you do with that life is up to you because with the gift of life, He also gave us the gift of freewill.
Don't let life get so lost that the only option is to check out. I know that suicide is a subject that can be uncomfortable to talk about. But with it happening more and more these days, it needs to be talked about.
You need to know that every day is a gift from your Heavenly Father and even if it runs rough, it is only for a time. Turn to Jesus--He will bring you through. Turn to His Word, the Bible--it will strengthen you. Turn to a good group of support people that you trust and are well-grounded--they will carry and encourage you.
Life IS a gift--are you going to accept it or reject it?
"Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This is the key to your life." Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Heart Reflections
"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person." Proverbs 27:19 NLT
When you were a little person, did you ever stand next a puddle of water and see your reflection in it? Did you stand there and make faces in it? Or did you jump in it? I must admit, I've been known to make faces and jump in--with both feet!
Isn't that just like life? We don't want people to get too close, to see into our lives too clearly, so we break up the clear reflection and make things murky so that people will see just what we want them to see. We act goofy so that it distracts people from looking too close. To see into our hearts.
I'm sure you have heard of the saying, "Be careful of what you say, because it shows what is hidden in your heart." And to a huge degree, that is true. We are a world of people that feel the need to disguise our imperfections. Our hair greys, we color. Our skin sags, we tuck. We have additions, we hide. The list could go on. But while we can hide a lot of things, sooner or later, what we are truly like inside will come forth. And the center of us is our heart.
"Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze cover a clay pot." Proverbs 26:23 NLT
What about you? Do you hide your heart so that no one sees the real you or are you transparent? It's scary to let people see the "real" you, to look into your heart. I know, I've been there. On the other hand, it is so freeing. To know that you aren't living a double life. That you are being true not only to yourself, but to your Lord.
God never said you had to be perfect. All He commands you to do is to love Him with your whole heart and soul and mind.
When you were a little person, did you ever stand next a puddle of water and see your reflection in it? Did you stand there and make faces in it? Or did you jump in it? I must admit, I've been known to make faces and jump in--with both feet!
Isn't that just like life? We don't want people to get too close, to see into our lives too clearly, so we break up the clear reflection and make things murky so that people will see just what we want them to see. We act goofy so that it distracts people from looking too close. To see into our hearts.
I'm sure you have heard of the saying, "Be careful of what you say, because it shows what is hidden in your heart." And to a huge degree, that is true. We are a world of people that feel the need to disguise our imperfections. Our hair greys, we color. Our skin sags, we tuck. We have additions, we hide. The list could go on. But while we can hide a lot of things, sooner or later, what we are truly like inside will come forth. And the center of us is our heart.
"Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze cover a clay pot." Proverbs 26:23 NLT
What about you? Do you hide your heart so that no one sees the real you or are you transparent? It's scary to let people see the "real" you, to look into your heart. I know, I've been there. On the other hand, it is so freeing. To know that you aren't living a double life. That you are being true not only to yourself, but to your Lord.
God never said you had to be perfect. All He commands you to do is to love Him with your whole heart and soul and mind.
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Deeper Issue
"Then the devil said to Him, 'If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.'
But Jesus told him, 'No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.'"
Luke 4:3,4 NLT
Jesus had been fasting in the wilderness for forty days. He was very hungry. He was at a vulnerable point in His life. Satan took advantage of the weakness in Christ. He tempted Jesus to turn stone into bread so He could meet his immediate need; His hunger. Sounded logical. After all, Jesus could turn the stone into bread if He wanted to. But He chose not to do so. Why? Jesus knew that the changing the stone issue wasn't the true issue. The real issue at hand was not His hunger. It was His dependence on His Father and the Holy Spirit. There was a "deeper issue."
We get challenged the same way today. We perceive an issue in our life to be the main issue. For example, an alcoholic may say the issue in his life is his drinking. But the real issue is why is he choosing to drink? What are the factors underlying his drinking addiction?
When our son Jordan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I was mad. But God showed me that there was a deeper issue with Jordan. God is still in the miracle business. But what if He used Jordan's disease to help shape Jordan into the man of God he is called to be? What if God used Jordan's diabetes to shape his destiny? What if God was glorified in spite of Jordan's weakness?
So here are the questions that I have been asking myself. I'll ask you too. What "loaf of bread" or request are you asking God for? What is the deeper issue?
But Jesus told him, 'No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.'"
Luke 4:3,4 NLT
Jesus had been fasting in the wilderness for forty days. He was very hungry. He was at a vulnerable point in His life. Satan took advantage of the weakness in Christ. He tempted Jesus to turn stone into bread so He could meet his immediate need; His hunger. Sounded logical. After all, Jesus could turn the stone into bread if He wanted to. But He chose not to do so. Why? Jesus knew that the changing the stone issue wasn't the true issue. The real issue at hand was not His hunger. It was His dependence on His Father and the Holy Spirit. There was a "deeper issue."
We get challenged the same way today. We perceive an issue in our life to be the main issue. For example, an alcoholic may say the issue in his life is his drinking. But the real issue is why is he choosing to drink? What are the factors underlying his drinking addiction?
When our son Jordan was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I was mad. But God showed me that there was a deeper issue with Jordan. God is still in the miracle business. But what if He used Jordan's disease to help shape Jordan into the man of God he is called to be? What if God used Jordan's diabetes to shape his destiny? What if God was glorified in spite of Jordan's weakness?
So here are the questions that I have been asking myself. I'll ask you too. What "loaf of bread" or request are you asking God for? What is the deeper issue?
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