The Invisible Woman

Resensitization

2011-11-10T09:09:00.005-05:00

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,... Matthew 27:50-51

I have been reading through the Bible chronologically this year, and this morning brought me to the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. As I read of Pilate's failure to act on what he knew to be true (He knew very well that the Jewish leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy. v.18) , I felt an anger and indignation that this key leader would order the flogging and allow the execution of a man he knew to be innocent.

And I continued to read Matthew's account of Jesus' death.

Then the reading guide I have been following took me to the book of Mark, where I read the same story all over again, again became frustrated with Pilate's response, but at the same time caught myself just basically skimming through the reading, as I had just read almost the identical words from Matthew.

And that is when it struck me.

While we all know the recorded details of all of Christ's suffering leading up to and including His crucifixion, what truly disturbs me today is not an ancient politician's failure to act - it is my own failure to act. How can I read the account of my Lord's torturous final hours and not be brought to tears? How can I know the truth that His death was what I deserved, and not be totally broken and humbled at the great love extended to me? I tear up when I ask for prayer for acquaintances who have cancer; I weep at the loss of people I don't even know; I cry when I read about a fictional character being mistreated in a novel; I have even shed tears at the death of a cartoon character in a Disney movie! And yet I read the true account of my Savior's life and blood poured out for me as if it is simply history? This is tragic!

And so my prayer today is that God would soften my obviously calloused heart, and heal me of the desensitization that has occurred in my life. May I never again speak of Christ's great sacrifice in such a matter-of-fact way, as though it is nothing more than the historical basis for my faith.

"God, give me a sense of brokenness and humility every time I think of the price that was paid for my disobedience to Your word. And when I speak of Your Son, may it be with the kind of passion that comes with a deep sense of gratitude at the gift I have been given. Re-sensitize me, Lord!"

...Just a thought...

Obedience

2011-07-15T08:13:00.002-04:00

The LORD told Isaiah son of Amoz, "Take off all your clothes, including your sandals." Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot. Isaiah 20:2

Have you ever done anything hard for God? When you think about "an obedient servant of the Lord," what comes to mind? I think of missionaries - those God has called to leave their homes and families to go live in a foreign country. I think of friends of mine who grew up in missionary boarding schools while their parents served the Lord in dangerous and remote areas.

Last week, I saw a car that was painted all over with Bible verses and warnings to repent and turn to God. I think there was even an extra sign attached to the roof to make room for more pronouncements. When I saw that car, I admit my reaction was to think it was probably driven by some odd, but well-intentioned person who was probably "not quite right in the head". In my mind, I just don't really think that's the most effective way to witness to people. But as I read scripture, I have to admit that what's "in my mind" is not always accurate.

As I was reading in Isaiah this morning, he's in the midst of making pronouncements on God's plans for judging the nations. He is boldly proclaiming the words God has given him of impending doom and destruction. And then God tells him to take off his clothes and sandals and walk around naked and barefoot. My first thought is that this is a very different picture of God than what most American churches are presenting. And, though I've read this passage before, still I'm thinking, "That's just crazy!" But then, I continue reading and see that not only was Isaiah's response immediate obedience - it was continual obedience. The Bible says that Isaiah walked around barefoot and naked for THREE YEARS! So then my next thought is, "WOW!" Isaiah must have had an incredible confidence in the Lord. And then I began to ask myself what I would have done...

See, when I picture an old guy (I don't know how old Isaiah was at the time, actually) walking around naked, my first thought is that he's got to be some kind of a pervert. If he's not a prevert, then he must be completely insane. But this old guy walking around naked is neither. He is OBEDIENT!

If I'm honest, I don't think I would have done it. And that concerns me. I like to think of myself as being totally committed to following God, and yet this passage points out to me that perhaps that is not true. Total commitment looks very different from modern American Christianity, I'm pretty sure. Many times through the years I have been commended for all I've "given up" to follow the Lord's leading. Sometimes, I've even whined to God about the things I've "given up". In fact, I have really not given up anything for the cause of Christ.

As I look at scripture, I find that often God called His messengers to do much more distasteful things than just walking around naked for a while. And while it is my hope that God never calls me to do something that "crazy", my prayer is that if He does, I will be obedient.

It isn't pretty, but it's... Just a thought...

What God Calls Evil

2011-06-22T08:13:00.004-04:00

But he was an evil king, for he did not seek the LORD with all his heart. 2 Chronicles 12:14

As I read the stories of the kings in the Old Testament, I am often amazed at how irresponsibly these men behaved. Reading the accounts of David and his descendants, I am saddened at how often these God-appointed leaders rejected the very One who placed them in their positions of authority.

David, whom the Bible describes as "a man after God's own heart" was adulterous, a disconnected father whose sons rebelled in response to his lack of involvement in their lives. David's son Solomon took the throne next, and is known as the wisest man who ever lived. And yet we find that for all his wisdom, Solomon couldn't follow the Lord's simple instructions NOT to intermarry with foreign women, and so he fell into idolatry.

Now Solomon's son, Rehoboam has come on the scene, and in his arrogance he rejects the counsel of experienced advisors. As a result, ten of the tribes of Israel reject him as their king, and the nation of Israel is divided. Ultimately, due to Rehoboam's poor leadership, the kingdom of Judah is attacked by the king of Egypt. But the Bible says in verse 12 that, "Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD's anger was turned aside, and he did not destroy him completely. And there was still goodness in the land of Judah." When I read this, I think this shows a change of heart in Rehoboam, but then I come to verse 14, and God declares him "evil".

What is sobering in this story is the reason the Bible says he was evil. For all of his irresponsibility and poor leadership, this king is recorded as humbling himself and repenting. The Bible doesn't tell us that he married a bunch of foreign women and fell into idolatry like his father did. The Bible doesn't give account of his falling into adultery and murder like his grandfather did. And yet, Rehoboam is the one identified as an evil king!

The scripture says, "he was an evil king, for he did not seek the LORD with all his heart." As I read this, I can't help but feel a little concerned about my own spiritual condition. I love the Lord, I would say with all my heart, but I know that there are times when my actions indicate otherwise. All too often, I get caught up in the cares of this world. There are days when I get up and immediately get caught up in the busy-ness of life on earth without taking the time to seek the face of God through prayer and time in His Word. Sometimes, I just simply hold back, whether out of fear or selfishness or misplaced priorities...

Rehoboam was considerd EVIL because he did not seek the Lord with all of his heart. I do not want this to be said of me! I do not want to be remembered by God as one who was evil.

As I look at these accounts of the kings, it would seem that God looks at things a bit differently than we do. It was not David's actions that made him "a man after God's own heart." It was not Solomon's actions that made him a wise king, loved by God. And it was not Rehoboam's actions that made him an evil king. As God told Samuel the prophet at the beginning of this dynasty, "the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

It is your heart God is most concerned with. When He has our hearts, ultimately, He can bring our actions into alignment with His Word. If He does not have our hearts, we will be prone to evil...

Does God have your heart today?

... Just a thought...

To Suffer Loss

2011-06-15T23:04:00.002-04:00

Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26

I have been an observer in a heart-breaking drama this week. Please bear with me as I attempt to sort through this matter...

While setting up for a VBS/KidzKrusade on Sunday, a nasty thunderstorm blew through. After the rains and wind had subsided, one little robin family had suffered great loss. On the sidewalk beside our bus lay two tiny newly hatched robins and the remains of at least two other eggs. One of the babies lay dead on the cement; the other was badly injured, but still alive. From a distance away, the mother bird watched as we surveyed the situation. We looked up into the tree to see if it might be possible to return the surviving baby to its nest, but the nest was dangling sideways from a branch of the tree. Realizing that there was nothing we could do, we carefully moved the injured bird from the sidewalk to a soft patch of grass beneath the tree. We thought perhaps the mother might find a way to protect and comfort her little one. Sadly, another storm came through a few minutes later, sending what remained of the nest crashing to the sidewalk. When we headed out for the final time that evening, we stopped to check on the little survivor, only to find that ants had overtaken it and killed it.

A few tears were shed as we observed this little tragedy played out before our eyes that day. My heart went out to that little mama who, in a matter of a few minutes, lost everything. And though I know that birds are not emotional or spiritual beings who experience loss as we do, I couldn't help but grieve this great loss on behalf of the mother robin. I continued to think of her throughout the evening and on into the next day. When we arrived at the church on Monday afternoon, the fallen nest still remained on the sidewalk, a sad reminder of the previous day's tragic turn of events.

The most heart-breaking moment, though, came Tuesday evening. A few yards from the fallen nest sat a little robin, fluttering about, chattering a mournful little song. She seemed so lost! Just two days earlier, her little life had great joy and purpose - new little hatchlings greeting the world, needing her constant care and attention. But now, this little mother seemed unable to figure out what to do with herself. With no babies to care for and no nest to go home to, she seemed to have lost her purpose.

I never have been very good at accepting the hard truths of nature. I HATE to watch the documentaries where the cheetah actually catches the poor little rabbit for a meal. I still cry when I watch The Lion King and Mufasa is trampled by the wildebeests. So you can imagine, the Robin Family Saga will not soon be forgotten.

As I have thought about how sad this whole incident made me feel, I was reminded that I was not the only one impacted by this loss. Even this seemingly insignificant incident did not go unnoticed by our heavenly Father who feeds and cares even for the birds. A little part of me wondered why He didn't choose to save this little robin family. He could have...

And I was reminded that His ways are not our ways! Tragedy is a part of life. It is unpleasant, but it is inevitable. It is the "in your face" evidence of our sin-stricken world. It simply cannot be avoided.

I learned today of a human mom who lost her baby, and my heart aches even more deeply than before. Life is hard. There is simply no getting around it. But I am reminded that even in the difficult times, we have a God who cares. Though He may not reverse all the tragedies of life or insulate us from the painful consequences of life in a sin-ridden world, He will never leave us to face the difficult times alone. It is often in these deeply sorrowful times that we can learn to know Him as the "God of all comfort".

Whatever loss may have come your way recently, I want to encourage you with this incredible knowledge that the God who cares for the birds and the flowers, cares even more deeply for you. He will not leave you to face difficult days alone.

...Just a thought...

Uninspired...

2011-04-01T07:15:00.003-04:00

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Hebrews 12:12 You may have noticed, I've been feeling rather uninspired lately. Nearly a month since my last post here... It's just that kind of season in my life. I find myself busy - almost ridiculously so - but as I look back over the days and weeks, I realize that for all that busy-ness, I have accomplished little. Which leaves me frustrated... and a bit more uninspired! It's hard to describe... and even harder to explain. Songs and cliches come to mind... And I am reminded of what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7 - (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) I find it interesting that this verse appears with a smiley at the end. I don't know if it appears that way in the actual KJV, but this is how it came up on the Scripture look-up I used. And it seems very fitting. In these days of going through the motions, just putting one foot in front of the other without a clear destination in sight, a little smile of encouragement means a lot. The real challenge is to not lose focus as I wander in the wilderness. I'd really like NOT to spend forty years wandering! So I keep myself in the Word, sustained by manna, even as I wait on the milk and honey of the Promised Land. Maybe this seems a little familiar to you. If you're feeling a little uninspired today, I empathize with you. It's definitely not my favorite place to be, but it is encouraging to know that I am not alone. And what feels "uninspired" may actually be some of the most inspired moments of life - the nitty-gritty moments of walking simply by faith and not by sight. It doesn't really feel like much, but after all, it's ... just a thought...

About His Father's Business

2011-03-08T09:38:00.003-05:00

And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

His parents were frantic! They had lost their twelve year old son - in the city! How were they going to explain to God that they had taken the Savior of the world to the city and LOST HIM!?!?

But Jesus wasn't lost. He was exactly where He was supposed to be - about His Father's business.

I've been struggling with this concept a bit this week. I didn't lose my son. I know where he is: he is in a foreign country far away from home without me! And he's been gone a whole week already, and he won't be back for another week!

This is a very strange turn of events for our family. We do EVERYTHING together. If you count from the outside walls and include the driver's area and engine compartment, we live in a 320 square foot house! You could say that we are (literally) a very close family... Four people, two dogs, maybe 280 square feet of actual living space... That's pretty close! So we are keenly aware when someone is missing. Not that it happens very often. I think we're all "homebodies" at heart - that's why we have to take the "house" with us everywhere we go!

So, when we began to talk about the possibilities of sending my seventeen year old son to Brazil alone, that was just a hard concept to grasp. He's never really gone anywhere alone. ...Maybe to a friend's house overnight when he was younger... across the field to a cabin at camp, but only when we were staying on the same property... It just hasn't been part of our experience to be apart from one another.

But the funny thing is, we're making it! I'm not really worried (most of the time!). When I was tempted to go down that road of worry the other day, the Lord reminded me that He had to let His Son go away for a while. And because He did, my life, and many others, have been impacted for eternity. He pointed me to the account of Jesus's visit to the temple in Luke 2, and reassured me with the matter-of-fact answer that Jesus gave to his worried parents: "I must be about my Father's business."

Nate will be back in a week, and I can't wait to see him! I want to hear all about what the Lord has done in him and through him! Though these have been difficult days for us, they have been days of wonder and excitement for him, doing what the Lord has called him to do.

So what's my son up to these days? He's about his Father's business. Can't argue with that!

...Just a thought...

New Perspective on Waiting

2011-02-11T07:36:00.004-05:00

When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:1

This is the beginning of a story that has always puzzled me. I have never been able to fathom what would entice God's people to turn from him so quickly, or why they would ask Aaron to make them an idol that they could worship. I have always had sort of a "righteous indignation" about this whole episode in the history of Israel.

As I have been studying through the story of the Exodus, I have become even more puzzled by the behavior of the children of Israel than ever. As I have read how the Lord made allowances for the people's faithlessness, how they continually tested His patience, how they grumbled and complained, and whined... I haven't really been able to muster up much sympathy for them. And as I came to the story of the golden calf, and I looked at Aaron's behavior there, I admit, I was almost angry at Aaron! I mean, was he really that stupid? The people had heard the actual voice of God. Aaron had actually been up on the lower part of the mountain for an up close, personal encounter with the Lord (Exodus 24:10-11)! But while God was giving Moses instructions about how he was to ordain Aaron for an important role in ministry, Aaron was becoming the people's leader in idol worship.

But today, I am looking at that account again, and I am beginning to muster a little compassion for Aaron and the people. I think maybe I am beginning to understand a little how it may have been for the children of Israel.

They are waiting. After a lifetime of slavery and oppression, God, with many great signs and wonders, delivered them from oppression. He went ahead of them, showing them the way, taking them on a journey to "the Promised Land". But they're not in the Promised Land yet. They can't see it. They know God is powerful, but they're sitting out in the wilderness now... just waiting.

The Bible says that Moses was up on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. I've never thought of that as being a very long time before... But that's nearly six weeks! That was entire grading period when I was in school! A lot can happen in six weeks!

And so today, I look back at this story with new understanding. I've been waiting on God lately. I thought He was taking me to the Promised Land, and it seems He has taken me to the wilderness. I was sure that I heard His voice. It was clear. There were no doubts. But an interesting thing happens over time... as you sit at the base of the mountain, just waiting to see what will happen next... You begin to look around. You start to second-guess yourself. Was it REALLY the voice of God you heard? Has all of this been some kind of mistake? How long can I really sit here waiting? Don't I need to get up and get busy DOING something? I mean, if God's not ready to do something here, maybe I need to go somewhere else and look for Him...

Don't worry! I'm not about to go off and build myself a golden calf! But I am understanding better what prompted the children of Israel to do such a thing. I can read the rest of their story and see that God did eventually take them to the Promised Land. He always did have their best interest at heart. They would pay the price for their disobedience, but never did God forsake them. He walked with them. He waited with them. He showed them the way.

Lord, as I am waiting, help me to wait in confidence. Keep me from doing something stupid, Lord! Help me to rest in what I know, and not try to get ahead of You or try to make things happen on my own. I want to make this journey YOUR way!

If you find yourself waiting today, be encouraged. God has not forsaken you. Don't you give up on Him!

...Just a thought...

God Moves in the Dark Times

2011-02-04T10:35:00.004-05:00

The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21-22
So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea. Exodus 14:27

The children of Israel had just left Egypt. They were leaving behind the only life they had ever known - a life of oppression and slavery. They were embarking on a new life - life as a free people in a land God had prepared for them. What an exciting time this must have been for them!

Exciting... but frightening as well. Change is a hard thing. Sometimes it seems easier to just stick with what you know. It may be unpleasant, but at least it's familiar.

So now the children of Israel are out of Egypt and they are on their way to the "Promised Land". They didn't have a fancy GPS system, but they didn't need one. They had God. And God had promised to go ahead of them and to guide them. He went ahead of them in two very visible forms - the pillar of cloud for the day and the pillar of fire for the night.

Did you ever really think about that? I've read it many times, but never really caught it: This allowed them to travel by day or by night. God provided the pillar of fire so they could travel at night!

I sometimes like to travel at night. I kind of like to see city lights at night. At Christmas time, I love to see all the festive light displays. But most of the time, I much prefer to travel during the day. It's easier to stay awake. It's easier to see where you are going... I've been on dark roads in the middle of nowhere at night, and that is just no fun! It's hard to tell where you are, and you find yourself wondering if you've made a wrong turn, or if you'd even know it if you did make a wrong turn.

So the children of Israel had been traveling, and they stopped and set up camp in a nice, scenic location. They're hanging out at the beach, enjoying a break from the road, taking in a nice sunset... and then they see Pharaoh's army coming! They panic, and suddenly that nice beachfront property just looks like a trap - until God intervenes. The pillar of cloud settles down in between the Israelites and the Egyptians, and as darkness falls, the cloud turns to fire. Feeling safe for the moment, the children of Israel now get to witness a truly amazing miracle - God parts the Red Sea for them. The wind blows, and ground dries out on the seabed, and the people walk right through - during the night. We know that it was night because it's just before dawn that the Lord throws the Egyptians (who are now pursuing the Israelites through the sea) into confusion. And the Bible tells us that just as the sun began to rise, the waters closed back in, killing the entire army of Pharaoh.

This all happened in the night. This miraculous deliverance took place in darkness. But God had made a way for the people to follow Him, even in the dark times.

We may not have a pillar of fire to follow through the dark times of life, but God has not abandoned us to our enemies. He has provided us with all we need to make it through the night.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Maybe you are in one of those dark times in your life. I want to encourage you today that God has given you His light that stands between you and the enemy. His Word will give you the direction you are seeking. Set your eyes on His Word, and then step out in faith. He will show you which way to go.

You don't have to cower down in the darkness. Just look up - He's lighting the way!

...Just a thought...

2011-02-03T07:28:00.004-05:00

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.” Exodus 19:9

Then God gave the people all these instructions...
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” Exodus 20:1, 18-19

I have often wished the Lord would just speak to me in an audible voice! I mean, sometimes I just get so frustrated as I go along in life, wondering where to turn, which way to go... And I cry out to God asking for direction. Sometimes, I get a very clear answer. Other times, He just says, "Trust Me," and I am called to walk by faith. Lately, I have struggled with fear, wondering if I am somehow misunderstanding or misinterpreting what God is saying to me. I wish He would just speak clearly from heaven!

Well... that's what I THINK I want...

The children of Israel got that chance! But they didn't appreciate it. God spoke so that they could hear His voice, and rather than listening to what He said to them, the people got so overcome with fear that they begged Moses to ask God to stop. They didn't want to hear his voice anymore.

I had never realized this before, but did you know that God actually gave the Ten Commandments in the hearing of the children of Israel? He told Moses to go get the people ready - to instruct them on how to prepare for this wonderful opportunity. He told them where to stand, and when to go there (on the third day...!). And then He gave them instructions. These were pretty straightforward instructions - nothing too complicated. If the people had simply listened when God spoke, they could have been saved much heartache in the years that followed! But they stood at a distance, trembling with fear, and they completely missed what God wanted to say to them because they valued their lives above God.

"Oh Moses! Don't let God talk to us that way! We're scared of Him! We'd rather hear your version of what God wants to say!"

We look down on the children of Israel for their reaction, but isn't that exactly what we do today? God has given us His Word. He has spoken very clearly to us from it. But we feign confusion, and inexperience, and lack of education. We would much rather someone else read His Word for us and tell us what it says so we don't have to listen directly to the voice of God. We would rather read books by Christian authors than the Book by the Author of Christianity!

God wanted the people to hear His voice at Sinai. I believe He wants us to hear His voice today. Maybe it's time we stop making excuses and playing dumb. Maybe it's really not as hard a thing as we have made it. Maybe - just maybe - God is speaking and we are cowering.

Have I done that? Have I so valued my own life, my own plans, my own dreams, my own "stuff" that when God wanted to speak to me I covered my ears and cowered down, using fear as an excuse to remain ignorant of the ways of God? I pray that would no longer be the case.

Come near to God and hear His voice. He wants to speak, if only we will listen.

It may be a little scary, but it's... just a thought...

Ready for Battle

2011-02-01T07:36:00.007-05:00

When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. Exodus 13:17-18

The Exodus of the children of Israel out of Egypt is such an incredible account! Before they ever left Egypt, God had revealed Himself in so many powerful ways, and He had made it very clear whose side He was on. Though many terrors came upon Egypt, in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were living, scripture tells us that the people were protected from at least some of the plagues. And now they were free, having walked right out of Egypt because God had delivered them!

Now they are on their way to the Promised Land, and God is leading them. The Bible says that they were prepared for the battle. (Some translations state that the people marched out of Egypt in battle formation.) God could have taken them the short way, but the Bible tells us that He took them the long way. Why? Because He knew they might turn back if they were faced with the prospect of war. So even though the people may have thought they were ready for battle, the Lord protected them from this test of their faith. They would face plenty of challenges later on, and they would eventually need those battle preparations, but for now, God took them around the battle.

I am reminded of the old cartoons here... I picture the little guy who thinks he's big, marching out to meet his opponent, armed with a little cork gun. But behind this little guy is a big guy, holding onto his shirttails, keeping his little friend from getting into a fight he's not really ready for...

I think there is an important lesson to be learned here. God wants us to be prepared. He's given us spiritual armor for our protection and His Word as a weapon. When the battle comes, He wants us to be ready. Fortunately, God loves us and cares for us and often takes us around the battle. He protects us from those things He knows we aren't ready for. But He wants us prepared!

Whatever trial you're facing today, I want to encourage you: God is aware of your situation. It has not taken Him by surprise. He could have taken you around the battle. If He hasn't, He must know that you are ready, even though you may not feel like it. But trust His love for you. He has already given you what you need for the battle, and He will stand with you and fight.

If you are not in the battle today, thank God for protecting you from it. Enjoy the time of rest, but don't become slack, thinking God will always take you around the Philistines of life. Take this time to get prepared. Put on that armor. Draw your sword. Get used to the feel of it, because the day is coming when you're going to need it, so be ready!

If it seems like God is taking you the long way around today, do not be discouraged. Maybe you're tired of waiting. Maybe it seems like He's being slow to answer. I want to encourage you: walk patiently with Him through this time, comforted with the knowledge that He knows what you're ready for.

...Just a thought...

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Learning To Listen

2011-01-13T07:04:00.002-05:00

This is what the Lord says - the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. Jeremiah 33:2-3

I have been full of questions lately. A lot of those questions start with "why...". It has been a confusing time, a time when I have tried to figure things out. I have been somewhat unsuccessful in these efforts, and have been left feeling frustrated and confused.

I've actually been a little upset at God about this. But it's not His fault. He doesn't want me confused. He is not trying to frustrate me. He is quite willing for me to know the truth, but I think it is just that I am having a hard time listening. After all, He did say, "Ask me and I will tell you..."

I don't sit still very well. The joke is that if I sit still for too long, I fall asleep - and that is not far from the truth. I get caught up in this whirlwind of activity, not realizing until later that I am accomplishing nothing. By the end of the day I am exhausted, but as I try to figure out why, it all seems so futile. It's like all my efforts were in vain. And as I drop into bed at night, I am almost instantly asleep. I never remember much past turning off the light - and sometimes I don't even remember that!

God is calling me to be still... But there is just so much that needs to be done! I don't have time to sit still!

"Be still and know..." But I CAN'T be still because I know... how much there is to do and how little time there is to accomplish it!

"Be still and know that I am God." Could it really be that simple? He wouldn't have said it if it wasn't true. He is God. He is capable of taking care of all of those things I am concerning myself with. He is GOD! What is so complicated about that? It's the letting go... Trusting... I've been asking, but I haven't been waiting for Him to answer. That's got to change!

"Be still..." Can't do that here. I've got to go and get busy being still! It's time to listen...

It's not complicated, but it is... just a thought...

On the Road Again...

2011-01-05T23:05:00.003-05:00

The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. Exodus 13:21

It's one of those seasons... Nothing seems to make sense... What I thought was the right direction was apparently the wrong direction... What I thought was the wrong direction was apparently the right direction! Anybody else ever have those times?

I'm beginning to understand, on a small scale, what the children of Israel must have been feeling as they left Egypt. They had seen the mighty hand of God at work, miraculously delivering them from slavery, setting them free to pursue what looked to be a very bright future. So they're on their way to the Promised Land. They're following God, and maybe don't even realize that God is taking them on a round-about kind of journey to their destination. So they're following the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, and they know they are on the right path because they are following God. Then, all of a sudden, God pulls a u-turn on them because He's working on a plan to show His glory to Pharaoh. But still the children of Israel follow - no problem!

There they are, all camped out where God said to camp. They're happy. They're content. They're just waiting for God to tell them to go, and then they'll be on their way. But they look up and see that Pharaoh's army is after them! Then they look the other way, and suddenly that sweet beachfront property they're camped on doesn't look so sweet anymore! Now they're panicking. They're crying and complaining because, understandably, they're scared to death!

I can relate, and maybe you can, too. I thought God was leading in a certain direction. It was exciting, looking to the future, wondering exactly what the road would look like, but exciting because God was in it. I was following God, but soon realized we weren't going the direct route, so I figured there must be "Philistines" out there He was protecting me from. That's okay. I'm ready for the journey, as long as God's leading the way. But then came the u-turn, and that was almost more exciting because it seemed He had spoken so clearly, "Camp here."

But then, somehow, here I am - Pharaoh's army is behind me, and the Red Sea lies ahead, and even though I know how the biblical account turns out, I confess I'm feeling a little panicky.

I've told you before how I prefer the big-picture of the road map to the turn-by-turn instructions of a GPS... Well... God's taking me on a GPS journey! I'm following the pillar of cloud, but I'm frustrated because I can't see past it - all I can see is the cloud. But God is in the cloud! And that's got to be enough! He is MORE than enough!

So step by step, putting one foot in front of the other, following God even though I'm not quite sure where we're going or how we're getting there, I'm hitting the road again...

A wise pastor once told me that it's easier for God to steer a moving vessel... Well, I'm moving. Lord - steer away!

So if you find yourself adrift, like a ship with no direction, I want to encourage you to get in motion, then let the Lord lead the way, learning to trust your Captain even when you can't see the shore. I'm right there with you - just along for the ride!

...Just a thought...

The Old Life Is Gone!

2011-01-01T10:45:00.001-05:00

Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:14b-17

I love New Year's! I've always wanted to have a big New Year's Eve party with silly hats and confetti and everything... It seems like a fun way to bring closure to the past and usher in the new with an attitude of excitement and not dread.

Often, as we come to the close of a year, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief. It seems when I look back, often what seems most obvious are the hard times and difficulties I have survived in the course of the year. I remember the good times, too, but I do tend to focus on the bad. But fortunately, there's something about New Year's that makes it somehow easier to let go of the bad stuff...

Maybe you can relate.

2011 is like this grand opportunity the Lord has placed before us. Regardless of what 2010 looked like, now is a wonderful time to stop living for ourselves and start living for Christ! It is a time to stop looking at life from a human point of view and start seeing life from God's perspective, seeing others the way God sees them. It is time to let go of the old and embrace this new life we have in God through Christ Jesus!

If we look at things from His perspective, there is no doubt: it's going to be a GREAT year!

...Just a thought...

Why God Answers Prayer

2010-12-19T07:15:00.002-05:00

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Psalm 143:1

I don't know about you, but I tend to spend a lot of time asking God for things. I wake up in the morning asking Him for a good day (and usually putting in my request for some sunshine). I go along through the day asking for His guidance and provision. I ask for His protection and for wisdom. I ask for silly things and selfish things and things of no real significance in the grand scheme of eternity. I ask, and I ask, and I ask...

The problem is not in the asking, because God has told us in His Word that we should ask. And as I often point out to the Lord (as if He has forgotten!), He did say in James, "You have not because you ask not...).

The problem comes when I begin to think that I deserve an answer. God does answer prayer, and I am so thankful for that. He is concerned about the little details of my life. He LOVES me! That is so incredible! But His answers to my prayers do not come because I am so spiritual. His answers are not in response to my being kind or right or deserving in any way. The answers are simply about who God is.

David understood this simple truth, pouring out his heart, and crying out to God for help. He cried out to God not because he thought he deserved an answer, but because he had an understanding of the nature of God. David didn't ask God to answer because he (David) was good, but because HE (God) was good: "because YOU are faithful and righteous".

It kind of brings a new perspective to my prayer life, this understanding that God's response to my prayer is not about me...

Thank You, God, that You remain faithful even when I am faithless. Thank You that Your answers to my prayers are based on how good You are and not on how good I am. Now please teach me to do Your will (v.10)...

Just because He is faithful and righteous.

Just a thought...

The Expendables

2010-11-26T10:44:00.003-05:00

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. Acts 17:24-25

I have a tendency to overextend myself... just a little! I look around at what needs to be done, and though I may sometimes get a little overwhelmed, I manage to convince myself that I need to make sure that everything gets done. After all, if I don't do it, who will?

There's a statistic I hear around the church very often: "20% of the people do 80% of the work in the church"(or is it "10% of the people do 90% of the work"?)...

The theory here is that a few committed people manage to get done most of what happens in the local church and that the rest are uncommitted slackers. There is some definite truth to that, because I think one of the greatest shortcomings in modern "Christianity" is a lack of commitment. (In truth, I fear that what really is happening is that a large percentage of modern church-goers are not really saved, but that is a matter for another day!)

Among those 10-20 percent who fall into the "committed worker" category in the church, there is a different problem I have observed. Those workers (among whom I number myself) often fall into the trap of believing that they are irreplaceable. We often commit to much more than we actually have time to do. We may commit to things that we absolutely don't want to do, taking on a martyr attitude, and making sure people know what a sacrifice we are making "to do the work of the Lord." We think that if we stop what we are doing, the kingdom of God may just come crumbling down!

Now, I don't want to imply that the things we do for the Lord do not matter, because that is absolutely NOT the case. But what I think we often fail to understand is that while God desires that we would serve Him with all our hearts, this is really more for us than it is for Him. He does not NEED us! He's GOD, remember? He can do ANYTHING He wants, ANY WAY He wants, and He does not NEED my help (or my permission!). As Paul pointed out to his listeners at Mars Hill, "...human hands can't serve his needs, for he has no needs."

So what I want to encourage you today, especially at this time of year when a few people find themselves taking on all the "seasonal work" of the church, overextending themselves, getting stressed out, or feeling guilty that they are not doing enough... Relax! Stop trying to run everything yourself, on your own strength. Take time to seek the face of God. Rest in His loving arms. Let His Spirit lead you in the works He would have you do. Then do those things joyfully, out of your love for a Savior who came to earth as a baby and gave His life for you, and not out of guilt or obligation.

God wants you to love Him, but He does not need you to work for Him. He understands that your true love for Him will motivate you to service.

Understanding that He is a big, powerful God, and I am, in a sense, expendable, leaves me much freedom: freedom to love Him more fully, and thereby to minister more effectively. ... Just a thought...

What the One Who Formed You Says...

2010-11-04T10:12:00.002-04:00

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fires of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you... you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you..." Isaiah 43:1-5

Life has been a little crazy lately. Actually, that's not really the half of it! I have felt stretched beyond belief, weary in ways I never knew possible, fearful of the future. Life is a series of changes, I know, but lately I just long for things to be still - to calm down, if only for a moment. I find myself looking for perspective, to find some way to make sense out of confusion... I feel like I'm flying blind, moving forward at warp speed but navigation is offline, so I wait for the inevitable crash...

But it doesn't come. The crash does not come, because in spite of what I FEEL, life is not out of control because my Father has promised to be with me. I may say things are a mess, but here is what HE says:
"Do not be afraid."
"I have called you by name."
"You are mine."
"I will be with you."
"You will not drown."
"You will not be burned up."
"You are precious to me."
"I love you."
"I am with you."

I am so encouraged to know that the same God who formed Israel also formed me; that the same God who said to His children in times past, "I love you," says the same to me today.

Maybe you can relate to how I've been feeling. Maybe life seems to you a confusing mess. Be encouraged today that the God who formed you has promised to be with you. Enjoy a little rest in His strong arms today.

"You are precious..."

...Just a thought...

The Tragedy of Wasted Opportunity

2010-09-12T06:58:00.001-04:00

And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. Mark 6:5

I think this may be one of the saddest verses I have ever read in the Bible.

Jesus had gone home for a visit. You would think the people of Nazareth would have been watching Jesus’ travels with keen interest. I mean, He was “one of their own”. The hometown boy was making quite a name with all the amazing miracles He was performing. And now He was coming home. They could have met Him with a parade, or a supper in His honor…

That was not the case. Jesus came home, and hung around for a few days. Then the Sabbath came along, so He went to the synagogue to teach. Initially, the people were amazed. But then they began to talk among themselves, and before long, the Scriptures say, “They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him” (v.3). What a tragedy! I wonder what it was that Jesus had planned for His family and His hometown? I can only imagine that it was something wonderful. After all, this is Jesus we’re talking about! Who knows what incredible things might have happened?!

We can recognize that what Jesus did do in Nazareth was pretty incredible - He healed the sick. To us, this is big! But what we see in Scripture is that this didn’t even scratch the surface of what Jesus wanted to do there. “Because of their unbelief…”

I wonder what mighty miracles we might be seeing now that we are missing because of unbelief? The same Jesus that wanted to do mighty miracles in His own hometown is waiting to move mightily in our lives as well. What an incredible opportunity is set before us! I pray that I will not miss out like the people of Nazareth did…

…Just a thought…

What Are You Looking At?

2010-09-09T11:24:00.001-04:00

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18

One look around is often all it takes for discouragement to enter the scene.

Now, I like to think of myself as a “glass half full” kind of girl, but I have to confess that can be a little hard when the glass looks nine-tenths empty! You know how it is… The numbers stack up a bit higher on the bill side than the income side… Or maybe it’s relationship troubles… Or dissatisfaction at work or school… Or something altogether different. Circumstances can be discouraging at times!

I’m pretty sure the apostle Paul would agree with me. I mean, if ever a person endured difficult circumstances, Paul was the guy. Arrested over and over again… Imprisoned… Shipwrecked - three times! And if all that wasn’t enough, the treatment he got from his “friends” and “supporters” would be enough to send anyone over the edge! He poured his life into churches, only to have them turn on him, criticize him, and just generally aggravate him… If Paul had just taken a moment to consider his circumstances, he would certainly have been within his rights to throw the world’s biggest pity party!

But he looked beyond his circumstances. He didn’t just look toward the day when he might be free from imprisonment. He wasn’t hoping for a time when his circumstances would improve. Paul was focused on things that could not be seen with physical eyes. He had an internal perspective - looking to the Spirit of God within him for the peace He came to give. And Paul had an eternal perspective - he was looking to the day that he would put off his physical body with all of its suffering and troubles and be united with Christ in heaven forever.

We still reap the benefits of Paul’s perspective on life. He left us many God-inspired words to instruct and encourage us along this journey of life on earth.

Lord, make me more like Paul, that I may look past the troubles I can see, to the things of Your Spirit that will last forever…

…Just a thought…

Far, Far Away

2010-08-27T08:21:00.001-04:00

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. Psalm 139:1-3

It’s an incredible experience, being in a foreign country, far from home. I know people do it all the time, but for me it was a big step. Even though I travel all over the US, I’m still basically a “home-body” at heart. That’s why I take my house with me where ever I go! Yet here I am - miles from anything familiar, surrounded by people with whom I cannot communicate because I do not speak their language. And I feel strangely at home. That’s the power of God at work. There is no other possible explanation.

My son, the kid who can make conversation with anyone anywhere is feeling a little frustrated because he cannot communicate the way he would like to. I guess I am at a slight advantage here with my less-social approach to life… I am trying to learn the language, because I would LIKE to be able to communicate and to understand better what is going on around me, but I am strangely at peace here.

It is a beautiful place in which I find myself. I’m situated at the top of a hill, with an amazing view out my back door. I’m surrounded by green - plants and trees I’ve never seen before - and they are BEAUTIFUL! There are birds and animals and all kinds of interesting sounds and sites, and I am just trying to drink it all in, though it sometimes feels like a dream.

But the really wonderful thing about it all is that here I am - many miles from home - and God is here! It’s something that I’ve always known was true - that God is not bound by time or space, and that He is everywhere at all times, but I never had experienced the reality of that knowledge. As the psalmist says in verse 6, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

Just a thought, from a land far away…

New Vision

2010-06-07T08:54:00.001-04:00

When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. "Oh, sir, what will we do now?" the young man cried to Elisha. "Don’t be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!" The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. 2Kings 6:15-17

When circumstances look bleak, it can be easy to panic. It's not necessarily that we lose faith. Sometimes, it's just being realistic. It's not that we don't believe God CAN deliver us. We just don't know if He WILL or if maybe He's got some lessons for us in the circumstances. This is where Elisha's servant was on this particular morning. He hadn't gone out looking for trouble. But when he went out, there it was! He was surrounded by the enemy. That had to be a little scary!

The key to this story, though, is not found in what the servant could see. It was in what he COULDN'T see. The circumstances looked BAD - there's was no denying that fact. But beyond the circumstances, something else was going on, and God had it all under control!

As we look around at our lives and our circumstances, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. From where we're standing, it's easy to see the opposition. It looks like we're all alone in the situation. That's how it looked to Elisha's servant, too. For all he knew it as just him and Elisha against a multitude of armed troops. But when God opened his eyes, it all looked different!

My prayer for you today is that in the midst of whatever circumstance you find yourself, that God would open your eyes... That He would give you new vision to see beyond the circumstances to His provision. With God on your side, the opposition is outnumbered.

Rest today in that knowledge, and ask the Lord for new vision.

...Just a thought...

Keeping On

2010-06-01T18:28:00.002-04:00

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

It's been a while since my last post. Sorry about that. The truth is, I was starting to wonder if writing this blog was just a waste of my time. I really didn't know if anyone was actually reading it. There's been a lot going on - ministry, trying to finish out the school year, catching up with friends, etc, etc - and in the grand scheme of things, trying to keep up a blog that I thought no one was reading just didn't rank high on my priority list.

Life is just like that sometimes... There are so many different things pulling us in so many different directions. Sometimes we have to let even some good things fall by the wayside in favor of the better things. But sometimes, we let good things go for less noble reasons. We get wrapped up in things that really don't matter:
We find time for a leisurely cup of coffee in the morning, but no time to read the Bible...
We have time to get together with friends to eat, but not time to make it to prayer meeting...
We can catch the season finale of our favorite TV show, but not the last Bible study session...
Quite simply, we get our priorities misplaced. At the heart of the matter, we may find a lack of commitment. It might be about faithlessness. Or it could be a problem with discouragement.

For whatever reason, we are prone to give up on the good things. It's in our nature. That's why sports teams have cheerleaders. Without the cheerleaders, it's a little harder to keep giving your best when your team is behind. But there's something about having someone one the sidelines, encouraging you on with words of, "You can do it!"

In Galatians, we find the Lord "cheering us on" through the apostle Paul. God knew that without encouragement, we would be prone to give up . After all, He made us. So He says, "don't get tired of doing good..." The world around us will not always affirm our efforts at "doing good" but may, in fact, try to stand in our way.

One little phone call today was what I needed to do battle with discouragement, and to get back to the work of ENCOURAGEMENT the Lord has given me to do.

So I want to encourage you today... Take another look at that activity you've set aside, thinking it was unnecessary or unappreciated. Talk to your Father about it, and hear His voice of Truth on the matter. And don't grow weary in well doing...

...Just a thought...

More on Invisibility...

2010-05-08T11:39:00.002-04:00

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27

As I read this verse this morning, my first thought was to laugh. I mean, really, how do you keep your eyes on someone who is invisible? But then I was intrigued. How DO you keep your eyes on One who is invisible?

This verse leaves me thinking of old television shows and movies about the "Invisible Man". It reminds me of a particular episode of Star Trek where an "invisible" force was creating havoc on the Enterprise. It's a great concept for science fiction, but this is NOT science fiction - it's REALITY.

So, the question, "How do you keep your eyes on the one who is invisible?" is a very important question, indeed. The Bible tells us that Moses did it, so we know it is not an impossible task.

I think it was on an old Tom & Jerry cartoon that Jerry Mouse, trying to hide from Tom Cat painted himself with invisible ink. Jerry took full advantage of the opportunity to terrorize Tom, aided greatly by the fact that Tom could not see him. Somewhere along the way, though, Jerry wandered through a mud puddle or something, and even though he was still invisible, he left a trail of footprints that Tom could follow.

Jesus has left an amazing set of footprints for us to follow! He's given us His Word - the Bible - full of very clear and useful information as to the Person of Jesus Christ and His will for our lives. He has set an example for us, that though we may not physically see Him, we can see where He has been and know the direction that He wants us to go. It won't always be easy, but God never calls us to do the impossible.

"For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

So, like Moses, I want to walk in faith, keeping my eyes on the One who is invisible. It may not make sense to those who are watching... They may think me a little crazy, but that's okay. I know Who I'm following, and I trust that He knows where we're going!

So keep your eyes on the Invisible... Just a thought...

Jars of Clay

2010-04-21T08:47:00.004-04:00

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7

It's April and no where near time to be thinking about Halloween, but this verse made me think about jack-o-lanterns. That's funny, because we don't really "do" Halloween...!

But this verse is a continuation of the passage in 2 Corinthians 3 where Paul is referencing the story of Moses' encounter with God on the mountain. It is one of my favorite stories in the Bible and one of the foundational elements behind this blog - that what would be seen in me is not me but Him.

So Moses had gone up to the mountain to receive the Law from the Lord. He stayed a while (40 days and nights) and then came down shining. The people were frightened by the glowing Moses, but that wonderful glow was just the natural result of time spent in the presence of God. It was not for Moses' glory, but for God's glory. Moses had no agenda here - no dreams of fame for the light in him. He understood that the light had nothing to do with him, but was all about Who he had been with.

So Paul points out that the Light that was reflected in Moses' face is the same Light that inhabits the Christian. It is not a light that we can boast of having turned on. It has nothing to do with us, but rather is all about Who is within us.

As a clay pot that will slip from my hands and shatter into a million pieces, that jar is not what is valuable in showing forth the light. Or like that jack-o-lantern, which may be intricately carved to allow the light to shine through, we understand that the pumpkin is not the source of the light, but is merely the container for the light. The pumpkin will eventually rot but the light source remains...

And so it is that whatever light shines forth from my life is not from me, but radiates from the Spirit of God within me. It is not my light, but His. Not my power, but His power. Only for His glory and never for mine.

...Just a thought...

What's It Going to Take?

2010-03-30T11:31:00.002-04:00

I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23

This weekend we enjoyed leading an unusual service. The Baptist, Methodist, and Assembly of God churches all got together for a Sunday evening service. We had a blast!

What is sad is that this IS unusual. Modern denominationalism has got a lot of people very mixed up about the ways of the Lord. It often seems as if churches believe that they are in competition with one another! And this is no friendly competition either. It's like they're out for blood! Is it any wonder that we are seeing such a decline in the church in America?

On the night that he was betrayed, Jesus left US instructions about how we were to live. These instructions were for the church that had not even officially started yet. His words were part of a prayer to the Father on behalf of His disciples - Present (the twelve) and future (us!). In John 17:20, He specifically identifies who He is praying for: "not only for these disciples, but for ALL who will EVER believe in me through their message" (emphasis mine).

So if Jesus cared enough to spend His final hours on earth praying for us, what He was saying must have been important. There was an urgency to His words, because He knew His time on earth was short, but His message needed to continue even when He was no longer physically present on earth.

So what was so important to Jesus that He devoted His last hours to praying for us? Was it that He wanted all of His followers to go to Bible college and seminary so that they could be properly equipped to share His Word? Was it that He wanted them to build big, beautiful buildings for people to gather in worship? Was it that He wanted the coming church to provide cutting edge programming for people of all ages? Was it stewardship programs, or committee meetings, or church suppers? No. It was none of these things.

What Jesus devoted His final hours to was not what most modern churches are devoting their time and attention to. And yet, if we would just look at what our Lord said, He has given us the key to building an effective church:

"... May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them..."

The way the world will be able to know that God sent Jesus is by the unity of the believers. Is it any wonder that people find little need of the church today? What we need is not another program, or a fancier building, or more cutting edge technology or a different style of music.

If we really want the world to come to Christ - if we want them to know Jesus as Son of God and Savior - if we truly want them to know the love of Jesus - He told us how to make it happen: UNITY.

When the church stops its internal bickering, when we stop this crazy denominational competition, when we all get busy loving one another and bearing one another's burdens... you never know - we might just change our world!

...Just a thought...

Great is His Faithfulness

2010-03-12T08:17:00.005-05:00

Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin a fresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23

The sun is shining this morning. Looks like a beautiful day ahead...

It's not what I was expecting. I fell asleep last night to the sound of pouring rain, and fleeting thoughts of others storms that have passed this way before. It's been like that all week.

As we prepared to travel to the town where we have been ministering this week, I went online to check the weather forecast. I have been feeling rather "sun-deprived" for much of the past year, so I went to the weather website hopeful that things would be looking bright. Things were NOT looking bright. In fact, the forecast called for nice weather in the days up until we arrived, at which point it would begin to rain through the rest of our scheduled days in this location. Well... at least I didn't come with high expectations of sunshine!

What has happened has been very different from the forecast. Each afternoon, I have had sunshine. And each day I have made sure to get out and go for a walk, because I knew that according to the weather man, it would be short lived. Most nights, there has been rain as I have fallen asleep, but in the morning, I have risen to sunlight streaming through the windows!

As I sit this morning typing this, there is actually a glare coming from the window in front of me, causing me to squint a bit... And it calls me to praise the Lord! It may seem a small thing, and yet as I bask in the glorious sunlight this morning, all I can think of is the incredible love and faithfulness of my Father! He has freed me from the "rainy days" of trouble in the past, and let His Light shine down on me, warming my heart and lighting my way.

Great is His faithfulness, indeed!

What a wonderful thought...!

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning! Psalm 30:5b

The Boat Is Rocking...

2010-02-17T14:35:00.001-05:00

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:38-40

Jesus has been healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching about the Kingdom of God. He has confided in His disciples deep truths about Himself and His Father. Now they’ve started across the lake to take a little break, and Jesus has laid down to catch a nap. A storm comes up, but honestly, could there be any safer place to be in that storm than in a boat with Jesus? He created the world after all—the lake, the tree of whose wood the boat was made, the disciples themselves. Could there be any safer place on the planet than right there with Jesus?

Sound familiar? We’re not actually in a boat on a stormy lake. But we find ourselves in “troubled waters”. Oftentimes, instead of resting in the knowledge that Jesus is “in the boat with us”, don’t we, like the disciples, fret and worry that we are going to drown? If we cannot find safety in the presence of the Creator of the universe, we are truly without hope! But the truth of the matter is that as the disciples were in perfect safety in the presence of the Lord, so we are safe in the presence of our Lord. The boat may rock, the waters may come in. We might even get thrown right out of the boat—this much is true. But whatever it feels like in the midst of the storm, we can rest assured in the knowledge that our eternity is secure through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

...Just a thought...

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Laying Down My Rights

2010-02-05T07:55:00.003-05:00

For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment. 1 Peter 2:19

I suffer from a "fairness complex". I think that things should be done fairly. It's the American way, isn't it? We're all about our "rights". We guard them, defend them, fight for them.... to the point that we will violate someone else's rights if we perceive they are getting in the way of our own rights.

It's the American way, certainly, but is it the Christian way? The truth is that it is not, and here's where my struggle comes in. For so long we have equated fairness with right-ness that we have begun to believe it: what is fair must be right. In truth, we subconsciously know that this line of thinking is incorrect. We all know that life is not fair. Most, if not all, of us have found ourselves in a situation where there was no "fair" solution. What was good for one was not good for others, or, (pardon my digression into Star Trek rhetoric) "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few - or the one." This cannot be said to be fair.

And so, I must come to terms with the fairness myth. The idea of fairness is a nice thing, but the reality is that it simply does not exist in many situations. But even when things can be done fairly, often they are not. And there is where I must put my faith into action.

I'm glad that it was Peter who was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write these words, because Peter is a guy I can relate to. Peter could not have come to these conclusions easily - or on his own. After all, Peter is the guy who stood up to defend Jesus at Gethsemane, cutting off the ear of the soldier who had come to arrest his friend and Lord. Peter had been all about fairness for much of his life. Now we see the Lord has shown him a better way.

So Peter instructs us to do what is right, even when we are treated unfairly. These instructions were specifically given to slaves, and more specifically to slaves with cruel masters. The instructions were further applied to women with ungodly husbands. Modern Christianity would stand to defend the rights of these slaves to their freedom, and the rights of these women to equity in marriage. Biblical Christianity looked upon this situation in a different light. This was an opportunity to live pleasing before God (1 Peter 2:19)... A chance to follow the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:21-24)... An opportunity to win souls not with words but by example (1 Peter 31-2).

And so the question I must ask myself is, "What do I value more?" Am I more concerned with fairness? Will I stubbornly hold onto my rights at the expense of someone else's soul? Or will I hear the words of the Lord through Peter, instructing me to quit worrying about what's fair, quit basing my actions on how someone else is treating me, and simply follow the example of Christ?

It's a hard one, to be sure, but it's... Just a thought....

Overwhelmed

2010-01-26T08:58:00.003-05:00

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

I'm right now looking at the new set for the new program for the new year... It's pretty sweet, I think. I begin to picture kids standing at the game console, I can almost see the lights flashing and hear the laughter as Max relates some bit of wisdom disguised as humor... I begin to get excited - almost. I consider the opportunity that lies before me in the coming year, the countless children to whom I will speak this year, the songs we will begin to sing in just a couple of weeks that I don't even know... and it's no longer excitement I feel.

I feel immensely unqualified as I consider the huge amount of work that remains to be done and my poor stewardship in the "time" department that leaves me scrambling every year at this time. I am ridiculously behind in my paperwork. There is much writing to be done. There are props to be made, letters to be written - I have thank you notes from November I haven't written yet and it's nearly February already! Not to mention the kids need my help with school, the house is a mess, and there's laundry to be done! My husband is feeling neglected, my kids are feeling neglected, even the dogs are feeling neglected! I can't even take the time to call my friends and see how things are going with them!

I am overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed that the Lord would entrust me with such an important job as sharing His Word with others, when I do such a poor job at all the other things He's given me to do. Why put ME in such a position? I know lots of people who do a fantastic job of juggling multiple responsibilities, who are ORGANIZED, who get up early and do their work with an efficiency I cannot begin to fathom...

So as I work myself into a frenzy, sitting with my feet tangled in cables that need to be wound up and put away, surrounded by stuff to be loaded into the trailer today, all of it covered in sawdust that needs to be cleaned off - and it's already 9:30...!!! A still small voice gently points me back to Ephesians... words recorded by Paul... a simply profound message to ME from the Creator of the Universe... "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

I am reminded again that it is not about ME, or my abilities, or even the lack thereof. It is about what HE is able to do - which is more than I can ask or imagine!

And so I find it is not the task that is overwhelming after all. It is the power and love of God that leaves me at once feeling both overwhelmed and at peace. He's got it under control!

...Just a thought...

God's Care for the Travelling Minister

2009-12-29T12:39:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-21T11:31:00.005-05:00

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

2009-11-14T11:36:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-07T13:14:00.003-05:00

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

2009-11-02T09:50:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-31T10:04:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-15T14:35:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-08T14:24:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-16T09:39:00.001-04:00

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

2009-08-20T09:19:00.004-04:00

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

2009-08-14T20:10:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-08-05T13:34:00.003-04:00

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...!

2009-07-29T20:18:00.005-04:00

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!)

2009-07-21T22:19:00.003-04:00

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

2009-07-04T13:39:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-10T19:50:00.012-04:00

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

2009-06-06T20:47:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-06-03T17:20:00.003-04:00

"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

2009-05-29T11:36:00.003-04:00

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...

2009-05-28T14:00:00.001-04:00

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...