God's Care for the Travelling Minister

One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat.
She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.” 2 Kings 4:8-10

God provides.

The Old Testament prophets would be familiar with this concept. In 2 Kings, we find the prophet Elisha getting a little firsthand experience at how the Lord provides for His servants. Elisha met a woman who invited him home for dinner. That was very kind of her. She could have stopped there. But she felt compelled to do more, and said as much to her husband. If we continue to read this story, it is clear that the husband agreed, for a room was built where Elisha stayed on subsequent visits. It became a sort of occasional ministry headquarters for the prophet.

I am familiar with this concept. While no one has built a room on their roof for my family, many have made other provision for us when we travel through their area. Churches and families have installed special electrical outlets for us to pull up and plug in the house for a few days. People have opened their homes to us, invited us to dinner, cared for us in so many wonderful ways...

And so as 2009 comes to a close and we prepare to embark on Year 10 of full-time road life, I am humbled as I look at the Lord's gracious provision for my family over the years. It's always amazing to see the Lord at work, and sometimes a little frustrating as He seems to take pleasure in coming through just "in the nick of time". It's all part of that faith-growing journey, teaching us to understand what "give us this day our daily bread" really means.

So there's nothing really deep and theological about this thought. It's just really great to realize that the same God who took care of His travelling ministers in the Old Testament continues to care for my family and me today. And that is...

...Just a [wonderful] thought...

With All My Heart

Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly. 2Chronicles 25:2

What a legacy! To be known throughout the generations as a person who half-heartedly served the Lord... Now there's something to aspire to!

The thing is, when the kings of Israel and Judah are discussed, Amaziah is not a name that usually comes up. I'd venture a guess that many Christians don't even know who Amaziah was. And his impact on the world - though good - was limited. As I consider his story, it seems to me that Amaziah could be the "poster child" for modern American Christianity. I mean, here's this guy. He comes from a good family - his dad was Joash, the famed king of Judah who took office at the ripe old age of seven and served the Lord wholeheartedly throughout most of his lifetime. (Joash had some issues later in life, which led to his demise.) Amaziah comes on the scene, and he's out to follow God. He executes the guys that assassinated his father. He listens initially to the prophets God sends to him. He sees victory as a result of following the Lord. But then he falls into idolatry, and the people he was charged with leading are the ones who end up getting hurt.

The Bible says, "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight..." Compared to many of the kings who had come before him, Amaziah was a pretty good guy. Compared to many who would come after him, Amaziah did really well. Amaziah's problem is a common one today - it's the problem of comparison. When we use the world around us as a standard, it's not hard to measure up. Compared to 99% of the people in the world, I may be doing really well, but the thing is - God is not impressed with that. He is not measuring me against the rest of the world. He's not grading on the curve. Doing better than most is NOT good enough, because God measures us against the TRUTH. His standard is righteousness, and even if I'm at the top of the class, I do not measure up.

"...But not wholeheartedly." This is the thing that cuts me to the core, and calls me to repentance. I'm out here and I'm trying to do what is pleasing in God's sight... I'm trying to serve Him, and I'm singing songs for Him, and I'm talking to people in the church about Him... I'm living kind of a crazy lifestyle for him, packing up my house every few days and moving down the road... But am I really serving Him WHOLEHEARTEDLY? Too often, I'm afraid the answer is "no." It's easier to hit the "snooze" in the morning and sleep a few minutes than to get up and spend time with the Lord in prayer. It's easier to pick up a novel and read some good fiction than to pick up my Bible and read. It's easier to put on a video to watch than to spend time studying God's Word...

And here's the clincher: I've been [semi-]diligently working through an online course in evangelism this year. I've been very serious about completing my lessons, and have been often brought to tears by the reality of the need in the world around me, my heart broken by our failure as the people of God to genuinely live out our faith and make a difference in the world. But in reading through the final course requirements I have just discovered that beyond the written lessons, there is a life application requirement to officially completing the course. They actually expect me to put what I've been learning into action! I'm supposed to actually go out and TALK to people - one-on-one! And the very idea leaves me "shaking in my boots". You see, the reality is, all through the year as I've studied, there has been a sort of half-heartedness to my studies. I've been so busy thinking that what I was learning was important, I've failed to place proper importance on applying the information.

So I was just thinking... I guess this is where the journey really begins - putting it into practice - wholeheartedly doing what is pleasing in the Lord's sight. I don't want to be like Amaziah, remembered for my mediocrity about the things of God... Do you?

...Just a thought...

Much More Than This

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

Just over a week ago, we found ourselves in a once-familiar situation: vehicle problems that threatened to leave us either stranded, "out of business", or ridiculously indebted. Early in our ministry, this was our almost-daily condition. Breakdowns were common, finances were always lacking, and we were keenly aware that our lifestyle was at best precarious... In recent years, however, the Lord has blessed us with more reliable transportation, while the enemy has chosen to attack on different fronts.

So, when our alternator went out last week, and a little checking around brought us to the reality that just a replacement part was going to cost several times more than what we had in the bank, we were asking that familiar question, "What now?"

We managed to limp the bus into El Paso, Texas, which we were jokingly informed is "the nicest city in Mexico". It is a city to which Jeremiah 29:11 had never been before. We found ourselves literally "in the desert". Interesting, since that's what Jeff has been preaching on lately...!

We did not know a single person in El Paso. Jeff had spoken on the phone once with a pastor who had agreed to let us park the bus in his church parking lot overnight while we were in town for an evening conference. "Overnight" has turned into "over a week" at this point, and we are incredibly grateful to this pastor and his church for allowing us to be here!

So first we began to commiserate - silly waste of time. And then we began to pray. Immediately, the Lord began to work! God's provision is amazing, and I will detail that at some point, but there is kind of an obscure biblical story that was pointed out to me in the beginning of this process that I want to share with you.

Amaziah, son of Joash, has become the king of Judah. The Bible says, "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly." (2 Chronicles 25:2) This is significant in and of itself, but that is a thought for another day.

What happens is that Amaziah decides to go to war, and because he is not satisfied with the number of his troops, he decides to go over to Israel and hire some more soldiers. God sends a messenger to Amaziah to tell him to send the hired troops home, or else Amaziah will be defeated in battle. Amaziah asks the very practical question, "But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?" (2 Chronicles 25:9a)

Amaziah is getting ready for battle. He is the king - the leader of many people. Amaziah is concerned about the money, but God is concerned about his heart. God is wanting to teach Amaziah to trust Him instead of trusting in numbers. But Amaziah has already paid out all this money, and he's afraid that it's irresponsible of him to waste those funds.

The lesson God had for Amaziah that day, He's been teaching me this week:
"The LORD is able to give you much more than this!" (2 Chronicles 25:9b)

We underestimate the God of the Universe, don't we? We know that He made everything, that He owns everything, that He is in control of everything... We say that we believe these things, and yet, how often do we, like Amaziah, second-guess the God we claim to trust? "But, God, what about...?"

God says, "Trust Me. I am able to give you much more than this!"

What is it you are holding onto today? What's your "back-up plan" if God doesn't come through the way you're expecting? Could it be that our "Plan B" is nothing but a show of faithlessness?

Maybe it's time to let go of our plans, and trust the One who said, "I know the plans I have for you..."

Just a thought...

When the Brook Dries Up

So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
1 Kings 17:5-7

The man of God is being obedient. The Lord gave him instructions and Elijah did exactly as he was told. And as a result, Elijah saw the Lord's provision. Everything Elijah needed was taken care of. For a while.

"But after a while the brook dried up..." Elijah hasn't strayed from doing what God told him to do. He is still living in obedience to the Lord. He is trusting fully in God's provision. And the brook dries up.

The Bible doesn't tell us how Elijah responded at this time. It couldn't have been this big surprise for the prophet. I mean, he's been hanging out by this brook during a time of drought, and I'm sure that over time the formerly gushing brook gradually slowed to a trickle before drying up completely. So Elijah had to see this coming. My guess is that he's sitting there and he's watching and he's thinking, "The water's not moving as fast as it used to... Guess the Lord is getting ready to do something..." And as the water slowed a bit more, "You know, Lord, anytime now would be nice..." And the water's just trickling, "Hey, God, I'm still out here, You know... You got another plan for me?" And then there's nothing! "God?! Hello!?!?! You still there, God? I'm still HERE! Like YOU said! What now?" And it's like the Lord sort of leaves him hanging...

We don't know the time frame between verse 7 and verse 8, but what we know is that eventually - sometime AFTER the brook dried up - Then the Lord said to Elijah, "Go...." (1 Kings 17:8a).

God was not surprised that the brook had dried up. He had seen it coming. He could have prevented it from drying up, but He didn't. He was getting ready to do something new in Elijah's life. God was preparing a new place of ministry for Elijah, and He was preparing Elijah for a new place of ministry. God had not forgotten Elijah or Elijah's need.

Is the brook drying up where you are today? Has it already dried up? I want you (and me!) to be encouraged today - God is not going to stop providing for you. It may look that way at the moment, but the nature of God does not change. He is good and He is loving, and He always has your best interest at heart.

So while you are waiting by the drying brook, be encouraged - it just may be that God is preparing to do something new in your life. Wait for His provision, and I suspect you will find - as Elijah did - that God will supply (in HIS time and in HIS way) all that you need.

Just a thought...

GPS Theology

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?
Proverbs 20:24

We've been navigating with GPS for several years now. We have a USB device that plugs into the computer, so we get this nice big readout on the laptop. I have to admit, GPS was an adjustment for me. I'm really more of a map-girl. I want to see the whole country in print right there in front of me. When I can put the journey into perspective from the USA view, then I can turn to the state, pick out the right roads, and see it all right there. I was really good with that navigation method. So when Jeff started talking about GPS, I really was not in favor of it. It seemed a silly waste of technology to me. But we got it anyway and started using it. Those first few trips with GPS got a little "hairy" to put it nicely. The computer didn't bother to ask if we were travelling in a compact car or in a bus, so we found ourselves in some interesting predicaments...

For example... GPS didn't tell us that a "parkway" is for passenger cars only, and may have some really low clearance bridges to go under... Straight up the mountain and down the other side may be the shortest route, but not necessarily the best in a bus... Cutting through a residential area may be quicker, but not everyone wants their trees trimmed by a large vehicle passing through... You get the idea!

So I had to learn to tell the GPS which roads to take in order to save wear and tear on the vehicle and my nerves. And while I find it nice that the GPS keeps track of how many more miles we have left to travel to any given destination (much easier than counting up miles from a map), I have found that you have to treat it like a small child - give it very specific instructions and then watch it closely to be sure it doesn't get off track!

So now my husband is wanting to switch over to one of those little pocket models that sits right up at the windshield and just gives you one turn at a time. In theory, it's a great idea - it would let me use the computer to get some work done while we're riding down the road. But I'm just not that crazy about the idea. I like being able to see the bigger picture. I check and recheck the GPS a couple of dozen times an hour to be sure we're staying on course. I just don't really trust it.

So I've always really wished that God would just give me a road atlas for life... one where I can check out the big picture, and then turn to the "state map" for a little clearer direction , and to the "city map" for details of how I'm going to get from Point A to Point B in life. I want to see the turns in advance so I can be ready for what lies ahead.

But God, in His infinite wisdom, has not given me a road atlas, but a turn-by-turn GPS for life. Fortunately, He DOES know what kind of "vehicle" I'm travelling in. In my heart I know He's totally trustworthy. He's not going to ever lead me down a wrong path, or take me under a bridge that's too low. If I will just sit back and trust His direction, I'll reach the right destination at the right time.

I've got to admit, it's hard for me sometimes. I really want to zoom out and get a better look at the big picture - check up on things and make sure I like the path I'm going down. But God says, "Trust Me. You don't have to understand everything on the way. I'll get you where you need to be - safe and sound."

...Just a thought...

Order of Operations

Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

When I was learning math, I remember having to learn an "order of operations". Problems had to be worked out in the right order, or else I would get a wrong answer.

What I've come to realize is that the same thing is true in life - there is an order of operations. For things to work out right, I have to be sure to put things in the right order. Often, it's a matter or prioritizing correctly. Sometimes, though, it's just about practicality and common sense - like if I try to put the cups in my kitchen cabinet before the coffee mugs, the mugs don't fit and I end up having to take the cups back out. I know this "order of operations" because I experienced some aggravation in trying to figure out how things fit together when space is limited.

In speaking of how the Lord sent manna to the children of Israel, we find that there was an "order of operations" at work here. The Scripture says, "he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna...". AND THEN! The Lord could have sent manna from day 1. It wouldn't have been a hard thing for Him to do. He had the power. He knew that the people would need to eat. But He also knew that there was something that they needed more than food, only they didn't realize it yet. They needed HIM! Food was incidental, but the people didn't know it. So God let them go hungry. Not for long - He didn't take them to the brink of starvation or anything close to it. But He let them go hungry, and after they had been hungry for a little while, God sent the manna.

When we've waited for the manna, our faith grows - like the Children of Israel. We learn that what matters most may not necessarily be what we thought was most important. But we learn.

God provides. It's generally not in the way we expect. It's often not as quickly as we really want. But God provides.

Are you hungry today? Are you in need of something? Rest assured God knows what you need. He is not insensitive to your needs. Probably He is just stretching you to grow your faith - helping you to understand that "man does not live by bread alone."

Hang in there. Manna's coming!

...Just a thought...

A Show of Thankfulness

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! Psalm 119:1-7

I am very excited about our ministry theme for next year. We are preparing an exciting study of the Law of God, focusing on the Ten Commandments. I can hardly wait, and it's proving to be a little bit of a struggle to stay on track to finish out this year because I am so ready to get started with the new theme.

But in the midst of all my excitement, there is a bit of trepidation. What if churches aren't ready for it? The modern church has become so grace-focused, often to the total exclusion of the Law, that I wonder if taking this approach may be like ministry-suicide...?

The thing is... I don't care! I am so tired of watered-down theology, so concerned that many professing Christians really have very little understanding of salvation, that it's totally worth any risk to be sure that the truth is presented.

God gave us His Law for a reason. And no matter how many well-meaning "Christians" try to tell me, "We're not under Law- we're under grace," I will not be convinced that the Law is archaic or inapplicable to 21st century humanity.

I understand the problem. I, like many of you, have witnessed the legalistic approach often applied by those churches, schools, and organizations who have held onto the Law to the exclusion of grace. But I believe the modern church has gone too far in the other direction, preaching grace to the exclusion of the Law. I happen to believe that there is a great need for balance.

As Christians, we are called to live differently (ALIENZ). We are called to be like Christ (REPLICATORS). We are called! This is the key. We are not saved because of our works - the works follow genuine salvation. As the psalmist writes, "I will thank you by living as I should." When we truly understand what Christ has done for us on the cross, our hearts cry out in gratitude, and that gratitude will be reflected in the way in which we live our lives.

My prayer is that we can bring the teaching of the law back into the church - not as as an instrument of judgement and legalism - but for its intended purpose: as a standard for living, which points us clearly to our great need of a Savior.

As Paul says in Romans 7:7, "I would not have known what sin was except through the law."

So as I understand my need, I cry out for a Savior, who extends to me grace. He frees me from the consequences of breaking the law, while calling me to a higher standard of living than the law ever did.

Are you truly thankful today? The evidence will be found in the way we live our lives.

...Just a thought...

Through the Deep

When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Often when we talk about our trusting in the Lord, we present our faith as based on His blessing us and helping us through difficult times. This line of thought leaves us with a distorted view of God and salvation. God is holy, and cannot tolerate sin. If we want to be with God, we have to deal with our sin problem. Jesus Christ offered His life as payment for our sins. This is the basis of our salvation.

Now, for the rest of the story. Along with salvation, the Lord has offered us some "fringe benefits". These benefits are based on God's goodness - not our worthiness. Sometimes, these benefits are misrepresented. I often hear well-meaning people (and I have been guilty of this as well) talk about how God has changed their life and given them peace, joy, deliverance, what ever... While peace, joy, deliverance, and all those other blessings are wonderful gifts from God, they are just fringe benefits of our relationship with God.

In other words, if I come to God just for what He's going to do for me, I will find myself feeling let down, disillusioned, maybe even unloved. I think this may be much of what has happened in modern Christianity - in focusing on the benefits, we have lost sight of the relationship, and the reason we truly need a Savior. People who came to Christ looking for a better life have run into the harsh realities of life. Life is hard. It's often not fair. The good guys don't always win. And being a Christian doesn't mean things will always go right for you. What it really means is that while things are going wrong, you're not alone.

Notice what Isaiah says, "WHEN you go through deep waters... (emphasis mine)." There is not the feel good message of, "Don't worry - God will get you out of the deep waters." The promise is that when we find ourselves in deep waters, God will be with us. He might deliver us - and sometimes He does and it's wonderful. But ALWAYS He will be with us.

Do you find yourself in deep waters today? If you know the Lord, then you can rest in the knowledge that you are not alone.

Be encouraged! ...Just a thought...

Go with What You Know

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9


"Go with what you know." This is what the Lord has been teaching me lately. Interestingly, it is a principle that has applied in every situation in which I have been called on for counsel lately. Go with what you know... It's very simple, really, and yet my failure to fully understand this principle seems to be at the heart of every struggle, and certainly at the heart of every worry.

The problem is this: I am human. Not only that, I am a woman! I am prone to emotion, often letting my emotions get the best of me, being carried away by my feelings...! So here is the thing I am learning - my feelings will carry me far away from the truth if I do not carefully guard my heart and walk confidently in the faith which I profess.


This should not be surprising. The Bible tells us it will happen: "the heart is deceitful...". Just feeling something "in my heart" doesn't make it right. In fact, I think that may be the root of most sin: following the heart. We use that phrase, "just following my heart," to justify every irresponsible behavior, from men and women who leave their spouses, to parents who neglect their children so they can follow their own dreams.


This "go with what you know" principle, I'm finding, is really the key to daily living. On a most basic level, it is the key to eating more healthy: I may feel like single-handedly downing a dozen KrispyKremes, but if I "go with what I know," I can save myself the misery that follows the dozen doughnuts AND the months of exercise it will take to counteract them!

On a spiritual level, it's the key to experiencing God's peace in my life. If I go with my feelings, my days will be plagued by things like worry, laziness, self-indulgence, and anxiety. But if I will simply "go with what I know," what I know is that the God I serve is powerful, and His grace is sufficient.

So let me encourage you today: Go with what you know!

Just a thought...

The Truth in Trials

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” Luke 21:1-4 NLT

I have often wondered how modern "name it and claim it" preachers interpret this story...

Our modern view of Christianity is that Jesus came to give us a better life, yet here we have a very clear picture of a faithful follower of the Lord who was not enjoying the "benefits" of her faith. This presents us with an interesting dilema. Either this woman had a faith problem that had left her in poverty, or we have a poor understanding of what Christ came to the earth to do.

Some modern teachers would have to suggest that this woman had an obvious lack of faith, evidenced by the fact that she was utterly destitute. Perhaps some sin in her life, or faithlessness left her in financial bondage when Jesus Christ had come to set her free...

This explanation doesn't work, because it undermines the Lord's commendation of the woman's actions. Why would Jesus commend the faith of the faithless? He would NOT. So there must be another explanation...

Could it be that modern Christianity has distorted the Gospel to the point that we no longer understand why Christ came?

Jesus Christ did not come so that this widow could enjoy health, wealth, and a good life on earth. What He came to do for this widow was not to bless her finances. He didn't come to rescue her from financial troubles. He came because this woman - and you and I - had a sin problem. What we need is not financial blessing. What we need is salvation!

Jesus Christ came because "the wages of sin is death" and without His willingness to pay the price for our sins, we are utterly doomed.

So does this mean that Christ wasn't concerned with the widow's financial situation? Not at all.

We don't know what happened to the widow after she had given her last pennies in offering to the Lord. Did she starve to death because she had no money left to buy food? Did she lose her home because she had no means to pay her bills? Did Jesus miraculously provide for her, blessing her beyond measure? Or just maybe, did one of Jesus listeners that day hear the truth of the woman's plight and recognize an opportunity to live out the faith about which Christ was teaching?

...Just a thought.

The Illusion of Luxury

Afterward you may go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. Deuteronomy 26:11a

Our family is going on vacation in just a few days… We’re quietly excited about this fact. I have had to encourage the kids (and myself) to be discreet in our enthusiasm about the trip, because some people won’t understand.

It’s silly, I know, but it’s how it is. My family is in ministry. Most everything we do, we are able to do because God has provided through the generosity of others. And there is an unwritten law that missionaries and ministers of all kinds really should be living in poverty, denying ourselves anything that could possibly be construed to be luxury.

Not too long ago, I was reprimanded for my extravagant lifestyle – travelling around in this big fancy, expensive bus (never mind it is the 1985 model – built while I was still in high school and pretty much everything in it is original, and it is, in fact, the only home our family has). And then there are those who think we must have this wonderful, relaxing life where all we have to do is travel…

So I feel like I’m taking this big risk in even writing this, but what can I say? I’m ready to live on the edge! I’m tired… My husband is tired… My kids are tired. We’re ready to take a break! So we’re going to put all our energy into one more week of VBS this summer, then we’re going to park the bus, get on an airplane, and fly to Florida. There we will be met by another bus – this one driven by someone else – which will deliver us to Disney World where we will stay in a little motel room which will feel so spacious to us because it will have two FULL-SIZE beds and an actual bathtub! And there will even be CABLE TV!!!!

Now, I feel compelled to tell you that we are doing this trip entirely with funds that were NOT donated. We have been carefully putting away our pennies for quite some time so that we actually CAN take a real vacation – one where we might actually drink soda instead of water with our meals… Where instead of packing snacks in a backpack, then sharing a meal for two among four people, we might actually all order what we want from the menu… It’s crazy! We finished paying for the trip months ago, and have been secretly counting down the days.

They say, “Confession is good for the soul.” So here I am, trying to justify myself to you all, as if somehow this will keep me from feeling like I need to be sneaky and secretive about taking this trip with my family. Mostly, I just want my kids to be able to talk freely, share pictures (I might share a few myself!), and just enjoy their vacation – a few days to get out of the “fishbowl” and pretend to be “normal”. I don’t think it’s really too much to ask… is it?

Just a thought…

Hallelujah!

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Mark 10:13-14

A few weeks ago at kids camp, the band had just finished playing, the final song having a "Hallelujah" in it. Seizing the moment, the chapel speaker for the week began to ask the children about the song.

"Does anybody know what 'hallelujah' means?" the speaker asked.

Without hesitation one little girl piped up and said, "Yay!"

The speaker took this answer as a good beginning and began to explain the component of the word 'hallelujah' that indicated the name of God, at which point the children concluded that 'hallelujah' means, "Yay, God!"

I don't know if that definition would really satisfy the seminary professors, but I was touched by the truth and simplicity of the children's understanding. We adults really have a knack for complicating things, don't we?

The next day I was back in chapel, scoping things out in what I like to call my "mean mom" mode - giving kids "the eye" for distracting the others around them. A pair of boys caught my eye sitting by themselves while the others were down in front singing and dancing. These two boys were deeply involved in something that was definitely not the song being sung up front. They were laughing and poking each other, so I wandered over to check things out. What I found brought a smile to my face, and fresh hope to my heart. One of the boys had his Bible open, and he was pointing things out to the other boy. It was one of those kids' Bibles with nice color pictures interspersed through the pages. Probably they were laughing at a picture that they thought was silly, but that didn't really matter. One would turn the page and point out something else, and they would both laugh. Then the other would grab the Bible and flip some pages, and find something to show the first boy. These boys may have had no idea what song the others were singing. I'm sure they had little understanding of the significance of the words they were reading or the pictures they were laughing at. But whatever their motivation, these boys had an enjoyable encounter with God's Word that evening. And if all they got from it is that there's some funny stuff in the Bible, it's a start. Maybe it will be enough to bring them back looking for more...

And I began to wonder, do I still have any "shock and awe" as I read the Bible? Or, have I gotten so 'mature' that I cannot appreciate the awesomeness of my God and His Word like these little children were doing?

So I just want to take a minute and say, "Yay God!"

...Just a thought...

At least the SON is shining...!

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11

I am in New Hampshire at the moment... And I find myself in a familiar, though annoying, place - I am sitting in my bus listening to the rain beat down on the roof... AGAIN! Just a few hours ago, I was basking in glorious sunshine and humidity, remarking that for the first time in five weeks, I was actually going to break a sweat! And now here I sit, having just turned off the furnace a few minutes ago!

I actually found the verse in Psalm 84 a few weeks ago, on a day much like this when the rain and cold had me pricing plane tickets to Florida for the weekend! What can I say? I like sunshine. I NEED sunshine! And I was having words with the Lord about the weather. And, as He often does, He began to remind me that He really does know best...

One chilly morning at camp a couple of weeks back, someone was praying, offering up thanks that on this particular morning, "The sun is up and warming us..." I was sitting in the back shivering and grumbling about the lack of warmth, though I could at least echo the thanks for the sunshine (though it was short-lived!). And as I sat grumpily in my seat, the Lord began to remind me that - cold as I was - I was not in a dangerous kind of cold. He began to speak to my heart again of His wonderful creation, and I began to consider anew the precision of all that He has made. And what an incredible reminder as I sat there realizing that God placed the earth with such precise measurement exactly the right distance from the sun that I neither freeze nor burn up.

I have no idea what was actually preached in chapel that morning... But I left refreshed, and warmed - not by the temperature (it was still cold to this Florida-girl), but by the gentle reminder that my heavenly Father has things under control - even this silly weather!

Just a thought...

For the Love of God (and Coffee!)

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him? Matthew 7:11

I woke up in some state recently – it was a travel week, where the days and states sort of run together with no great distinction – in great need (want) of coffee. It was early… the coffee was almost ready. So, I reached for a mug, grabbed the one with horses on it that Mill got as a gift a while back, and the passing thought ran through my mind, “I would love to have a new coffee mug of my own.” Then I shrugged off the idea and sat down to enjoy my cup of coffee. The end.

A couple of weeks later and a couple of gallons of coffee later, we found ourselves at a little church in New Mexico. It was Father’s Day, so, as in many churches around the country, there were special gifts for all the men. At this church the gift was a coffee mug. So I watched as Jeff received a cool new coffee mug, thinking to myself that I was going to enjoy that mug even more than my husband.

But – this was really cool! Not only were there mugs for the guys, there was one for me, too! And not some left-over manly Father’s Day gift. It was the perfect “I don’t do mornings” kind of coffee mug – like it had been picked out especially for me by someone who knew me well.

It had! It had been picked out special for me by my heavenly Father who heard my wishful thinking early one morning. It wasn’t even a prayer – just a passing thought of “wouldn’t it be nice…”

If my Father heard that, how much more does He hear when I cry out to him in prayer!

God really loves me!

That's not just a thought, that's an incredible thought!

Independence Day

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. Romans 6:20-22

In honor of Independence Day, I am enjoying a rare moment of semi-independence. I am alone at camp, as far as I can tell, which is at the same time very strange and very peaceful. My husband and kids have gone off to town with apparently everyone else who stayed for the weekend - off to see the Tranformers movie. Since I prefer not to pay to take a nap (which is exactly what would happen were I to sit still in a dark room for more than two minutes), I opted to stay back. I am finally able to update my blog, while doing laundry, designing graphics, and programming for Christmas, order printing, and getting things ready for another week of camp. I find this oddly relaxing...! I can leave the air conditioning off without flack, sit and write without interruption, without the sounds of TV, video games, or even just the constant flow of folks in and out of the bus. It is GLORIOUS!

But I know it will be short-lived. And that's okay. Without the constant "noise" of life, I can't really fully appreciate the rare moments of quiet.

And the truth of the matter is that freedom - real freedom - is a concept most folks completely misunderstand. Freedom really isn't this state of being able to do what ever you want. Real freedom is about choosing your master.

I think about the teens I've met over the years who have this crazy idea that freedom is about doing what ever you want - living free from rules. What I've often explained to them is that getting free from one set of rules just means that you're subject to a different set of rules. There is always some authority out there, setting limits on what you can and cannot do, imposing consequences for the breaking of the rules. Whether the authority is a parent, a job supervisor, a law enforcement officer, landlord, or what ever - there is someone to answer to.

The passage from Romans points this fact out to us in spiritual terms. (I am very familiar with the verse that follows this passage, Romans 6:23, but it both fascinates and saddens me that I've never really taken a longer look at the context of that verse.)

What Paul (the writer of Romans) points out to us is that we have options in life. That's where freedom comes in - we are free to choose our master. If we choose sin, which is the world's idea of freedom, we choose death. If we choose God, which the world often mistakes as religious bondage, we choose life. This is the real offer of freedom - freedom from the power of sin, freedom from eternal doom, freedom for LIFE!

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. 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 30:19-20a

This Independence Day, I invite you to choose LIFE! ...Just a thought...

Building Bridges

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12


As we've been driving cross country lately (we left Maine last Monday and are currently in Texas headed for New Mexico), I've been noticing a lot of road construction. That in itself is not unusual - annoying, but not unusual. What IS interesting is that in almost every state, much of the road construction has centered around building bridges - or rather, RE-building bridges.

In just the little bit of news I've managed to keep up with over the past few years, I remember specifically two major incidents involving highway bridges collapsing, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. So I thought that might explain the attention to the bridges I've observed of late. I don't know if the repairs were legislated or voluntary, but I think it's a great idea - and not just because I cross so many of them on a regular basis. A faulty bridge is dangerous. It is closely akin to walking on thin ice. By the time you realize there is a problem, it is generally too late to avoid serious consequences.

In our world today, many are travelling on faulty bridges that they think will lead to life. The problem is, unless someone who sees they are in danger warns them, only death awaits. Whether it is fame, power, achievement, money, good works, religion, or some other "bridge", all of these methods are shaky in the beginning, and ultimately all will collapse.

There is only one way to heaven, only one bridge that will not collapse: saving faith in Jesus Christ based on His sacrifice on the cross. Only genuine repentance - that not only acknowledges "I'm on the wrong bridge," but that also turns around, gets off the wrong path and on the right one - produces genuine faith. And only genuine faith leads to salvation.

Is the bridge you're on safe? Don't take chances. Your life depends on it - forever!

Just a thought...

(graphic from http://www.heartlight.org/ )

The Desires of Your Heart

Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

I commented a couple of days ago on how the Lord often chooses to use us while we are doing things we may not necessarily “like” on our own. That is not to say the God wants to make us miserable, or that His plan for us is going to be something that we will be unhappy doing. Quite the opposite is true.

What often happens is that God chooses to move us out of our comfort zone into a place where we must rely more fully on Him. As Christians, we are fond of talking about the faith that we have, and we sing about how we are “desperate for Him” and “lost without Him”. But the actual working of faith in our lives is often very different from the faith that we profess.

It is “out of our comfort zone” where we come to understand that God is far less concerned with our comfort than with our holiness. It is in those uncomfortable places that we discover if we are going to follow Him only when it’s convenient and when He’s letting us do things our own way, or if we really do trust Him with our lives.

But, you say, “Doesn’t the Bible say that God will give us the desires of our hearts?”

Absolutely. I think, though, that when we look at that promise as a sort of “blank check” from God, we completely misinterpret what He is saying. If God actually gave me everything my heart desires, it would go against the very nature of God. He is GOOD. And what I have found, and what Scripture confirms, is that my heart is deceitful – it will mislead me.

So what I find in this promise of God to give me the desires of my heart is not that He is offering me a blank check of self-indulgence. Rather, what happens is He gives me the desires of my heart – in other words, when I am walking closely with Him, I desire what He desires.

In real life, what that means is that I can do things I never thought I would be able to do. I can enjoy things that I could never even attempt in my own strength. I can even ‘like’ things that would otherwise strike great fear and trembling in my heart. (And truthfully, sometimes there is still a little fear and trembling – that’s just the enemy trying to rob me of a blessing. Fortunately, the love of God casts out fear, so trusting in Him moves me past the fear.)

So rest assured that God’s plan for you is not to make you miserable and to force you to do something that you don’t want to do. He may just want to broaden your horizons and introduce you to opportunities you never thought possible!

Just a thought…

The Irony of It All...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

It's ironic that in all my years of newsletters, I am not sure if I've ever written a "thought" on Jeremiah 29:11.

Also ironic is the very nature of what I do...

I was thinking today how very much out of my comfort zone most of my life is these days. And I was also struck by the fact that most of the people who know me now wouldn't really see the irony in what I do.

The joke within my family is that we do what we do - full-time, very public ministry - and I don't like people! Now, that statement is not entirely true, but it does bring home the point that left to myself, I could happily live on a deserted island. I would gladly take the back seat in life, stay out of the limelight, and file cards in a library somewhere.

By nature, I am NOT a social person. Even now, though I speak to groups of students and children on a regular basis, put me in a room where I have to relate to people on a more personal level, and I panic! Not noticeably, I hope, but definitely, inside, I just would like to go hide in a back corner somewhere and sneak out after everybody else is gone.

I don't do that - usually - because in spite of the joke that I don't like people, the truth is that I have this LOVE for people that compels me to step out of what is comfortable. And really, more than a love for people is a love for the Savior who stepped far out of His comfort zone for me.

Not too long ago, I was at a church that did what they called a "spiritual gift inventory". I was very disappointed in the process because basically all that was accomplished is that people took a little test that confirmed what they LIKE to do. And while I certainly think that if you can do something for the Lord that you like, you should by all means do it, I don't think that the Lord necessarily chooses to use us most effectively while we are doing the things we like. I think that His purposes more often involve stretching us beyond what we can do comfortably on our own.

I am reminded of the apostle Peter who encountered Jesus one day while he was well within his comfort zone : the fisherman was in the boat (see Matthew 14). It didn't really take a lot of faith for Peter to stay in the boat- that's something he had experience at. But stepping out of the boat - now that's a different story! The scary thing about walking on water, Peter discovered, was that you can't do it on your own. The ONLY way to do it is by keeping your eyes on Jesus, walking literally by faith and not by sight.

So when God said through Jeremiah "I know the plans I have...", He was referring to plans that would be different from our own - plans that might be uncomfortable or scary or completely out of character. That was the case with the captives to whom this verse was written, and that will be the case with you and I as well.

So before you go getting too comfortable with your plans, better see what the Lord has in mind. It probably won't be easy, and it may not be anything you ever pictured yourself doing, but hold on tight - it will be an amazing journey!

Just a thought...

When I Was a Child

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

So it seems I am a bit preoccupied these days with the need to drop a few pounds... again. It seems the fifteen pounds I took off last year (and the year before, and the year before, etc...) have returned and brought a few friends along!

I find it very annoying to have to do things over again when they've already been done - my family will quickly attest to this fact!

So here I am, reading a variety of diet books simultaneously trying to incorporate the best of all plans into my erratic lifestyle. The problem is, everything I'm reading keeps discouraging the "quick fix" diet plans that I am so fond of. I don't really want to have to make long-term changes to the way I eat - just to the way I weigh! I want to have my cake (the whole thing) and eat it, too, and just not experience any lasting effects. It's a nice thought... But ridiculous, I know.

So I was thinking about this situation, and the verse from 1 Corinthians 13 came to mind, with a further thought: when I was a child, I could EAT as a child. I understand that in every other area of life, I must put away those childish ways - I no longer play with dolls, I don't make mud pies, I accept that paying bills and buying groceries are part of life as a responsible adult. I don't skip rope anymore - though I'd like to try that again someday! I understand the reality of saving and waiting and dealing with life as it happens.

So I guess what it boils down to is that it's time to grow up! I can reminisce about the carefree days of childhood, but that doesn't mean I want to go back to elementary school. And I can remember what it was like to eat two or three candy bars with a Pepsi and no repercussions, but that doesn't mean I should do it at this stage of my life.

So maybe it's just one last holdout against growing up, this eating problem... Maybe in putting away childish things in my eating patterns I can develop the kind of mature discipline that will make me a more effective disciple in other areas of my life as well...

Just a thought...

A Word of Explanation...

This blog is something I have been thinking about writing for a long time. In the grand scheme of things, there always seems to be something more pressing. I find myself living by what I've heard referred to as "the tyranny of the urgent". But I was thinking today, "How long could it really take?" So here I am... We'll see how this works out!

2 Corinthians 3:18

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

You'll notice I have called this "The Invisible Woman" blog. Kind of an odd title, considering I live in a 'fishbowl', constantly in the public eye. And yet, the more I am publicly recognized, the more I just want to be invisible - not in the same sense as when I was a shy child or awkward adolescent and just wanted to fade into the background - but invisible, nonetheless.

I shared the verse above with folks all over the country last year, as we talked "Replicators". I continue to look to this passage as a personal goal for my own life.

I want to be invisible.

When people see me, I don't want them to see me.

I want the glory of the Lord to be reflected so brightly in my life that when others look at me, they see Him.

That's a big goal... I understand that. But how can I say to others, "Replicate!" and not do it myself?

So I'll be glad to have you join me in this journey toward invisibility. Who knows... maybe we'll all disappear along the way!

Just a thought...