(submitted by Lisa Heckaman)
“Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord......Blessed are all who wait for Him.” (Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 30:18)
As we are quickly approaching Holy Week it is quite natural for us to set our sights, our focus, on the celebration of Easter Sunday...Jesus overcoming death and rising to new life. With Easter though, still a week away, I ponder what lessons God has for us in this ‘waiting’ time. As Jesus approached His first Easter each moment was significant, every movement and event adding to the fulfillment of His final and ultimate calling. What moments this week....pauses in my day....conversations.....glimpses of creation....does God want me to take notice of? What preparation does He want to do in me this week as I wait?
Last year around this time I had the opportunity to be in the Holy Land. So many blessings were showered upon me, yet nothing was as profound as what God taught me about waiting through the simplicity of two Galilean sunrises. The first morning a small group of us decided we would get up early and walk down to the Sea of Galilee to watch the sun come up. It didn't take long as I sat in the coolness to recognize my impatient heart. I was fidgety, distracted, and always thought I was ready to receive the gift before it was officially time for the dawn to give it. Rain was in the forecast. The storm clouds seemed powerful and heavy, wishing to unload the bounty of water which they carried. Faint colors appeared and hinted at the coming of day. After what seemed like such a very long time, God allowed a small opening in the sky to break for just a moment in order for us to finally see what we thought we had come for - the emergence of the sun. And then within seconds it was gone, shadowed by the clouds and rain winning out for the day. The gift was mine, but it seemed so fleeting.
The next morning the sky was clear. Again I was ready, or at least I thought. I tried so hard to stay in the moment and not become anxious in my anticipation.....to just 'be' with my God. It was easy to again recognize my struggle while sitting there waiting. I was distracted; looking so intently for the finale which I knew would still really only last for a short time. I prayed and I tried to stay, embracing the beauty which I found most brilliant in the 'waiting time'. I was embarrassed that it took so much effort on my part to keep my focus, to take in the beauty around me in the very moment I was living in.
I became amazed at what I could see. The greatest gifts for me came in the waiting time as I saw new colors develop and blend, casting their brilliance before me. The colors on that second morning were vivid and far more reaching. Geese flew across the beautiful backdrop of the Galilean morning. As light dawned the surrounding hills cast their first reflections upon the water below. And the fishermen sang. I smiled because although I knew not what they sang, the smile on their faces told me it was a song of Joy. The sun finally broke forth and I was completely captured with this truth...that ALL light......ALL OF IT, and the beauty therein, comes but from one source, the Sun. The whole of the morning pointed to the coming of the sun and its entrance upon the stage of this new day.
I left the shoreline knowing that God was teaching me a lesson about 'waiting' and how in the waiting there is such beauty to behold. I tend to look so for the results, the finale, the answers to my questions, the ending.......but when I finally get there, the satisfaction is so fleeting and then I'm on to the next thing. The most beautiful of lessons and the nourishment that refreshes my spirit comes in the moment to moment gifts that God brings to light within me as I wait, and stay, and look towards the 'Son'.....from whom ALL light emerges.
Dear Lord Help me to stay in the moment through this day. Help me to recognize all that You have to show me in the ‘now’ instead of focusing on the answers of the future. You, oh Lord, hold the light.....You ARE the light.....and I trust that You will break forth in me in due time. I praise You for the beauty which You unfold around me. Teach me to rest in the stillness of Your Presence. Amen
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
March 30 - Psalm 139
(submitted by Cheryl Christman)
My favorite Bible passage has become Psalm 139. I find myself turning to it on a regular basis and never fail to feel comforted and encouraged by its words of comfort!
Praise be to the God who will not let us be alone, who watches over us and hears our every thought. Thank You for your deep and abiding devotion to us.
March 29 - The Table is Set
(submitted by Paul Hohlbein)
“You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies: you have anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5
How real this scripture becomes to me when I think of Christ on the cross. On either side of Him, were bad men. One doubted who Jesus said He was and challenged His authority. The other, in the presence of the “enemy” of death, called out to Jesus and He invited him to the “table of Heaven.”
I often ask myself if I really understand what Christ has done for me. Do I really understand the price He paid? He won for you, for me, the ultimate victory. At all times, in all situations, whether with friend or foe, God’s table is always set - prepared for us to dine with Him and taste the glory of the victory He won on the cross.
Dear God, may we all embrace your goodness. May we embrace this season the total victory Jesus Christ has won for us. May we dine with the Master and experience His marvelous grace.
“You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies: you have anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5
How real this scripture becomes to me when I think of Christ on the cross. On either side of Him, were bad men. One doubted who Jesus said He was and challenged His authority. The other, in the presence of the “enemy” of death, called out to Jesus and He invited him to the “table of Heaven.”
I often ask myself if I really understand what Christ has done for me. Do I really understand the price He paid? He won for you, for me, the ultimate victory. At all times, in all situations, whether with friend or foe, God’s table is always set - prepared for us to dine with Him and taste the glory of the victory He won on the cross.
Dear God, may we all embrace your goodness. May we embrace this season the total victory Jesus Christ has won for us. May we dine with the Master and experience His marvelous grace.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
March 28 - Growing Together on the Journey
(submitted by Chuck and Arlene Price)
“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11)
God never brings people together just to benefit one person. This principle applies whether we are single or married. The Lord intends for us to learn from one another. This is particularly true of the people that are closet to us regardless if they are in our small group Bible Study, a Sunday School Class, a circle of friends, or our family.
In fact apart from the dynamic role that these individuals play in our lives we will never come to full maturity spiritually. Let alone miss out on fulfilling one of the greatest desires of the human heart which is to experience intimacy with God and with those whom we love.
Through our nearly 37 years of marriage and ministry together we have learned that although we are both believers and are having pretty much the same experiences – that does not necessarily mean that we are learning the same things at the same time. That is because God is working in each of our lives in a specific way.
That does not mean that one person is more spiritual than the other or that one lesson is more important than the other
The most important thing is that we are learning to trust God more through the circumstances, learning more of His character and seeing more of Him
Then as we share together, we learn from one another
That is what the teaching on the body is all about – one part of the body is not more important than the other. It takes the whole body working together in unity. We have learned that this lesson is true also in marriage.
The trap that Satan would have us get into is in thinking that the other person because they are not learning our lessons our way is not as spiritual. If we fall prey to this kind of thinking we will find that it destroys our unity and lessens our power together.
We are on a journey of Faith. We are on it together, so let us build one another up along the way!
“Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11)
God never brings people together just to benefit one person. This principle applies whether we are single or married. The Lord intends for us to learn from one another. This is particularly true of the people that are closet to us regardless if they are in our small group Bible Study, a Sunday School Class, a circle of friends, or our family.
In fact apart from the dynamic role that these individuals play in our lives we will never come to full maturity spiritually. Let alone miss out on fulfilling one of the greatest desires of the human heart which is to experience intimacy with God and with those whom we love.
Through our nearly 37 years of marriage and ministry together we have learned that although we are both believers and are having pretty much the same experiences – that does not necessarily mean that we are learning the same things at the same time. That is because God is working in each of our lives in a specific way.
That does not mean that one person is more spiritual than the other or that one lesson is more important than the other
The most important thing is that we are learning to trust God more through the circumstances, learning more of His character and seeing more of Him
Then as we share together, we learn from one another
That is what the teaching on the body is all about – one part of the body is not more important than the other. It takes the whole body working together in unity. We have learned that this lesson is true also in marriage.
The trap that Satan would have us get into is in thinking that the other person because they are not learning our lessons our way is not as spiritual. If we fall prey to this kind of thinking we will find that it destroys our unity and lessens our power together.
We are on a journey of Faith. We are on it together, so let us build one another up along the way!
March 27 - New Plans
(submitted by Sheryl Ditmer)
James 4:13-17
A few years ago, my husband and I began trying to have our third child. We had given it much thought and decided it was time. With the other children, we had gotten pregnant the first month we tried. So imagine our surprise and frustration when 1 ½ years had past and we still were not pregnant. Time was slipping away. The other boys were getting older. I was getting older! The big 4 0 was fast approaching. And yes, my husband was getting older and he didn’t want to be the age of a grandpa when his last child graduated from high school.
It was difficult going through each month watching the calendar and looking for signs that I might be pregnant this time. I’m sure some of you have been there. It’s hard, isn’t it? Finally, my doctor had a suggestion that would actually give us some control - something that would allow us a much better chance of getting pregnant: fertility drugs. I remember the day well. The nurse called mid-morning to report that I could start the medication, but because of my cycle I would need to start it the next day. The next day! I was excited. Finally, the end was near. No more waiting and fretting. No more emotional rollercoaster. Then, some how, I thought to ask her, “What is the down side of the medication?” She responded, “Well, you could end up with more than one fertilized egg.” I could have more than one (two – five…) baby? At that point, it dawned on me that I needed to pray about this. I told the nurse I would need to get back with her.
I went right to the place where I have my quiet time. I prayed fervently for an answer and even told God I needed to know “today.” You know how sometimes you have to wait and wait and wait for an answer. Well, I told Him up-front this needed an urgent response. Then I opened the devotional I’d been reading. The devotion that day was all about not pushing God into following our time table, not trying to “rush” Him. That He has a plan and is working all things out for His good. Honestly, it wasn’t the answer I was hoping for. Nonetheless, the answer was obvious and I couldn’t ignore it. I couldn’t deliberately step out of His will. I called the nurse back and told her I wasn’t interested. I cried, not knowing how long (if ever) it would take to get pregnant again. I put the whole matter into His hands that day. I’m not sure why, if God was blessing me for being obedient or if He knew I couldn’t take it much longer, but we got pregnant that very month.
Whatever plans you are making for your journey, dear one, ask God what He has planned for you. His way is much better! He wants nothing more than to bless you and be a part of your life.
James 4:13-17
A few years ago, my husband and I began trying to have our third child. We had given it much thought and decided it was time. With the other children, we had gotten pregnant the first month we tried. So imagine our surprise and frustration when 1 ½ years had past and we still were not pregnant. Time was slipping away. The other boys were getting older. I was getting older! The big 4 0 was fast approaching. And yes, my husband was getting older and he didn’t want to be the age of a grandpa when his last child graduated from high school.
It was difficult going through each month watching the calendar and looking for signs that I might be pregnant this time. I’m sure some of you have been there. It’s hard, isn’t it? Finally, my doctor had a suggestion that would actually give us some control - something that would allow us a much better chance of getting pregnant: fertility drugs. I remember the day well. The nurse called mid-morning to report that I could start the medication, but because of my cycle I would need to start it the next day. The next day! I was excited. Finally, the end was near. No more waiting and fretting. No more emotional rollercoaster. Then, some how, I thought to ask her, “What is the down side of the medication?” She responded, “Well, you could end up with more than one fertilized egg.” I could have more than one (two – five…) baby? At that point, it dawned on me that I needed to pray about this. I told the nurse I would need to get back with her.
I went right to the place where I have my quiet time. I prayed fervently for an answer and even told God I needed to know “today.” You know how sometimes you have to wait and wait and wait for an answer. Well, I told Him up-front this needed an urgent response. Then I opened the devotional I’d been reading. The devotion that day was all about not pushing God into following our time table, not trying to “rush” Him. That He has a plan and is working all things out for His good. Honestly, it wasn’t the answer I was hoping for. Nonetheless, the answer was obvious and I couldn’t ignore it. I couldn’t deliberately step out of His will. I called the nurse back and told her I wasn’t interested. I cried, not knowing how long (if ever) it would take to get pregnant again. I put the whole matter into His hands that day. I’m not sure why, if God was blessing me for being obedient or if He knew I couldn’t take it much longer, but we got pregnant that very month.
Whatever plans you are making for your journey, dear one, ask God what He has planned for you. His way is much better! He wants nothing more than to bless you and be a part of your life.
Monday, March 26, 2007
March 26 - Welcoming Hearts
(submitted by Julie Richards)
Who did Jesus come for?
I’ve been intrigued lately that there can be a few ways to answer a question. There is our initial answer that we are quick to come up with. It may be the right answer, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. There’s more to it if we’re willing to reflect for awhile and see what God’s Spirit stirs up in us.
Who did Jesus come for? Where did He spend His time? In Luke 5:30, the Pharisees complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples and said, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” (Luke 5:31-32) How telling!
The quick answer is that He came to save the lost, the hurting and broken. Luke describes them as sick, which aptly fits a doctor’s perspective. I wonder if in our neat and tidy boxes, where we fit all our church answers, we think of the need that person has over there. That’s the one Jesus was referring to. Once saved, always saved, and I professed my faith long ago….surely not me. Perhaps the prodigal son in his honest need has countless elder brothers and sisters who can’t imagine how they too could be fallen or lost. We safely guard that we aren’t the hurting or broken. We do all we can to show our together worlds. On the surface, we’d never say we had it all together. Underneath it, though, upon deeper reflection, we realize how much we want it to be so.
Jesus’ rebuke didn’t come to the one who admitted they had need. His rebuke was for the one who didn’t see how He could possibly be talking about them.
1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- and I was the worst of them all.” A fuller picture of the original meaning of save is to rescue, deliver, make whole, heal. Our salvation is secure when we ask for forgiveness and personally accept the work of Christ on the cross, but there is an ongoing work He does in our life to heal us and make us whole.
How powerful God’s grace and love pour into the life of the one who admits his or her need for Him! Imagine letting the walls fall down, where we can give up the pretense and say to Him, “Apart from You, God, I can do NOTHING. If You don’t heal me, I won’t be whole. If this is up to me, I’m as good as dead. In Your mercy, Lord, come do what only You can that I can’t do alone.”
Can we let Him see our need? Can we admit with Him that we have need? It’s not self-pity, it’s not self-focused. It is healing – letting God work wholeness in our deepest parts. An incredible ministry takes place when we let God enter in to our humanity like that. God reaches us, heals us, and sends us back out to reach more who are willing to let God tear down walls, reveal their need, and let Him touch them.
“How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings…Pour out Your unfailing love on those who love You, Your saving justice to those with honest hearts.” Psalm 36:7,10 (NLT and NJB). The Message says, “Do Your work in welcoming hearts.”
Jesus welcomes us to come as we are. Leave the pretense behind. Let Him uncover layers and walls we’ve set up to guard or defend ourselves. Feel our need – and see that our Savior has come for you and for me. There is a work of healing and wholeness that He longs to do in the depths of our soul.
There is an epidemic of hurting people who are desperate to know they are not alone. The last words Jesus shared after His resurrection in Mark 16:15-18 were to send the disciples, His people, out into a hurting world to bring healing. “And the Lord worked through them…” (NIV, v.20) Maybe one of the ways that He does that is through our own testimony of healing. The Message writes, “Validating the Message with indisputable evidence.” What an incredible testimony, indisputable evidence, when we share that our lives have been touched and healed. Yours can too.
Who did Jesus come for?
I’ve been intrigued lately that there can be a few ways to answer a question. There is our initial answer that we are quick to come up with. It may be the right answer, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. There’s more to it if we’re willing to reflect for awhile and see what God’s Spirit stirs up in us.
Who did Jesus come for? Where did He spend His time? In Luke 5:30, the Pharisees complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples and said, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” (Luke 5:31-32) How telling!
The quick answer is that He came to save the lost, the hurting and broken. Luke describes them as sick, which aptly fits a doctor’s perspective. I wonder if in our neat and tidy boxes, where we fit all our church answers, we think of the need that person has over there. That’s the one Jesus was referring to. Once saved, always saved, and I professed my faith long ago….surely not me. Perhaps the prodigal son in his honest need has countless elder brothers and sisters who can’t imagine how they too could be fallen or lost. We safely guard that we aren’t the hurting or broken. We do all we can to show our together worlds. On the surface, we’d never say we had it all together. Underneath it, though, upon deeper reflection, we realize how much we want it to be so.
Jesus’ rebuke didn’t come to the one who admitted they had need. His rebuke was for the one who didn’t see how He could possibly be talking about them.
1 Timothy 1:15 says, “This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- and I was the worst of them all.” A fuller picture of the original meaning of save is to rescue, deliver, make whole, heal. Our salvation is secure when we ask for forgiveness and personally accept the work of Christ on the cross, but there is an ongoing work He does in our life to heal us and make us whole.
How powerful God’s grace and love pour into the life of the one who admits his or her need for Him! Imagine letting the walls fall down, where we can give up the pretense and say to Him, “Apart from You, God, I can do NOTHING. If You don’t heal me, I won’t be whole. If this is up to me, I’m as good as dead. In Your mercy, Lord, come do what only You can that I can’t do alone.”
Can we let Him see our need? Can we admit with Him that we have need? It’s not self-pity, it’s not self-focused. It is healing – letting God work wholeness in our deepest parts. An incredible ministry takes place when we let God enter in to our humanity like that. God reaches us, heals us, and sends us back out to reach more who are willing to let God tear down walls, reveal their need, and let Him touch them.
“How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings…Pour out Your unfailing love on those who love You, Your saving justice to those with honest hearts.” Psalm 36:7,10 (NLT and NJB). The Message says, “Do Your work in welcoming hearts.”
Jesus welcomes us to come as we are. Leave the pretense behind. Let Him uncover layers and walls we’ve set up to guard or defend ourselves. Feel our need – and see that our Savior has come for you and for me. There is a work of healing and wholeness that He longs to do in the depths of our soul.
There is an epidemic of hurting people who are desperate to know they are not alone. The last words Jesus shared after His resurrection in Mark 16:15-18 were to send the disciples, His people, out into a hurting world to bring healing. “And the Lord worked through them…” (NIV, v.20) Maybe one of the ways that He does that is through our own testimony of healing. The Message writes, “Validating the Message with indisputable evidence.” What an incredible testimony, indisputable evidence, when we share that our lives have been touched and healed. Yours can too.
Friday, March 9, 2007
March 24 - This World
(submitted by Dan Gildner)
Romans 8 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Caedmon's Call wrote a song called "This World" that said,
"This world has nothing for me and this world has everything.
All that I could want and nothing that I need."
I remember hearing the lyrics above for the first time in college wondering what they were actually writing about...and then I got Tetris. Yes, my family was about a decade behind in the whole technology craze and so I had to save my own skin for my first Nintendo Purchase. I bought Tetris. I had played it at a friend's house years before but it cost like $50 then-well beyond any high schoolers salary could afford. When I purchased it from a used books store, I got it for $1.
I stayed up every night with my cell biology book next to me playing one more game and then promising to study whatever Cell Biology was (I never did figure it out after my second failed exam and subsequent dropping of the course). But I never did get to the book...or my chores...or my essential reading...or praying...or exercising...or laughing at my brother who studied...or anything else for that matter. I was engrossed with Tetris.
So I was a little bit humbled as I went to church that Sunday morning (my mom made me turn off the video game for 90 minutes that day). Someone sang, "This World" in church and before I knew it, I was a blubbering idiot in my pew. I came to realize something that shaped my life. I was spending most of my time on pursuing my wants and absolutely no time on what I needed. Tetris, just like life, has everything I could ever want from a flesh standpoint and yet has no eternal value at all. The great thing about my binging with it though was that I realized that being consumed by my desires didn't produce peace, joy, or even a greater sense of love.
Because I am learning every day that as I see pain, suffering and longing in the world I should be reminded that something in me is longing for a HOME greater than the one I can see. My feet are steeped in the crap of this world's waste and yet they are leading me to a perfect sidewalk. I was created for That World. That home. That reality that gives sense to this one. When I feel the most pressure to be consumed or to consume, maybe I need to point my finger toward Pure North and call out for Home.
Romans 8 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that[i] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Caedmon's Call wrote a song called "This World" that said,
"This world has nothing for me and this world has everything.
All that I could want and nothing that I need."
I remember hearing the lyrics above for the first time in college wondering what they were actually writing about...and then I got Tetris. Yes, my family was about a decade behind in the whole technology craze and so I had to save my own skin for my first Nintendo Purchase. I bought Tetris. I had played it at a friend's house years before but it cost like $50 then-well beyond any high schoolers salary could afford. When I purchased it from a used books store, I got it for $1.
I stayed up every night with my cell biology book next to me playing one more game and then promising to study whatever Cell Biology was (I never did figure it out after my second failed exam and subsequent dropping of the course). But I never did get to the book...or my chores...or my essential reading...or praying...or exercising...or laughing at my brother who studied...or anything else for that matter. I was engrossed with Tetris.
So I was a little bit humbled as I went to church that Sunday morning (my mom made me turn off the video game for 90 minutes that day). Someone sang, "This World" in church and before I knew it, I was a blubbering idiot in my pew. I came to realize something that shaped my life. I was spending most of my time on pursuing my wants and absolutely no time on what I needed. Tetris, just like life, has everything I could ever want from a flesh standpoint and yet has no eternal value at all. The great thing about my binging with it though was that I realized that being consumed by my desires didn't produce peace, joy, or even a greater sense of love.
Because I am learning every day that as I see pain, suffering and longing in the world I should be reminded that something in me is longing for a HOME greater than the one I can see. My feet are steeped in the crap of this world's waste and yet they are leading me to a perfect sidewalk. I was created for That World. That home. That reality that gives sense to this one. When I feel the most pressure to be consumed or to consume, maybe I need to point my finger toward Pure North and call out for Home.
March 23 - Pride
(submitted by Chris Mullenhour)
One of the hardest things for me to recognize in my life is pride. This is probably because it comes in so many different forms. I do not consider myself a prideful person, yet so many of my actions and feelings state otherwise. One of the places where pride creeps up in my life is at work. I really don’t try to, but many times I catch myself thinking I’m better than someone else. Sometimes it’s because I feel I’m more educated, and sometimes it’s because I’m a Christian and someone else is not. How ironic is that? But I think many Christians face the same problem. I am very quick to pass judgment on someone because they are not Christian, and I have to remind myself that is not why I was created. 1st Corinthians 4:5-7 say’s:
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
In 2nd Kings 19:23-29, it shows how people can lose sight of who is responsible for ones achievements. I have to continually remind myself that I am not responsible for my achievements. God gave me the abilities to accomplish these achievements. I did not do it on my own, yet at times I find myself taking credit for them when it is God I should be giving the credit to.
One area of my life where I have been able to improve is accepting help from others. I was one that would insist I could do a job on my own. If I needed help, that showed weakness. I would not let others pay for my meals or help me financially. I should be the one helping others. I realized I felt this way when I began putting myself on a higher pedestal than the other person. Again, what make me better than them?
Have you ever gotten upset at how someone else is driving? Why do you think that is? I am very guilty of this. I often find myself saying, “Who do they think they are driving that fast?” or “Where did they learn to drive?” That is my pride coming out again. I think that I’m the better driver and have never done ANYTHING to upset another driver. “I’m the perfect driver, why can’t everyone else drive like me!” I’m sure I’m the only one who has ever thought that.
Pride comes in many different forms. It is our responsibility to identify it and learn how to get rid of it. I know I need God’s help in that because again I thought I wasn’t a prideful person, but God has shown me (many ways) that I definitely have some work to do. Proverbs has many verses on pride and I’m pretty sure not one of them is positive. Be mindful of your pride and ask God to guide you out of it.
One of the hardest things for me to recognize in my life is pride. This is probably because it comes in so many different forms. I do not consider myself a prideful person, yet so many of my actions and feelings state otherwise. One of the places where pride creeps up in my life is at work. I really don’t try to, but many times I catch myself thinking I’m better than someone else. Sometimes it’s because I feel I’m more educated, and sometimes it’s because I’m a Christian and someone else is not. How ironic is that? But I think many Christians face the same problem. I am very quick to pass judgment on someone because they are not Christian, and I have to remind myself that is not why I was created. 1st Corinthians 4:5-7 say’s:
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
In 2nd Kings 19:23-29, it shows how people can lose sight of who is responsible for ones achievements. I have to continually remind myself that I am not responsible for my achievements. God gave me the abilities to accomplish these achievements. I did not do it on my own, yet at times I find myself taking credit for them when it is God I should be giving the credit to.
One area of my life where I have been able to improve is accepting help from others. I was one that would insist I could do a job on my own. If I needed help, that showed weakness. I would not let others pay for my meals or help me financially. I should be the one helping others. I realized I felt this way when I began putting myself on a higher pedestal than the other person. Again, what make me better than them?
Have you ever gotten upset at how someone else is driving? Why do you think that is? I am very guilty of this. I often find myself saying, “Who do they think they are driving that fast?” or “Where did they learn to drive?” That is my pride coming out again. I think that I’m the better driver and have never done ANYTHING to upset another driver. “I’m the perfect driver, why can’t everyone else drive like me!” I’m sure I’m the only one who has ever thought that.
Pride comes in many different forms. It is our responsibility to identify it and learn how to get rid of it. I know I need God’s help in that because again I thought I wasn’t a prideful person, but God has shown me (many ways) that I definitely have some work to do. Proverbs has many verses on pride and I’m pretty sure not one of them is positive. Be mindful of your pride and ask God to guide you out of it.
March 22 - God Has A Plan...Who's Going Lead?
(submitted by Dave Bemus)
Joshua 1:9
“HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO."
Imagine 40 years of wandering in the wilderness – manna and quail, endless stop and go, waiting for the Promised Land. Joshua had endured this journey with the entire Israelite nation and following Moses’ death, he receives God’s words of promise and encouragement in a call to prepare and lead His people across the Jordan into the long-awaited Promised Land. Imagine receiving the following words of encouragement from God: “I WILL GIVE YOU EVERY PLACE WHERE YOU SET YOUR FOOT, AS I PROMISED MOSES. NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. AS I WAS WITH MOSES, SO I WILL BE WITH YOU; I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU "BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, BECAUSE YOU WILL LEAD THESE PEOPLE TO INHERIT THE LAND...YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO." (Excerpts from Joshua 1:3-9).
Kind of gets the blood pumping doesn’t it? Now the Promised Land is in sight - the only thing that stands between you and your destination is the rain-swollen Jordan River. What would you do? I visualize myself running ahead and jumping into the river, reciting those awesome verses…knowing God will help me reach the other side…he wouldn’t let me drowned…would he?!? Thankfully, Joshua listened and waited for God to provide further instructions and the priests carefully followed God’s directions. They carried the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people and when their feet touched the river, firm and dry footing appeared as the Jordan parted, allowing the entire nation of 2 million Israelites to enter safely.
So often the raging waters of demands, expectations and overcommitment surround us and it’s easy to run ahead of where God is working and follow our own self sufficiencies to do “God’s work”. We pray and we memorize verses as we battle the currents -- The problem is we don’t allow God the opportunity to provide the firm and dry footing he planned to provide along the way. God longs to instruct us with His Word in the busyness of our day, counseling us with the Holy Spirit or with others He appoints to help and to glorify Him. He wants to tighten the relationship with us to move forward together.
Joshua would have not been much value to the nation of Israel had he run ahead into the Jordan and drowned – we jeopardize our kingdom potential if we try to serve God in the raging waters of busyness. Stop, pray and listen for God’s instructions. God empowers us with the same verses He shared with Joshua…it’s up to us who will lead the way.
Joshua 1:9
“HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO."
Imagine 40 years of wandering in the wilderness – manna and quail, endless stop and go, waiting for the Promised Land. Joshua had endured this journey with the entire Israelite nation and following Moses’ death, he receives God’s words of promise and encouragement in a call to prepare and lead His people across the Jordan into the long-awaited Promised Land. Imagine receiving the following words of encouragement from God: “I WILL GIVE YOU EVERY PLACE WHERE YOU SET YOUR FOOT, AS I PROMISED MOSES. NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST YOU ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. AS I WAS WITH MOSES, SO I WILL BE WITH YOU; I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU "BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, BECAUSE YOU WILL LEAD THESE PEOPLE TO INHERIT THE LAND...YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO." (Excerpts from Joshua 1:3-9).
Kind of gets the blood pumping doesn’t it? Now the Promised Land is in sight - the only thing that stands between you and your destination is the rain-swollen Jordan River. What would you do? I visualize myself running ahead and jumping into the river, reciting those awesome verses…knowing God will help me reach the other side…he wouldn’t let me drowned…would he?!? Thankfully, Joshua listened and waited for God to provide further instructions and the priests carefully followed God’s directions. They carried the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people and when their feet touched the river, firm and dry footing appeared as the Jordan parted, allowing the entire nation of 2 million Israelites to enter safely.
So often the raging waters of demands, expectations and overcommitment surround us and it’s easy to run ahead of where God is working and follow our own self sufficiencies to do “God’s work”. We pray and we memorize verses as we battle the currents -- The problem is we don’t allow God the opportunity to provide the firm and dry footing he planned to provide along the way. God longs to instruct us with His Word in the busyness of our day, counseling us with the Holy Spirit or with others He appoints to help and to glorify Him. He wants to tighten the relationship with us to move forward together.
Joshua would have not been much value to the nation of Israel had he run ahead into the Jordan and drowned – we jeopardize our kingdom potential if we try to serve God in the raging waters of busyness. Stop, pray and listen for God’s instructions. God empowers us with the same verses He shared with Joshua…it’s up to us who will lead the way.
March 21 - Uncovered
(submitted by Melissa Gossard)
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:18 NIV
Sometimes in order to “Journey On” there must be a cleansing, so to speak, of the heart, mind or soul - or all the above. Often our place of being stuck, not being able to move on to the next place, is because we have things covered up.
Driving around lately and looking around we see the newly, uncovered earth. The snow has melted, in some places puddles remain. There is a lot of trash; dirt lies on the pavement, patches of mud smatter the streets and parking lots everywhere. The grass is brown and the trash seems to stick like glue. When the snow was there the debris was covered, unnoticed by the beautiful yet dense blanket of ice that provided a barrier from the blowing wind.
Slowly though, the rains have come. Some washing away is occurring and we begin to see the earth just a little more fresh. Soon and somewhat painstakingly, a transformation will arise which allows all that is dirty and unseemly to blow away with the wind. The temperature will rise, more rain will come and the bright, warm morning sun will fill the days with freshness and renewal.
What covers us? What is there that is beautiful and fresh looking like a white blanket of snow? Yet found to be so dense, so heavy it is pinning the “trash” to our surfaces. Feelings, emotions, creature comforts, distractions of our culture – anything that might look ok but in fact is cold, hard to move and just simply needs the warming love of our Jesus in order to be uncovered.
Praying to identify the stale cover on the mind, the heart, the soul is the invitation to God to bring His Newness, His Glory. This invitation will possibly bring tears like spring rain to flood the soul with a cry so big and so loud it could be like thunder that will reverberate through and through. The invitation could create a steady stream of awareness with subtleties like green blades of grass that creep up when we aren’t looking.
If we ask Him, He will show what needs growing, what needs revealed. It could take awhile. It could take a lot of tears, it could mean looking in the mirror over and over again until every line, every detail of the places that do not look like God, begin to look like God because He has provided the sweet whisper of His Holy Spirit.
Just as He transforms the earth, as nature blows away and uncovers the effects of the winter months into a breathtakingly beautiful spring – He will order our next steps by blowing the fresh wind of His radiant Spirit. He will remove the cover of dirt that wants to cling and to keep us from being seen in His likeness and then the work will begin. It could hurt for a while but sometimes pain is good.
Dear ones, He is the warm, bright Son that promises transforming glory!
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:18 NIV
Sometimes in order to “Journey On” there must be a cleansing, so to speak, of the heart, mind or soul - or all the above. Often our place of being stuck, not being able to move on to the next place, is because we have things covered up.
Driving around lately and looking around we see the newly, uncovered earth. The snow has melted, in some places puddles remain. There is a lot of trash; dirt lies on the pavement, patches of mud smatter the streets and parking lots everywhere. The grass is brown and the trash seems to stick like glue. When the snow was there the debris was covered, unnoticed by the beautiful yet dense blanket of ice that provided a barrier from the blowing wind.
Slowly though, the rains have come. Some washing away is occurring and we begin to see the earth just a little more fresh. Soon and somewhat painstakingly, a transformation will arise which allows all that is dirty and unseemly to blow away with the wind. The temperature will rise, more rain will come and the bright, warm morning sun will fill the days with freshness and renewal.
What covers us? What is there that is beautiful and fresh looking like a white blanket of snow? Yet found to be so dense, so heavy it is pinning the “trash” to our surfaces. Feelings, emotions, creature comforts, distractions of our culture – anything that might look ok but in fact is cold, hard to move and just simply needs the warming love of our Jesus in order to be uncovered.
Praying to identify the stale cover on the mind, the heart, the soul is the invitation to God to bring His Newness, His Glory. This invitation will possibly bring tears like spring rain to flood the soul with a cry so big and so loud it could be like thunder that will reverberate through and through. The invitation could create a steady stream of awareness with subtleties like green blades of grass that creep up when we aren’t looking.
If we ask Him, He will show what needs growing, what needs revealed. It could take awhile. It could take a lot of tears, it could mean looking in the mirror over and over again until every line, every detail of the places that do not look like God, begin to look like God because He has provided the sweet whisper of His Holy Spirit.
Just as He transforms the earth, as nature blows away and uncovers the effects of the winter months into a breathtakingly beautiful spring – He will order our next steps by blowing the fresh wind of His radiant Spirit. He will remove the cover of dirt that wants to cling and to keep us from being seen in His likeness and then the work will begin. It could hurt for a while but sometimes pain is good.
Dear ones, He is the warm, bright Son that promises transforming glory!
March 20 - Learn to Recognize
(submitted by Todd Miller)
“That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.” (Luke 24:13-16 The Message)
Not able to recognize who He was! The man they had been following. The man who had been teaching them. The man who had broken paradigm after paradigm! And they couldn’t recognize him! Now, admittedly, other translations say that the disciples’ eyes were “holden” – that somehow God had affected their vision – but still – they couldn’t recognize Him! Hard to imagine, isn’t it?
But how often do I fail to recognize Jesus? How often do I pray over something but then neglect to see Jesus when He intervenes? How often do I pray for understanding, guidance, or clarity of thinking but then fail to thank Him for what He does for me? I am sorry to say that it is all far too often.
What do you think about when you think about recognizing Jesus? Do you recognize Him in those who love you? In those who show you grace and mercy? Do you recognize Him in the community of Sidney First?
In the past couple of weeks, many of us saw the picture of college baseball players kneeling in prayer on the field, not knowing that a horrible tragedy lay ahead of their team. Did we recognize Jesus in that picture?
As we picture Jesus on the cross, we may also see Jesus in the face of those who are hurting. The poor, the broken, the downtrodden. It’s pretty easy to see Jesus in their pain and reach out to them in response. But do we see Jesus in the face of our housewife friend caught in an adulterous affair? How about in the face of the business executive who feels trapped and continuously pushes the envelope on ethics and morals? Do we see Jesus in the pain of their faces?
Going further, do we strive to be the face of Jesus to others? And, when we do choose to be the face of Jesus to others, are we like Jesus on the road to Emmaus in that we don’t care whether the others seem to recognize Him or not? Are we happy to be their Jesus regardless of their reaction?
It may seem ludicrous that those on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Jesus. But, the bigger questions are, do we recognize Him, do we praise Him, do we thank Him, do we strive to show His love in all the situations we encounter? Let us pray that we do because that is what He calls us to.
“That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.” (Luke 24:13-16 The Message)
Not able to recognize who He was! The man they had been following. The man who had been teaching them. The man who had broken paradigm after paradigm! And they couldn’t recognize him! Now, admittedly, other translations say that the disciples’ eyes were “holden” – that somehow God had affected their vision – but still – they couldn’t recognize Him! Hard to imagine, isn’t it?
But how often do I fail to recognize Jesus? How often do I pray over something but then neglect to see Jesus when He intervenes? How often do I pray for understanding, guidance, or clarity of thinking but then fail to thank Him for what He does for me? I am sorry to say that it is all far too often.
What do you think about when you think about recognizing Jesus? Do you recognize Him in those who love you? In those who show you grace and mercy? Do you recognize Him in the community of Sidney First?
In the past couple of weeks, many of us saw the picture of college baseball players kneeling in prayer on the field, not knowing that a horrible tragedy lay ahead of their team. Did we recognize Jesus in that picture?
As we picture Jesus on the cross, we may also see Jesus in the face of those who are hurting. The poor, the broken, the downtrodden. It’s pretty easy to see Jesus in their pain and reach out to them in response. But do we see Jesus in the face of our housewife friend caught in an adulterous affair? How about in the face of the business executive who feels trapped and continuously pushes the envelope on ethics and morals? Do we see Jesus in the pain of their faces?
Going further, do we strive to be the face of Jesus to others? And, when we do choose to be the face of Jesus to others, are we like Jesus on the road to Emmaus in that we don’t care whether the others seem to recognize Him or not? Are we happy to be their Jesus regardless of their reaction?
It may seem ludicrous that those on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Jesus. But, the bigger questions are, do we recognize Him, do we praise Him, do we thank Him, do we strive to show His love in all the situations we encounter? Let us pray that we do because that is what He calls us to.
March 19 - Forever Friends
(submitted by Chris Heckaman)
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
What’s the rush? So often I get caught thinking about all the things I have to do. I forget. I’ve been made for eternity and so have you.
Of course the things I need to get done are extremely and supremely important. Actually, I’m just kidding myself.
My relationship with God is forever. Therefore, I have all the time in the world and then some, some in the next.
More than wanting me to get this done for Him and that, trying to pack in as much as I can, God wants to be in relationship with me.
If something takes seven years to accomplish and two years off of doing nothing big for God, so be it. He is spending all of eternity with me. I am more important to Him than what I do.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” He is the “I” of which the verse refers. I can’t outdo God. And God will get the job done. We can relax. And enjoy the privilege of knowing Him and His knowing of us.
In John 15 Jesus called the disciples not workers, slaves, or employees, but rather friends. No rush driven by demands. Relax. Enjoy. Hang out. Hear those words, “I have called you friend.” Receive them for yourself.
One of my greatest joys is watching my kids continue to grow and develop. One night last week we were all sitting in our family room just hanging out and talking. The TV wasn’t on. No one was waiting in line for the internet or trying to get on the computer for their email. We were just hanging out and talking. And we were talking more as friends than as parents and kids. I thought to myself, “Wow, this is cool. And this is only going to get better.” Our whole life is ahead of us. It was so deeply rich. You know what? God feels the same way about us. We’re not going anywhere nor He with us. Our journey in Christ will last for all eternity.
Here’s a thought, maybe what we get to know about God now isn’t even to be compared with what we will get to know about Him later. And consider this…Do you think you will know everything there is to know about Him the second you wake up in heaven, or maybe, just maybe, by year 110,098 in heaven you’ll wake up and discover something new, fresh, and absolutely wonderful?
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” As broad as is the horizon of our God is the wideness of His grace to want to know and enjoy us forever. Stop hurrying and learn to dwell now.
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
What’s the rush? So often I get caught thinking about all the things I have to do. I forget. I’ve been made for eternity and so have you.
Of course the things I need to get done are extremely and supremely important. Actually, I’m just kidding myself.
My relationship with God is forever. Therefore, I have all the time in the world and then some, some in the next.
More than wanting me to get this done for Him and that, trying to pack in as much as I can, God wants to be in relationship with me.
If something takes seven years to accomplish and two years off of doing nothing big for God, so be it. He is spending all of eternity with me. I am more important to Him than what I do.
Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” He is the “I” of which the verse refers. I can’t outdo God. And God will get the job done. We can relax. And enjoy the privilege of knowing Him and His knowing of us.
In John 15 Jesus called the disciples not workers, slaves, or employees, but rather friends. No rush driven by demands. Relax. Enjoy. Hang out. Hear those words, “I have called you friend.” Receive them for yourself.
One of my greatest joys is watching my kids continue to grow and develop. One night last week we were all sitting in our family room just hanging out and talking. The TV wasn’t on. No one was waiting in line for the internet or trying to get on the computer for their email. We were just hanging out and talking. And we were talking more as friends than as parents and kids. I thought to myself, “Wow, this is cool. And this is only going to get better.” Our whole life is ahead of us. It was so deeply rich. You know what? God feels the same way about us. We’re not going anywhere nor He with us. Our journey in Christ will last for all eternity.
Here’s a thought, maybe what we get to know about God now isn’t even to be compared with what we will get to know about Him later. And consider this…Do you think you will know everything there is to know about Him the second you wake up in heaven, or maybe, just maybe, by year 110,098 in heaven you’ll wake up and discover something new, fresh, and absolutely wonderful?
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” As broad as is the horizon of our God is the wideness of His grace to want to know and enjoy us forever. Stop hurrying and learn to dwell now.
March 17 - Giants or Promised Land?
(submitted by Erin & Dan Gildner)
Read Numbers 13:17-14:9
Up to this point the people of Israel had seen ten plagues come and go, they had seen the water of the Red Sea part for them to cross and than collapse on top of Pharaoh’s army in the nick of time. They had seen water flow from a rock…TWICE, had manna every morning and even quail, and to top it off, they were following a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of smoke in the daytime that showed God’s real presence leading them. It seems that God had done some amazing things to teach the people about Himself and who He is, to build their trust in Him. There were lots of bumps along the way and more whining than a class of preschoolers.
Now here they were, facing a new challenge. They were literally at the doorstep of the Promised Land, what they had endured all that time and pain to get to. Moses sends in twelve spies to scope out the land. They return all agreeing that the land was amazing, all they had hoped it would be and more! But there was a huge “but” that was keeping them from moving into the land. Ten of the spies report of huge people who lived there, fortified cities and even that the land “devours those living in it” (13:32). Their focus, after all that God had already taken them through, turned back to themselves and their weaknesses and inabilities (13:31, 33). They had already been defeated, even choosing to go back to Egypt!
I don’t know about you, but every time I read this passage, I want to jump into the pages of my Bible and fling my Bible at these people. Don’t they get it? Back to Egypt? Are you serious?
But another voice is heard. Caleb and Joshua stand up to tell the people that they can get their Promised Land because God was going to lead them to “swallow them up” (14:9). All the people of Israel had to do was to please the Lord…by not rebelling but believing (14:8-9). But they reverted back to being slaves again, slaves to their giants of self-doubt and focus on their own weakness.
Like the Israelites we use our past, our weaknesses, our inabilities as an excuse to _______, you fill in the blank. So we believe a lie, that it can’t be done. The strength of the giants and cities was real, but what they didn’t see was another reality—that God was already making provision for them to take the land, taking away the protection of their enemies.
What is your Promised Land? Where is it that God is trying to take you that you are struggling to get to? What is your attitude that keeps you from getting there, your “but”, your giant? What lie are you believing? Or like Caleb and Joshua, do you have the attitude that God will swallow up your giant? Are you choosing to believe and move forward or is your own disbelief, self-doubt or insecurity holding God back? Yes, I think we hold God back from experiencing our Promised Land. God has already shown Himself strong in your life, like water from the rock or the parting of a sea or answered prayer. Believe again. Funny thing that when the Israelites finally did go into the Promised Land (40 years later), the first battle they had and won was the battle of Jericho, where the walls crashed down when the people yelled. Do you see God’s provision?
Read Numbers 13:17-14:9
Up to this point the people of Israel had seen ten plagues come and go, they had seen the water of the Red Sea part for them to cross and than collapse on top of Pharaoh’s army in the nick of time. They had seen water flow from a rock…TWICE, had manna every morning and even quail, and to top it off, they were following a pillar of fire at night and a pillar of smoke in the daytime that showed God’s real presence leading them. It seems that God had done some amazing things to teach the people about Himself and who He is, to build their trust in Him. There were lots of bumps along the way and more whining than a class of preschoolers.
Now here they were, facing a new challenge. They were literally at the doorstep of the Promised Land, what they had endured all that time and pain to get to. Moses sends in twelve spies to scope out the land. They return all agreeing that the land was amazing, all they had hoped it would be and more! But there was a huge “but” that was keeping them from moving into the land. Ten of the spies report of huge people who lived there, fortified cities and even that the land “devours those living in it” (13:32). Their focus, after all that God had already taken them through, turned back to themselves and their weaknesses and inabilities (13:31, 33). They had already been defeated, even choosing to go back to Egypt!
I don’t know about you, but every time I read this passage, I want to jump into the pages of my Bible and fling my Bible at these people. Don’t they get it? Back to Egypt? Are you serious?
But another voice is heard. Caleb and Joshua stand up to tell the people that they can get their Promised Land because God was going to lead them to “swallow them up” (14:9). All the people of Israel had to do was to please the Lord…by not rebelling but believing (14:8-9). But they reverted back to being slaves again, slaves to their giants of self-doubt and focus on their own weakness.
Like the Israelites we use our past, our weaknesses, our inabilities as an excuse to _______, you fill in the blank. So we believe a lie, that it can’t be done. The strength of the giants and cities was real, but what they didn’t see was another reality—that God was already making provision for them to take the land, taking away the protection of their enemies.
What is your Promised Land? Where is it that God is trying to take you that you are struggling to get to? What is your attitude that keeps you from getting there, your “but”, your giant? What lie are you believing? Or like Caleb and Joshua, do you have the attitude that God will swallow up your giant? Are you choosing to believe and move forward or is your own disbelief, self-doubt or insecurity holding God back? Yes, I think we hold God back from experiencing our Promised Land. God has already shown Himself strong in your life, like water from the rock or the parting of a sea or answered prayer. Believe again. Funny thing that when the Israelites finally did go into the Promised Land (40 years later), the first battle they had and won was the battle of Jericho, where the walls crashed down when the people yelled. Do you see God’s provision?
March 16 - Phil 4:6
(submitted by Eileen Hix)
Have you ever wanted to help someone? Not just wanted to help but felt overwhelmingly that you could do something, anything to help? Then you find out that you can’t. What a feeling of helplessness.
I often think that God can use me to help and that is great but sometimes God needs me to pray and leave it all up to Him. Is God asking you to pray and let Him help? Is he asking you to get out of the way and let him perform His Miracle?
Philippians 4:6 says Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.
Paul is saying that we have to turn it all over to Him - to let our problems be His problem! How big is our God that he is able to take our problems-all of them.
Sometimes it is hard for us to give it over to God but I know he could handle all of it! But then what do I do? What is my part of the problem? Aha my part is to pray, my part is to learn to sit in that place where I can really leave it in his hands. I am not good at sitting and sitting quietly is an effort. Wow what a peace to find when you really wait in that quiet time.
A peace that transcends all understanding.
Have you ever wanted to help someone? Not just wanted to help but felt overwhelmingly that you could do something, anything to help? Then you find out that you can’t. What a feeling of helplessness.
I often think that God can use me to help and that is great but sometimes God needs me to pray and leave it all up to Him. Is God asking you to pray and let Him help? Is he asking you to get out of the way and let him perform His Miracle?
Philippians 4:6 says Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.
Paul is saying that we have to turn it all over to Him - to let our problems be His problem! How big is our God that he is able to take our problems-all of them.
Sometimes it is hard for us to give it over to God but I know he could handle all of it! But then what do I do? What is my part of the problem? Aha my part is to pray, my part is to learn to sit in that place where I can really leave it in his hands. I am not good at sitting and sitting quietly is an effort. Wow what a peace to find when you really wait in that quiet time.
A peace that transcends all understanding.
March 15 - Psalm 20:7
(submitted by Erin Gildner)
Psalm 20:7—“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
I have never considered myself a particularly controlling person. But ever since Caleb has been born, I have found that my biggest struggles as a mom are in my inability to control him in one way or another. I’m the kind of mom that has outlet covers everywhere, safety locks on cabinets and safety knobs on door handles. I try to give a “controlled freedom” of sorts. But I’m starting to understand what my mom and dad experienced when I was Caleb’s age. I was hit by a car once, fell under a car twice, almost lost my eye in a bicycle accident, had countless bumps and bruises and scrapes, and went to the emergency room two other times from accidents while playing at church. I’m starting to understand just how much they have had to trust in the Lord just for my life.
I’m starting to learn this lesson also. About a month ago I was having a nice impromptu lunch with a friend in my kitchen. I had been working on our finances earlier in the morning and had a mess of papers spread out on the table. I noticed that a paperclip had slipped down under the table. I left it there, tired of constantly crawling into tight spaces to retrieve lost objects…or people. “I’ll get it later,” I thought. “Later” came. After a series of attempts Caleb realized he wasn’t going to get the attention he wanted during lunch, so he resigned to playing by himself and soon he ended up under the kitchen table. Soon I noticed that it had gotten rather quiet and in a split second I remembered the paper clip. For some reason the outlet cover under the table was off and when I looked, Caleb had the paper clip half an inch away from the outlet.
Have you ever had the terrifying realization of a “what-if”? Have you ever felt like all you do is ultimately useless in protecting your loved ones? Psalm 20:7 talks about trusting in chariots and horses, which in our world is trusting in outlet covers, fences, and anything we try be in control of on our own power. We like controlling our environment, our children, our job, our relationships, our bodies, and even our hurts. Chuck Price wrote the devotional on March 5 and he talked about how God is in charge of our growth, He is in control. Do you realize that we have a good God? Even during the excruciatingly painful experiences. Our good God is in control of your life and has your good in mind.
In my story with Caleb the reality of my children and loved ones literally being kept in God’s care, in the palm of his hand, under his wings (Psalm 91!!) hit home. We feel we are in control of what happens to us in so many ways and we try to trust God for so much. Funny how one mommy who is careful about her curious child and always keeps outlet covers on can be so close to catastrophe.
What do you try to control? What do you hold tightly in your hand, unwilling or unable to release to God’s control? Do you really think God is good? Do you recognize His hand in your life, your children’s safety, your finances, your spiritual growth? Do you trust in the name of the LORD our God?
Psalm 20:7—“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
I have never considered myself a particularly controlling person. But ever since Caleb has been born, I have found that my biggest struggles as a mom are in my inability to control him in one way or another. I’m the kind of mom that has outlet covers everywhere, safety locks on cabinets and safety knobs on door handles. I try to give a “controlled freedom” of sorts. But I’m starting to understand what my mom and dad experienced when I was Caleb’s age. I was hit by a car once, fell under a car twice, almost lost my eye in a bicycle accident, had countless bumps and bruises and scrapes, and went to the emergency room two other times from accidents while playing at church. I’m starting to understand just how much they have had to trust in the Lord just for my life.
I’m starting to learn this lesson also. About a month ago I was having a nice impromptu lunch with a friend in my kitchen. I had been working on our finances earlier in the morning and had a mess of papers spread out on the table. I noticed that a paperclip had slipped down under the table. I left it there, tired of constantly crawling into tight spaces to retrieve lost objects…or people. “I’ll get it later,” I thought. “Later” came. After a series of attempts Caleb realized he wasn’t going to get the attention he wanted during lunch, so he resigned to playing by himself and soon he ended up under the kitchen table. Soon I noticed that it had gotten rather quiet and in a split second I remembered the paper clip. For some reason the outlet cover under the table was off and when I looked, Caleb had the paper clip half an inch away from the outlet.
Have you ever had the terrifying realization of a “what-if”? Have you ever felt like all you do is ultimately useless in protecting your loved ones? Psalm 20:7 talks about trusting in chariots and horses, which in our world is trusting in outlet covers, fences, and anything we try be in control of on our own power. We like controlling our environment, our children, our job, our relationships, our bodies, and even our hurts. Chuck Price wrote the devotional on March 5 and he talked about how God is in charge of our growth, He is in control. Do you realize that we have a good God? Even during the excruciatingly painful experiences. Our good God is in control of your life and has your good in mind.
In my story with Caleb the reality of my children and loved ones literally being kept in God’s care, in the palm of his hand, under his wings (Psalm 91!!) hit home. We feel we are in control of what happens to us in so many ways and we try to trust God for so much. Funny how one mommy who is careful about her curious child and always keeps outlet covers on can be so close to catastrophe.
What do you try to control? What do you hold tightly in your hand, unwilling or unable to release to God’s control? Do you really think God is good? Do you recognize His hand in your life, your children’s safety, your finances, your spiritual growth? Do you trust in the name of the LORD our God?
March 14 - Running Without Legs
(submitted by David Porath)
We are going to start this off with a little exercise. You do not have to participate, but I hope you try it.
Get off your chair and get on the floor. Go ahead, no one is looking. Sit cross-legged, Indian style, whatever you used to call it as a kid. What? Can't do this and see your screen at the same time? If you have a laptop, unplug it and bring it down to your level. If you are on a PC, use the printer or double your screen size. I promise, this will only take a minute.......
Now that you are in the position, put your arms to the side, push your fanny off the ground and lock your elbows. How long can you hold this position? Ok, relax and take a break. Just for a few minutes though......
Ok, long enough. Now go to the edge of the room you are in and get into the same position. This time when you push up, push forward at the same time scooting your body across the floor WITHOUT USING YOUR LEGS. That last part is key to this exercise. Some of you nimble, flexible and strong people may not have a problem doing it at first; however, do it a couple of times. Feel the burning sensation yet?
I see this exercise everyday of my life. No, I do not do it. I would look like Hulk Hogan if I did. This is what Justine does anytime she wants to get from A to B if she is not in her wheelchair. The thing that amazes me is the speed and grace she does it in. She can get from one side of our house to the other pretty quickly.
Justine constantly tells us that she cannot run. We try to see it a different way though. How many people can do what she does with her arms? She can fly around in her wheelchair pretty good too when she wants to. It is like she is running without legs. The rest of her body is making up for what her legs cannot do. She does not realize it yet though. All she sees is what is in front of her; what her young mind comprehends.
My spiritual life is like that a lot. I really know that I am limited in a lot of aspects many of my friends and peers are not so limited. Sometimes I feel like I am limited in what God has in store for me, or better yet, what I think He has in store for me. It is really hard for me to remember that God has given me my own unique gifts He wants to use for me to do His purpose. I think that I get overcome with my own shortcomings that I forget to look at the strengths that have been molded into body, mind and soul. Just like the uniqueness of Justine's physical makeup. Sure she cannot run, but man, can she move. If that is not a living miracle, then I do not know what is.
James 4:7,8,10 "7Submit yourselves, then, to God.... 8Come near to God and He will come near to you.... 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Submission is never an easy thing. Not to your parents, you’re friends, your wife, and your kids, not to anyone. Especially God. Submitting is letting go.... of everything. Lose control. I need to submit my shortcomings, my lack of gifts I wish I had and even the gifts I know I have. I have to be near to God in everything. My prayer time, studying, my family, even work. If I do that, He will be closer to me than ever. Can I humble myself enough though? I am reading a book called "The Mind of Christ." In it, the author says that self-interest is "the essence of sin... because self-interest is diametrically opposed to the character of God." Can I give up this life and world of self-interest? Can I humble myself enough so that all I do is because it is God's will for me to do it and not my own? Submit, come and humble. Three steps, one answer.
If my family and I can learn do this we will be running full speed to eternal life. We won't be worried about how fast our legs or wheelchair is going. We know that Jesus is running right beside of us all of the way. He may never heal Justine physically to walk here on earth but I tell you what, He has her running full speed towards His loving arms right now.... even without legs.
We are going to start this off with a little exercise. You do not have to participate, but I hope you try it.
Get off your chair and get on the floor. Go ahead, no one is looking. Sit cross-legged, Indian style, whatever you used to call it as a kid. What? Can't do this and see your screen at the same time? If you have a laptop, unplug it and bring it down to your level. If you are on a PC, use the printer or double your screen size. I promise, this will only take a minute.......
Now that you are in the position, put your arms to the side, push your fanny off the ground and lock your elbows. How long can you hold this position? Ok, relax and take a break. Just for a few minutes though......
Ok, long enough. Now go to the edge of the room you are in and get into the same position. This time when you push up, push forward at the same time scooting your body across the floor WITHOUT USING YOUR LEGS. That last part is key to this exercise. Some of you nimble, flexible and strong people may not have a problem doing it at first; however, do it a couple of times. Feel the burning sensation yet?
I see this exercise everyday of my life. No, I do not do it. I would look like Hulk Hogan if I did. This is what Justine does anytime she wants to get from A to B if she is not in her wheelchair. The thing that amazes me is the speed and grace she does it in. She can get from one side of our house to the other pretty quickly.
Justine constantly tells us that she cannot run. We try to see it a different way though. How many people can do what she does with her arms? She can fly around in her wheelchair pretty good too when she wants to. It is like she is running without legs. The rest of her body is making up for what her legs cannot do. She does not realize it yet though. All she sees is what is in front of her; what her young mind comprehends.
My spiritual life is like that a lot. I really know that I am limited in a lot of aspects many of my friends and peers are not so limited. Sometimes I feel like I am limited in what God has in store for me, or better yet, what I think He has in store for me. It is really hard for me to remember that God has given me my own unique gifts He wants to use for me to do His purpose. I think that I get overcome with my own shortcomings that I forget to look at the strengths that have been molded into body, mind and soul. Just like the uniqueness of Justine's physical makeup. Sure she cannot run, but man, can she move. If that is not a living miracle, then I do not know what is.
James 4:7,8,10 "7Submit yourselves, then, to God.... 8Come near to God and He will come near to you.... 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Submission is never an easy thing. Not to your parents, you’re friends, your wife, and your kids, not to anyone. Especially God. Submitting is letting go.... of everything. Lose control. I need to submit my shortcomings, my lack of gifts I wish I had and even the gifts I know I have. I have to be near to God in everything. My prayer time, studying, my family, even work. If I do that, He will be closer to me than ever. Can I humble myself enough though? I am reading a book called "The Mind of Christ." In it, the author says that self-interest is "the essence of sin... because self-interest is diametrically opposed to the character of God." Can I give up this life and world of self-interest? Can I humble myself enough so that all I do is because it is God's will for me to do it and not my own? Submit, come and humble. Three steps, one answer.
If my family and I can learn do this we will be running full speed to eternal life. We won't be worried about how fast our legs or wheelchair is going. We know that Jesus is running right beside of us all of the way. He may never heal Justine physically to walk here on earth but I tell you what, He has her running full speed towards His loving arms right now.... even without legs.
March 13 - to new heights
(submitted by Barbara Staley)
We visited my paternal grandmother almost every Sunday. That was OK but not as special as extended visits in the summer. My Grandmother lived on Filburn Island and I thought that the island was a very special place on earth. It was always an adventure to spend a week with her. Most times my grandfather would leave and go to his tile shed in Anna. When he left I knew we would have fun. She would put her rowboat in the water and we would travel to Blackberry Island where we picked the most scrumptious blackberries in the world. We laughed and talked and sometimes were just still in the quietness of Lake Loramie.
Wintertime meant ice fishing. I would always freeze and run back to the house where my grandmother had hot cocoa. I would sit beside the wood stove and watch her as she made noodles or whatever was on her agenda for the day. She taught me to make noodles and to peel a potato around and around producing on long continuous peel. I cherish the richness of those days. But I have found that my grandmother was just a taste of what it is like to love God and hunger after time with God.
Lent is upon us and I normally seek out a devotional that I hope draws me closer to God. This summer I experienced a silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani where I prayed and sang the psalms along with the monks who lived at the Abbey. Every two weeks they pray and sing though all one hundred and fifty psalms. Praying the psalms is the Lenten discipline I have chosen. Now, the psalms touch wonderful emotions in me but this Lent I want to be especially sensitive to the psalms that are difficult. Psalm thirty-eight is an example. It reads “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin”. My intention is that God and I will have long conversations as we row over to Blackberry Island. I will be alone with God and know that God and only God can tell me the real truth about myself. The revelations will be painful at times, as well as uplifting, but I trust God will draw me ever closer. I want to wake up on Easter morning transformed.
I do not know what your Lenten journey looks like, but pray that you are traveling to new heights of love with God. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up on Easter morning so very extra full of God’s presence?
In the love of Christ!
We visited my paternal grandmother almost every Sunday. That was OK but not as special as extended visits in the summer. My Grandmother lived on Filburn Island and I thought that the island was a very special place on earth. It was always an adventure to spend a week with her. Most times my grandfather would leave and go to his tile shed in Anna. When he left I knew we would have fun. She would put her rowboat in the water and we would travel to Blackberry Island where we picked the most scrumptious blackberries in the world. We laughed and talked and sometimes were just still in the quietness of Lake Loramie.
Wintertime meant ice fishing. I would always freeze and run back to the house where my grandmother had hot cocoa. I would sit beside the wood stove and watch her as she made noodles or whatever was on her agenda for the day. She taught me to make noodles and to peel a potato around and around producing on long continuous peel. I cherish the richness of those days. But I have found that my grandmother was just a taste of what it is like to love God and hunger after time with God.
Lent is upon us and I normally seek out a devotional that I hope draws me closer to God. This summer I experienced a silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani where I prayed and sang the psalms along with the monks who lived at the Abbey. Every two weeks they pray and sing though all one hundred and fifty psalms. Praying the psalms is the Lenten discipline I have chosen. Now, the psalms touch wonderful emotions in me but this Lent I want to be especially sensitive to the psalms that are difficult. Psalm thirty-eight is an example. It reads “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin”. My intention is that God and I will have long conversations as we row over to Blackberry Island. I will be alone with God and know that God and only God can tell me the real truth about myself. The revelations will be painful at times, as well as uplifting, but I trust God will draw me ever closer. I want to wake up on Easter morning transformed.
I do not know what your Lenten journey looks like, but pray that you are traveling to new heights of love with God. Wouldn’t it be great to wake up on Easter morning so very extra full of God’s presence?
In the love of Christ!
March 12 - Mary Poppins
(submitted by Bert-the chimney sweep)
I recently re-watched Mary Poppins several times over and was struck by something totally new. The first 100 times that I watched and danced (because who can sit still when the penguins are dancing with Dick VanDyke?) I saw the film as a story of how Mary Poppins blew in from the sky and brought laughter, playfulness and a bag full of mysteries to the children (did you know that the one who played Michael died at age 21 from pancreatitis), and colorful songs like "A spoonful of sugar", "Stay Awake" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialodocious."
But when I watched it the other day twice, I had new eyes in which to see the true story. The story this time was about Mr. George W. Banks, Jane and Michael's dad!
You see him walk into the first scene, precisely when he should, singing the lines "A British bank is run with precision. A British home requires nothing less! Tradition, discipline, and rules must be the tools. Without them - disorder! Chaos! Moral disintegration! In short, we have a ghastly mess!"
You see him always in control of what he wants to be in control of, that is, until Mary Poppins arrives. Then, a transformation occurred. In order to process this a bit, let's skip forward to the end of the film.
Mr. George W. Banks, when facing the reality of losing his job because of his unruly children (meaning: you are a bad dad), for the first time in his life does not know what to say, so he blurts out a Mary Poppins word, tells a joke and then skips home singing (off-key mind you), "A spoonful of sugar."
Is this the same man? What happened?
Ezekiel 37 says "The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "
Here's how I see the life-entering process of one George W. Banks:
1. I don't need to change. My way of thinking is best.
2. It's ok for my family to change, as long as they keep me happy (without headaches)
3. The minute the change begins to affect how we spend our money or time, I will attack the one or the thing that has caused the change and try to take back control.
4. When I fail to regain control, I can choose to either become more embittered or embrace the breath of life that has been hounding me.
5. It's ok to not always be in control. I can trust that which has been stirring in me.
6. Flying kites may be more important than toppins.
What's your story of transformation? What are the steps that God used to breathe life into you? Was your process similar to George? Were are you today? Maybe the winds changed years ago but now you are seemingly walking face-first into the headwinds again. Embrace with me, the Spirit of God. We can trust Him.
I recently re-watched Mary Poppins several times over and was struck by something totally new. The first 100 times that I watched and danced (because who can sit still when the penguins are dancing with Dick VanDyke?) I saw the film as a story of how Mary Poppins blew in from the sky and brought laughter, playfulness and a bag full of mysteries to the children (did you know that the one who played Michael died at age 21 from pancreatitis), and colorful songs like "A spoonful of sugar", "Stay Awake" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialodocious."
But when I watched it the other day twice, I had new eyes in which to see the true story. The story this time was about Mr. George W. Banks, Jane and Michael's dad!
You see him walk into the first scene, precisely when he should, singing the lines "A British bank is run with precision. A British home requires nothing less! Tradition, discipline, and rules must be the tools. Without them - disorder! Chaos! Moral disintegration! In short, we have a ghastly mess!"
You see him always in control of what he wants to be in control of, that is, until Mary Poppins arrives. Then, a transformation occurred. In order to process this a bit, let's skip forward to the end of the film.
Mr. George W. Banks, when facing the reality of losing his job because of his unruly children (meaning: you are a bad dad), for the first time in his life does not know what to say, so he blurts out a Mary Poppins word, tells a joke and then skips home singing (off-key mind you), "A spoonful of sugar."
Is this the same man? What happened?
Ezekiel 37 says "The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "
Here's how I see the life-entering process of one George W. Banks:
1. I don't need to change. My way of thinking is best.
2. It's ok for my family to change, as long as they keep me happy (without headaches)
3. The minute the change begins to affect how we spend our money or time, I will attack the one or the thing that has caused the change and try to take back control.
4. When I fail to regain control, I can choose to either become more embittered or embrace the breath of life that has been hounding me.
5. It's ok to not always be in control. I can trust that which has been stirring in me.
6. Flying kites may be more important than toppins.
What's your story of transformation? What are the steps that God used to breathe life into you? Was your process similar to George? Were are you today? Maybe the winds changed years ago but now you are seemingly walking face-first into the headwinds again. Embrace with me, the Spirit of God. We can trust Him.
March 10 - Growing Up
(submitted by Melissa Gossard)
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[b] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. I Corinthians 13:11-12
She was here just a minute ago...I know she was...there were lots of questions...lots of worries...there was control...or was there?
It was 1993. Mike and I were getting ready to move our family to Sidney from Lima. Our house wasn't quite finished yet so that meant for the first 2 months of Kindergarten our 5 year old would go to work with Mike, then to the unfinished house where the school bus would pick her up, then at noon when the bus dropped her off at the house I would drive down to Sidney to pick her up. We went through all the scenarios if by chance mommy wouldn't be there when she got off the bus. Traffic on I-75, bus arriving early, unexpected delays - you name it, I conjured it up. You know - all those what ifs! All those things unseen but imagined – as if I could control the world, childishly thinking God’s job was mine. I would make safe the world my child lived in…
It was last weekend. Mike and I in Ohio, our 19 year old traveling in icy conditions on a highway headed north to Rochester, NY. She called, “Mom, will you pray for us? – we need safe travel, going 20 MPH and we need to stay alert.” The old panic immediately drifted into my mind. But instead of conjuring, I prayed. I shared with Mike. In the meantime a friend called, we prayed. I called another friend, she prayed. My Jesus made safe the world my child lives in…
I like to think I have “grown up” during these years. Do you ever feel childish? Do you act in ways that proclaim self-centeredness and being in control? Be honest with yourself; look in the mirror, ask God to give you clarity. Ask Him to lead you in the ways of truth, maturity, self-denial and His guidance. I could no more control the what ifs and the unknowns when she was 5 then I could control that snowstorm she was in the other night. The places He has made clear in my life during these years have allowed me to be a “grown up”. Each place I have traveled on my journey only becomes clear because the ONE Who knows me completely loves me completely and promises perfect peace.
She was here just a minute ago…ahhh…she still is…held by Him…questions being answered…no worries…all is in control…He says so!
Journey on fellow travelers…be a Grown-Up!
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[b] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. I Corinthians 13:11-12
She was here just a minute ago...I know she was...there were lots of questions...lots of worries...there was control...or was there?
It was 1993. Mike and I were getting ready to move our family to Sidney from Lima. Our house wasn't quite finished yet so that meant for the first 2 months of Kindergarten our 5 year old would go to work with Mike, then to the unfinished house where the school bus would pick her up, then at noon when the bus dropped her off at the house I would drive down to Sidney to pick her up. We went through all the scenarios if by chance mommy wouldn't be there when she got off the bus. Traffic on I-75, bus arriving early, unexpected delays - you name it, I conjured it up. You know - all those what ifs! All those things unseen but imagined – as if I could control the world, childishly thinking God’s job was mine. I would make safe the world my child lived in…
It was last weekend. Mike and I in Ohio, our 19 year old traveling in icy conditions on a highway headed north to Rochester, NY. She called, “Mom, will you pray for us? – we need safe travel, going 20 MPH and we need to stay alert.” The old panic immediately drifted into my mind. But instead of conjuring, I prayed. I shared with Mike. In the meantime a friend called, we prayed. I called another friend, she prayed. My Jesus made safe the world my child lives in…
I like to think I have “grown up” during these years. Do you ever feel childish? Do you act in ways that proclaim self-centeredness and being in control? Be honest with yourself; look in the mirror, ask God to give you clarity. Ask Him to lead you in the ways of truth, maturity, self-denial and His guidance. I could no more control the what ifs and the unknowns when she was 5 then I could control that snowstorm she was in the other night. The places He has made clear in my life during these years have allowed me to be a “grown up”. Each place I have traveled on my journey only becomes clear because the ONE Who knows me completely loves me completely and promises perfect peace.
She was here just a minute ago…ahhh…she still is…held by Him…questions being answered…no worries…all is in control…He says so!
Journey on fellow travelers…be a Grown-Up!
Thursday, March 8, 2007
March 9 - The Journey in the Olives
(submitted by Julie and Todd Richards)
The Mount of Olives stands to the east of Jerusalem and has both historical and future significance. In 2nd Samuel, the Mount of Olives is where David retreats to and weeps over his son Absalom’s rebellion. It is also the place where David receives the provisions he needs for the next leg of his journey. In Zechariah, the prophet says that God himself will stand on the Mount of Olives and oversee the defeat of evil and the restoration of Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:8 says that on that day, “Life giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem.”
It is on the Mount of Olives that Jesus has spent time talking with and preparing his disciples for what is to come. The disciples knew this was the place where God would stand as God defeated the enemies of God’s chosen people. Jesus though, experiences the Mount of Olives like his kin David.
This particular night was unlike any other. Jesus has just washed their feet, talked about his body and blood, and revealed that one of them will betray him. It is the middle of the night. Jesus takes with him, Peter, James and John. Mark 14:33 says that Jesus was deeply troubled and distressed. He tells his disciples, his three closest friends that, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (v.34). He then goes off by himself and prays, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (v.36).
Jesus is scared and anxious. Big time. Real honest feelings, raw emotions. He knows what is about to happen to him. He knows that he must be handed over to the authorities and “carry his cross” (or better, our cross). He knows that he will die a shameful and violent death at the hands of the people he loves. He is divine enough to know it is for the best, the greater good and greater glory. We miss something very significant, though, if we don’t see, in this moment, Jesus’ humanness. Yes, Jesus is Divine; He is perfect. But he is also fully human, yet without sin. He feels human emotion and human need. If he doesn’t, how can he truly understand us?
The pain of the moment is so real, he is looking for an out. A loophole. A way to escape the coming storm. “If you can take this cup from me, Father…” not because he doesn’t want to obey God or that he won’t follow where God leads, but because he is crying out and hurting. It isn’t sin to feel emotions. God made us to feel—be fully alive—and in tune with our whole heart. The Psalms are famous for letting us cry out with our hearts, but here we see it reaffirmed by Christ himself. If you ever needed an invitation to feel what stirs in your heart and know that God hears and cares for you, you’ll find it here in the anguish Jesus shares with the Father.
Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” The New Jerusalem Bible words it this way: “For the high priest we have is not incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us.” He feels it alright. Scripture says he is in anguish and crushed with grief. Ever been there?
We tend to overlook this passage in light of Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:6 to, “be anxious about nothing but in everything, through prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” It is a great passage but often misquoted and misunderstood. “Be anxious about nothing” sounds straightforward—that we shouldn’t allow stress and anxiety into our lives. In the Greek though, the emphasis of the verb tense means that God doesn’t intend for us to stay in an ongoing state of anxiousness. God recognizes our weaknesses. God helps us in our weakness and tells us how we can pour it out to him in prayer. This is what Jesus does in the Mount of Olives. Jesus is visibly anxious and stressed and scared about the next few hours. He feels it. And he prays.
Notice how he ends his prayer, “I want your will to be done, not mine.” He doesn’t stay in the depth of his grief, he surrenders it. He has lived it, felt it, and grieved it, (as opposed to denying it, burying it, or stuffing it under the rug)…and then he gives it over. Sometimes, in the midst of the storm, the only thing to do is surrender. Jesus’ life of prayer and ministry has been all about surrendering himself to the will of his Father. Everything is done to glorify and exalt God above himself. His pleasure comes in serving God above everything, even his own life and will.
Here is a lesson from the Mount of Olives—Victory comes through surrender. Jesus, in the midst of his fear and anxiety, in raw authentic honesty, places himself at the feet of God by surrendering himself to God’s will. Maybe that is the journey. Maybe the journey starts, continues and ends there, at the Mount of Olives where we give up ourselves to the Victor and bathe in the life giving waters of God’s will. No matter the storm that comes, no matter the pain, no matter the price, God gives comfort and life to those beaten down by life and surrendered at God’s feet.
The Mount of Olives stands to the east of Jerusalem and has both historical and future significance. In 2nd Samuel, the Mount of Olives is where David retreats to and weeps over his son Absalom’s rebellion. It is also the place where David receives the provisions he needs for the next leg of his journey. In Zechariah, the prophet says that God himself will stand on the Mount of Olives and oversee the defeat of evil and the restoration of Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:8 says that on that day, “Life giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem.”
It is on the Mount of Olives that Jesus has spent time talking with and preparing his disciples for what is to come. The disciples knew this was the place where God would stand as God defeated the enemies of God’s chosen people. Jesus though, experiences the Mount of Olives like his kin David.
This particular night was unlike any other. Jesus has just washed their feet, talked about his body and blood, and revealed that one of them will betray him. It is the middle of the night. Jesus takes with him, Peter, James and John. Mark 14:33 says that Jesus was deeply troubled and distressed. He tells his disciples, his three closest friends that, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (v.34). He then goes off by himself and prays, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (v.36).
Jesus is scared and anxious. Big time. Real honest feelings, raw emotions. He knows what is about to happen to him. He knows that he must be handed over to the authorities and “carry his cross” (or better, our cross). He knows that he will die a shameful and violent death at the hands of the people he loves. He is divine enough to know it is for the best, the greater good and greater glory. We miss something very significant, though, if we don’t see, in this moment, Jesus’ humanness. Yes, Jesus is Divine; He is perfect. But he is also fully human, yet without sin. He feels human emotion and human need. If he doesn’t, how can he truly understand us?
The pain of the moment is so real, he is looking for an out. A loophole. A way to escape the coming storm. “If you can take this cup from me, Father…” not because he doesn’t want to obey God or that he won’t follow where God leads, but because he is crying out and hurting. It isn’t sin to feel emotions. God made us to feel—be fully alive—and in tune with our whole heart. The Psalms are famous for letting us cry out with our hearts, but here we see it reaffirmed by Christ himself. If you ever needed an invitation to feel what stirs in your heart and know that God hears and cares for you, you’ll find it here in the anguish Jesus shares with the Father.
Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” The New Jerusalem Bible words it this way: “For the high priest we have is not incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us.” He feels it alright. Scripture says he is in anguish and crushed with grief. Ever been there?
We tend to overlook this passage in light of Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:6 to, “be anxious about nothing but in everything, through prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” It is a great passage but often misquoted and misunderstood. “Be anxious about nothing” sounds straightforward—that we shouldn’t allow stress and anxiety into our lives. In the Greek though, the emphasis of the verb tense means that God doesn’t intend for us to stay in an ongoing state of anxiousness. God recognizes our weaknesses. God helps us in our weakness and tells us how we can pour it out to him in prayer. This is what Jesus does in the Mount of Olives. Jesus is visibly anxious and stressed and scared about the next few hours. He feels it. And he prays.
Notice how he ends his prayer, “I want your will to be done, not mine.” He doesn’t stay in the depth of his grief, he surrenders it. He has lived it, felt it, and grieved it, (as opposed to denying it, burying it, or stuffing it under the rug)…and then he gives it over. Sometimes, in the midst of the storm, the only thing to do is surrender. Jesus’ life of prayer and ministry has been all about surrendering himself to the will of his Father. Everything is done to glorify and exalt God above himself. His pleasure comes in serving God above everything, even his own life and will.
Here is a lesson from the Mount of Olives—Victory comes through surrender. Jesus, in the midst of his fear and anxiety, in raw authentic honesty, places himself at the feet of God by surrendering himself to God’s will. Maybe that is the journey. Maybe the journey starts, continues and ends there, at the Mount of Olives where we give up ourselves to the Victor and bathe in the life giving waters of God’s will. No matter the storm that comes, no matter the pain, no matter the price, God gives comfort and life to those beaten down by life and surrendered at God’s feet.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
March 8 - New Perspective
(submitted by Beth Abbott)
Psalm 18: 16-17, 19
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
I found this passage a few months ago as I started looking at areas in my life where I wasn't experiencing freedom. For me, a couple of things that are truly hindering my walk with the Lord are pride and unbelief. My lack of self-confidence and not living as if I believed what He says is true brought me to a point of feeling paralyzed in my relationship with God and wanting to run from any areas of service I once felt passionate about.
It was at that point when I realized I needed to stop and gain a new perspective – my God is BIG and He wants me to believe Him and take Him at His word. He wants all of me and won't let me be comfortable with something less. As I called out to Him, acknowledging my need for Him because there was nothing I could do to get out on my own, He reached down into the pit I was in, took hold of me and pulled me out. It is a daily battle for me to believe the truth of who God is and to use His promises to overpower the lies and thoughts that want to infiltrate my mind, but when I call out to Him He is there reminding me how to stay in the spacious place. I'm so thankful this is a journey and that He is gracious enough to continue to hold on even as I struggle maintaining this new mindset. The unbelievable part for me is that He does this not out of duty, but because He delights in me and desires for me to grow in this journey we're on together. God is so good and I am so thankful!
My prayer for us this season is that we would put our faith in the One who is faithful and cling to and put into action the truth that will change us forever.
Psalm 18: 16-17, 19
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
I found this passage a few months ago as I started looking at areas in my life where I wasn't experiencing freedom. For me, a couple of things that are truly hindering my walk with the Lord are pride and unbelief. My lack of self-confidence and not living as if I believed what He says is true brought me to a point of feeling paralyzed in my relationship with God and wanting to run from any areas of service I once felt passionate about.
It was at that point when I realized I needed to stop and gain a new perspective – my God is BIG and He wants me to believe Him and take Him at His word. He wants all of me and won't let me be comfortable with something less. As I called out to Him, acknowledging my need for Him because there was nothing I could do to get out on my own, He reached down into the pit I was in, took hold of me and pulled me out. It is a daily battle for me to believe the truth of who God is and to use His promises to overpower the lies and thoughts that want to infiltrate my mind, but when I call out to Him He is there reminding me how to stay in the spacious place. I'm so thankful this is a journey and that He is gracious enough to continue to hold on even as I struggle maintaining this new mindset. The unbelievable part for me is that He does this not out of duty, but because He delights in me and desires for me to grow in this journey we're on together. God is so good and I am so thankful!
My prayer for us this season is that we would put our faith in the One who is faithful and cling to and put into action the truth that will change us forever.
March 7 - Maintaining Momentum
(submitted by Chris & Lisa Heckaman)
“Make ready the way of the Lord.” Matthew 3:3
Right from the very beginning, the life of faith was meant to be lived as journey.
Abraham got the call to embark on a monumental trek, “to a place he did not know.” Faith may still feel like uncertain and uncharted charted territory to you. It may loom large, very, very large on your horizon. For him, faith was simply learning to live into a growing relationship with God. Getting on the journey was showing faith. It’s not something we have. It’s something we walk, daily step by daily step.
The Israelites, who called it "wandering," were in essence on a journey. Only until they reached Mt. Nebo, a high place, did it all come into focus and they were able to see the sacred plan.
The disciples were called to "come and follow," i.e. to journey. Following means to keep in step, right behind, as someone takes the lead out in front on ahead.
The early church, called by Peter in one of his epistles as “sojourners,” were forced into exile due to the persecution of the Romans. Always on the run, many thought it was so unfair. God was using their movement to spread the word. They were still on the journey.
Jesus is the journey. In John 14:6, when He says that He is “the way,” it is the Greek word for road. Jesus was the movement that changed the world, meant to be lived and experienced in the context of purposeful motion.
How can you and I, therefore, keep forward progress going? Put another way, how can you and I maintain momentum in our walk with God?
When we stop and pull to the side of the road our faith stops. It becomes mere wandering instead of sacred plan, exiling instead of sojourning, dying instead of rising.
Have you ever been on an Emmaus Walk Retreat? Did you know we hold them here at our church every few months? Are you a part of a Journey Life Group? Have you taken the Journey Study? Gone to Mexico on a Missions Trip?
What is the next step for you in your daily set of steps?
“Make ready the way of the Lord.” Matthew 3:3
Right from the very beginning, the life of faith was meant to be lived as journey.
Abraham got the call to embark on a monumental trek, “to a place he did not know.” Faith may still feel like uncertain and uncharted charted territory to you. It may loom large, very, very large on your horizon. For him, faith was simply learning to live into a growing relationship with God. Getting on the journey was showing faith. It’s not something we have. It’s something we walk, daily step by daily step.
The Israelites, who called it "wandering," were in essence on a journey. Only until they reached Mt. Nebo, a high place, did it all come into focus and they were able to see the sacred plan.
The disciples were called to "come and follow," i.e. to journey. Following means to keep in step, right behind, as someone takes the lead out in front on ahead.
The early church, called by Peter in one of his epistles as “sojourners,” were forced into exile due to the persecution of the Romans. Always on the run, many thought it was so unfair. God was using their movement to spread the word. They were still on the journey.
Jesus is the journey. In John 14:6, when He says that He is “the way,” it is the Greek word for road. Jesus was the movement that changed the world, meant to be lived and experienced in the context of purposeful motion.
How can you and I, therefore, keep forward progress going? Put another way, how can you and I maintain momentum in our walk with God?
When we stop and pull to the side of the road our faith stops. It becomes mere wandering instead of sacred plan, exiling instead of sojourning, dying instead of rising.
Have you ever been on an Emmaus Walk Retreat? Did you know we hold them here at our church every few months? Are you a part of a Journey Life Group? Have you taken the Journey Study? Gone to Mexico on a Missions Trip?
What is the next step for you in your daily set of steps?
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
March 6 - A Close God
(submitted by Sheryl Ditmer)
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3: 16-17.
Scripture tells us that as believers Christ dwells in us. It says that as soon as we acknowledge our belief and need for Him as our savior, he takes up residency. We also know He is every where, all the time. He is omnipresent. Thus, He is in us and around us, whether we are in Sidney, Tijuana, or Cap Haitien.
Yet, we journey through most (if not all) of our daily activities not sensing His presence. Why is that? Is it that we don’t have enough faith that He truly is everywhere? Is it that we don’t believe He loves US that much? Is it that we lack the discipline of knowing how to dwell in His presence? Or is it we are just too busy to even think about it?
Henry Nouwen writes, “Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own heart and God’s heart. Contemplative prayer keeps us home, rooted and safe, even when we are on the road, moving form place to place, and often surrounded by sounds of violence and war. Contemplative prayer deepens in us the knowledge that we are already free, that we have already found a place to dwell, that we already belong to God, even though everything and everyone around us keep suggesting the opposite.”
Can it be that easy? Is it just a matter of prayer? I’m thinking, in most cases, the answer is YES. Mind you this is not the kind of prayer where you give God a list of requests, but the kind where you listen, look, feel and open yourself up to Him. It is a state of mind and yes it is a discipline you have to learn. The good news is it can be done and it makes a huge difference.
I encourage you today, where ever you are journeying, to go with God. He is closer than you know and more than willing to go through your day with you.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Ephesians 3: 16-17.
Scripture tells us that as believers Christ dwells in us. It says that as soon as we acknowledge our belief and need for Him as our savior, he takes up residency. We also know He is every where, all the time. He is omnipresent. Thus, He is in us and around us, whether we are in Sidney, Tijuana, or Cap Haitien.
Yet, we journey through most (if not all) of our daily activities not sensing His presence. Why is that? Is it that we don’t have enough faith that He truly is everywhere? Is it that we don’t believe He loves US that much? Is it that we lack the discipline of knowing how to dwell in His presence? Or is it we are just too busy to even think about it?
Henry Nouwen writes, “Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own heart and God’s heart. Contemplative prayer keeps us home, rooted and safe, even when we are on the road, moving form place to place, and often surrounded by sounds of violence and war. Contemplative prayer deepens in us the knowledge that we are already free, that we have already found a place to dwell, that we already belong to God, even though everything and everyone around us keep suggesting the opposite.”
Can it be that easy? Is it just a matter of prayer? I’m thinking, in most cases, the answer is YES. Mind you this is not the kind of prayer where you give God a list of requests, but the kind where you listen, look, feel and open yourself up to Him. It is a state of mind and yes it is a discipline you have to learn. The good news is it can be done and it makes a huge difference.
I encourage you today, where ever you are journeying, to go with God. He is closer than you know and more than willing to go through your day with you.
Friday, March 2, 2007
March 5 - Growing on the Journey
(submitted by Chuck Price)
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Phil 2:13 NAS
The Christian life is a journey of following Christ. As we journey with the Lord we are continually learning and growing and there are numerous lessons that He teaches us along the way. One of the most important lessons that I have learned is that God is the one in charge of our growth which means:
• He chooses the lessons
• He chooses the methods
• He chooses the timing
I don’t know that I always like that so much. Many times the lesson that God selected was not the one that I thought I should have been learning at the moment. I would also quite often pick different ways to receive those lessons. And I would almost always prefer different timing.
“Not now Lord, I am too busy and I have too much to do and besides that I am too young to deal with this now. Particularly since I am already dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is not yet under control! ” That was part of how I felt last summer when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
But then I remembered it was God who chooses the lessons, methods, and timing to grow my faith. I was in the center of His will and I could trust Him even if it did rearrange what I already had concluded should be my schedule and priorities.
The principle is: God is the one who causes the growth in my life and He uses the laboratory of circumstances to produce that growth. It has been a great season of growth as I have seen the Lord in new ways and experienced the ministry of a caring and loving church family that has taught me even further lessons about God’s grace. And I am reminded of Philippians 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Phil 2:13 NAS
The Christian life is a journey of following Christ. As we journey with the Lord we are continually learning and growing and there are numerous lessons that He teaches us along the way. One of the most important lessons that I have learned is that God is the one in charge of our growth which means:
• He chooses the lessons
• He chooses the methods
• He chooses the timing
I don’t know that I always like that so much. Many times the lesson that God selected was not the one that I thought I should have been learning at the moment. I would also quite often pick different ways to receive those lessons. And I would almost always prefer different timing.
“Not now Lord, I am too busy and I have too much to do and besides that I am too young to deal with this now. Particularly since I am already dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is not yet under control! ” That was part of how I felt last summer when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
But then I remembered it was God who chooses the lessons, methods, and timing to grow my faith. I was in the center of His will and I could trust Him even if it did rearrange what I already had concluded should be my schedule and priorities.
The principle is: God is the one who causes the growth in my life and He uses the laboratory of circumstances to produce that growth. It has been a great season of growth as I have seen the Lord in new ways and experienced the ministry of a caring and loving church family that has taught me even further lessons about God’s grace. And I am reminded of Philippians 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Thursday, March 1, 2007
March 3 - The Blessing in Touch
(submitted by Eileen Hix)
Scripture: Mark 10:16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
This scripture follows the “let the little children come to me” passage which has always been an important scripture to me. It is the way God made me; I feel the need to point the way for children to come to HIM. To show children of God’s great love for them - what an amazing gift to be able to share His love! In Mark 10:16 it specifically says Jesus took them in his arms and He blessed them. I think that speaks to the importance of touch and how much people need to feel touched. There is a whole communication that takes place when we shake hands, hug, touch an arm; each of these shows a different level of love and care.
When I was blessed to go to Haiti, I know the difference in the communication I got to have when I touched people. When you rub a child’s back and they wiggle when you stop so that you will rub their back more, that shows how much they were needing the love and affection they were getting. I have been overwhelmed by the way most of the world lives. I knew how people lived but there is a huge difference in knowing and feeling how they live - knowing that you cannot make a big difference but feeling that you have to make a difference. There is always a difference when you TOUCH someone else’s life. You do not have to go to Haiti to touch the lives of those around you. Just reach out your hand…and bless.
Scripture: Mark 10:16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
This scripture follows the “let the little children come to me” passage which has always been an important scripture to me. It is the way God made me; I feel the need to point the way for children to come to HIM. To show children of God’s great love for them - what an amazing gift to be able to share His love! In Mark 10:16 it specifically says Jesus took them in his arms and He blessed them. I think that speaks to the importance of touch and how much people need to feel touched. There is a whole communication that takes place when we shake hands, hug, touch an arm; each of these shows a different level of love and care.
When I was blessed to go to Haiti, I know the difference in the communication I got to have when I touched people. When you rub a child’s back and they wiggle when you stop so that you will rub their back more, that shows how much they were needing the love and affection they were getting. I have been overwhelmed by the way most of the world lives. I knew how people lived but there is a huge difference in knowing and feeling how they live - knowing that you cannot make a big difference but feeling that you have to make a difference. There is always a difference when you TOUCH someone else’s life. You do not have to go to Haiti to touch the lives of those around you. Just reach out your hand…and bless.
March 2 - Toenail Clippings and Love
(submitted by Todd Miller)
Key Verse: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
What is it that other people do that really wigs you out? What behavior on their part moves you to the proverbial "breaking point"? Come on. We all have it. What’s yours?
Is it the guy who takes 47 items through the express lane at Wal-Mart and then stops to choose seven candy bars and two tabloids on top of everything else? How about the out-of-control toddler at Olive Garden? The relative who still laments decisions they made 57 years ago? The spouse who trims their toenails and leaves them on the arm of the couch? The teenager who doesn't listen to a word you say? The parent who still tries to control you … on your 68th birthday? The guy sitting next to you on the airplane who apparently had nothing to eat except pinto beans for the last three days?
An ongoing part of the Christian journey for me is reminding myself that none of us is perfect. I want to reach the point where I do not see the imperfections in others without also seeing my own. Or, better yet, where I just see another of God’s children.
On thing that really drives me nuts is when someone changes "the plan" at the last second. Even more so when their change affects me but they don't let me know about it! But then I think of the times when I have done that to others. And I start to understand that, even though the other person's gift for planning may not be the greatest, the root to my negative reaction is my issue with feeling out of control. It’s my imperfection that's a problem – not theirs. The more I realize that, the less wigged out I become and the closer I can get to where God wants me to be.
Jesus commanded us to love one another -- his greatest commandment in fact. But how can I do that if all I see are the imperfections in others? What if my eyes are those of suspicion, contempt, and prejudice instead of love, compassion, and grace? What if all I see is the wall that I have built between them and me? I struggle with this every day. I have a long way to go in order to consistently live out unconditional love for all others.
It may seem relatively easy to live out our faith when we're surrounded by it in a faith community. But things change when we're on the "outside" and that person cuts us off in traffic. Or our well-pedicured but sloppy spouse leaves their toenail clippings on the couch (I am not talking from personal experience, mind you!) Or our regret-filled Aunt Eunice relates her story for the 43rd time ... that day. Those are the times that test our transformation in Christ!
Jesus reminded us that none of us is without sin. We all carry imperfections and we all make mistakes. Yet He loves us just the same ... exactly as He commanded us to fully love one another because of who we are in Him. I need to live true to that commandment and it can't be done with a cold or suspicious heart. It can only be done when I allow God's love and grace - both so freely given to me - to flow through me and on to others.
Key Verse: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)
What is it that other people do that really wigs you out? What behavior on their part moves you to the proverbial "breaking point"? Come on. We all have it. What’s yours?
Is it the guy who takes 47 items through the express lane at Wal-Mart and then stops to choose seven candy bars and two tabloids on top of everything else? How about the out-of-control toddler at Olive Garden? The relative who still laments decisions they made 57 years ago? The spouse who trims their toenails and leaves them on the arm of the couch? The teenager who doesn't listen to a word you say? The parent who still tries to control you … on your 68th birthday? The guy sitting next to you on the airplane who apparently had nothing to eat except pinto beans for the last three days?
An ongoing part of the Christian journey for me is reminding myself that none of us is perfect. I want to reach the point where I do not see the imperfections in others without also seeing my own. Or, better yet, where I just see another of God’s children.
On thing that really drives me nuts is when someone changes "the plan" at the last second. Even more so when their change affects me but they don't let me know about it! But then I think of the times when I have done that to others. And I start to understand that, even though the other person's gift for planning may not be the greatest, the root to my negative reaction is my issue with feeling out of control. It’s my imperfection that's a problem – not theirs. The more I realize that, the less wigged out I become and the closer I can get to where God wants me to be.
Jesus commanded us to love one another -- his greatest commandment in fact. But how can I do that if all I see are the imperfections in others? What if my eyes are those of suspicion, contempt, and prejudice instead of love, compassion, and grace? What if all I see is the wall that I have built between them and me? I struggle with this every day. I have a long way to go in order to consistently live out unconditional love for all others.
It may seem relatively easy to live out our faith when we're surrounded by it in a faith community. But things change when we're on the "outside" and that person cuts us off in traffic. Or our well-pedicured but sloppy spouse leaves their toenail clippings on the couch (I am not talking from personal experience, mind you!) Or our regret-filled Aunt Eunice relates her story for the 43rd time ... that day. Those are the times that test our transformation in Christ!
Jesus reminded us that none of us is without sin. We all carry imperfections and we all make mistakes. Yet He loves us just the same ... exactly as He commanded us to fully love one another because of who we are in Him. I need to live true to that commandment and it can't be done with a cold or suspicious heart. It can only be done when I allow God's love and grace - both so freely given to me - to flow through me and on to others.
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