LTW Blog

Nevertheless

2010-03-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

As another Resurrection season approaches, my heart makes it's journey to Calvary once again. Without fail, I always linger so much longer in the olive grove. The scene captivates me. I pull my wrap tighter around my body to keep out the evening chill, as I hide behind an old and gnarly olive tree, watching the events unfold. Here I am again...tonight...at Gethsemane.

On Sunday the crowds cheered. They couldn't get enough of Jesus. Maybe they could see Him do another miracle. Jesus heard their praises, but He knew that in just a few days they would all turn against Him. On Monday, He witnessed the greed and prejudice of the city merchants. So overcome with righteous anger, He took a hand made whip and turned their tables over crying, "My Father's house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations..but you have made it into a den of thieves." The harassment began on Tuesday. His enemies challenged Him on who exactly He thought He was. "On what authority are you doing these things?" Animosity, hatred, and venom began to permeate the air. By the end of the week they would cast their vote to put Him to death. On Wednesday, one of His closest friends, one who knew His heart, His desires and His mission...one who had known His love... agreed to betray Him to His enemies for the price of a common slave...30 pieces of silver.

Thursday night Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples. They didn't understand that this would be their last meal together with Him. As Jesus looked around the room, He knew that these men would all be scattered in just a few hours. He knew that Peter, headstrong Peter, would deny Him three times. He looked up to see Judas get up and leave the table. The others didn't understand what was happening. But Jesus knew that in a few hours Judas would return with soldiers and clubs and swords. The eleven didn't get the significance of this night. But Jesus did and it was in this state of mind that He took the eleven and made His way to Gethsemane.

We enter our own Garden of Gethsemane by many routes. We enter through betrayal, loneliness, abuse, divorce, poverty, loss or grief. We enter when our wills collide with the will of God. There are many paths to Gethsemane but I believe we've all been there at one time or another. You may be there right now. Today. This dark night that Jesus spent in the garden can teach us much about our own dark nights...our own personal Gethsemanes.

We know that throughout the earthly life of Christ He often went to solitary places to pray. But on Thursday evening, He didn't want to be alone. He took the eleven with Him to the Mount of Olives as they usually did, but then He pulled aside three of His closest and went further off. We do not need to be alone in our Gethsemane. Jesus knew they were nearby. He knew they were there and He told them to pray. He knew they would go through a horrible time as well and He wanted them to be prepared by praying to the Father. When we are suffering we don't need to take the whole crowd with us. Remember that Jesus left eight of them behind. But it is perfectly proper to take a few trusted friends along with you when you are suffering. Don't try to go it alone. When you're suffering your Gethsemane, take along a friend or two.

Jesus was deeply distressed, sorrowful and troubled. The Greek word that is used for "distressed" pictures men who are struggling in a boat against wind and waves. Have you ever felt like you were in a little dinghy boat trying to stay afloat while the winds and waves of adversity threatened to drown you? That was the feeling that Jesus had that very night. He said, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Your soul is your mind, your will and your emotions. Every last bit of Christ was overwhelmed. He had not known such trouble in His earthly life thus far. He told the others that it was so bad that it threatened to extinguish His life right there and then. Forget the Cross! He thought that He was going to die right there in that garden. It was that bad!

No matter how excruciating your pain is, no matter how badly you hurt, no matter what you're going through, Jesus Christ knows how it feels. Don't ever say, "Well...He was God". He was fully God, but He was also fully Man. That's hard for us to wrap our minds around, but it's truth just the same. He was in exceeding pain and torment that night in the garden The full impact of what He would suffer hit Him and He staggered under it's weight.

"He fell with His face to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him." Have you ever hurt so badly that you just fell to the ground? Right here, Christ gives us permission to fall to the floor and be honest with God. We can tell Him we're suffering. We can tell Him we're struggling. We can tell Him, honestly, that we really would rather not do what He is telling us to do. Jesus did! In His own personal preference, He would rather not have experienced the pain of death and the horror of having the sins of the whole world put on His shoulders. And He told His Father so. We would often not want to go through what we have to go through. We can tell our Heavenly Father. Jesus did.

Christ would suffer physical pain but He would also suffer the pain of separation from God the Father. For a little while, God the Father would turn His face away from His Son. The One who had been with the Father since before the beginning of time, would be alone for the first time. And Thursday night in the garden was just the beginning. The kiss of a friend, angry crowds, betrayal, rejection and trials were coming. There would be mocking and spitting and scourging to the point that His skin would come off with each blow of the whip, until bone could be seen. Nails in His wrists and ankles and hanging on a Cross still being mocked by the crowds. It wasn't over yet in the garden. It had only just begun. It was enough to drop Jesus to the ground on His face before His Father, the only One who could possibly help Him. Often the pain that we experience in wrestling with submission is just as excruciating as the results of that submission will be.

Three times Jesus asked His "Abba"...His Daddy, to take this cup from Him. Jesus was persistent in prayer. If Peter, James and John had been awake they may have been reminded of the story Messiah had told them about the woman who kept bothering the unjust judge for mercy. Because of her persistence her request was granted. Christ had said that He told them this parable so that they would "always pray and not give up" (see Luke 18: 1-8). But they were asleep. He told them to watch and pray, but they slept instead. Don't sleep when you should be praying.

Maybe if Peter had stayed awake and prayed, He might not have denied Jesus. Maybe if they all would've prayed they would've received strength to endure, and they wouldn't have run like little boys. When you're facing something in your life, draw near to God. He will draw near to you and give you strength to endure well, strength for what lies ahead, and strength for victory.

Thursday night in the garden was the scene of a cosmic battle between Christ's humanity and His deity. The battle between His God-ness and His Man-ness. I believe that angels were perched over the portals of heaven watching. I can feel the evil one lurking, listening and thinking, "What's He gonna do? What's He gonna do?" All of hell sat silent, waiting and watching. Satan probably didn't understand the full scope of what was at stake in that garden, but I'll bet that he knew something was up! He's watching you too, by the way. How the next words that Jesus spoke must have rocked Satan's world! Jesus says, "Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done". Angels cheered and demons screamed in fear. The decision was made.

Way back in Genesis 3: 15, God said that the serpent, Satan, would bruise the heel of Jesus but Jesus would crush the head of the serpent. Jesus would deliver the fatal blow. Satan tries to cripple us but it's not fatal. He may bruise us, but he doesn't crush us. Jesus will always deliver the final blow to Satan. And in Him, In Him, every time we choose to say, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done", we crush the head of our enemy and do tremendous damage to the kingdom of darkness. Demons shudder when we know what God's word says, and what He wants us to do, and even though we don't want to, we say, "Nevertheless". Let's do some damage to the enemy kingdom! Let's crush his head. The prince of this world has been winning for way too long, but the battle is not over. There are too many defeated Christians. It's time for Christians to start winning the battles because we know that one day Christ will win the war!

Doing the will of God isn't always easy. At times it can be excruciatingly painful. But can we look up and say, "Jesus, I wouldn't do this for anyone else but you, not for anyone or anything but you, but you want me to .. so I will obey. Your will be done?" And in that moment, we crush the enemy's head and get the victory. Hallelujah!

I don't know what it is for you that God is asking you to do or to endure. Maybe He wants you to forgive and be kind to someone who you would much rather slap upside the head. Maybe He's asking you to give up an addiction. Maybe you need to endure a difficult person or situation with a good attitude. Perhaps He wants you to give up your secret sin. I don't know...only you do...but you know that you wouldn't do it for anyone or anything. But can you do it for Jesus? Can you say, "Jesus, I wouldn't do it for anyone else but you...your will be done."

This night was so horrific for Christ that He was sweating with drops of blood falling to the ground. I have yet to see a human suffer like that. Hebrews 12: 4 says, "In your struggle against sin, you have not resisted to the point of shedding blood." This thing...whatever it is in your life, will not kill you. It won't make you sweat blood. It won't be easy, but you will never suffer the way Christ suffered for you...Amen?

When Jesus looked up and saw an angel from Heaven appear to Him, wonder if He thought His deliverance had come. Maybe it was time for them to fly back to heaven and forget the whole thing. Did His Father change His mind? But our text tells us that the angel "strengthened Him." We may not get delivered from our problems. We may not be able to escape what God is telling us to do. We may never see God go back and tell us that we don't have to obey. But in the midst of it all, He will give us the strength that we need to endure. I imagine that the angel came to Jesus with a message. And I imagine that it was the same message that God gave the apostle Paul some time later, when he prayed three times for something to be removed from his life. God said No! But He said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10) Do you think that maybe He said the same thing to Christ that night? Is He speaking that to you today?

Because of this cataclysmic decision of Christ's to say "Nevertheless", the purposes of God Almighty were fulfilled. If He hadn't submitted and obeyed we would be on our way straight to Hell this very day. Obedience brings about the purposes of God. Jesus became the source of our eternal salvation when He submitted. Look at Hebrews 5: 7-10: "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to one who could save Him from death (sound familiar?), and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek." It's okay to offer up prayer and petitions with loud cries and tears to God who can save us, but in the end, when the rubber hits the road, it's reverent submission and obedience that gets the purposes of God fulfilled in our lives.

Nothing, I repeat, nothing that you are holding on to is worth it. What you will gain through obedience and submission will be so much greater. Don't let fear of the pain of submission hold you back. When God's purposes come to pass there is nothing sweeter. Don't forfeit your God-ordained destiny holding on to lesser things.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr explained his situation after receiving a phone call threatening him with murder: "My strength was gone. I sat at the kitchen table searching for a way of how to disappear without being considered a coward. In this state of utmost exhaustion and complete discouragement I laid down my need before God. With my head in my hands I prayed aloud, "Lord, I believe that I am fighting for a righteous cause. But now I am afraid. I cannot go any further. I have come to the point where I cannot make it on my own." Almost immediately all my fears were gone. My insecurity disappeared! I was ready to face everything. Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. Nobody entered." We know what Martin Luther King Jr. went on to do. He prayed and submitted and said that not even fear for his very life, would make him set aside his obedience to the purposes of God for his life. We think that great men and women, who do great things, do not go through anything. Usually the very opposite is true. Every time we are about to walk into God's plan and destiny for our lives, there will be battles to fight and there will be Gethsemane nights.

In John 5: 30 Jesus said, "I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me." In John 6: 38 He said, "I have come down from Heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me." And in our passage today, Jesus said, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done."

That same kind of strength that made Martin Luther King Jr. go on...that same kind of strength that made Jesus go on, is available for you today for whatever it is you're going through. Pray, submit, receive His strength, grace, and the power that He will give you to endure. The purposes of God will come to pass in your life. God's good plan for you will come to pass.

Christ's Gethsemane night allowed Him to do this: "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! (I can imagine Jesus hitting His chest) Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! ("Wanna go"?) It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up." (Isaiah 50: 6-9) What boldness! What strength! What power!

All of that was imparted to Jesus, in that garden, that night. He didn't want to. But He did it anyway, and the big picture is that He did it to please His Father in Heaven, and He did it for you and for me. Our salvation, our forgiveness, our righteousness in Him, our abundant life, our eternity, was settled right there when Christ said, "Nevertheless".

What about you? Don't forfeit your destiny. Set your face like flint. In your Gethsemane...will you say, "I wouldn't do it for anybody else but you...nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done?"

Broken

2010-02-07T04:38:00.000-08:00

So, we sang that song in church again a few weeks ago. You know the one. "Brokenness, brokenness, that's what I long for. Brokenness is what I need." As a woman of faith, admittedly a word of faith woman, I believe that when Jesus said that He came to heal the brokenhearted, He meant what He said. When He said He would make me whole, He meant it. When the Bible speaks of shalom, it speaks of nothing missing, nothing broken. And that includes me. If God said it, that settles it. That's why I don't sing along with that verse in that song. At least until that day, a few weeks ago.

Maybe I'm just a Johnny-come-lately, and maybe you already had this one figured out, but let me share what Christ taught me about what "brokenness" really means.

Jesus was the most put-together Man to ever walk planet Earth. Gentle, yes. Humble in heart, yes. Broken, absolutely not. He knew Who He was. He knew His purpose. He knew what belonged to Him in God. He never complained that He was born in a stable. He never wailed about His poor upbringing in Nazareth. He never felt sorry for Himself because people didn't understand Him or that some even wanted Him dead. But one dark night in an olive grove, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, faced the meaning of brokenness. On His face, sweating blood, He cried out, "Take this cup from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will. Not my will, but thine be done." And that, dear friend, is true brokenness.

Brokenness is not feeling sorry for myself. It is not wallowing in the events of the past that have hurt me. It is not wearing my "wounds" on my sleeve, looking for sympathy from people when I refuse to let Christ heal those wounds, just like He promised. I can be made whole and be completely restored by the Restorer of Broken Walls, and still suffer a time of brokenness. Not a broken life. Not a broken psyche. Not a broken heart. A broken will, a broken will.

When life deals blow after blow, punching the lights out of what I thought my life would be, I can say, "Not my will, but thine be done." When Satan is allowed to sift me like wheat, I can stand tall in the power of the Holy Ghost and say, "Have your will, my God. Not my will, but thine be done." When I'm tired and worn out and think that I can't give one more ounce of myself, I can recall the Word that says, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." And somehow, supernaturally, I will be able to give and love and nurture and care for others for one more day. Not in my power, but in His. Not my will, but His be done.

We talk some good talk when we say that we want the Lord's will done in our lives. But that divine will won't ever be accomplished until our own human wills are broken. That is true brokenness.

True brokenness stands up in the middle of the violent winds and the raging storm, hair blowing in the hurricane that is life, and screams, "Jesus! I wouldn't do this for anyone else but you!!!!!"

"Not my will...but thine be done."

Brokenness, brokenness, is what I long for. Brokenness is what I need. Today ... brokenness is what I've got.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr...A Modern Day Moses"

2010-01-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While doing my daily Bible reading, beginning the book of Exodus, I began to draw a parallel between Moses and Dr. King. I thought that surely I'm not the only one who ever entertained this idea, so I went on a search. Sure enough, I wasn't the only one."Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the Moses of the 20th century", said Charles E. Mock of the National Baptist Convention. At a Martin Luther King Jr. annual awards dinner, Charlton Heston said, "A great many people think of me as Moses parting the Red Sea but if the 20th century ever had a real Moses who led his people to the promised land that man, of course, would be Dr. King." (2004 Jewish Post of New York) These are only two examples among many that I found.

Dr. King himself must have felt this kinship with Moses as well. At a rally in Memphis, he said, "I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up the mountain. And I've looked over. And I have seen the promised land. And I may not get there with you, but I want you to know, tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land!" Compare this to Deuteronomy 34: 1-4. "Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land - from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it." Both men saw the promised land .... both men never got there.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., graduated from Morehouse College (B.A., 1948), Crozer Theological Seminary (B.D., 1951), and Boston University (Ph.D., 1955). The son of the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, King was ordained in 1947 and became (1954) minister of a Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama. He may have had expectations of leading a middle class, quiet lifestyle, but God had a different plan. He grew up mostly protected from segregation but he had a different calling on his life. Not that he didn't know what was right and wrong. His father was an example to him. His dad refused to patronize a shoe store that made blacks be served only in the back of the store. He also corrected a white police officer who called him "boy", declaring that he was a man. (Detroit News, Jan. 16, 2006) His son Dexter Scott King said, "Greatness was thrust upon him, and for some internal reason or external destiny he did not turn away." Just like Dr. King, Moses saw the oppression of his people in Egypt. Fleeing for his life after killing an Egyptian, Moses was living a quiet life, married, having children and tending the flocks of his father-in-law Jethro when God interrupted his life and called him to service. And he did not turn away.

Not that both men didn't have some fears, insecurities and self-doubt to overcome. Dr. King had to surrender his expectations of the way he thought life was going to be to heed the call to become a leader in a movement bigger than himself. He had to muster up boldness, willingness and surrender to his God to go forward. Moses questioned his own abilities. Low self esteem said, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3: 11) Doubt asked, "What if they don't believe me?" (Exodus 4: 1) Lack of any confidence in himself said, "I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) Fear screamed, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it. " (Exodus 4: 13) Both men trusted in their God, heeded the call on their life and obeyed.

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in August of 1963, Dr. King gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech. In the shadow of Mount Sinai, Moses read the commands that were written by the very finger of God to the people. Both men presented the way to a better life. The way to peace and prosperity. Both men's words are still being ignored.

So what does this mean to us, on January 18, 2010....thousands of years after Moses and decades after Dr. King? Have we reached the promised land? I believe we have come a long way but I also believe that we have a long way to go. Racial prejudice lay behind more than half of the 7649 hate crimes reported to the FBI in 2004. I personally see racial profiling in action in my community when motor vehicles are pulled over for traffic stops. There is still a huge disparity between blacks and whites in America. And appalling and ugly as it may sound, it grows like a festering sore in many of our churches. Sunday morning is the most segregated morning of the week. Despite my attempts at educating those that don't know any better, I have heard white Christians say that black people like being on welfare and are just too lazy to work.

So back to...what can I do? I must become intentional about improving relationships that I have with those brothers and sisters not like me. I am blessed to be in a fellowship that is very diverse and is quite intentional about being so. I must understand that the church that Jesus regards as after His own heart is diverse and very colorful. Look at what Heaven will be like: "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." (Revelation 7: 9)

I must teach my children and model for them that racial prejudice is wrong. I must believe that every person has worth as an individual and that they are entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color. I must strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions. I must speak up when I see racial prejudice by others. Like Moses and Dr. King, I must trust in my God, obey His word and never turn away from what I know is right because of fear or rejection. I would like to be a part of that "beautiful symphony of brotherhood" that Dr. King spoke of in his speech. The one where "we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day." And as I hold your hand, my white brother or sister, and with my other hand, hold yours, my black brother or sister, may we all give the world a little glimpse of what Heaven will really look like.

"And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Exodus 3: 9-10)

Genesis 3

2010-01-01T15:51:00.001-08:00

Short and sweet today. Notice that Adam said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” (Genesis 3: 10) One would think that he would have been afraid because he directly disobeyed God’s command. Nope. He was afraid because he was naked. Naked = Exposed. Adam got caught and he was afraid. He was exposed.

Are we more concerned about being caught in our sin and exposed, than we are with the fact that we’ve disobeyed and disappointed God?

Food for thought.

A Christmas Story

2009-12-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

I'll start by explaining what we were doing in a Chinese restaurant on Christmas Day. Nineteen years ago, I was pregnant with my fourth child, Kyle. My three oldest were gone for the first time ever on a holiday, spending the day with their Dad. Chuck and I were alone. All of our holiday celebrating had taken place on Christmas Eve. We decided to go out for dinner, quickly finding out that this was not going to be as easy as it sounded. Who knew that there wasn't one restaurant open on Christmas Day? Don't people have to eat on Christmas too? Just sayin'.

After driving all over the proverbial half-acre, lo and behold we found a place to eat. Much to our delight we learned that there ARE establishments open on Christmas Day...Chinese restaurants! I remember feeling a little like a loser. As I looked around the room at the other patrons, I remember wondering what their stories were. How does one find them self in a Chinese restaurant on Christmas Day? No family? Family doesn't want anything to do with you? Or, like Chuck and I, maybe they had celebrated the day before. Whatever the story, there were a lot of folk in that restaurant, on that Christmas day, nineteen years ago. And every Christmas Day since then.

We decided to make this a Christmas tradition. We haven't missed a Christmas Day dinner at Wong's Garden .. not once. I remember the first year we took Kyle. He was only nine months old and I'm putting it nicely when I say that his behavior was abominable. Most years it was just the three of us. There was one year when my daughter Kelly joined us because she and I had spent the afternoon in the ER with strep throat, and she didn't go to her dad's house. My brother joined us one year, our son Brian another. But Chuck and Kyle and I have faithfully taken our egg drop soup together at Wong's for nineteen years. Last night was no exception.

The scene was the same. In the far corner was a large family, adults and little ones. Many tables were full with couples and foursomes. There was a line for carry-outs. The Christmas tree was up. It's been the same tree every year. A large statue of Buddha sat in the same corner as always. Kyle remarked that he couldn't understand how anyone would worship Buddha. Good question. Christmas music was playing overhead. WNIC...100.3. Waiters and waitresses bustled about and seemed particularly busy and disorganized this year. The owner was helping out and took our order.

A couple of tables away sat an elderly women with gray hair, at a table for four, all alone. She caught Chuck's eye first, and he said that he would really like to pay for her dinner. I asked him if he was sure that she was alone. He was sure. He had checked it out. She was actually done eating and getting her traditional carry-out containers to take home. Our hearts were touched by the sight of her, alone for dinner on Christmas Day. Now I can vividly recall years when we were counting our last dimes to make sure we had some money to carry on our tradition. In those days we would be cut short until the next pay day for sure, but we weren't going to miss this dinner. And there were years we barely had enough. Yesterday, to God be the glory, He is so faithful...we had enough to buy this women's dinner and ours. So it wasn't about sacrificial giving. But it was definitely about something.

When the owner took our order Chuck explained to her that we would like to pay for the elderly women's dinner. No problem. We watched from a couple of tables away when she explained to her that her bill was taken care of, but we couldn't see her face. Here's where it gets good. She bundled up her coat,taking her carryout containers in hand, and proceeded to go out the door. One of the waitresses started screaming for her to come back! She thought the lady was skipping out on her bill! The table next to her started yelling, "No, No, the boss lady said that someone paid her bill!" Whew! Out the door she went.

Once she was gone, "boss lady" came to our table to ask if we were a relative of the woman. Now if we were, don't you think we would've been sitting with her? Just sayin'. Anyway, she told us that the lady had begun to cry when she found out that someone had paid her bill. It turns out that her husband passed away two weeks ago, and her son was a no-show for this very Christmas dinner. Sweet Lord Jesus!

I mean that! Sweet Lord Jesus!! Over two thousand years ago, God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, Jesus. Jesus ... Immanuel...God with us. Over two thousand years later, on a cold Christmas night in Michigan, He is still God with us. He was God with that elderly woman. And He showed her, up close and personal, how much He cares for her. What I didn't tell you is that we almost didn't go to dinner last night. We almost got carryout. But something inside of me was saying that we should go and not break the tradition. Oh, thank you for the promptings of your Holy Spirit!

Do you see how our God cares so deeply and personally for each and every one of us? He knows how many hairs are on that grieving woman's head. Her name is engraved on the palms of His hands. His voice spoke from Heaven. He chose to come to her intimately, in the middle of a Chinese restaurant filled with strangers, and tell her... "I love you daughter. You are not alone. I am with you." And I'm humbled and so intensely grateful that He chose to use our little family to bring His message.

When all was said and done, "boss lady" told us that she had told the woman that God was looking down on her. I don't know if "boss lady" is a believer, if she just said the word "God", if she's a Buddhist, or what. But she gave "God" the glory and so do I. She also told us this, "I have never before seen people like you."

Oh, boss lady, I have never before seen anyone like my Jesus!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."

Can God Interrupt Your Life?

2009-12-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1: 38)

I don't know about you, but I don't like interruptions. Ask anyone that knows me well and they will be sure to tell you that I'm a little obsessive-compulsive. I usually have a plan, organized and well thought out, and I set my mind to get it done. I'm not just talking about big projects. I'm this way with the day to day activities of my life. Lord knows, don't call me before 11AM. I'm busy, don't you know. I do not like interruptions.

Well, imagine being Mary. Her marriage to Joseph had been arranged by her parents. The contracts were negotiated. She was considered a married woman and was called Joseph's wife. She was very young. Jewish maidens at that time were considered marriageable at 12 years and 6 months of age. Can you even imagine? Mary was somewhere in the one-year waiting period where it would be demonstrated that she was faithful to her pledge of purity. If she was found to be "pure" after this one year, Joseph would come and in a grand processional march, take her to live with him as his wife. If she was found to be pregnant, therefore unfaithful, their marriage could be annulled. She and Joseph had never had sexual intercourse and Mary herself was faithful. We don't know exactly where she was in that waiting time period, but I imagine she was planning her life with Joseph and anxiously awaiting their wedding day.

So Mary's going about her day and BAM! the angel Gabriel appears to her. I don't know about you but I don't get too many angelic appearances coming my way and I'd be a little taken aback, to say the least. He tells her that she is highly favored and specially honored by God. And that she would have a Son. She can't imagine how this could be since she was a virgin. Literally it means "since I do not know a man." She didn't doubt the angel's words but merely wanted to know how such an event would be accomplished. The angel told her that the Holy Spirit would miraculously bring this about. And he adds, "nothing is impossible with God."

There would be such misunderstanding in the community. Tongues would be wagging at the well. This could result in Mary being stoned (Deuteronomy 22: 23-24). Joseph's heart would be broken. What would he do when he found out? She could've refused. She could've fought with the angel. She could've asked for time to "pray about it." But it is at this very point that Mary says the most amazing thing. "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Because of this interruption in a normal day, Mary's life would never be the same. And frankly, neither would ours. Mary's life could be interrupted by God.

What about you? Can God interrupt your life? Can He step into a normal Tuesday and ask you to allow Him to rearrange everything you know as normal to further His purpose in your life and the lives of other people? Sometimes the rearrangement is small. Like stopping your daily routine to give encouragement to a friend who calls. It only takes a few moments. Sometimes it's a little bigger and you are made aware of a need and you sacrifice some finances to help or He is asking you to get involved at your church. And other times what God asks is life-changing. A complete turn in the direction that you thought your life was going. You are asked to take care of an aging, ailing parent. Your child is in big trouble and needs you to set aside your own life and pour into theirs. A marriage is floundering and you are asked to model a "gentle and quiet spirit" and do all that you can to make that marriage work. You are asked to honor that covenant of marriage. You may get stripped of finances, comforts and things that you hold onto in this life and God may ask you to make your life all about Him. God may close doors in your ministry or your church and be telling you to move on to uncharted waters. To try something you've never done before. To trust Him with the unknowns in your life. And to leave the consequences of your obedience to Him.

I don't know what your interruptions are. And maybe you don't either. Start paying attention. No event is insignificant in God's eye-view. Be aware of every circumstance that you encounter in your everyday. Ask yourself, "Is this a divine interruption?" Will you argue? Will you refuse? Will you have to take forever to "pray about it". Don't get me wrong, we must pray, but I believe that Christians very often use this as an excuse for not accepting the interruptions of God. If Mary had argued, delayed or refused we wouldn't have Jesus! She was part of an awesome plan that God had for her life. She was chosen to be divinely interrupted that day. To have her life turned upside down. To face unbelievable circumstances. For Him. Can we say, today, if we are divinely interrupted, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said?"

Anticipating interruption,

Donna

The Word Is Alive

2009-12-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Donna Golen Schultz said, "But I'm worried". And He said, "Do not worry." So I said, "But I need to be concerned." And He said, "Be anxious for nothing." I said, "But I need to know." And He replied, "I know the end from the beginning...beginning to end. Trust Me." Amen.

That's what I posted as my Facebook status this morning. They're not just arbitrary words, made up in order to have something pithy to say on a Wednesday morning. And today I realized just how not-arbitrary they are. I was reminded once again of just how vitally important knowledge of God's word is in walking through this life.

I used to pride myself on the fact that I had purposeful quiet time with the Lord each and every morning, no matter what. There's nothing like caring for a 20 month old who wakes up at varying hours of the morning, to show me that my times are in someone else's hands. Most mornings are not spent with my cup of coffee (or two or three), in sweet communion, one-on-one with my Savior anymore. Most mornings, my intake of the Word comes from a precious devotional book, read while Ashton's drinking her morning "bubba." But that has not stopped me from talking. From the time I wake up, I am still talkin' to the Lord. He never fails to answer me. Just so you know, I don't hear the audible voice of God. I sure wish that I did. He speaks gently to my Spirit and He always speaks His Word. That's my point.

I realized that if I hadn't lived on a steady diet of God's Word for the last so many years, someone or something else would be speaking to me in the difficult seasons of life. Oh, it might be my own selfish, self-centered, easily carried away mind. Often, it would certainly be the voice of the Enemy, because I wouldn't know that he is a liar and the father of lies, so I'd take it all in. If I didn't have God's Word hidden in my heart, I'd have nothing and no one to speak truth to me. I remember reading more than once about Christians who were in prison, their Bibles confiscated, surviving and sustained by the Word of God that was stored up on the inside of them. They didn't need the physical Bible, because they had the Word hidden in their hearts.

"For the word of God is living and active." (Hebrews 4:12) Because they're not just words on a page, but God-breathed (2 Timothy 3: 16) straight from His lips to your heart, you will hear Him speak just the right word at the right time for the situation where you need to hear from Him the most.

Jesus said in John 14:26, "..the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." How can I be reminded of something that I've never heard before? Because the Word of God is stored up on the inside of me, the wonderful Holy Spirit sees me at my point of need, and reminds me of just what Jesus has taught me. Of just what Jesus has spoken to me over the years. He reminds me of what the Truth is, in a world that is so filled with lies and deception. In chapter 15, Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." When His words remain in me, I can ask for wisdom, guidance, comfort, strength to endure, and He will give it me! I believe that He gives me those answers more frequently than not through the Truth that is in His Word.

In Psalm 119:92 the psalmist said, "If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." If I had not made the study of God's word my utmost delight over the years of my walk with Him, I surely would've perished many a time, in many an affliction. I would have followed the other voices. I would've given up in despair. I would have sinned. But in the midst of trouble, even when I can't get to hold a Bible in my hands, that living and active, God-breathed Word can be carried on the wings of the Holy Spirit, straight to my heart and bring a peace that passes all understanding.

I cannot entreat you any more earnestly than I am today to know and love the Word of God. Study it. Meditate on it. Live in it. Bathe in the living water. Don't take it for granted. There may come a day when you won't have it physically in your hand but you will know it firmly in your heart. It is sustenance. It is strength. It is power. It will carry you on eagle's wings through any situation, circumstance or condition. "Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1: 8)

I pray that you will fill yourself to overflowing with God's living and active Word today and everyday. You'll never be sorry. I'm not!

Well...here's what I'm thinking!

2009-11-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I'm on what my pastor wants to call "a sabbatical" of sorts. I don't know if I'd call it that, because I'd rather think that I'm on assignment. My role has changed in this season of life from Bible teacher/church ministry duties to full-time wife, mom and grandmother once again. My life seems to have come full circle. Many were sad and gave me that "poor, poor you" look when I announced that I'd be stepping aside for awhile. You know that look. The one that makes you feel bad even when you're not feeling bad? The one that folks give you when you really are feeling fine about what's happening in your life, but they just refuse to believe you when you say that it's all good? That look.

Life isn't perfect these days. There are clearly some things going on that are off-kilter. I am not at liberty to share all of the gory details because they are private family stuff, but suffice it to say that some days are more difficult than others. But I will say one thing, and you doubters, believe me when I tell you, It's All Good! Once again due to God-approved circumstances, I am seeing His almighty hand at work in the lives of myself and those I love. I am witnessing the visible fingerprints of my invisible God on a daily basis.

I struggled so badly with the decision to set aside writing and teaching Bible study. I cried, and I fought and I cried, and I fought some more. But a couple of weeks ago, I had the biggest epiphany. I was sitting on the living room floor, surrounded by building blocks, xylophones, dolls and Dora stuff. Miss Ashton sat beside me and all of a sudden, I thought, "And I fought THIS?" Did I really fight the opportunity to spend each day with my precious granddaughter? Did I really fight against the closeness that is developing between her and her GiGi? Did I really fight against the honor of speaking the name of Jesus to her, even though she's still too young to understand? Was I really that selfish? Lucky I was already on the floor, because I would've dropped to my knees in repentance if I wasn't there already. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I asked forgiveness for selfishness and self-absorption. I asked forgiveness for ever thinking that anything in all the world was more important than this. I wouldn't have wanted to miss these days for all the world!

Standing around our Thanksgiving table I was overcome when I reflected and tried to communicate to everyone how thankful I am to my Jesus. Ministry is great. Even noble and rewarding at times. But what makes us think that ministry is only "out there"? That it's only serving at church, feeding the homeless, teaching a class, or working with teens. Ministry is your assignment wherever God calls you. It may be to a prison, a soup kitchen or even a far away land. But it can even be right in your own home, to those the Lord has given you to call "family". And right now there is nothing more rewarding to me than being a bride to my husband, a mom to my children, and GiGi to my Miss Ashton. My tasks include cleaning house, doing laundry, changing dirty diapers and kissing boo-boos. Pouring "tea" into little cups has replaced pouring over concordances and Bible lexicons. Reading a story out of a children's bible has replaced in-depth exegesis from accomplished commentators. But I wouldn't have it any other way. It's ministry. It's important ministry. It's my ministry for such a time as this.

Just so all of my other family members don't get their nighties in a knot...I am in love with each and every one of them too! I've always been accused of having favorites, but they're all my faves right now. Chuck is still my groom. He puts up with so much more than any man in his right mind should have to. Michelle is carrying our second granddaughter in a womb that modern science said suffered from infertility. I can't wait to meet this little one and hold her in my arms. I love her so much already. God is doing a work in Kelly like none other. He who began a good work in her is carrying it through to completion. I am so proud of her and how she is hanging on to Him through the waters and the rivers and the fires. No attack of the enemy is defeating her and she is strong in the Lord and the power of His might. My boys continue to warm my heart and make me laugh like no one else ever can. I love my son-in-law Jeff so much because he loves my daughter so well. I am also so thankful for the new people God is bringing to join this crazy family. More about that another time when I'm free to share.

Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close. I guess Christmas has arrived. I'm not so much about trees and lights and presents and decorations. But I can tell you that I am SO about Jesus. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Rock, my Refuge and my Fortress. He has delivered, saved, sanctified, filled me with the Holy Ghost, and He continues to wash me daily with the living water of His Word. I think that this year a simple lit wreath will hang on the outside of the house. I'll put up a tree, put out a couple centerpieces and some things that I treasure, but generally keep it simple.

That's how it was a little over two thousand years ago when the night silence was broken by the cry of a newborn babe taking His first breath of earth's air. Don't you think that all of Heaven hushed as they stared over the banister, looking down at the stable, waiting for that first cry? They wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger. It was simple. It was pure. Emmanuel had arrived. God with us. He would live and breathe and grow until He became a Man. The Son of Man. The Son of God. His little feet would grow and fill man-sized sandals that would walk the dusty roads of Galilee proclaiming peace on Earth, good will between man and his God. This Man is the love of my life. He is my Knight in shining armor. Since I met Him, I've never been the same. He is the reason for each and every thing I am thankful for. He is the reason for my seasons of joy, He is the sense in my seasons of hardship, and He directs my seasons of assignment, wherever He may choose to place me. And this is where He has me right now. Right smack in the center of the reason for the season. Right smack in the middle of Him. Christ in me, the hope of glory, where I live and move and have my being.

Well...that's what I've been thinking. How about you? What are you thinking about this Holiday Season? I'd love it if you'd comment here and share some thoughts with me. I do love to hear from you.

"His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah." (Romans 1: 2-4 in the The Message).

Thursday Night Bible Study

2009-11-13T03:34:00.000-08:00

Ladies,

Some of you were not at tonight's Women's Bible Study and I need to communicate some important information with you. It is with some sadness that I have made the decision to step down from teaching women's bible study and from leading women's ministries for a time. Circumstances in my personal life have changed in the last few months and after much prayer and seeking God, it has become clear that I have to take a break for awhile. I am helping my daughter, who is going through some significant life changes and challenges. A large part of this is watching my 19 month old granddaughter while Kelly works. Right now I consider a good day to be one in which I come up with a successful strategy to go to the bathroom and take a shower. I am not able to spend the adequate time and preparation to teach bible study and I do not want to give you less than my best on Thursday evenings.

Many other things have gone into this decision as God has revealed what He is asking me to do in this season of life. My ministry right now must be to my family and that is significant. I did not make this decision lightly, or without much prayer and seeking God.

All of that being said, a few of us who met tonight had a wonderful time of fellowship, just hanging out with one another chatting.

Thursday evenings will still be happening but without a strict organized agenda.

We'll just be calling them "Chat Nights" and I hope that you will continue to be there. I'm excited to see what God will do through the Holy Spirit in and through your lives connecting with one another. If there is anything special planned, it will be communicated in the bulletin. I don't have everyone's e-mail, so I'd appreciate it if you would communicate this to the ladies who come to the study with you.

God is moving in a mighty way in my life and the life of my family. Chuck is getting involved in leading men's ministry and after years of receiving his support, it's now my turn to support him. My second grandchild is on the way, who is a miracle in the womb. After a period of infertility, Michelle is due in April and we are praising God every day for this new baby girl that we cannot wait to meet for the first time. I have two sons who are still momma's boys as well. My life is full. Some parts are good and some have been excruciatingly painful. But God has been there every step of the way. I have seen Him face to face in every piece of the puzzle that He has put together. Almost daily, I see the visible fingerprints of the invisible God. I am believing, by faith, that I am right where He wants me for such a time as this.

I consider it to have been such an honor and a privilege to serve you as your leader and teacher. More than that, I have loved loving Jesus alongside each one of you. You are so dear to my heart...more than you know. Remember that Thursday nights are still happening and I really hope that you will come and be with other ladies for prayer, chatting and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning

2009-11-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

It's early on Sunday morning and apparently my whole family decided to take advantage of the end of daylight savings time and sleep long. I'm up because, well, I'm always up early. It has been a joy this morning. Quiet and peaceful. No stress to get things done or be anywhere in particular.

Life's been a bully lately hasn't it? I know that so many of you, just like me, have been "going through". The key word is "through". We're going somewhere. We have a destination. There's another side that we're going to reach victoriously, if we endure. I don't want to just endure. I want to endure well, don't you? I want to cross the Jordan and stand on the ground of my promised land and hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". Thank God we're not going through it all alone.

I thank God not for every time He's heard me, but for hearing me EVERY time. "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry". (Psalm 40:1) If you feel like you're sinking in the mud and the mire this morning, He hears you. He sees you. You don't have to sink one more inch, because His hand is reaching down to grab hold of yours and pull you out. He'll give you a solid, sure, and firm place to stand and He'll put a new song in your mouth. Don't you get tired of singing the same old, sad song?

I am as sure as I can be this morning that victory awaits. That's what I want to share with you. We're going through "light and momentary troubles". Here today, gone tomorrow, even if tomorrow seems afar off. Who knows? Your tomorrow could be today! Your turnaround could be today! One sweet day you will be one day, one hour, one minute, one second away from your breakthrough. Don't give up before your time comes!!

Satan wants to discourage you and dismay you so he can disarm you. You're on your way to a new level in Christ and when you're about to reach new levels, you'll encounter new devils! Spiritual battles are intensifying because Satan knows that his time is short. If you're on the front lines for the Kingdom of God, he wants to get you right where your disabling point is. He knows your Achilles heel and he's a great shot. Forewarned is forearmed. And we know Who wins the battle of the ages, right? We can win the battles in between now and then by persevering, being aware of the devil's schemes, and refusing to engage. Know that you are worth something, you're valuable, you're special, and you're important in the Kingdom of God. Your trials aren't because you're a bad person. The devil is a liar. You are a threat to the kingdom of darkness and he's got you in his sights.

I hear the pitter patter of feet above my head. Quiet time is over. I'm going to choose to look forward to a great day! In a couple of hours the rest of my children will be here for our weekly Sunday breakfast. I'm encouraged by the Word, uplifted by the Truth, and in love with the Lord's Christ. How could today not be a great day?

"Managing Your Emotions"~Review Week Four~STRIFE!

2009-10-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3: 13-18 KJV)

Ladies, I just want you to know that I am so loving loving Jesus with you. Last night's Bible study dealt with a tough subject, and was complete with every distraction the enemy could throw at us, right? But we made it through and I pray that the Holy Spirit will take His Word that went forth and plant it in the good ground of your sweet hearts. Let's review.

Are you angry with someone right now? Are you in strife with someone or a few someones, right now...today? Okay...now...picture that person(s) in your mind. Do you have it? Good...

Maybe you aren't quite sure. If that's the case, let's begin by examining exactly what "strife" is. Strife is defined in the dictionary as "a bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension, an act of contention." Synonyms for strife are: Fight. Struggle. Discord. "Discord" is a lack of agreement or harmony (between persons, things or ideas). Active quarreling or conflict resulting from discord among persons or factions. A state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony. Quarreling, factions, antagonism. Struggling for victory or superiority. Got the picture? So...would you honestly admit that you are in strife with someone at this very moment?

Strife is as old as the days of Abraham. Genesis 13:7 says, "There was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot." But Abram knew the danger of strife. In verse 8, he quickly addresses the issue when he says, "Let there be no strife I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren." (The Hebrew meaning used here for "strife" was "quarrel or provocation.") Abram saw the danger and dealt with the strife aggressively. I am struck by his comment, "for we be brethren". Is the strife you have today, with your husband, your children, your family of origin or indeed with a "brethren" from the Body of Christ? My prayer today is that I may be able to show you the insidious nature and real danger of allowing that strife to stay in your life. I am going to use most of the Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible because the words are so rich.

You may think that the relationship difficulties you are experiencing don't really matter. That they are petty or unimportant. You may even be used to living in strife with someone all the time. Some folks, for some reason unknown to me, thrive on strife. If you think it's no big deal...you couldn't be more wrong! Do you remember the "Sta-Puf Marshmallow Man" from the movie "Ghostbusters"? He sure was cute when he came waddling down the middle of the street, wasn't he? He looked kind of cuddly and sweet. But do you remember how his facial expression changed suddenly to a look of pure evil? Do you remember when he exploded? There was marshmallow everywhere!! On everything! Well, that's a crude example of the effect of strife in your life. It seems harmless. It might even be a little fun to talk about someone, argue with them or harbor a little resentment in your heart. But watch out....quickly it can take on an evil expression and explode into something that will invade every area of your life and become very difficult to clean up. Strife is nothing to play around with, my dear friend!

So now that we know what strife is and what it looks like, let's see where it comes from. What are its roots? After doing a study of every verse in the Bible that contains the word "strife", I've come up with a few root causes that I'd like to share and ask that you honestly, before God, check out in your life.

Anger stirs up strife. Proverbs 15:18 says, "A wrathful (hot-tempered) man stirreth up strife, but he that is slow to anger (patient) appeaseth strife (calms a quarrel)." (KJV and NIV) Proverbs 16: 28 says, "A perverse man stirs up strife." Proverbs 29:22..."An angry man stirreth up strife." Proverbs 30: 33..."For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." The words for "churning", "twisting" and "stirring" are all the same Hebrew word "mis" and mean "squeezing or wringing". The word is used only here in the Old Testament. Anger stirs up strife and acts against peace. Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the shoes of peace. Stomp around in your muddy boots of anger long enough and watch the strife take over your life!

Meddling in other peoples affairs stirs up strife. Proverbs 26: 17 says, "He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears." When you grab a dog by it's ears, you can expect to be bitten. Meddling will bite you and bring you strife that shouldn't have been there in the first place...mind your own business!

Gossip causes strife. Proverbs 26: 20 says, "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth." Do you want to be a conduit for peace? Stop gossiping and talebearing. Stop talking about them, stop telling everybody what "so and so" did to you. Keep the confidences that others have shared with you. Ask God to put a guard over the door of your lips and don't gossip.

Loving to quarrel causes strife. I've never quite understood this one, but many people have shared with me that quarreling was a normal way of life for so long, that they don't know how to function any other way. But the Amplified Bible tells me that, "He who loves strife and is quarrelsome loves transgression (sin) and involves himself in guilt." (Proverbs 17:19a) Proverbs 20:3 says, "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel." God isn't calling you a fool now, is He? No offense, but if you love a quarrel, I think He is! In the NIV, God says in Proverbs 26:21, "As charcoal is to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling (heating up) strife." 1 Timothy 6 tells us that if we are "following false doctrine and not agreeing with the sound instructions of Jesus Christ, we have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." Can you see the tentacles of strife growing into dangerous places. The marshmallow oozing onto other areas of your life? Don't love a quarrel!

And just how do you prevent yourself from quarreling? First learn to overlook insults (see Proverbs 12:16). Drop potentially volatile issues (Proverbs 17: 14). Drive out the mocker. Proverbs 22:10 says, "Drive out the mocker and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended. NIV)

Pride and greed stir up strife. Proverbs 28:25 says, "He that is of a proud (greedy NIV) heart stirreth up strife; but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat (will prosper NIV)." Don't be proud or greedy. Trust in God, not in yourself. Follow the example of the Savior. "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2: 23) After the last supper, a dispute arose among the disciples of Jesus over which one of them was the greatest. Can you smell the pride? Jesus told them that, "I am among you as one who serves." He told them to follow His example. Trust God. He will protect you. Don't make it worse by trying to gain the upper hand. Psalm 31:20 says, "Thou shalt hide them (those who fear You) in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man; thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues." Let the other tongues wag. Commit yourself and the problem to God. Let go of pride and the greed of having to be on top. Humble yourself and let God exalt you. If nothing else, the Bible says, "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." (Proverbs 17: 1) I know from personal experience, that is the absolute truth.

Selfishness stirs up strife. In Philippians 2:3, the same word is used for selfish ambition as it is for strife in the King James. Paul tells us to do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility to consider others better than ourselves. We should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. Consider the other guy. You have no idea what may be going on in their life. In our main opening verse from James 3, we are told that where there is selfish ambition and envy, there you find disorder (confusion) and every evil practice.

Worldliness in our character produces strife. Romans 13:13 lists strife as one of the "deeds of darkness." Christ has called us out of darkness and into the marvelous light of His kingdom. 1 Corinthians 3:3 says, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling (strife) among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?" Are you acting like a blood bought, born again believer? Renew your attitude and actions in response to God's revelation of who you are in Him. Strife is listed in Galatians 5 as one of the acts of the sinful nature as opposed to living with the fruit of the Spirit characterizing your life. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) Does that describe your character?

I hope that you have stuck with me this far. I have seen the devastating effects of strife first hand in my family of origin and in the lives of so many others that I know and dearly love. Strife destroys marriages, close family relationships, ministries and even whole churches. The outcomes of strife are on our nightly news channels each and every day. Satan has been deceiving us for thousands of years regarding the importance of keeping strife out of our lives. It is the master tool of the master deceiver. It is destructive, cunning and devilish in nature. Proverbs 17:14 shows us the nature of strife. "The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles (from a crack in a dam); therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out." (AMP) It looks harmless at first. A little quarrel. A little disagreement. A little gossip. Hurt feelings. Before you know it, it's out of control and affecting every area of your life. It leads to hatred, bitterness and "bitter root[s] grow up and cause trouble and defile many." (Hebrews 12: 15) I implore you, my friend...run from strife. Run hard, run fast, run long....Avoid it like the plague! It is a plague and it will destroy you and eventually destroy those around you.

You can have all other areas of your life lined up in a godly manner, but if you have strife...well, let's see what God has to say in Isaiah 58:4. His people are fasting and praying and wondering why their prayers weren't being answered. God says, "Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high." Do you want God to hear your prayers? Get rid of strife! It is your biggest blessing blocker!!

If there is strife in your marriage, your home, your family, your ministry or your church, you can bet dollars to donuts, that area will fall apart if you don't get the strife out. Jesus said in Matthew 12:25, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." In every facet of your influence, "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4: 2-3) Lovingly tolerate one another even when you have differences, "..being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Philippians 2:2) "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1: 19)

Romans 12: 18 instructs us, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Don't worry about the other person. There is no condition. The Word says, "as far as it depends on YOU." We can't control other people or their responses. Do what God commands for you to do. Obey and leave the other person to Him. Hebrews 12:14 says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." If you are a peacemaker, God's blessings will flow to you.

Our natural tendencies cry out, "What's in it for me?!" Well, let's see:

"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." (Psalm 34: 12-16) This must have been pretty important since Peter repeats these very words in his letter in 1 Peter 3: 10-12.

Psalm 133 says: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (I believe the reference is especially to believers) It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore." The oil symbolized the unity of the nation of Israel in worship under the consecrated priest, Aaron. When the oil flowed over Aaron's head and down his beard, it fell on his shoulders and the breastplate that he wore that had the names of all 12 tribes of Israel on it. The blessing didn't just fall on Aaron...it fell on the whole nation. When you choose by an act of your will to live in unity, your blessings will not only affect you, but will pour down on all those connected to you. You are not your own. Your actions affect others either in a positive or negative way.

A popular preacher asked her worship team to come on the platform and play a song of their choice. They all, of course, chose to play a different song because no instructions were given on what song to play. It goes without saying that the sound was horrible! There was no harmony. She then asked them to play, "Jesus Loves Me". It was sweet, soothing and wonderful. She says, "I made the point that disharmony is noise in God's ears, but living in harmony produces a sweet sound. The Lord appreciates our decision and sacrifice to live in agreement, and tells us to come together in agreement regarding a need and He will answer that prayer. There is power in agreement! There is weakness in strife!" (Joyce Meyer. Life Without Strife)

In closing (thanks for sticking with me!)...Hosea 4: 6 says, "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." I have made it a point in my own life to study the subject of strife. I know the destructiveness it can have and I'm amazed at how much God has to say about it in His word. Maybe we just don't realize it. But that Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man may be about to explode in your life. Hopefully all of the Scriptures I've given you will help you to make a determined decision to get strife out. You now have the knowledge of Scripture. What will you do with it? This isn't Donna telling you..God's word is telling you. You now have the knowledge. It won't be easy. Satan is a deceiver. Other people will plaintively call you to get into strife with them. Take this week and look at these Scriptures for yourself. Let them transform your mind as you look at every conversation, every relationship, every issue that you face. Transform your mind...transform your life!

And finally:
"Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor." (James 3: 17-18 The Message)

Adapted from "Tuesdays with Jesus" #90, April 2007. Donna Schultz.

"There's Beauty In The Dying"

2009-10-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a)

A few weeks ago I was sitting in my backyard watching the leaves just beginning to turn colors. Marveling at the awesomeness of God manifested in creation, a word was spoken to my spirit that said, “There is beauty in the dying.” In my mind I understood this to be the beauty of the changing, falling leaves as they die and signal the approaching winter. However these words have haunted me ever since. Again yesterday, sitting at the cider mill, sipping cider and eating donuts on a date with Chuck, I noticed those leaves and signs of fall once more. It was even more beautiful this time. Out in the country where the air was just crisp enough, smelling the apples, and hearing the rustling of the leaves on the ground, brought these words back to me. There is beauty in the dying.

Beauty and dying…seems like an oxymoron. If you think about it, not really…Look at a seed. Jesus said that “unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24). We all know what happens when we plant seeds in our backyard. With time and care we reap a harvest of beautiful plants and flowers. Dying seed yields beauty to behold!

When we receive the gift of Jesus Christ as Lord, dying is quite evident. We become new creations..the old has gone (died)…the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17). The new is so much more beautiful than the old. Hence, the beauty in the death of our old self, making us alive to Christ, “I no longer liv(ing) but Christ liv(ing) in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Death in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, was beautiful because it brought God great glory. The deaths of Lazarus, the widow’s son, and Jairus’ daughter all provided Jesus the opportunity to raise them from the dead and bring His Father glory.

We can find immense beauty in the dying of Christians even today. In the process of dying, they are moving closer to Heaven. When they are gone from this world, they wake up to the face of Jesus, the most beautiful sight we will ever behold!

And let’s not forget the most beautiful death of all…that of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says that “Nature provides a parable of Jesus’ career. Apart from death his life stands in isolation, with no power of increase. Death is the key to spiritual fruitfulness”. Without the beauty of the death of Jesus, we would still be lost in our sin, hopeless and helpless and destined for eternal damnation. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

We all think about the obvious things that need to die in our lives when we commit to Christ. Pride, selfishness, anger, hatred, lust, greed. But there are also many not so obvious things that will be beautiful as they die. About a year ago I prayed for the death of all of the empty things that I hold on to. I meant that prayer with all of my being and I can tell you girlfriend, be careful what you pray for! Think about all of the things in your life that hold no eternal, kingdom value. Look at what occupies your time, your thoughts, your money. Remember, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34). Let those useless, empty things die. Are you busy for God and not growing closer to God? Oswald Chambers said, “the one thing that is in greatest competition with living for God, is service to Him.” I’m not totally there yet but the beauty I’ve seen so far encourages me to keep going.

Let the status quo die. Don’t be content with your spiritual life the way it is. Tommy Tenney’s daily devotional asked, “Are you prepared to be “undignified” in the eyes of the spiritual elite? Are you willing to survive on starvation rations of one scant meal per week, or will you pay the cost to passionately pursue Him and enjoy the bounty of His presence more and more? That kind of desperation and brokenness can pull God from His hiding place. No wonder He said, “Seek My face.” God is just waiting to reveal His face to somebody who is desperate enough and bold enough to pull Him out of hiding.”

I don’t know about you but I’m tired of the status quo…tired of church as usual…tired of lukewarm Christianity. I want to be like the apostles in the book of Acts who were willing to suffer anything to spread the Gospel. I am so hungry for the presence of God in my life and I carry a burden for my Christian friends to feel His presence, to even desire to feel His presence. He has become my magnificent obsession! Is He yours? Let every other pursuit die! Go ahead, let it all go…let all of that old junk die!

Thomas F. Fisher said, “When the seed falls and dies, God is simply transforming you to the degree necessary to make you be an instrument of soul transformation.”

The leaves are changing color and falling from the trees. Soon it will be winter. The leaves of your life may be changing, falling and dying as well. Would you have it any other way? Sameness is boring, change is exhilarating! Winter is just around the corner. You may be feeling like it is winter in the very depths of your soul. But remember that God is faithful, and spring with all of its freshness and newness always arrives. There IS beauty in the dying!

(Adapted from "Tuesdays With Jesus", November, 2005)

"Managing Your Emotions"Week Three ReviewAbandonment

2009-10-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you girls that studying, preparing for you, and teaching this study is doing me a world of good. These are Romans 12:2 moments, renewing our minds. And if this is even a word~~it's transformational! I just may get spell-checked on that one. Seriously though...looking at these real life issues and emotions according to the truth of the Word of God is a mind-renewing thang! God's Word truly doesn't return to Him void. It's accomplishing the purpose for which He sent it. At least it is in me, and I'm prayin', prayin', prayin' that it is doing the same for you. I hope that you're not just listening in class, but that you are truly taking the principles that we're learning and applying them in your every day life. Let's review last night's class.

At one time or another we ask God questions like, "Are you there? Do you even care"? You have moments where it seems that God has gone away on sabbatical, and left you to fend for yourself. It seems as if He's locked the doors and pulled the shades on the windows of Heaven, and He just doesn't hear you anymore. You feel forsaken, forgotten, desolate, alone and ABANDONED. We can find strength by looking to the Word of God for examples, warnings and encouragement during those times where we feel abandoned. (See 1 Corinthians 10:11)

Scripture tells us the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, David and Esther. We read about Peter, James, John and Paul. At one time or another we know that these folks felt alone, deserted and abandoned in their situations. They went through trials. At times they were totally confused, and unaware that God was with them through it all.

Drawing on our past lessons, we KNOW that we cannot live our lives by what things "feel" like. Our feelings cannot be the lead car on the train of our life, right? We must know, and believe truth. If you know the histories of all the people I mentioned above, you know that things weren't always what they seemed to be in their situations. God was there for each and every one of them. He's no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). If He was there in their crisis, He's in yours as well. If they weren't abandoned, you aren't abandoned.

How many times have you prayed for something, and God didn't answer quite the way you wanted Him to? But then, on the other side of your mountain, maybe even years later, the light goes on and you say, "Ahh, I see now. God knew what He was doing. He was there". Hindsight's always 20/20, but we have to believe, in the midst of our trouble, that God is present. He is there. He has a perfect plan, and He'll be there until the storm has passed, and beyond. If you trust your feelings, you'll lose heart, because you won't always "feel" His presence. But that doesn't mean that He's not there. Facts are facts. He has promised to NEVER leave you or forsake you. He's there. Right where you are.

We looked at three Scriptures that contained basically the same words:
Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5.

In the Old Testament passages, in the Hebrew, those words mean, "I won't drop you or ABANDON you". How exciting is that when our topic is ..abandonment? That's why I love God's Word! In the Greek used in Hebrews 13:5, the word "never", means "never under any circumstances ever, will I leave you". We may "feel" abandoned. But the truth is that we are NEVER, under any circumstances EVER, left or abandoned by God. We may be abandoned by a parent, a spouse, or a friend, but we are NEVER, under any circumstances EVER, left or abandoned by God. That's enough truth to call this lesson a wrap. But let's go further.

Read Genesis 28:10-22. Jacob was in trouble, running from his brother Esau. All he could see was his trouble. In that passage, Jacob admitted that he had no clue that God was in the place where he lay his head on those stones to rest. But God WAS there and He gave Jacob some great and precious promises. Jacob made a memorial out of his stone pillows to remind any future travelers that God was in that place. He named it Bethel, house of God. Because He realized that God was there, right with him, all the time.

We need to set up some memorials of our own to the Lord. Memorials of His faithfulness to us, so that the next time we're feeling alone and abandoned, we can look back at that memorial stone, and know that we are NEVER left alone. That memorial could be a list of all the times in your life that God has provided for you. All the times He's delivered you from harm. All of the prayers He's answered and especially all of those times you realized that He had been there all along. The next time discouragement or feelings of abandonment set in, get out that list, and encourage yourself in the Lord and in His faithfulness to you throughout the years. Remember that He's the same faithful God, yesterday, today and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8).

Read 1 Samuel 7: 10-13. I have an Ebenezer stone that I received last year sitting right outside my side door. Every time I see that stone, I purposefully remember, "Thus far has the Lord helped us". If I had a stone for every time God helped me, I'd have built a really tall wall. What I didn't tell you girls last night was that in the very place Israel got the victory over the Philistines, they had been defeated previously. The place of defeat became a place of victory! Just because you've been defeated before, don't give up! God is able to turn YOUR place of defeat into a place of victory for you!

God will NEVER let you down. You may not understand. You may think your plan is better. You may not be too keen on the timing of it all. But He will never disappoint you, harm you or abandon you. He says so in His Word. He is true and faithful to every single, solitary one of His promises. Don't wait to feel it. Believe it! And one day you'll be setting up another memorial to God because you'll be saying, "Surely He was in that place", wherever that place might be for you today. You'll look back and say, "I survived"! You WILL survive! You'll survive because you are not abandoned. God is there, full of grace and mercy. "Thus far the Lord has helped you". Right in the middle of your situation today say, "Surely the Lord is in this place". Because you know what? He is!

We walked with some folks in the Word who at one time felt just like we do. We looked at what they could teach us to apply in our own feelings of abandonment.

Review Psalm 22. Remember that it was written by David sometime around 900 B.C. The correlation to Jesus, nine centuries later, is amazing. Both David and Jesus cried out to God, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me"? Review verses 16 and 18 for parallels between David and Jesus. Psalm 22 is part prophecy, as it looks ahead to Jesus some 900 years in the future. But it's also a psalm of emotion that people have identified with throughout the centuries.

When Jesus spoke those words in Matthew 27: 46 and Mark 15: 34, the Greek literally meant, "for what reason did You ABANDON me"? Ever asked God that very same question? David was a man suffering and feeling abandoned by God. Jesus didn't merely feel abandoned. He WAS abandoned in a judicial sense. He was bearing the curse of sin, and God's full judgment on sin. He experienced the full horror of separation from God, who cannot look on sin. This is the answer to Jesus' question, "Why"? It was to die for sinners that Jesus had to experience this abandonment. God always has a plan and a purpose for what He does. Even in the death of His one and only Son. The bonus is that because Jesus felt those feelings of abandonment, our High Priest can sympathize with us! Hallelujah! He died forsaken so that WE would never be forsaken. Because of what Christ did on the Cross, we can claim those words in Hebrews 13:5 as our own, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you".

When we insist on believing that we've been abandoned and forgotten by God, I believe that we insult Christ and what He did on the Cross. He was abandoned and forsaken so that we would NEVER, under any circumstances EVER, be left or abandoned by God. No matter what! Add that to your list of all of the amazing things that Christ has done for you!

Look back at Psalm 22: 4-5. David has felt utterly forsaken. He cries out to God day and night and gets no answer. God seems so far away and silent. I believe that it is right here, in these verses that David starts to think that it's him. There must be something about him that is causing God to not hear him or answer him. He's thinking, "God...you did it for THEM, why not for ME?" Ever asked that question?

It's hard to sit by with any decorum while other people seem to be getting their blessings and all of their prayers answered. You naturally start to think it's you, don't you? David did. He says, "You delivered THEM, you saved THEM, THEY weren't disappointed by you. But me....I am a worm!" Do you ever think, "What have I done? I must have done something wrong for God to be ignoring my cries day and night". Anybody?

Nothing in this psalm indicates that God's distance was due to David's sin. At other points in his life it was clearly stated that he was suffering the repercussions and consequences of his sin. But in Psalm 22, there is not one word about David's sin or confession of sin. David actually acknowledges his faith in God, but he still finds no answer. We sometimes subscribe to the ancient doctrine of "divine retribution". If you're successful and wealthy, then God likes you. If your life is painful and difficult, you have hidden sin and are under God's judgment. Review John 9: 1-25 for an example. The Book of Job also reveals this widespread belief in the ancient world. We do go through times of divine discipline. No doubt about that. But never assume that you or anyone you know is going through troubles due to their sin.

I asked God why He would let us go through these silent times and through these times of feeling so abandoned. If He's told us that He'll never leave us or forsake us, why does He allow us to go through something that SO seems to contradict that truth? Here's what I believe He told me.

God wants to build our muscles of faith because of Hebrews 11:6. Faith pleases God. The muscles of our faith have to be exercised. We need resistance and load to work the muscles of our faith, just as resistance and load must be placed on muscle in the natural. When God seems silent and Heaven seems closed, that is the resistance and the load being put on the muscle of our faith to work it. Right there God is saying, "Will you believe me? Will you trust me? Will you trust me over your feelings, your experiences and your sensations that can lie to you"?

Spiritually dry times come to work and exercise the muscles of our faith. Will we keep on believing God even when we meet resistance from the enemy, from other people, from what we can see, or even from our own thoughts? If we can do that, if we can push against the resistance and the load, our faith muscles will grow stronger and stronger and next time...our muscle of faith will be better prepared to handle the load. Read 1 Peter 1: 6-7.

Times of silence and feelings of abandonment will test our staying power. We may start out trusting God, but as time goes on, and the answer doesn't come, we start to give in to our feelings that God just doesn't care. We turn from Him and start turning to other things to meet our need, give us our answer, or fix our problem. We stop waiting on God. Read Isaiah 30:15-18 and Isaiah 50: 10-11 to see how God feels about that!

We need to stand. We need to stand our ground. Grounded on the Word of God. And after we've done everything...stand. Review Ephesians 6: 10-17.

We may also go through the spiritual dry times and seeming abandonment times to examine ourselves. When it seems that the windows of heaven are closed, and God has gone away, what are we yearning for? Think on this honestly. Are you yearning for your answer? Or are you yearning for God? It seems like He's gone, and you just can't stand to be without Him! Is it the seeming absence of HIM that makes you cry out, or is it a longing for the gifts from His hand? God wants us to long for Him, not His gifts. He wants us to love Him and want Him more than life. When He feels a long way off, are you hungry and thirsty for HIM? Maybe God's waiting to hear you say, "I've got to have YOU! I don't even care anymore if you give me what I want. Just give me YOU. I can't stand not having YOU one more day"! What are you truly longing for? Is it Him? Or is it your answer? Tough stuff! Face yourself honestly in the mirror. It may be time for an attitude adjustment. Could that be what God's had in mind all along?

Go back to Psalm 22. Did you notice that something happened right in between the lines of verses 21 and 22? David's situation didn't change; David changed. All of a sudden David became confident that he had been heard. In the Hebrew text, the last part of verse 21 breaks off right in the middle of the prayer and states, "You have heard". Right there, David received a breakthrough. A change of mind and a change of heart. His whole perspective changed and for the rest of the psalm he would praise God for his future deliverance and he would turn his attention outward to other people. He now wanted to encourage other people to trust in God. He wanted to shout it out to the whole congregation and to the assembly of Israel, that they too could trust God. His perspective went from inward despair to outward praise and hope for himself and for others. Because God is faithful. David knew the fact and that fact changed his whole perspective. He let the fact lead the train. David decided, repeat... decided...it's always a choice...to leave the despair and feelings of abandonment in the caboose and to let the facts, the truth, lead him.

We finished last night's study looking at Psalm 77. The psalmist, Asaph, cried out to God in the night from a troubled spirit, searching his soul for an answer to his distress. He felt abandoned by God and he feared that the Lord had abandoned Israel forever. Read this psalm and be tender to the words of Asaph, as if they were your own.

God's path and God's way may be through the sea and through the mighty waters for you today. But God is there. Even though His footprints are not seen. That's truth, my sister! You are not abandoned. You are not forsaken. He has not left you, or dropped you. I don't know what else to tell you...that's the truth. He will never, under any circumstance ever, leave you. You may not see His footprints, but He's right there. Let these facts, these truths, lead your train this week. Do not believe the lies of the enemy. I cast down any feelings of abandonment among you, right now, in the name of Jesus.

If you are reading this and haven't joined us for Bible study, you are so welcome!! Remember girls that next Thursday is "Worship for Women, by Women". We'll begin at 7pm in the Sanctuary and have a glorious time of worshiping Christ with other sisters in the Lord. Bring a friend or two. Bring your moms, your aunts, your daughters. I am believing for a fresh anointing of the Spirit of God to be in that place as we enthrone Him on our praises! See you next week. I truly do love you!

"Managing Your Emotions" Week Two ~~~ JOY

2009-10-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by telling you how it does something so good to my heart when I spend Thursday evenings with all of you. Looking out at your faces as you intently study the Word of God is awesome!! I get to observe nods of agreement, a few smiles, and one or two pair of eyes misty with tears. You are so precious...each and every one of you...and besides being an outright miracle, I am so honored that God would use ME to serve you!

So let's jump into our review of last night's material on JOY.

Philippians is often referred to as the book of joy. We focused on Philippians 4: 4, 11-13. Paul said that he had learned to be content in WHATEVER circumstances he was in. He had learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation. We determined that because he knew the secret, he could experience the joy.

The source of overcoming, in-spite-of-my-circumstances joy is found in Psalm 16:11.
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand". The KJV says it this way, "In Thy presence is fullness of joy". The kind of joy that we're looking for, the kind of joy that brings victorious living "in the midst of", is found in the presence of the Lord. When we "panah", we turn, face, and look at God and there is fullness of joy. We choose to look at God, not our trouble. Not our circumstances. Not what the "experts" say, or the "woe is me" folk's opinions. We can choose to purposefully place ourselves in the presence of the Lord, and apprehend us some joy!

Moses, the man of God knew the secret. In Psalm 90: 14, he wrote these words:
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days".

David, the man after God's own heart knew the secret. Read the words that he wrote in Psalm 63: 3-7. Keep in mind that David wrote those words when he was right in the middle of a literal desert, running for his life from his son Absalom, and living in the wilderness.

Moses practiced the principle in the morning. David practiced it at night. From morning until night, and every moment in between, a life lived in the presence of the Lord is a joy-filled life. That's the secret! And we can choose to live like the rest of the world, or like a citizen of the Kingdom of God, characterized by "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost". (Romans 14:17)

Paul gives us a practical way to keep our joy, to avoid anxiety, and to be content in Philippians 4:8. According to those verses, what are we to stay our minds on?

Read the words of Psalm 126: 5-6. We determined that when we're commanded to sow in tears, we're being told to keep on doing the right thing even when the right thing isn't happening to us. To keep on doing the work of the Lord. To keep on advancing His kingdom. To keep on being a witness for the display of His splendor, even when we don't feel like it. Even if we're crying our eyes out. And if we do, we will reap, and return with songs of joy. Look at Galatians 6:9, for the New Testament equivalent of this principle.

When we're "going through" is the exact time to go out and sow. It's the exact time to go help someone else who's "going through". You will be a blessing to someone else and it will get your own mind off of your problems and yourself. Jesus illustrated this principle in Luke 6: 37-38. Measure out some blessing for someone else who's going through a rough time. What a joy it can be to be a blessing to another person. Sure beats wallowing in your misery! At least to me it does!

REMEMBER: The promises that God makes are not for happiness. Happiness and joy are two entirely different things. The pursuit of happiness is a vain and useless pursuit. God never promised us happiness. But He has promised us joy. (John 16: 20-24)

Happiness comes from seeing and feeling. Joy comes from what you know. Joy is not a feeling. Happiness comes and goes based on our circumstances. Joy is lasting and abiding. Happiness is fleeting, and comes from outward circumstances, producing a feeling within us. Joy comes from knowing truth.

James 1: 2-4: It is pure joy to KNOW that our trials, and the testing of our faith are producing something. "Count it all joy KNOWING". Your trial, your hard place, is developing something in you. It has a purpose. Because of that "knowing", you can experience joy right in the middle of the darn thing! You can count it all JOY! Work through those verses in James again. Ask yourself, "Knowing what"? What do I know my trial will produce? What does the word say? (Hint: James tells you in verse 4)

In this study, we're learning to find out what the Word says will come from our trials, and then attach ourselves to that truth. We attach ourselves to what we KNOW, not what we FEEL. And right there, right there sister, will be the secret to being filled with joy right in the midst of your situation. Attach your faith to the facts of the Word of God and your caboose will carry joy as its cargo!

Habukkak 3: 17-19 showed us that it is all a choice. Review those verses. Habukkak described a desperate situation. But he said that he would "rejoice in the Lord". He had to make a choice, and so do we.

We can find JOY by remembering God's faithfulness in the past and by encouraging our self in the Lord. Review what David did in a terrible situation in 1 Samuel 30:1-6. David remembered his "former joy". For an example of this we studied Psalm 42:1-5. The Psalmist recalled God's faithfulness to him in the past. I'll bet you have one or two things that you can personally recall! And if God did it then, He'll do it again. Remember Hebrews 13:8. Here's the Message translation of some of those verses in Psalm 42: "Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God--soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you". The secret to joy is to take our focus off of our circumstances, and ourselves, and to put it firmly upon God and His goodness. When we look at what He's done in the past, we're better able to trust Him for the future, because we come to believe that He is faithful and good.

We spent a lot of time in Psalm 33. Why don't you review that whole Psalm right now? We've already talked about focusing on God's work in the past. We now move to finding joy by looking for His plan in our present. We need to be on the look-out for God's plan in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Jesus practiced this principle. Read Hebrews 12:2. God has a good plan for your life. His plans stand firm forever. God is good. He never has evil plans. Quite the contrary. Review that old familiar verse in Jeremiah 29: 11. Know and believe that truth girlfriend, and joy will well up on the inside of you.

Joy can also be found in God's watchfulness in our lives. See Psalm 33: 13-15. God sees you. He cares for you. He knows all your concerns. He's never too busy for you. Review Psalm 18:35 and Psalm 113:5-6. God is not "above it all", but He is concerned with you and with what concerns you.

Remember to write down the first 10 things that come to your mind when you think about God. Now compare them to all of God's qualities referenced in Psalm 33. How does your list compare? Is your view accurate? Or is it tainted by circumstances or experiences with earthly fathers or other authority figures?

Last, you can find joy by anticipating God's mighty power for your future. Again, Psalm 33: 18,22 talk about God's unfailing love (hesed) for you. His covenant love for you. God will do every single thing that He's promised to do for you and He has the power to do it! He wants you to know that. Read Isaiah 50: 2-3 and Isaiah 54: 16-17. Your God is the God who stands up and the trees and mountains bow! He speaks and fierce oceans still. By just a rebuke, by just a word, He dries up the sea and turns rivers into deserts! Do you think you can trust His power in your situation? I say Yes!!!

What can all this knowledge, what can all this "knowing" mean to your personal life? What can it mean for your future? Everything! Find joy in your relationship with God. Unlike joy that is based on circumstances, joy found in God lasts forever. By remembering God's faithfulness and goodness from the past, looking for His plan and watchfulness in the present, and anticipating His power for your future, lasting joy can be found. Remember that Paul said we could find joy in whatever circumstance we're in? In every situation we can be assured that God is good and working on our behalf.

I pray today that God will restore to you the joy of His salvation. I pray that when you ask in His name you would receive a joy that no one can ever take away. Jesus promised that He would give you joy and that your joy would be complete. Receive the complete joy of Christ. The joy that He died to give you. Praise Him right now for the victory over your situation. Praise Him for finding His joy. You are a joyful woman. You are a strong woman because the joy of the Lord is your strength! God loves you with an unfailing, everlasting love. He is your Helper. He has been faithful to you in the past. He stoops down and cares about your present. He is so powerful and will do exceedingly, abundantly more than you could ever ask or think concerning your future. Sing for Joy, sweet sister and be glad all your days!

Looking forward to learning more of His life-giving Word with you next Thursday.

Love...Donna

"Managing Your Emotions" Week One!

2009-10-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ladies! It was so amazingly cool to see all of you at Bible Study last night. I know that our Father was peering over the banister of Heaven and smiling at all of His precious daughters who took the time to come together and study His Word. It was good to see familiar faces and a whole lot of new ones. To you new girls...Welcome!! I hope to be able to get to know you better over the coming weeks.

So, I hope I didn't completely overwhelm you with all of those Scripture verses! I so want to be a contagious lover of God's Word to you. Nothing has brought me more freedom, restoration and down-right rescue from the pits like the Word of God, and I long for it to do the same for you. I hope that this coming week you will go back and review the Scripture verses and let the Holy Spirit do His work in your heart. So let's get started on some review of last nights' material and I pray that God will "open our eyes that we may see wonderful things in His law". (Psalm 119: 18)

The purpose of our introduction was to impress on the fact that it is vitally important to manage our emotions and never let them manage us. Emotions used in the wrong way can be devastatingly destructive to our relationships at home, at work, at church and perhaps even ruin our lives.

"You can't conquer what you don't confront"! The way to do that is to compare ourselves to the truth in the Word of God.
Hebrews 4: 12 (Amplified Bible) "For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart".

The big picture in getting our emotions under control is that Christ has called and commissioned us to our own spheres of influence and beyond. And we can only do this with the presence of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28: 19-20; Mark 16: 15-20; Acts 1:8

Remember our diagram of a train? The first car is named "biblical facts", the second, "faith" and the caboose is "our feelings and emotions". We let "biblical facts" lead, followed by "faith", and our "feelings and emotions" will tag along, like a caboose. Emotions and feelings should never drive the train of your life. Emotions are meant to be followers, never leaders.

We CAN manage our emotions!
Deuteronomy 28: 47-48; John 14:1; John 16:33; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:13

Emotionalism says, "It can't be wrong when it feels so right". Stoicism sings, "Feelings, nothing more than feelings, trying to forget these feelings". One extreme indulges the emotions. The other extreme ignores them. There has to be a balance. It is necessary to have balanced emotions. It is necessary to have emotions like: Love (1 Peter 4:8; 1 Corinthians 16:22), Hope (Romans 12:12), Joy (Philippians 4:4), Sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), Hate (Proverbs 8:13), Fear (Matthew 10: 28). There is a place for emotion in the life of a Christian woman!

Emotion must produce the proper fruit. Love bears fruit in obedience (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3); Hope bears fruit in patience (Romans 8: 24-25); Joy bears fruit in sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8: 2-5); Sorrow bears fruit in repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10); Hate bears fruit in rejecting error (Psalm 119: 127-128); Fear bears fruit in departing from evil (Proverbs 16:6). Scriptural, biblical emotions will produce good fruit in the life of the Christian woman!

Faith doesn't come from feelings or emotional experiences. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10: 17; Psalm 119:105; Acts 17:11)

Scripture is our guide. (2 Timothy 3: 13-17)
We will fall into error if we lack knowledge of the Scriptures. (Matthew 22:29; Romans 10: 1-2; Hosea 4:6)

Living by our emotions or according to "the flesh" means that we cater to the appetites and impulses of the carnal or fleshly nature. (Romans 8: 5-8; 1 Corinthians 3:3) To be "carnal" is to be "under the control of the animal appetites; to be governed by mere human nature not by the Spirit of God".

We are never carnal, worldly, or unspiritual because we HAVE emotions. We become carnal, worldly, and unspiritual when we are "under the control of" our impulses and emotions. Carnal mindedness leads to death. Death by the consequences of sin, physical death, death of relationships, blocked flow of our relationship with God. (James 4:1; Romans 8:8)

What kind of fruit we bear depends on what is leading us; whether we are we being led by our emotions (flesh), or by the Spirit of God? (Galatians 5:16-25)

Right thinking will change wrong actions. We conquer our old ways of thinking with new ways of thinking according to the Word of God. (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23)Walking in the Spirit, in the new way of thinking, according to the Word of God, will conquer the flesh and the emotions.

Remember: "Our feelings may be as uncertain and changing as the sea or shifting sand. God's facts, however, are as certain as the Rock of Ages Himself -- Jesus Christ...the same yesterday and today and forever".

Our key verse for this study is: Proverbs 28:26 (Amplified Bible)
"He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a [self-confident] fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly wisdom shall be delivered".

There you have it. If you have any thoughts be sure to click on the comment link at the end of this post. Type your comment in the text box and follow the instructions. I would so like to hear from you and watch as you interact with one another. Be on the look-out this week for situations where you can make the all important choice to follow the Spirit,or follow your fleshly feelings and emotions. Keep your antennae up girls, because you have an enemy who would love to cut you off at the knees!

I am so honored to be on this journey with each one of you. See you next week!
Caboose!!

New Women's Bible Study

2009-09-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

"Managing Your Emotions (So They Don't Manage You)"
A 12-Week Study in the Psalms

Begins Thursday, October 1, 2009
7:00 PM
Teacher: Donna Schultz

Hope Community Church
14456 E. Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48215
313.823.8002

Donna Schultz Sermon Posts

2009-09-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Ones,
We have had many requests for an avenue to hear some of my messages and classes on line and I am so happy to tell you that we have recently posted three of my favorite sermons on our web site. All you have to do is go to the web site, www.livingthewordministries.org, and click on the button to hear the messages.

I am prayerful that we will soon post my four-part series on the "Book of Ruth" and my most recent class, a ten-part series called "Thursdays with Jesus".

I truly do miss communicating with each and every one of you through "Tuesday's with Jesus" or in a class setting. I pray that God is showing Himself strong and mighty in your lives. You have each touched my life in a profound way and I love you dearly. I am so honored to be on the journey with you as we strive to serve the Lord's Christ.

Blessings to you
Donna

Summer Women's Bible Study

2009-05-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hope Community Church
14456 E.Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48215
313.823.8002

Psalm 148

2009-04-25T05:38:00.000-07:00

It's 67 degrees in Michigan this morning, and I was able to have my quiet time outside on my patio for the first time since late last October. I've been waiting for this day with such great anticipation, because something about being outdoors with my Jesus makes me feel ever so close to Him. I thought it appropriate to read Psalm 148 while I enjoyed spring awakening all around me. New life. Here's my personal take on what I saw and felt in relation to the psalmist's words so many years ago.

HalleluYah! If I could part the morning curtains, just an inch or two -- would I see Your Majesty seated on a throne of glory, right above my head? Are you THAT close, just on the other side of those white puffy clouds? It gives me great comfort to imagine that you are.

If my ears could only hear the seraphs and a great company of the heavenly host singing "HalleluYah", I would cry, "Woe is me!", fall on my face, and join their chorus of "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory". (Isaiah 6:3)

HalleluYah! A new day! Pink hues on the horizon announce the rising of the morning sun. The moon moves aside to take its rightful place until dusk. Your faithfulness on grand display!

HalleluYah! You fashioned the stars, the clouds, the galaxies and the highest heavens above out of nothing. "Let there be..." There they will remain, day after day, year after year, until that same Voice cries, "I am making everything new!" (Revelation 21:5)

HalleluYah! Praise Him on the earth! He walks on the waters. The clouds are His chariots. He rides on the wings of the wind. Lightning goes before Him and righteousness is the foundation of His throne.

At His Voice the mountains and oak trees bow. HalleluYah! Praise Him all creatures, great and small. Praise Him, squirrels (yes, squirrels!). Praise Him rabbits and all you cardinals, blue jays, chickadees and sparrows.

HalleluYah! You kings and rulers and presidents. Men and women of all ages, nations and tribes. Mosaics of people, tapestries of color. Different. Diverse. Dearly loved. Each and every one.

HalleluYah! His name is wonderful, awesome, exalted above all. His splendor is greater than all the heavens and the earth!

HalleluYah! He has raised up Jesus, the Lord's Christ -- for us -- for you and for me -- the people close to His heart.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." (Psalm 19: 1-4)

HalleluYah!

Love Hurts

2009-04-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

My one year old daughter, Miss Ashton as Gammy affectionately calls her, has been battling a stuffy nose for the past few weeks. This up and down, Topsy Turvy Michigan weather has sent her nasal passages awry. Daily I have to pin her down and suction out her nose with an aspirator as she screams, kicks, flails, and cries her little heart out. It breaks my heart into pieces inflicting discomfort and maybe even pain on her, but I have to do it. It is what is best for her. If I don't, something worse could happen, like an ear infection. She doesn't understand that though. She doesn't see that she must go through that momentary "hell" in order to keep her safe and healthy.

Don't we do the same thing as adults with God? Sometimes it seems like we are pinned down in pain and discomfort asking God "Why are you doing this to me?" tears streaming down our faces. We pray for it to stop, and we don't understand why God would let such bad things happen to us? Have we done something wrong? Is He mad at us? Are we being punished? Where is He in our time of need?

Just as I am doing what I know is best for Ashton, God does what He knows is best for us. Even if it means some pain and discomfort in the mean time. We get so caught up in the little blip on the grand scale of eternity that is our life, and the even more microscopic blip that is this day or week or month, that we often fail to see the bigger picture. I know that there have been so many times in my life that I have cried out "WHY GOD? WHY?" Looking back, hind sight is 20/20. Knowing where it has gotten me, what was accomplished, what I learned, and even what I've brought to other peoples lives through my own personal pain and discomfort, I see it. I get the big picture, after the fact at least.

I pray that we can stop living for our own glory and live for His. That we can understand that sometimes we need to be "held down and tortured" to achieve what His plan for us is. We need to remember that these are not spankings, but growing pains. And even if we don't understand now, we need to trust in Him, that He has a plan, because He ALWAYS does.

Miss Ashton may hate me while I aspirate her little nose, but when it's over, and she takes a deep breath through her freshly unclogged nostrils, she knows why I had to do it.

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

In Christ's love,

Kelly

Braggin' Rights

2009-03-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Today I just have to take some braggin' rights and talk about the most precious group of ladies I have ever been blessed to know... my sisters in the Thursday night Bible study that I teach. Every Friday morning during my quiet time with the Lord, I'm seriously grinning from ear to ear. And today was no exception.

Many of them began bible study as virtual strangers or casual acquaintances. Over the last year, some have come, and some have gone. But there is a core group of ladies who are committed to Christ, loving Him with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. They are just as committed to loving and learning His Word. They are reaching across generational, economic and racial lines to touch one another with love. And their heart's desire is to take that love outside of our body into the surrounding community.

Lately I have watched them love one another in such tangible ways. Money has been donated for specific needs. One of the gals needed a carseat and guess what? We got two. They are praying with and for one another. Encouraging one another with cards and calls. Hanging out and doing life with one another ... and with me. They aren't afraid to tell their stuff. They have made bible study a safe place to be. Always careful of judgment, because they know where they've come from themselves. And let me tell you, we've all been a few places!! We cry some tears...we look at ourselves seriously in the light of God's Word, but never take ourselves so seriously that we can't laugh out loud...a lot!

I carry a particular fondness for them because they have embraced my two baby girls, Michelle and Kelly, who are always in the front row of bible study. These women have prayed for them, encouraged them, and downright loved them till they had no choice but to love them right back. Kind of like Christ, don't you think? They are learning wisdom from the older women who draw fully on their own life experiences and aren't afraid to share. My girls are watching living examples of compassionate kindness. I am so grateful to God for blessing my daughters with godly women who teach what is good. (Titus 2: 3)

Not one of them is perfect, but every one of them is real. There ain't a phony in the bunch! They are treasures in jars of clay.(2 Cor. 4:7) They are vessels of honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work.(2 Timothy 2:21) They never quench the Spirit, but extend Him invitation to fill them to the measure with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3: 19) And because they are filled they spill over onto everyone in their path. Most have been broken, bruised, rejected or abused in some way, at some time. All have been blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, forgiven and washed in the blood of the Lamb. I'm blessed when I see them walking the road of life with the shield of faith in one hand and the Sword of the Spirit in the other. They are a force to be reckoned with and I know that their battle cry is "Jesus Christ, Only Christ, That is all!!" (Col. 3:11 Jerusalem Bible)

Jesus, I thank you with every last bit of my heart for Your ladies of Thursday Night Bible Study. Thank you for giving me the privilege to teach them Your Word, and to learn every bit as much from them. They are so precious to me. I know they are even more precious to You. Bless them and keep them. Shine Your face upon them. Protect them from the evil one. May they be filled to the measure with Your Holy Spirit. They so want to be used by You. Use them Lord for your honor and your glory. Amen.

"Writer's Block Jumble"

2009-02-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Writer's Block Jumble

I have writer's block.
So.
I'm going to write about nothingness.
Or whatever.
For a while.
Until I can think of a good idea.
To write.
I know what I want to write about.
But,
the words aren't coming.
So i'll just sit here and ramble.
I apologize to whoever is reading this.
I'm just frustrated.
I want to write about God and His glory.
but I can't.
and I don't know why
It's annoying.
Dear God,
help me get over this writer's block so I can spread your love and your words to all who are reading/listening/believing.
Amen.
I might just go read my bible.
I never have before.
Maybe
that would help
it's like poetry but stories and it's real.
I think I'll start with Revelations.
or Psalms.
Those are my favorites.
Just from snippets I've seen.
That's a good word,
isn't it.
Snippets.
Along with eloquent.
And jojoba.
and Marzipan.
I need some fresh air.
I'm going on a walk, with my notebook, clear my thoughts and my brain.
So I can feel some aliveness.
In my soul....Written by: Kelsey Napier, 14 years old, on Facebook today.

Sweet baby girl, I feel just like you. I haven't written on this blog in ages, and I so wanted to write something profound about, and glorifying to, my God. And I wanted to write it TODAY. Maybe we don't have writer's block. Think about it...

Are there any words to define our God? Can any combination of alphabet letters describe Him in His fullness? Those of us who write, seek to paint pictures with our words, but is there a palette that contains the color of God? He is fuller than full, completely undefinable, and He is every beautiful shade and color in the universe. I don't think we have writer's block, sweet thing. I think we're tongue-tied by His glory!

There are days where finding words are easier for both of us. Maybe, just maybe, on today, Christ has given a special glimpse of His glory, just for us. And He has shown us that He is so big, so awesome, so full of glory, so uncontainable, and so indescribable, that we can do nothing more than fall to the knees of our hearts and worship. Our pens won't write, our keyboards won't click, our tongues are dumb...

We are blessed today. He has filled us to overflowing with all of His fullness and we can't speak. It's too much! We want others to know, but how do we even begin to describe the indescribable? To define the undefinable? Maybe we just did. Maybe we just did. You and I ... together ... in our "writer's block jumble".

Did you read your Bible? It's real, baby girl...it's so real. And so is Christ's love for you. Do you hear me? He loves you so much. Know that today. Embrace that today. Let that knowledge wash over you. Feel Love's warmth. Feel His arms around you right now. That is the place where you will feel the "aliveness in your soul".

Maybe I'll go read me some Psalms or Revelation too. Or maybe I'll just think about what a good word "Marzipan" is.

Thanks, Kelsey...you were an answer to my prayers today!
Love, Donna

P.S. Kelsey wrote these words late last night:

Glory

I'd like to dance before you
to sing praises in your name
to hear you say those living words
that me, my soul, are saved.

I hope I live to see the day
that you're chariot will come
to shout the words "He is alive!"
To see your only son.

When I stand before your glory.
Humbled and in awe.
Knocked down by your beauty.
And in front of you, I fall.

Thank you Lord, for taking away my writer's block. Finally. Phew. I'm glad I managed to write something decent.

Donna says: "Let everything that has breath, Praise the Lord!"

I have to share...

2008-12-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

Isn't this just the cutest thing you've ever seen? When you're Christmas shopping, don't you know that you always have to buy a present for yourself? And girls, you will never guess what I paid for that jacket...$8.59...yes, you read that right...$8.59. Amazing!

Kelly bought this for me, and I think it could be one of my favorite t-shirts. The secret of my heritage is now officially public.

The best one of all.

I'm not very good with newfangled digital cameras, being more comfortable with the disposable CVS kind. So I asked Chuck to grab the camera and come up to the bedroom with me. Well we had such a laugh over that one. What man wouldn't run when his wife says, "Grab that camera and come upstairs with me?" What a hoot!!

Oh! Holy Night!

2008-12-25T05:05:00.000-08:00

I remember the day that my grandbaby was born. Three of us were present in this little hospital room and when Ashton made her grand entrance, it was as if nothing else in the whole world existed. Surely, life was going on all around us, but our world was ROCKED at the sound of her first cry.

It's very early this Christmas morning and all is calm. And I was just thinking about that first Christmas, so many years ago. I wonder if all of creation came to a halt when the baby Jesus took His first human breath. Or surely when Divinity entered planet Earth's atmosphere, the ground must have shook? At the sound of His first cry, certainly the trees and the mountains bowed.

Truth be told, as the radiance of the Father's glory made His grand entrance into our world, life was going on all around Him. Except for one radiant star, that only a few would notice, it was business as usual.

Bethlehem was overcrowded with people in town to register for the census. Animals roamed the streets. In the pre-dawn hours, street vendors were busy setting up their wares, in hope that the many travelers would spend a farthing or two. Some were still sleeping, some were getting the jars ready for their morning trip to the well. The inn was full. Just another night in Bethlehem. No one even noticed.

No one noticed that in the town of David a baby had been born. No one heard the voice that would one day speak to a raging storm and say, "Peace, be still", let out His first cry. No one noticed. No one cared. Lowly. Humble. Understated. No fanfare. No trumpets. No earthquakes. But I'll bet that all of Heaven ROCKED!

I imagine the Father and all of His angels peering over the banisters of Heaven. Holding their breath. Waiting for the sound. And when it came, that first cry, there must have been cheering and shouting and rejoicing at near biblical proportions. And the proudest Papa ever turned to everyone and said, "That's My beloved Son. And I am well pleased."

It's very early this Christmas morning. Children will be waking soon to see what Santa brought them last night. Families will be getting together today to celebrate. And for many it will just be another Christmas Day. Status quo. Business as usual. Much like that first Christmas. I am so sorry, Lord, for what we have made of this day. So different from that first night.

Christ is not making His grand entrance into planet Earth this time. But He will make a grand entrance into our hearts if we will but receive. There will be no trumpets today. No earthquakes. No moving mountains. But He is here. He is God with us. Emmanuel. If we will just slow down. Listen. Reflect. He still comes quietly. He is still meek and humble of heart.

And one day He will come again. And this time He WILL come with a trumpet blast and with tens of thousands of angels. He will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And not only will Heaven be cheering, but all creation and every knee will bow.

Merry Christmas, dear ones! God loves you so, so much. He sent His only Son. And the earth stands still. All of Heaven is rejoicing. A Son is born. A child is given. The Prince of Peace has come. May His peace be yours today and everyday.

2008-12-19T14:47:00.000-08:00

"...and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)