Flexibility

I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, working at the wheel. Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased. Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed like, clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand (Jer. 18:3-6).

Last Tuesday night, my church choir had its dress rehearsal with our orchestra. It was the final tune-up (pun intended) for our performance of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem which we will sing along with several shorter pieces on Saturday evening to commemorate the Feast of All Souls, or what is known in the Hispanic community as El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Most of the orchestra members this time around have not played for us in the past, so as a conductor, I had to get accustomed to them, as did they to me.

It takes time for musicians to gel as an ensemble to the point where they can anticipate what I might do as a conductor, and for me to learn what kind of cues I need to give them or specific points in the music I need to pay attention to for one instrument or another. Doing that takes sensitivity and clear communication on both sides.

One of the instruments in this particular ensemble is the harp. As we were rehearsing one song, we noticed that the harp was getting drowned out by all the other instruments. So we made an adjustment and dropped the piano part. Instead, the pianist switched over to the organ and provided some light accompaniment in the low register to give the piece a little more sonority, while allowing the sweetness of the harp to come through. What made that change possible was that the pianist was flexible and willing to try something different. The end result was a much more beautiful sound.

This episode reminded me of the passage above about the potter and the need to exercise that kind of flexibility with the Lord. It's easy to profess that I believe that His plans for me are perfect. But sometimes I recoil when He asks me to do something that I think sounds a little crazy, or makes me uncomfortable, or that I'm absolutely sure won’t work.

It's a consolation to me that I have good company in that regard. The prophet Jeremiah went so far as to kind of shake his finger at God and rebuke Him for having made him suffer indignation and even persecution for the prophecies he was speaking in the Lord’s name. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the Lord has brought me derision and reproach all the day (Jer. 20:7b-8).

As much as Jeremiah tried to keep God and His plans at arm’s length, he found he could not do so. I say to myself, I will not mention Him. I will speak in His name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart (Jer. 20:9). Although it was uncomfortable for him, Jeremiah stayed the course and remained faithful to proclaiming the word of God as he had received it and to his calling as a prophet.

It's important to pay attention to that "burning fire in the heart" that comes when the Spirit of God is near and at work in us. It happened to Jeremiah; it happened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. While God is a gentleman and will never force Himself upon us, He does have a way of speaking consistently and even insistently when He wants to shake us out of our complacency or get us to stretch beyond the familiar. We need to answer His voice just as Samuel did: Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening (1 Sm. 3:10).

I, for one, can be pretty stubborn when it comes to getting out of my spiritual comfort zone (just ask my spiritual director LOL!) But in those moments when I can break free from my own sense of pigheadedness, I have learned that there is a peculiar and indescribable sense of peace that comes from trusting and humbly acquiescing to the perfect will of God. I've also learned that being obedient to the leading of the Spirit will never go unrewarded, even when doing so makes the going difficult. God cannot be outdone in generosity, and the reward for taking up our cross daily and following Christ as He commanded is that peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7) in this life, and the promise of eternal glory in the end. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1Pt.5:6).

Prayer Request: That we might become more humble and pliable in the hand of the Potter.

Prayer: Lord, you know how change and challenges scare us. Grant us the grace to surrender ourselves completely into Your hands, that we might confidently complete those tasks to which Your perfect will calls us. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Water

Scripture: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)

I don't like water. Odd as that sounds, I just can't seem to make myself drink any unless I'm really, really thirsty because I don't like the taste. But without water, we put our bodies in danger. Our organs don't work properly, our skin dries out, and the body swells as it tries to retain and conserve water when we don't drink enough. Our bodies are made up of 70% water (according to Wikpedia.com). So water is pretty important to our make up. So I discovered flavored water, and it has helped me intake much more water than I ever would otherwise!

In the bible, God made it clear that as important as water is to our bodies, so He is to our souls. There are many times, on a hot day, where I head straight for the refrigerator and drink as much cold water as I can, flavored or not. Why? Because my body is dehydrated, and “survival” kicks in.

So it is with God. How many of us ignore God until something bad happens, and like a mad dash to the fridge on a hot day, we plant our faces in the carpet and start talking to Him? By and large, you will find that drinking water throughout the day, (like spending more time with God), is so much healthier than waiting for your body to start begging for a drink – (or your spirit to mourn the loss of the closeness with God).

I was once asked in a bible study, “Do you have a running conversation with God throughout the day, or do you just talk to him occasionally during the week?” Like my water intake (prior to discovering flavored water), I had to answer honestly – I speak to Him occasionally during the week.

But in life, there is always room for growth and improvement. I'm working on both drinking more water, because I know it's healthier for me and teaching myself to have a “running conversation” with God throughout the day about everything. Not just hitting my knees when “survival” kicks in and I really, really need Him. Perhaps if I communicated with my Lord on a much more frequent basis, I wouldn't have to hit my knees quite so often or as hard as a desperate measure to draw close to Him. I would love to develop a relationship with God as described in Psalm 63:1: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” The imagery is that of needing God every breathing moment, remaining constantly “thirsty” for Him. Oh that I could have that kind of relationship with my Lord!

Prayer: Lord, if only You could teach us all to thirst for You in our lives, to continually draw from Your bottomless well, keeping us close to You. Help us to increase our time with You throughout the day, no matter how busy we are, or what is happening in our lives. Keep us close to You always, not just when we are desperate after being away so long. Amen

TAKING THOUGHT - OR NOT

Scripture:
"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?" (Matthew 6:31)

The Greek word used here for "thought" is "merimnao" and denotes "to be anxious or careful". In this passage, as well as the parallel passage in Luke 12:22-32, Jesus is commanding us not to worry or be anxious about our material needs being met. It would be impossible to have no thought whatsoever about our physical needs. Even Jesus thought about His need for money to pay taxes (Mt. 17:24-27). We are simply not to be preoccupied with thinking about riches or spending our time worrying about necessities. These things will be added unto us as we seek first the Kingdom of God.

The way we take or receive an anxious thought is by speaking it. Doubtful thoughts will come, but we do not sin until we entertain them. According to this verse, speaking forth these thoughts is one way of entertaining them; therefore, don't speak forth these negative thoughts.

It is imperative that we watch the words we say. Begin to speak words in faith that line up with God's Word, then positive results will follow. If we speak words of doubt, we will eventually believe them and have the negative things that these words produce. There are no such things as "idle" words which will not work for or against us. Death or life is in the power of every word we speak (Prov. 18:21). Our words can be our most powerful weapon against the devil, or they can become a snare of the devil (Prov. 6:2).

Today watch your words. Speak only things that will express your faith, trust, and confidence in the Lord and not your fear about the situations you face.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the power you gave us in you Word and that we can speak your Word with complete confidence in the victory we have through the Cross. Holy Spirit of God lead us to speak words of love and peace revealing Jesus in our lives.

http://www.awmi.net/devotion/jesus/mar_10

Martyrdom

Scripture: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this, they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.” (Acts 7:55-57)

In the book of Acts, the first martyr of Christ is recorded, a man named Stephen, who was spreading the Gospel and falsely accused of blasphemy. But before Stephen, were the prophets of the old testament who would speak on God's behalf. Sometimes their words were heeded, and other times, they were hunted down and killed, for the people they were sent to speak to didn't want to be bothered with what God had to say.

These days, you hear the word “martyr” on an almost daily basis, more often on the news regarding radical Islamics involved in suicide bombings, considered “martyrs” for their religion.

Martyrdom. It's a heavy word to consider. It's a scary word. So what exactly is a martyr? In the religious sense, it is one who chooses death rather than renounce religious principles or one who makes great sacrifices or endures much suffering in order to further a belief, cause, or principle. (Source: www.dictionary.com). I found this quote while reading the definition of 'martyr': “One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel; one who is put to death for his religion, as, Stephen was the first Christian martyr.” ~ Chaucer

I can't help but reflect on my own life, faith, and strength of character. None of us ever want to die for our faith, surely. But would you? It's a hard question to face, but in the end, you just really never know how you will react under the worst of circumstances in any event. I used to be deathly terrified of earthquakes up into my twenties. I would be struck by a numbing panic. But in my thirties, something changed, I grew calmer, I thought things out in the midst of the shaking. I didn't panic, but rather, moved with purpose. I wouldn't have known about the change until my reaction had been tested.

Maybe we will never have to face such a circumstance, dying for our faith. I pray we don't. But one thing is sure. Whatever we face in our futures as Christians, no matter how dark it gets, or how strong the enemy seems to become, we have a God that promises to stand with us no matter what. He may not pull us out of our circumstance like a super hero, swooping down at the last second (though He has done similar things in the lives of many people), but He will never leave us nor forsake us, that is a promise. (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 Joshua 1:5)

So what do we do, but continue on the Father's business. Personally, I take comfort in the following scripture: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Corinthians 15:58)

Prayer request: Pray for Christians around the world who are suffering for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

Prayer: Lord, we ask for Your protection from adversity. We especially pray for the safety of our missionaries all around the world, who are putting their lives on the line to spread the Gospel. Help us to stand firmly on Your word no matter what happens around us, because ultimately, You are in control. Draw us ever closer to you ever day, and give us strength to stand no matter the circumstance. Amen

Scripture:
"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." (John 6:26)

Jesus knew the hearts of all men and therefore, He did not commit Himself to this crowd. Just the day before, these same people tried to take Him by force and make Him their king, but He withdrew and spent the night in prayer.

This crowd looked like they were seeking Jesus, but they were actually trying to use Jesus to seek their own end. It is true that there are many personal benefits to be reaped through serving the Lord, but the benefits are never to become our object. In all things, Christ must have the preeminence (Col. 1:18).

Jesus exposed the true intentions of the people's hearts by preaching a strong message of commitment. Those who were self-centered were offended and left while those who were willing to lay down their lives to experience God's abundant life remained. Commitment to God Himself (not what He can produce) is what always separates the true worshippers of God from the false.

As Jesus began to explain in these verses that He was the only way to the Father (Jn. 14:6) and that they would have to come through Him, the people grew angry. It always angers the flesh to think that all our righteous acts can't save us, but Jesus made it clear that our only part in salvation is to believe. Believe what? Believe on Jesus and His sacrifice - not ours. Salvation is a gift and cannot be purchased (Rom. 10:2-3).

Many times, we get so intent on seeking God in one area that we forget the greatest miracle of all, which is the love and redemption given to us from God through His Son. God loves us so much!

Prayer:
Thank you Lord for loving us. We surrender all to you and desire only to serve you.

http://www.awmi.net/devotion/jesus/may_11

What is your heart broken by?

Scriptures: The sacrifices of God are a broken heart; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

In 1947, on a mission trip for Youth for Christ to China, Rev. Bob Pierce met a lady by the name of Tena Hoelkedoer. She introduced to Rev. Pierce a battered and abandoned child named White Jade. She asked Rev. Pierce, “What are you going to do about her?” Rev. Pierce gave the woman his last five dollars and agreed to send the same amount each month to help the woman raise this child.

This encounter pierced his heart. In the flyleaf of his bible, he wrote, “Let my heart be broken with the things that breaks the heart of God.” His life was totally changed. He was consumed with the mission to care for the poor, especially the children. He came back to North America and started his life-long quest to serve those in need. In his quest, he first founded World Vision International which has now grown to be one of the largest humanitarian organizations that serves people in need in near 100 countries around the world. He later also founded another Christian organization, Samaritan’s Purse, for evangelistic missions.

His compassion for those in need was moving, as evidenced in his speeches and efforts. One time, he was asked by Frank Graham how to “shake people off their complacency.” He said he had “become a part of the suffering. I literally felt the child’s blindness, the mother’s grief…. It was all too real to me when I stood before an audience.” Bob identified with those in suffering. He was there with them and he lived their pains. But that wasn’t all there was for he went with a determination that he was willing to be heart-broken with anything that would break the heart of God. I think, it was this heart that first of all felt the heart of God that empowered him to accomplish what he had done in the name of Christ.

It was a time of war and restless when Bob saw White Jade. It was one man and one child back in 1947. But, today, millions of children’s lives have been changed through millions of God’s people’s joint efforts around the world. That is great!

But, if we take a look at the world we are in today, there’s still wars and restlessness. It’s ironic to see some countries spending billions of dollars hosting international conferences and events while relying on international support to help and rebuild the lives of the victims of natural disasters in their backyard. Something is wrong, and terribly wrong! Yet, the bottom line is the needs are still great out there. From 1947 till now, I wonder just how much we have really improved human conditions!

Those needs we see in developing countries exist on our streets, too. Those homeless, victims of child abuse and domestic abuse, poverty and illness, the list of needs goes on and on. I don’t know how much we can do individually. But, I think we should, at a minimum, be able to feel their suffering and needs lest we become what Jesus warned His disciples about, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

Maybe we are not called to do great things like Bob. But, what are we allowing to break our hearts with? Nothing and no one? I think, for everyone God sends our way, there must be something we can do, a few dollars, a phone call for help, a ride to take them to a mission / shelter, and more. May God help us to become more effective vessels of His love and grace that usher people in the divine opportunities to know Him, the one and only true life-transformer.

Prayer Request:
For children in poverty

Prayers:

Father of mercy, please help us to be more sensitive to the needs of people around us and around the globe. We thank You for the beautiful footprints of many who have walked in accordance with Your heart before us in testimonies of Your true and life-changing love. Help us to be Your arms and hands to reach out to those in need for we ask in the name of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, A-men!

Vote With Your Knees

When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning (Jn. 15:26-27).

The other day, I read an article that spoke to the subtlety of the Enemy's tactics. This one had to do with religious persecution. The article was about a public college in California. Apparently, a student went to see one of her professors about an assignment. When the student arrived at the professor’s office, she noticed that the teacher wasn’t feeling well, and asked if she could pray over her. The professor consented.

While the student was praying, a staff member happened to walk down the hall and noticed what was happening in the professor’s office. He blurted out, “This is a public college. You can’t do that here!” Mind you, the student had asked permission and the professor had consented. The prayer was happening in the professor’s office in private, not out on the football field. The staff member took action and sought to have the student expelled. Expelled for praying! What is this world coming to when high priced attorneys defend the right to post all manner of smut on the internet, calling it freedom of speech, but yet, a simple prayer offered out of the kindness of a young’s person’s heart is somehow threatening to our way of life? Lord, have mercy!

I cannot help but be reminded the 19th chapter of Luke, where Jesus weeps for Jerusalem. I am sure He is weeping over America too. If this day you only knew what makes for peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes (Lk. 19:42). Our religious leaders have been warning us for years about the moral slippery slope we’ve been on. I don’t know how it is in other states, but there are a couple of measures on the ballot here in California that directly address moral issues. One in particular, if not passed, would make it virtually illegal for parents to teach their children in opposition to what may soon be taught in public schools regarding marriage. In addition, churches could lose their non profit status and commensurate tax exemptions if their clergy preach against the norms of today’s culture. It's not out of the realm of possibility and it is scary!

We have an opportunity and an obligation in the upcoming election to testify to the Truth that has been revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. I’m certainly not one to tell another person how to vote. The only thing I will advise is to vote with your knees. Regardless of the outcome of the election or any specific ballot measure, we are accountable to the Lord and to one another, as Jen so eloquently pointed out in her blog the other day. God knows what is in our hearts as we cast our ballots. How we vote has eternal consequences for each of us. For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father’s glory, and then He will repay everyone according to his conduct (Mt. 16:27).

Prayer Request: That the Spirit of God that hovered over the waters of creation will be poured out anew on our country as we embark on the coming election.

Prayer: O Lord, our hope and our sure help, send out your Holy Spirit anew and fill our citizens with your gifts of wisdom and understanding and fear of the Lord. Help us to vote not just for ourselves, but for the good of all Your children. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Christ Bell - submitted by Rhonda

click on image to see full size

Accountability

Scripture: And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. (I Thessalonians 5:14-15)

I consider myself to be pretty free spirited compared to many of my peers. Single, never been married, no children, no longer date - I'm unfettered by many responsibilities common to women in their 40s as I am.

For many years I came and went as I pleased, I'd go to movies alone, I'd visit friends all over town, I even traveled to Sacramento to visit a friend over a weekend and was not compelled to share anything with anyone. I led a very content and solitary life

But then I made a friend who, out of concern for my safety, (and her own curiosity, though I doubt she would admit that *grin*) would ask me, "Where are you going? When will you be back?"

I bristled at what at first felt like an intrusion of my private and personal life. And to this day, there are times I still fight such negative emotions. But through this one friend, who is much more social than I am, I was able to make connections with former "acquaintances" in my life - people who would make small talk with me as I would rush out of church after service - people I had passed in the halls or bumped into at church meetings for literally YEARS - but due to my social anxiety, I was unable to stop and cultivate any real conversations with any of them.

What does my story have to do with the above scripture, you might be asking. Well, both show a picture of accountability. By being aloof and socially disconnected for so long, I wasn't really accountable to anyone. I was very close to being a "lone ranger" Christian as I wrote about in an earlier blog. I belonged to a church where I was fed and grew, but I didn't share anything of my personal life with anyone but maybe one or two friends, and infrequently at that.

By not being accountable to anyone, neither could I make anyone else accountable in their lives. One can't warn, encourage or guide others without some kind of relationship. And by the same token, I was missing out on all the warnings, encouragement and guidance from others by being so anti-social.

We can do so much more together than one can do all alone. Praise God!

So Jesus used by best friend, who eventually pulled me out of my shell (kicking and screaming, mind you! *grin*) and now I Have a whole group of friends who know where I am and what I'm doing - but it's out of love that they want to know - and I appreciate that so much!

Prayer request: To become more bold in helping other brothers and sisters in the faith to walk the walk, and to accept the same kind of guidance from others.

Prayer: Lord, we are in constant need of correction and encouragement in our Christian walks. Help us not to be silent when one needs a word of warning or praise. Help us to demonstrate who You are in our daily lives by being patient, kind and helpful to those around us, just as You are with us.

HEALING AFFLICTIONS

Scripture:
"Before I was afflicted I went astray: BUT NOW have I kept thy word" (Psalm 119:67).

I believe in healing. I believe in affliction. I believe in "healing afflictions." Any affliction that keeps me from going astray—that drives me deeper into his Word—is healing. God’s most gracious healing force spiritually and physically can be afflictions.

To suggest that pain and affliction are of the devil is to suggest that David was driven by the devil to seek God’s Word. I have suffered great pain. I have called on God for deliverance and I believe him for complete healing. Yet, while I go on believing, I continue to thank God for the present condition and let it serve to remind me how dependent on him I really am. With David I can say, "It is good for me" (Psalm 119:71).

Pain and affliction are not to be despised as coming from the devil. Such burdens have produced great men of faith and insight.

"Casting ALL your care upon him…" (1 Peter 5:7).

Paul spoke of the "cares" of the churches that were thrust upon him (see 2 Corinthians 11:28). Every newborn church was another "care" on his shoulders. Growth, expansion, lengthening of stakes always involve new cares. The man God uses must have broad shoulders. He dare not shrink under the challenge of numerous cares and responsibilities. Every new step of faith God leads me to take has brought with it numerous new cares and problems. God knows just how many cares he can trust us with. It is not that he seeks to break us—in health or strength; it is only that willing laborers are few and the harvest is so great. Cares are taken from those who refuse them and given as gifts to those who are not afraid of them. Forget the load of cares you carry—can we not cast them all on him?

Every new blessing is related to a family of cares. They cannot be divorced. You cannot learn to live with the blessing until you learn to live with the cares.

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Received these words of encouragement and thought I would share.
Gloria
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What are you doing here?

Scriptures: The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

Many years ago, an old retired pastor came to our church to preach a message. In his sermon, he shared with us one event from his past. He said, one time, he had to go to another town for a revival meeting. Because of the distance, he decided to get there one day earlier.

During that time, Taiwan was still under martial law and curfew was strictly observed. As a result, in the middle of night, the police came checking the guests in the hotel. This pastor was awakened at midnight and was informed that the police was there to check their identification. So, he took out his ID for verification.

Having received from him his ID, the policeman asked him, “Where did you come from?” This pastor answered the policeman with the name of his hometown. Then the policeman asked him, “What are you doing here?” The pastor said, “I am a pastor. I am here for a revival meeting.” Then the policeman asked him, “Where will you be going after you are done with the revival meeting?” He replied, “I will go home.”

This old pastor, at the time of preaching this message was probably in his late 80’s, then said, “For us Christians, we have these three questions to answer, too. We all know the answer to the first question: We were created by God. We all know the answer to the last question: One day we will all go back to the home our Lord has prepared for us.”

Then he paused and said, “Dear brothers and sisters, but do we have the answer to the second question? What are you doing here? What are you doing here today in this service? What are you doing here in this stage in life? What are you doing here in life?”

That day, on my way home, his question and challenges stuck in my mind. Even up till today, I can still remember vividly the way he raised the questions, with his body leaning forward, his face glowing with passion, and his voice pleading, as though we were resisting those challenges. It was the first time in my life that I realized that God did not intend for my life to be meaningless. God did not intend for me to go through life for living’s sake. There’s a purpose in my life and this changed my view of life. No, it changed my life!

I began to think, if there’s a purpose in life, then every part of this life should also be meaningful for life does not stand alone. It’s a composition of all parts and facets in life. For life to be meaningful, every part and facet must have played a role in its contribution to the totality of meaning in life.

If so, then what is it that He has in mind for me in life? All of a sudden, I realized that I knew so little about my life, especially in terms of God’s perspective. This started my pursuit of knowing God through His Word, Bible. This started my thoughts and meditation on the plan and the will of God in every phase of my life. The more I do this, the more I am convinced that nothing in life is accidental. What Paul said in Romans 8:28, “..in all things god works for the good of those who love Him…” now makes all the sense in my life.

Beloved brothers and sisters, what are we doing here? In this stage in life? In Avery? Just for this job? Or, is there something greater than the job here waiting for you and me to do? How about our family? Our church? Our community? Our dilemma financially, emotionally, and others?

God has obviously put us in many settings. Our challenge is, what’s our answer going to be for this question. May our Lord and His Spirit grant us the understanding and resolution to accomplish what He has in mind for us!

Prayer Request:
For those who find themselves trapped, by any definition of trap

Prayers:
Our loving Father, please help us to be reminded that You have not only power over our lives, but also wonderful plans for our lives that are beyond our understanding. Please help us not to be swayed by the changing circumstances, but be steadfast in Your teachings and guidance for we pray in the name of our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, A-men!

Learning Goodness

God created man in His image; in the divine image He created him; male and female He created them (Gen. 1:27).

One of my most cherished possessions is a pump organ that I inherited from my grandparents. My grandfather found the 100-year-old instrument in an old warehouse in Chicago back in the early 40s. It had been covered over in black lacquer and, as my grandmother described it, it was pretty ugly. My grandfather stripped all the lacquer off and refinished the original wood to reveal a fine example of woodworking craftsmanship. And yes, it still plays!

Unfortunately, many people become like that organ, covered over due to abuse or neglect, or just the stresses of everyday life. We hide behind a protective covering that we’ve erected for ourselves, and become insulated and self-absorbed. As a result, we can lose sight of our true beauty and that of others. People are reduced to labels and categories and, at worst, individuals and groups refuse to have anything to do with one another. It happens, unfortunately, even in our churches.

The animosity between Jews and Samaritans described in Scripture is one such case. In John 4:9, the Samaritan woman at the well is shocked (as are His disciples) that Jesus would ask her for a drink or even speak to her, for Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans. Jesus looks past the label and sees a person, and operates from that perspective. I find it interesting that Jesus often uses examples of those who were outcasts (Samaritans, widows, poor people) in His parables in order to teach His disciples (and us) how to return to the image of God in which they were created.

As committed Christians, we might be tempted to believe we are beyond such learning. But if we’re real honest with ourselves, admittedly we all have people in our lives whom we avoid. Maybe they hang out with someone we don’t like. Maybe they’re members of an ethnic group whose customs we don’t understand. It may be they have habits or use language we find disconcerting or offensive. We’re called to minister to them too, but we first have to have our own house in order.

Doing that is risky. It means going against the grain and possibly incurring the ire or disapproval of others. But it is what we are on this earth to do. We can fulfill the two great commandments to love God and our neighbor only when we truly know who and what we are. In his book Jesus of Nazareth, Pope Benedict XVI writes, “The risk of goodness is something we must relearn from within, but we can do that only if we ourselves become good from within..." (p.199).

How do we become "good from within"? It is something to which only God can lead us, for no one is good but God alone (Lk. 18:19). We need to let the Lord strip us of that “lacquer” of worldly concerns and suspicions about others that cover us. It may mean admitting to ourselves that there are still little corners of our lives that have dust bunnies that need cleaning up. Unless and until we give Him that permission, our true beauty will never shine through, since a rotten tree cannot bear good fruit (Mt. 7:18). As St. Paul reminds us, all of [us] who were baptized into Christ have clothed [ourselves] with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female, for [we] are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:27-28).

Prayer Request: That we will allow the Lord to remold us into His image in which we were created.

Service

Scripture: "But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (I Samuel 12:24)

Before I could become a leader at my church, I was told that first I had to serve. This was a daunting task given my introverted personality. But I felt strongly that I was called into leadership, so by the grace of God, I worked through my shyness and became one. It was truly a work of obedience, and it didn't come easy. But God saw me through.

But beyond my initial discomfort, I came to realize how closely my church holds to the teachings in the bible. As a Christ follower, do we not try to emulate Christ as best we can?

Think about Jesus' meager beginnings. Was He born into royalty, a prince, perhaps? Was He born into wealth and renown as modern day Princes William or Harry in England?

No, rather, He was born to a brand new couple who were only just beginning their own lives when He entered theirs. According to scripture, Jesus was born to a carpenter, and as per tradition, he was taught by Joseph to be a carpenter.

Think about it. Do you think Joseph & Jesus were carpenters for themselves? No, it was a trade by which they supported their family. It doesn't explicitly say this in the bible, but what other reason was there for a man to learn a trade other than to be able to support himself and his family?

Service. Jesus came into the world a servant, first. I sure would like to see what His hands built while He was a carpenter! I'm sure He and Joseph were able to barter, sell and trade their handiwork in order to make a living.

Jesus didn't enter the ministry until He was 30 years old. Even then, He didn't own a palace or sit on a throne. All through His ministry, He traveled around, spread God's word, healed the sick, cast out demons, fed 5,000 and much, much more. Near the end of his life, he washed the feet of His disciples. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:14-16)

Jesus was a servant before He took on the responsibilities He was meant for: Our Lord, Savior, King and Messiah. He was always those things from His birth - but He had to grow into those responsibilities because he came down to earth fully man and fully God.

Service. Hard to believe our Messiah served mankind for a time before setting to work to save mankind.

Prayer request: For all of us to serve the Lord with all our hearts, so that others will see Christ living within us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to see the needs around us and to take action in filling those needs.

Whose Faith Do You Have?

Scripture:
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16 KJV)

For many years after I received Jesus as my Savior I understood that it was only because of what Jesus did on the Cross were my sins forgiven and that it was a free gift from God because he died for the sins of the whole world. Then I began walking my Christian walk. Everything I learned in the Bible that I was supposed to do, I started doing it. I went to church, I read my Bible, I prayed, I went to Sunday School, I did not hang out with the world, you name it and I tried to do it and I did it to the best of my ability. But being a "christian" is a lot of hard work! I ultimately went to Bible School, married, had a christian family and served the Lord as a missionary for 14 years.

My life verse for all of those years was Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (NIV) I was continually trying to live by the faith I had in Jesus and I was constantly surrendering my life and everything I had to Jesus to serve Him.

Well about the 1990's, my world started coming apart. Ministry as a missionary was hard but we were told that having very little fruit was normal for Spain. Then my family fell apart and we went back to the U.S. for "refreshment" which ended up in divorce and about 10 years of mentoring under pastors trying to "figure out" what went wrong.

From a place of being crumbled to pieces, I "started all over again" so to speak. I reviewed every piece of doctrine I had learned, I persued reconciliation to everyone I had ever hurt, I wept and prayed and prayed and wept, while trying to rebuild my life so that I could just have a career and make a living.

Along this last part of my life's journey I found a two letter word in scripture that epitimizes the way I understand faith now. That two letter word is the word "of". Sounds silly doesn't it. But it is true. Let me explain.

For years I have used most of the contemporary translations of scripture in my reading and study like the NIV or the NASB or the Living Bible. (I have always known that the Living Bible is not a translation but a paraphrase.) I memorized Galations 2:20 and felt a strong foundation in the Word of God for what I believed. Then recently, while studying Galatians chapter 2, I was doing some cross referencing between a few different translations and noticed something very interesting. In the KJV Galatians 2:16 it says that we are "justified by the faith OF Christ" and in the NIV of the same verse it says we are "justifed by faith IN Christ". Now this does not seem significant at first glance but bear with me a moment.

For years I believed that I was "justified by the faith" that I had in Christ. That is, that because I believed and had faith in what Jesus did on the Cross for me, I was saved. Jesus died on the Cross and paid for all my sins but I had to believe that he did it and have the faith to accept him. However, look at how the KJV puts it. It says that we are "justified by the faith" that Jesus has. That is it is not our faith IN Christ that justifies us, it is the faith OF Christ that justifies us.

Two things before I conclude this post. One is that it could be said that this is just the old English way of saying the same thing that is why we needed the new translations. And I thought of that, so I also compared two similar versions but in Spanish and I found the same thing. The Reina Valera Antiquo version (comparable to the KJV but in Spanish), has the Spanish word for OF in that verse and the new translation of Spanish uses the Spanish word for IN. From my studies it would seem to me that a better way to say it that would be consistant across the translations would be we are "justified by the faith that is in Jesus."

The second is more theological in nature, that has to do with the sufficiency of Jesus' death on the Cross. That is, if salvation is for the whole world and Jesus is truly the only way, truth and life, then it must be the faith OF Christ, and not our faith IN Christ that justifies us or else what Jesus did on the Cross was not adequate to give us the free gift of salvation. Another way of saying it would be that I would not have salvation if I had not accepted Jesus but am can only be justified by the faith of my Lord because my personal faith in Jesus is inadequate to justify me.

Having said all this, I would like you to comment on this post. I recognize that this blog has primarily been a place where we share are experiences and thoughts and try to encourage each other. So I am asking for you to encourage me in this post by sharing your thoughts about what you think or have heard or have studied about this verse in Scripture and the difference between being justified by faith IN Christ or being justified by the faith OF Christ.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we desire to know you more by understanding what you have given to us in your Word. Teach us Holy Spirit what the will of God is through the Word and fill us and bind us together with your peace through this blog. Amen.

I Make All Things New

The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true” (Rev. 21:5).

I love the season of autumn. The nights are getting cool – perfect for someone like me who likes to sleep with the windows open. We see migrating birds in the morning (yes, even here in California!). The streets of my parents’ neighborhood are lined with liquid amber trees, and the leaves are starting to turn. Soon, there will be a riot of color. Nature is performing her “final act” before the cold sleep of winter. We know from past experience that when spring comes, signs of new life will appear everywhere.

The same is true when we are facing difficulties in our lives. We know from past experience that God is always right there with us, and that He will bring about a new springtime from the winter of our difficulties. Fear not, I am with you: be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice (Is. 41:10). And if we hold on to Him and trust in His promises, we will emerge all the stronger in our faith for the experience.

I was reminded of this last night when I went to see my Dad at the hospital. For the two weeks he’s been there, he hasn’t eaten much at all, and of course, hasn’t had the energy to do the physical therapy that is so critical to his recovery. I’ve had a veritable hoard of prayer warriors storming heaven on his behalf, believing that in God’s good time, He would “do something.” When I arrived in Dad’s new room last night (he was moved to the rehab floor yesterday), he was sitting up and in much better spirits. When they brought his dinner in, he ate most of it – more in one meal than I’ve seen him eat in the entire time he’s been there. He also said that he’d made one round of the halls with the physical therapists earlier in the day, and that he would start on a three-times-a-day schedule today.

Wow and Hallelujah! God is indeed making all things new in this corner of His creation!

Prayer Request: For all those who find waiting on God’s time difficult.

Prayer: O Lord, our God, we thank You for being with us through all the joys and difficulties of life. When the tough times come, help us to remember that You are with us, and that we can grasp Your mighty hand. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

The Effects Of Praise

Scripture:
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15)

Most Christians believe that praising God and being thankful is good; however, many think it is optional, something to do after they have served the Lord in other ways. Some Christians only praise God when their circumstances are good and they have a reason to thank Him. The truth is that praising God is not an option. Praise has a powerful effect on the believer, the devil, and on God. It is our highest calling.

How does praise affect the believer? When we praise God, we are acknowledging that it is not our own efforts that produce blessings and prosperity. In Deuteronomy, chapters 7 and 8, the children of Israel are told to remember to thank God for the abundance they will receive. God, not their own efforts, gave them wealth. Praise makes us humble.

By focusing on your problems instead of praising God, you become self-centered and prideful. Praise forces you to get your attention on God and off your problems. Some people say that they are praying, but they are so focused on their problems that they are actually complaining. If you focus on the Word of God, faith will come. How do you keep from focusing on the problem when you are in pain or have no money? The most important thing you can do is praise God. A negative, complaining attitude won't change overnight, but beginning to praise God will start the transformation in your attitude. If you have always been negative, you must practice thinking on positive things. Philippians 4:4 tells us to "rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Praise will build you up spiritually and keep you from crumbling, "for the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Neh. 8:10). The Apostle Paul was persecuted and suffered far more than most of us, yet he put it all in perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." First, Paul said our affliction is just for a moment in light of eternity. He looked into the spiritual realm. Praise will push you into the spiritual realm to see what God has done for you. Paul and Silas praised God in prison. It was the praise that released the power of God and the earthquake that delivered them from their captivity.

Praising God doesn't just affect us; it is a powerful weapon against the devil as well. Psalm 8:2 says, "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger." In the book of Matthew (21:16), at the time of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Jesus quotes from Psalm 8. When he quoted this verse, he interchanged the words "perfected praise" for "ordained strength." This is a tremendous revelation: Praise is strength (Neh. 8:10)!

The most important reason to praise God is that it ministers unto Him. Acts 13 describes a situation at the church in Antioch. Verse 2 says, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." This is an awesome statement. They ministered to the Lord. How do we minister to the Lord? We often think we serve God only by ministering to other people. This happened in Matthew, chapter 8, with Peter's mother-in-law. She waited on them and did household duties. That is a ministry; however, in this instance in Acts, they were fasting, praying, and ministering to the Lord. They were worshiping and glorifying God. That also ministers to the Lord.

The truth is that God desires ministry. God is complete and self-contained, but He needs us to love Him. Any person who loves has a need to show that love and a need to have that love returned. That is the reason for the creation of man in the first place. In Revelation 4, John saw a vision of what is happening in heaven. He saw twenty-four elders and four living creatures that don't cease praising God. In verse 11, the elders said, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." This tells us that God's original and current purpose for creation is for His pleasure. God created us to be full of praise, joy, and thanksgiving. He is blessed by His creation.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, We love you and praise you for being our God, our Lord and our Saviour. We glorify your Son for what he has done for us and thank you for giving to us the Holy Spirit.
Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪
We glorify your name.
Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪
For Jesus who came.
Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪ Hallelujah ♪ ♪ ♪

Joy

Scripture: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" (I Peter 1:8)

I was at a women's retreat last weekend and had a great time. I rode up with a couple of close friends, and it was a wonderful time of getting away as well as a time to connect with each other and God outside the church walls.

This year's theme for the retreat was "Falling Into Joy". What I took away from the women who spoke - I felt compared to share through my blog.

Joy. What is joy? One woman, a dear friend of mine, described it this way: "Joy does not come from our circumstances, but from Who is standing beside us in our circumstances."

There is so much more she shared, but I only have so much space and only so much of your attention span. So I will only share what I took from the women who shared at the retreat.

So Who is standing beside us but the One who has chosen each one of us by His own free will; Christ! In Him we have the hope of salvation, eternal life with Him no matter what happens here on earth. We always have Someone to lean on in our time of greatest need. How can you not see the joy in that?

A scripture that was shared came from Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines ..... yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

It's really no wonder people think Christians are wack! Through our trials, struggles and the disasters we experience in life, we hold onto God unceasingly with the assurance that he will see us through every difficulty life can send our way. And some of us can actually see the sunshine in the midst of the worst storm.

It can't be explained, but it is an experience. The more connected to God we are, the more we are able to endure the circumstances of this world, letting them roll like water off a duck's back. I'm not saying we don't hurt, cry or grieve. What I am saying is that with Christ, we can overcome any circumstance because it's only through His strength that we can get through the tough times.

I described a few blogs back how I basically lived out a bad country song. I lost my truck, my job, and my mom passed away within a few months of each other. Had I not been connected to God in those days, I'm certain I would have wanted to check out of this life early. But looking back, through all the disappointment and sorrow, I remember being unusually joyful because I knew my God was in control and He'd see me through to better times, no matter how dark it got, no matter how much more I lost.

Joy. Also described by my friend as "Irrepressable hope". I really loved that definition.

I'm not crazy, although I'm sure some of my friends would beg to differ. 8-) But I know Who is standing beside me in every circumstance. I know without a shadow of doubt, that God has said to me as in Hebrews 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

He comforts me in my time of need, I feel his presence when I'm afraid, and when I fall, He picks me up. He truly is my Rock.

Prayer: Lord, comfort those who are in distress right now, and help them to find joy beyond their circumstances. Help them to place their troubles in Your hands, and give them the strength only you can provide to get through these tough times. Help them to rejoice in their Savior because You will bring them through whatever unpleasant circumstances they are in right now. Help us to minister to those in need.

Prayer request: Lift up all those who need to feel the Lord's touch in their lives.