Trials

 

“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your FAITH IS GENUINE. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (I Peter 1:6-7)

 Not every trial is from God, but IN ever trial, is a testing ground.  A test of our true character.   A test of our true foundation (Luke 6:48-49). How we walk through our trials reveals the genuineness of our faith.  God will use even the enemy's worst attacks to bring growth to our lives if we allow it.  What the enemy means for ultimate harm, God is at work behind the scenes creating an opportunity for us to be refined and come through shining.  It is not God's will that we allow Satan to steal even a second of breath that God purposed to be used for His glory.  So where there is opposition, He creates opportunity.  Opportunity to fully surrender to the change and work He wills to do in us.  Opportunity to touch the lives of others in our state of brokenness.  Opportunity to become more like Jesus.

In the test, we need to be found having steadfast faith..  Part of the definition of ‘steadfast’ means “loyal support that will ENDURE STRAIN.”  Strain, hmm… sounds like trials, doesn't it? 

James 1:2-3 tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

To be patient does not mean to be passive during the troublesome circumstances, but rather to have a STEADFASTNESS that bravely endures.  Choosing to doubt our doubts and firmly believe God is bringing the victory.  An “I’m not giving up” kind of attitude because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!  (1 John 4:4) 

Situations in life are hard.  It’s understandable why at certain points in all of our lives we feel like throwing our hands in the air and saying, “Enough! I can’t handle anymore!”  We’ve all been there.  Quite frankly, walking by faith and not by sight is easier said than done.  But if we can just see past the storms...  See past the clouds...  See through the eyes of faith that thing hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)...  The storm WILL pass.  There is a brighter day on its way!

Let's make the choice TODAY to start new with an attitude of steadfastness.  There is something worth fighting for.  There is SOMEONE worth enduring for.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”  (James 1:12)

 May we one day be able to look back on our lives and quote the words of Job:

“But He knows where I am going.  And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.  For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from His commands, but have treasured His words more than daily food.” (Job 23:10-12)

Worth It

 

As I walked one afternoon, I was meditating on:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

God loved us smack dab in the middle of our sin. He demonstrated His love while we rejected Him.  He poured His life out as an offering with the chance we may never love Him back.  Why would He lay Himself down for us in the midst of our wickedness? Why would He provide a way of escape for us when we lived a life that mocked His ways?  Why?   

“Not because you were worthy of it, but because you were WORTH IT.”     

Immediately I was reminded:

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

It is not a suggestion, but a commandment to love as He loved. We are called to love those who do not deserve it.  Just saying we love people isn’t what He meant. Love is a verb.  It is demonstrated in our actions, in our attitudes, in our words towards EVERYONE… yes, even the unlovely. Yes, even the one who disrespects you, the one who speaks evil of you, the one who has smeared your name, the one who has broken your heart, corrupt leaders, misguided politicians, the harsh boss that takes you for granted…

We have become so accustomed to the thought that we need to only respect and love those who are deserving of it and those who have earned it.  But God’s ways are much higher than our human logic:

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you to show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers alike. For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?  And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the heathen do that?  You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:42-48

Each one of us was once lost in our sin and living a life separated from God… and yet - Jesus found us WORTH IT.  When we are tempted to pull our judgmental swords and withhold “the love of God that has been shed abroad in our hearts” let’s remember where we came from and love those who have not yet found The Way. 

"And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"  Romans 2:3-4

The goodness of God. The goodness of God in what Jesus already did, the goodness of God in our everyday lives, and could it also be the goodness of God THROUGH US to others that will lead them to true repentance?  

 

May our love walk demonstrate the God who loved “while we were yet sinners.” May God's love in action - in us - be the very tool that gains us access to speak the Truth into those people’s lives who Jesus found WORTH IT! J

Kindness

 

 

Every person is fighting a battle of some sort whether it is current issues they are facing or those pesky learned behaviors we all have that can make us pretty darn ugly at times.  That is why it is important to lay aside your natural response to take offense, and love the "unlovely."

We haven't been called to give people what they deserve. God has commanded us to treat others as we wish to be treated. We are also shown in Scripture that whatever it is we do to another (negative or positive) we are doing to Jesus Himself. And YES, this includes our spouses and our children :)  

So before you lash out and choose harshness over kindness, pause and picture Jesus standing before you. All hurt inflicted on another is bringing pain to the very heart of God.

 "Rudeness, yelling, anger, and swearing are a weak man’s imitation of strength." (Author Unknown) 

 

I will venture out to re-word "weak man" to not having matured in our ability to process and communicate.  We need to do this if we want to have healthy relationships.  Through clinging to the Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to work, we can respond and speak in such a way that is honoring to others and to God.

Let's be kind to one another. Kindness makes us more attractive :)

   

(Ephesians 4:31-32, Matthew 7:12, Luke 10:27, Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 29:20, James 1:19, Matthew 25:45)

 

Father

 

What does “father” mean to you?  For many it is one who has caused you great pain in life or one you never even knew. If this is you, I hurt for you and understand that void...  I understand the warped sense of "father" you have carried, and you know what? God understands too.  The very fact that He has a scripture just for you: "He is a Father to the fatherless." (Psalm 68:5), clearly shows He wants everyone to understand the TRUE meaning of a father and experience the beauty of it in their lives.

A true father will get down to the level of his children; engaging in “their” world with a heart full of love for them not for what they do, but because they are his; a gift entrusted to him.  He exercises patience in times of rebellion and yet spurs his children on to become who they are called to be; what they are capable of becoming in this life.

Isn’t it amazing that God, the Creator of everything, wants us to call Him “Father?”  Having Him as Father makes Him a living, personal being who is concerned with our day to day challenges, joys, fears… And just like any good father loves to hear his children call him by name, our Heavenly Father is longing for the same... 

When you call on Him, with open arms, He meets you right where you are... You don't have to fear being turned away or put off for another time... Climbing into the safety of "Daddy's" arms is the best place to be...

You can’t hug someone who is resisting you.  You can’t share your love and the secrets of your heart with one who is continually speaking…  It’s time we let down our wall and quiet ourselves for a love encounter with Him.  He is waiting on us because He counts it a great joy to love on His children...

Stop Comparing

 

 

When we expose the sin of others, is our HIDDEN sin any less evil in His eyes?

 

Comparing and elevating ourselves above others adds no value or growth to our lives. Whether we think our sin count was single digits today in what we chose to be a "minor sin category" and someone else doubled that in the "bigger sin arena," fact is, we all need the same blood to make us clean.  We all need the same forgiveness. 

 

God does not operate with a "totem pole" scoring system.  Our righteousness is not based on a point system... I think it's time we step out from behind our white washed walls (Acts 23:3) or self righteous fancy umbrellas :)  Come on.  We can all  commit to this together.  We can stop keeping score, categorizing sin, and talking about how messy someone else's life is while standing in our own pool of filth.  Let's use that time to spend with the only One with whom we should be comparing ourselves to.  In being with Him, we become more like Him, and can reach out in love to a people He came to deliver.

 

Father, help us to view others through Your eyes.  Let us not see someone else's sin as opportunity to puff ourselves up. Though our sin may not always be something that is publicly seen, we know there are things hidden in us that grieve Your heart.  We want to make that right with You. Forgive us for thinking we can expose the sin of another and keep ours in secret.  We commit to pray for those who are in bondage or choosing ways apart from You. Lord, help us to be conscious to walk in the mind of Christ so we leave no room for self righteousness to infiltrate our hearts.  In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Being Perfect

Matthew 5:48, "Be PERFECT, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect." 

Have you ever struggled over this Scripture?  Some people may throw their hands thinking if this is what it means to be a Christian, I can never measure up, and end up walking away from a relationship with Christ or half heartedly serving Him because it seems pointless to even try something that appears unobtainable. 

The word 'perfect' (teleios)  has several meanings.  One definition is "completion," and another is "the appropriate state at the appropriate time."  For instance, a tree that has no leaves in winter is perfect.  It is at the appropriate stage for the appropriate time. 

We have to stop comparing ourselves to others and we have to stop pointing the finger  expecting that others be where we are.  I know it’s human nature to want to compare sins, place people at different sin degrees.  We play "Let's Compare" instead of noticing the log in our own eye and being grateful that Jesus loves us despite, will meet us where we are, and as long as our heart is to serve and please Him ~ we are in the appropriate state at the appropriate time!  Does this mean we aren't ever to keep one another accountable and spur one another on?  Of course not.  But that's a different message :)

Like any relationship, it takes time to grow.  If it is a relationship that you are cultivating and desiring deeper intimacy, you will pass through different stages to get to that level.  It takes time to develop. Our relationship with Christ is no different.   In a relationship, you will either be moving forward or moving backwards.  There is growth to this thing that must take place.  But I want to encourage you that if your heart is fixed on a sincere desire to follow Christ, you are in the appropriate state at the appropriate time... To God, this is to be perfect.  Without flaw? No, but definitely on your way to completeness...

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." Philippians 1:6

My Brooke

 

 

 

Your smile lights up the room

Contagious is your laugh

Nine years ago you were born

You're growing up so fast

I pray for God's hand on you

To stay in His will

May all that He has for you

in this life - be fulfilled

May your heart be at peace

God's greater than all fear

Find rest in His comfort

Feel His love always near

You make me very proud 
I thank God He gave you to me

Happy Birthday, my sweet Brooke

I pray your day is filled with happy :)

Father, I am so grateful for Your entrusting me with Brooke's life. Help me to nurture her sweet spirit to become all that You have called her to be. I pray for Your peace that surpasses all understanding to surround her each and every day of her life.  I pray for her to be kept safe, healthy, and to have a full life filled with joy! May she walk in confidence down Your path and grow up to be a woman after Your heart.  In Jesus' Name.

Happy 9th Birthday, Brooke!