Where's your compassion?

You know, I don't claim to be perfect which is exactly the reason why I need a Savior.  I don't expect you to be perfect, either.  But…why is it that when I'm honest about the hurts in my life, you then choose not to meet my eyes any longer and conversation is next to nothing?(Not everyone, but many!!)  Is it because I'm not good enough for you? Probably not.  Is it because you don't know how to continue to be a friend to me in spite of my hurts? Maybe.  I'm not any different before your knowledge of my hurt than after the knowledge of it.  Why then, do you avoid me?  I don't know the answer to that, but I choose to love you anyway.  I do know this, though.  The church...the Body of Christ...is lacking in compassion towards those who are hurting…those who come from highly dysfunctional families.  I can honestly tell you that I have extensive experience in this at multiple churches throughout the past 20+ years.  My life has not been easy at all!!  And, I don’t make that statement to say that I’m special, either…because I’m not.  All too often, folks are pushed aside due to lack of compassion from fellow Christians.  "You need counseling!" "You need this program or that program!"  Those are just a few of the things that I've heard throughout the years.

I cannot change who I am within the Body of Christ.  God created me, placed me in the family that He deemed perfect for me, saved me, justified me and has placed me in the Body of Christ exactly where He wants me.  I know who I am in Christ.  Why is it that you cannot accept me for who I am...warts and all?  I accept you for who you are…warts and all.  My question is this; I wonder if that's how Jesus treated his disciples when He said for them to follow Him?  I won't speculate on that.  I'll let the Holy Spirit answer that.

You see, program or no program, I choose to go by the leading of the Holy Spirit.  I find that He has the answers to my questions.  He has the healing for my hurts…sometimes conventional…sometimes not so much.  I find that much of the Body of Christ not only lacks compassion, but they tend to believe that there is only “one” way to get the healing that is needed.  My God has infinite ways to help His children.  Each church is different.  They all have different programs that I believe can be helpful to folks.  But I also believe that the choice of each individual is just that…they’re. own. choice.  We shouldn’t judge someone because they don’t choose the same thing that we choose.  We should rejoice because we actually have the freedom to choose!!

As I close, I’ll say this.  Jesus came to supply our every need…every need. Philippians 4:19  What are the needs that you have today?  Is it healing…emotional or physical, clarity in any aspect, monetary needs, relief from addictions…perhaps compassion?  I implore you to search your heart.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you, because He will, if you allow Him to do so.  Let’s do what we can to be Christians who are better at loving the hurting.  We need to be there for each other, not shun each other…shunning is the world’s way of doing things.

Please know that I do realize that I am very blunt and to the point in this blog…but know that every word is spoken in Love…from the bottom of my heart.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8  We need a revolution of love within the Body of Christ.  Isn’t that why Jesus came in the first place?

Ridiculous day at church!!

A few years ago while waiting for the church service to begin, I was having a conversation with my husband.  I wasn’t able to hear a certain announcement and asked him if he heard it.  He said that he couldn’t hear it and that usually folks quiet down when the announcements come on.  All of the sudden the woman in the row in front of us, who apparently was eavesdropping, began speaking belligerently to my husband.  She accused him of being “one of those Christians that give Christians a bad reputation,” and so on and so forth.  My husband and I were speechless.  First of all we weren’t putting anyone down.  We simply didn’t hear what the announcement was.  This woman continued on until she had most everyone’s attention in the area…and they were all staring at us.  Finally she stopped.  I won’t share everything with you that she said…no need.

I was stunned.  My husband got up and left.  Immediately, I began to pray for both my husband and the woman in front of me.  After a few minutes, I found myself tapping on this woman’s shoulder to get her attention.  These words came from my mouth.  I said, “Ma’am, my husband and I were having a conversation between the two of us.  Nothing that my husband said had anything to do with you.”  I said, “My husband is a young Christian and I’ve been waiting for him to attend church with me for nearly 20 years.  Do you know why he wouldn’t attend with me for such a long time?”  She shook her head.  I kindly said, “Because of people like you.”  I sat back in my chair and waited for the service to begin…and for my husband to return and continued to pray for both of them.

Finally he returned and the worship service had begun.  I said, “Holy Spirit, do your work.”  Well, 2 songs or so into the service the lady began to cry.  Then she turned around and just as profusely as she had verbally slapped him only moments ago, she apologized to my husband…again causing a ruckus.

We left that day totally stunned.  But this I know… my husband didn’t deserve what he got from that lady.  But, I prayed for both of them…hoping that she was only having a bad day and hoping that my husband would continue going to church with me.  I put the situation in God’s hands and watched him work this out to peace in front of my eyes.

Just keep in mind that you never know what someone may be going through and harsh words are not the answer.  A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1  Even if you’re the one on the receiving end of someone else’s bad day.  Pray for them…it will do more good than a harsh word ever will.             

Put your faith into action!

Today my husband and I had lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants.  As soon as we walked in, we knew that we wouldn’t get good service.  One of the waitresses who had been gone for quite some time was back and she, of course, waited on us.  Sounds like an opportunity to me.   

This lady does the bare minimum as far as waiting tables go…and she’s not friendly at all.  I find it somewhat challenging to be upbeat and friendly to her…oh I do my best…to no avail, though.

It’s moments like these that I wonder just what could be going on in this person’s world that could make them so unfriendly and seemingly so unhappy?  We’ve been going to this place for more than 20 years and she used to be sort of friendly.  No matter what is going on in her life, I would make a guess that it’s totally the lack of Jesus…in a particular situation, in her job…or maybe she doesn’t know Him at all.

You see, this is where we get to put our faith into action.  I’m friendly to her.  I try to have conversation with her or make her laugh.  I ask my husband to tip her well in spite of the situation.  Silently, I pray that God would break down any strongholds that might be keeping her from seeing God’s goodness.  Really, praying is probably the best thing that we can do.

Remember, it is God’s will that not one of us should perish.  He loves us all so very much and He loves us all the same…no more or no less.  Pray for those who don’t know of our Father’s love.  You never know, you may see them in Heaven one day and then realize that they’re there because you prayed for them.  How exciting is that?            

The poor you will have with you always.

Over the past couple of years the topic of helping destitute people has come up as a group issue from time to time.  As I was listening to some of the things that were being said, I actually thought these folks were being sarcastic and trying to be funny.  But as this subject was brought up more and more as time went on, I realized that what was being spoken were actually statements true to how these folks felt.  The words spoken broke my heart.

Maybe I’m a bit sensitive because the passion of my heart is to help those who cannot help themselves, such as feeding the hungry, leading the lost to salvation, etc.  You see, for years, I’ve looked at myself, my home, my possessions, etc and I see myself as having been blessed abundantly.  My family and I aren’t wealthy as wealth is defined here in the US.  We’re average folks.  But when I look at people in third world countries…I see myself as wealthy.  I want to do more to help others…this is the cry of my heart.

Jesus said that we would always have the poor with us…and I don’t doubt that to be a true statement.  Matthew 26:11(He was making a reference to His coming death and leaving the Earth, but I also believe there is more to this statement to why we will always have the poor with us.)  But, the question I ask is; why?  In the times that we are living in now, we have the capabilities to clothe, feed and help others medically, emotionally and spiritually…those who are much less fortunate that we are…whether they are located here in the US or around the world.  But so many folks seem to have no care for those who are starving and destitute.  I believe that Jesus spoke this because he knew that even though we do have the capabilities to help others, we humans are so self centered and self absorbed that helping others to the point of ending world wide poverty simply will not happen in this age.

I encourage you to look around in your own world.  Is there anyone nearby who may need your help?  It’s not just about giving money.  You can give of your time and possessions.  There are endless ways of helping others.  Get creative!  Ask God to open your eyes and ears to see and hear opportunities to help others.  Like Jesus said, the poor we will always have with us.  I encourage you to help others.  From my own experience, I can tell you that it will rock your world…in a good way.  It’s addictive!  You’ll love it and want to do more.  Go for it!!

Road Rage!!

While driving in rush hour traffic today, suddenly, without signaling or warning, a car swerved between my car and the car in front of me nearly causing a wreck.  My immediate reaction kept me from being hit by this car and I also flashed my lights to let them know that I was there in case I had been in his blind spot without him realizing it.  To my surprise, the guy gave me the famous one fingered wave.  I kindly waved back at him…and not the one fingered version either!  J  Then I went about my way, grateful that no harm to anyone had been done.

I couldn’t believe how easily this guy was angered and by nothing that I had done.  I don’t know, maybe he was having a bad day…or just maybe this was typical for him.

In the times we’re living in, we need to react kindly to folks like this and even pray for them.  Today it was easy for me to react this way, but trust me there have been other times when I didn’t react as kindly as I did today.  Sometimes I end up having to repent because of things that I’ve said that weren’t very nice…just being honest with you!  Transparency is the best policy...yeah?! 

The bottom line is, people don’t need our wrath, they need Jesus.  We’re all human and we all make mistakes.  Romans 3:23  Now, understand that I’m not saying that we should be door mats, because that’s not at all the point I’m trying to make.  But, treat others the way that you would want to be treated!  Matthew 7:12

As I encourage myself to be a friendlier neighbor in all situations, I encourage you to do the same.  I trust and believe that it will make a difference in our lives and in our world.  Imagine if all of us who profess to be Christ followers acted like it!  Yeah…what a different place this world would be!!  

 

Check out my other blog which I post once every 4+ weeks.   http://actnowministries.blogspot.com/ 

Have a heart for...

Today, my heart cries out for those who do not know the Lord.  Everyday, I see folks who don’t know Him…some assume that they are so smart that they have life figured out, but don’t realize that He is the center, some choose not to know the Creator at all, some…many…have been introduced, but have refused a relationship with Him, etc. 

Whether these folks ever get in a relationship with God or not, the fact remains that they have made the choice to reject the Creator of the Universe…God Almighty.

At times, while crossing paths with non-believers, it could be so easy to just walk away and not have anything to do with them, mainly because so many are mean and arrogant, etc.  But what I choose to remember is that they have no reason to be joyous.  They have no reason to be nice.  They have no reason to be meek or humble.  You see Jesus is the reason that we choose to have those characteristics as a follower of Christ. (And let’s hope that as a follower of Christ, we are choosing to be like Him!  We are His ambassadors here on this earth!)  If they don’t have Jesus, there is a huge hole in their life and Jesus is needed to fill it to make them whole.  Instead they fill it with whatever suits them at the moment…until they figure out that it’s not working and then they move on to something else.  That cycle will continue until, hopefully, they choose a relationship with Jesus…the same way that you and I discovered that we need Him!  Have a heart for the lost!

When dealing with folks like this, choose to take the high road.  Be kind, be considerate, be loving...be Jesus to them.  You never know, you may be the only person who will ever be Jesus to them.  Remember Heaven and Hell are real and we are all going to end up in one place or the other by our own choice.  Look at things eternally instead of momentarily.  Winning souls to our Lord, saving souls from eternal damnation is the goal.  Choose eyes, ears and a heart of compassion because that’s how Jesus chooses to care for us.  Keep praying and never give up hope of salvation for the lost.     

Who is your Source?

One day while working at the food bank, we ran out of food filled boxes and I had to make another.  As I was filling this box, I didn’t have the usual staples, but wanted it to be worthy of calling it a food box.  I like to be generous with what I put in the boxes, but at the same time, the resources are limited.  As I was filling it, I picked up a few items to put in the box and out of fear of running out of that item, I put some back.  I heard the Lord say to me; don’t you know that I can replenish what you give away?  Instantly, I said “Yes, I do. Forgive me for not thinking that way.”  So, I put in the box what I had in my hand and then grabbed more and put it in the box.

Over the next few weeks, we didn’t receive very much food.  After filling boxes one Friday, our little pantry was empty except for a few odds and ends.  That day I stood there and prayed silently.  I reminded God of what He had said to me only a week or so before and I asked him to replenish our shelves, refrigerators and freezers to overflowing.  I reminded Him (not that He needs reminding) that we were doing His work…helping those who need help.  The next Friday, our shipment of food was over flowing…and it has been for several weeks now.  Sometimes we don’t even have room to keep everything that we receive.

You see…God is our source…not man!  It’s like the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17:1-16.  The Lord told Elijah to go the Brook Cherith, stay there and He would send ravens to feed him.  He did as the Lord said and had food and water.  When the brook dried up the Lord sent him to the widow.  She had only enough food for one more meal and then she thought that she and her son would die of starvation.  Elijah told her that the Lord said for her to make bread for him and that she would never run out of food.  She did just what Elijah told her to do and, just as he had said, she never ran out of food for herself, her son and Elijah.

You see, God is for us.  He wants to help us.  But we must put our faith and trust in Him.  His ways are not like our ways.  He is our Source and He is creative in the ways that He provides for us.  We should never say out of our own worldly ways of believing; God would never do this or that.  We simply don’t know how God is going to do what He says he’s going to do.

I encourage you to step out in faith and trust God in areas that you would normally trust yourself or someone else. Give Him the opportunity to stretch your faith and trust in Him.    

What's sitting on the throne of your heart?

What’s the use of worshipping something that God created?  I was reading something the other day that spoke of how a man cut down a tree.  He cut the tree into firewood.  Built a fire with part of the wood to cook his meal and then carved an idol out of the rest of the wood and then worshipped the idol.  Really?!  He worshipped something that he fashioned out of wood himself…but he burned the rest of it in order to cook his meal.  Why would you even want to do something like that?  It makes no sense! The wood is an inanimate object that has no ability to love you, care for you…or do anything for you except apparently burn to cook a meal.  Isaiah 44:6-23

That’s how it is with anything that is worshipped other than God Almighty, Himself!  We’re simply wasting our time by doing it…and we’re certainly not helping ourselves at all.  In fact, we would be hurting ourselves…further separating ourselves from God.  God Almighty is the amazing Creator of all things.  John 1:1-4 The sun, moon, stars, nature / environment, science...people, angels, etc are all things that were made by God. He has made everything but all things are not worthy of our worship.  They are only created beings like you and I…not God Almighty who is the creator of all things. 

So…what’s sitting on the throne of your heart?  What's first in your life…your wife, husband, children, job, car, home, bank account, hobby, yourself?  Anything that you place before God takes the place of God until you realize what you’ve done and make a conscious effort to replace it with God.  These other things are things that were created by the Creator.  Nothing…NOTHING…can replace God. 

Search your heart.  Is God on your throne…or is something else?  Don’t be like the man who burnt part of the wood for fuel and carved the rest into an idol for worship.  It will do you no good.  Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly.  John 10:10  Choose Him…He wants to be first in your life.

If you like this, check out my other blog as well.    http://actnowministries.blogspot.com/  

A Martyr's Final Poem.

Fatima was in her early twenties and lived in a strong fundamental town in Saudi Arabia.  She had finished college and had a job.  Fatima had been raised in Islam, but couldn’t make a connection with God.  Seeking Him out through the internet she found that other Muslims were having dreams and visions of Jesus and had converted to Christianity.  She began to pray that she, too, would have dreams and visions of Jesus.  She read all that she could and met other Christians on line and became a follower of Christ and was even maturing as a Christian through mentoring on the net.  All of this took place while never being able to attend a regular church service.   

Once we submit ourselves to Jesus, our physical countenance changes due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us.  The fruit of the Spirit becomes very evident…even to non-believers. See Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:22-24  

One day, her brother, who was a member of the secret police, began to be suspicious of her.  While she was gone to work, he began to search through her computer and found that she had been frequenting Christian websites.  He then confronted her, asking her if she had become a Christian.  She told him that she had become a follower of Jesus Christ.  He took away her phone, told her to go to her room and in two hours he was going to kill her in the presence of her family.  She went to her room and wrote a poem on her computer, which he had left in the room.  (A Martyr’s Final Poem is halfway down the page on the linked page.)  At the end of the two hours, her brother dragged her into the street and killed her but not before doing terrible things to her. 

 

She, no doubt, is in Heaven with Jesus now.  She inspires me to be even more devoted to Jesus than ever. 

Here in the States we are persecuted, but not anywhere near the degree to which some Christians are persecuted around the world.  It makes the persecution here look like child’s play compared to a martyr’s death!  Don’t shrink back when the Holy Spirit is leading you to share about Jesus.  The persecution we might receive is nothing compared to Fatima’s death…and so many others like her.  Remember that eternity in Hell is nothing that you should want for anyone.  Share Jesus with as many as you can.

Fatima’s faith and trust in Jesus are awe inspiring!  I look forward to meeting her in Heaven some day.! She’s quite an inspiration!

Are you living life for...

You know…it would be so easy to live life just for the moment without any cares or worries of consequences…at least for a while.  The trouble with that is that sooner or later, we will reap what we have sown…good or bad!

Of course God wants us to enjoy our lives, but He also wants us to live with purpose and self control.  Living without any regard to consequences is actually very dangerous.  You never know when the breath that you take may be your last.  That’s why we should live eternally minded.  Heaven and Hell!  Yes, they both exist.  Which place are you planning to take up residency for eternity?

James 4:14-15 talks about how our lives here on earth are but a vapor that’s here only for a little while and then vanishes.  It also says that because we don’t know how long we’ll be here, we should say “If the Lord wills, we’ll do this or that.”  Just think about it.  If this life is as a vapor compared to eternity…eternity is a crazy long time!  I know that I know that I know that I’m spending eternity in Heaven.  And…although I still make mistakes, my goal is to be in the Lord’s will for my life…living a life led by the Holy Spirit. 

It is the Lord’s will that none would perish, and come to repentance.  2 Peter 3:9  The trouble is that so many don’t know or maybe don’t want to know who Jesus is. There could be a million reasons why people don’t want to know Jesus.  But even though they choose not to know Him, He still loves them and wants them to come to repentance and be saved.  However, your choice is your choice.

Jesus said; I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

Are you living life for the pleasure of the moment or are you living it eternally minded?

Do live your life as if there’s no tomorrow, but don’t live it carelessly.  Choose to know Jesus.  Choose Heaven for eternity.  Choose to live a Spirit led life.  I assure you it will not be boring!   

Don't settle for the shades of grey...

In darkness we cannot see color...only shades of grey and black.  Only light allows us to see the true color of those things surrounding us.  When we are in the dark spiritually, we cannot see the “true color,” if you will, of who Jesus is.

Twenty some years ago and beyond, I was a mess.  I had been saved as a child, but didn’t have a serious relationship with the Lord.  I had prayed for a miracle to happen in my life.  I was so depressed, it was hard for me to get out of bed and do anything.  I didn’t want to live.  But…this particular morning, I was standing in front of the mirror in my bathroom getting ready for work.  All of the sudden, in the spirit, I saw a black cloud rip down the middle. (Later in life I understood this cloud to be the veil that kept me from seeing God.  Matt. 27:51-53)  It’s as if the cloud was so dense that it actually had to be cut.  In a moment, I saw things in my life so differently.  It was the Light of the Lord shining through to me. (John 8:12)  Instantly I was healed of depression and had a whole new outlook on life.  My life was changed that day.  The Light from the Lord revealed a beautiful colorful world…a world that was once a drab, dark and had no “color”…no life…a lifeless life.

The thief does not come except to steal, kill and destroy.  I (Jesus) have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

Years ago when my son was small, we had to take shelter in the basement of our home due to the threat of a tornado.  We keep a small black and white TV there so we can monitor the weather.  It’s not hooked up to the satellite.  It’s the kind that has the antenna on it so you can move it around to get better reception.  When my son watched that TV for the first time, he thought something was wrong with it because it had no color.  That’s how life is without Jesus.  Life makes no sense without Jesus.  Without the Light of the world, we’re unable to see the true colors of life.  Everything is black or shades of grey, dingy, negative and ugly.

Don’t settle for a colorless life.  Don’t settle for the shades of grey and darkness that the world settles for.  Let the Light of the world in allowing your world to be illuminated and full of color…and joy!  Allow Jesus into your life. 

Steward :: to manage or look after another's property

Are you being a good steward with  all that God has blessed you with? 

Some want a new house; do you take care of the house that you have already been blessed with?  Some want a new car; does your car look as if a garbage truck pulled up and dumped a load of garbage in it? 

steward ::  to manage or look after another’s property

Everything that we have in this life we have because the Lord has allowed us to have it.  Everything in this world is His. Colossians 1:16, John 1:3  We are simply managing it…or being a steward of it.

How many times have we, ourselves, told our children that until they take care of what we’ve given them, we won’t give them more?  It the same with our Heavenly Father. Take care of what God has given you.  Don’t squander your money on frivolous things.  Are you helping to take care of the poor?  Deuteronomy 15:11, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 14:31

If He’s allowed you to run a business, run it to the best of your abilities.  If He’s allowed you a car, take care of it…whether it’s a new car or new to you.  Our attitude about how we steward things will show in the way we take care of whatever it is the Lord has allowed us to have.  If your car, house or yard is a pit, maybe you don’t really value what the Lord has given to you.  How can you expect to be given more?  Joel Osteen told of places that he has visited in Africa.  They were only huts that people lived in…unlike the homes that we live in…which could be considered mansions to someone living in a hut.  Anyway, he said that even though they had floors of dirt, the places were spotless. 

Take care of what the Lord has allowed you to steward no matter how old or how new, small or large it is.  Our Father in Heaven truly wants to bless us.  Be a good steward.

Remember it...use it...believe it!

Yesterday, I was chatting with a friend about dogs and a specific memory came to my mind about an incident that I had with a seemingly unruly dog.

Years ago I was in Oklahoma visiting my husband’s parents when I decided to go for a run.  I got a couple of miles down the country road and decided to head back.  I was still quite a way from their home when suddenly a Rottweiler came running towards me and it was foaming at the mouth.  I have to tell you I’m not a fan of that particular breed of dog because of the stories that I’ve heard…stories that were similar to the situation I found myself to be right in the middle of at that moment.  Instantly I was frightened.  I didn’t think.  I simply acted out of instinct.  In fact, I found myself to be surprised at my own reaction.  I yelled at the dog, “Stop in the name of Jesus!  Go home!”  The dog stopped and looked stunned.  He looked at me for a few moments as if to reason out the situation and then turned around and headed back up his driveway.  I watched him cautiously until I felt safe to continue on and headed back to the house without incident. 

The name of Jesus is so very powerful!  Matthew 28:18-20 speaks about how Jesus was given all authority in Heaven and Earth and when we accept Him as our Savior, we are in Him and He is in us, we have the authority in His name.  In Colossians 1:12-14, (See also 2 Corinthians 5:21) Paul speaks of how Jesus has enabled us to share in His inheritance.  We are co-heirs with Christ.  So not only do we have the authority to go through all the Earth and make disciples for Jesus, we also have the authority against evil and the powers of darkness as well as others that I won’t go into now.   

Now, I’m not trying to say that this dog is evil.  I am, however, sure that this dog wanted to cause me harm.  I used the authority that I have in Jesus’ name to protect myself from harm.  Because I believe it and spoke in Jesus’ name, that dog obeyed.  I’m grateful that I not only knew that, but was also able to apply it to my situation.

Remember as a follower of Christ, the authority you have in His name. Remember it…believe it…use it!  He will never fail you. 

Testing and Trials

It’s when we follow God’s leading to do the unpopular thing that we not only find out who we are, but we find out who our true friends are.

Last year in October, I was praying…asking the Lord where I could volunteer.  Much to my surprise he led me to get a job at Sam’s Club.  I can tell you I was very surprised.  I wasn’t looking for a paying job, but at the same time I knew that I needed to be obedient.  The next day while doing some shopping there, I said to the Lord, “If this is truly where You want me to be, I pray that I will see my friend and that not only will she say hello, but that she’ll greet me with a hug.”  Now this friend of mine does work there, but very rarely did I ever see her.  Literally within 5 minutes of me saying that prayer, she walked by me, said hello and greeted me with a hug!  I had no excuse to keep me from getting a job there.  I can tell you this, working as a cashier at Sam’s Club was not something that was on my bucket list…not because I think I’m above that job, because I’m not.  It just wasn’t something that I thought was in my future.  God is full of surprises!  J

Everything laid aside, I plunged into work there with the idea that working through the holiday season would be it for me…although I did keep my mind open to all possibilities of the Lord’s will. 

Working there, to me, was a great opportunity for allowing the love of God to be seen in me.  My hope is that’s what they saw!  But not only that, it was a time for me to learn to be content with where the Lord had me at that moment.  Let me tell you, although I passed many of the tests, I don’t believe that I passed every test in that area…just sayin’!!  It allowed me to see things in myself that I needed to change and that’s a good thing. But, interestingly…it allowed me to see who my true friends were as well.  I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised to realize that some folks didn’t really want to associate with me while I was in my “cashier” role.  Hmmm…interesting…I’ll leave it at that.

When you find yourself in a place where the Lord is testing and growing you, know that He is doing it for your own good.  He can and will refine us and teach us through the process…that is, if we allow Him to.  He is faithful and wants only the best for us.  Trust Him…He is so very faithful!                    

Be a cheerful giver!

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7

Many years ago I was mentoring someone who was having all sorts of difficulty in their life.  This person was a Christian and struggling in many areas, finances being one of them.  I helped them to get a schedule for their bills lined up with their pay periods, taught them how to balance their checking account and encouraged them to keep up with it. 

As we were working through all of these things, suddenly this person angrily blurted out that they were tithing and they were sick of tithing because they weren’t seeing a dime of increase from their giving.  I was shocked!  At that point I asked a few questions and then went on to tell them that they might as well stop giving anything.  They looked at me very perplexed.  I went on to explain that God wants us to be cheerful in our giving.  If we cannot do what He has asked us to do with a cheerful heart, we may as well not do it at all. 

In the Old Testament (Malachi 3:6-12), God commands us to give the first ten percent of our gain to the storehouse.  But, the New Testament doesn’t give a specific amount to give.  One example that Jesus used is of the widow giving two mites in Mark 12:41-44.  Even though she had given less than those who were wealthy, she had given all that she had and given it cheerfully and without show.  I believe that Jesus wants us to give with a cheerful heart.  If we give what we have purposed in our heart, but do it grudgingly, we’re not giving freely or with a cheerful heart.  Cheerful obedience is the key.

God doesn’t need our money or things.  Everything in this world is His.  What we have in our personal possession are things that God allows us to have.  It’s our job to be good stewards of what he has allowed in our possession.  Be generous with your time, things, finances, etc.  I remember a time when I felt like the Lord was challenging me to be more generous with my time.  It’s not just finances that we should be generous with.  It’s our lives we should be generous with.  I see myself as being nothing without Jesus Christ.  All I have, all I am I owe to Him and I can never repay Him for His generosity towards me. 

I encourage us all to be generous givers of all that we have to offer…and to be cheerful givers.  That’s what the Lord asks of us.     

To Love Unconditionally Does Not Mean...

To love unconditionally does not mean to agree unreservedly.

What comes to mind immediately for me is just how much God loves me unconditionally…but He loves me…not my sin. (Romans 5:8)  Because He loves me so much, He won’t leave me that way.  He shows me my sin through His word and the Holy Spirit and gives me a way to overcome it through repentance and the blood of Jesus.  He loves me but He doesn’t agree with everything that I do, think or speak…and He lets me know where I falter.   

So often in our relationships, many believe that because we love them that we must agree with everything that they do, think or speak. You see, living life that way would not be living a life that is true to the Word of God.

In John 8:1-11 while Jesus was teaching at the Temple, the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery to Him and wanted to stone her. Jesus told them that any of them who had not sinned to go ahead and cast the first stone.  One by one they dropped their stones and left.  But Jesus, who had no sin, didn’t stone her.  He told her to go and sin no more.

In this situation, Jesus not only pointed out to the woman that she should not sin anymore, He pointed out to the scribes and Pharisees that they were doing something wrong as well.  Because He didn’t agree with those folks…whom He loved…didn’t mean that He had to agree with everything that they did…and…so it is with us.  We, as Christ followers, must learn to love those around us.  But, loving others unconditionally doesn’t mean that we have to agree with everything that others do, think or speak.  We need to learn to stand firm in what God’s word says which means that we must speak the truth in love.  We must have a backbone, but not beat folks up!  God would be doing us a disservice if He didn’t show us where we sin and call us to repent.  Why would we need God if He didn’t call us to a higher place with Him?  If we didn’t need Him, then that means that Jesus would have given His life for nothing!  Oh how we need Jesus!

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

I encourage you to love others unconditionally as God loves us, but stand firm in what God’s word says about sin.  Just because we love others doesn’t mean we must agree with them unreservedly.    

...serving God as a way to become prosperous...

Fifteen plus years ago I was at a church that began to heavily preach the “prosperity gospel.”  I had been at this church for a year or so and up until then, had been pleased with what was being taught.

I played the guitar on the worship team and when the music part was over, we would sit out in the congregation to listen to the message.  It seemed that every week I would end up sitting next to a person whose body odor nearly gagged me.  I don’t mean to be gross, but my nose is hyper sensitive…and well…let’s just leave it at that!  J I had been acquainted with this person for a while and actually was quite surprised by this.  It wasn’t normal for her.  I was concerned so I asked around to see if anyone knew what had caused this change with her.  Well, much to my surprise, I found out she had fast growing cataracts on her eyes and was suddenly legally blind.  The blindness caused her to lose her job.  She could no longer drive, read, work, etc.  Her life was changed drastically in a matter of a few months.  She was a single mom.  The only money that she was receiving was $350 a month and her rent was $300 a month.  Needless to say, life had become ultra challenging for her. 

I just couldn’t stand back and do nothing.  I decided to talk to the pastor about helping her out.  Since money had become the topic of most of the teachings, I really believed that I wouldn’t have any trouble getting help.  Wow…as a young Christian…I was sorely mistaken!  I won’t go into the sordid details.  Looking back, it was a wonderful learning time for me as far as learning what and what not to do in situations like this.  Some of the women and I did what we could to help her.  The Lord led us and we saw wonderful things take place for this lady.  I’m not sure who was blessed more us or the lady and her daughter. 

I learned at a very young “Christian” age that being a Christian is about serving God through serving others.  Yes, God does prosper us in many different ways which does happen to include finances.  There’s no getting around it.  But “serving God” as a way to become prosperous is not what God intends for us.  Matthew 6:33 states; Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. (See also 1Timothy 6:3-6) As Christians, no matter what our financial status may be, we are wealthy because Jesus is the greatest treasure we could ever attain!  

Be sensitive to the needs of others.  We’re here to serve others, not ourselves.  Be alert to those around you whether strangers, friends or family.  You never know who God may bring across your path that may need the help that only you can give.            
          

I'm but a pilgrim...

 ¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  1 John 2:15-17  

I don’t want to be content in this world.  This world is not my home.  I’m but a pilgrim passing through.  When I surrendered my life to Jesus…accepted Him as my Savior…I became a citizen of Heaven.

Life here on earth is not about seeing how much wealth we can amass, how many different places we can vacation to or a competition on how large a house we can own, etc.  It’s about living a life that pleases God…allowing Him to refine us through the journey.  It’s about telling others about the love of God.  His love is so deep, so wide, so powerful and all encompassing that He gave His own Son that we might be saved. ( See John 3:16 ) It’s God’s greatest desire that all would be saved. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4)  Our purpose is to allow God to flow through us so that the lost in the world will be reached…whatever way God chooses to do so. 

Many years ago I had a conversation with someone and I was talking about going to Heaven and looking forward to Jesus’ return.  This person said that they weren’t looking forward to that time because there were things that they wanted their children to experience here on earth.  REALLY?!?  Even now, years later, I am dumbfounded by that statement.  I am convinced that this is exactly one of the reasons why the Church here in the States is not being as effective as it could be.  There’s too much love of the world…period!! 

Keep your eyes on the prize.  Jesus is the ultimate prize!  There is nothing in this world that can trump being in Heaven with Him!  Don’t allow yourself to grow cold in your love for the Lord.  Don’t be content with the things of this world.  If you are a follower of Christ, your home is Heaven.  Remember…you’re but a pilgrim in this world.  Let your light...the Light of God...shine through you for all the world to see!

...am I being obedient...

I’ve been calling our dog, Stewie, lately and he simply refuses to come to me until I am forced to get firm with him.  Only after I do get firm with him does he decide to obey and come to me.  I find this very frustrating.  I never had this much resistance from my son when he was growing up and it’s strange to have a dog that is so strong willed!

As this was taking place, I began to wonder; am I being obedient to all that the Lord is calling me to do?  Hmmm…when He calls my name, do I continue on with “the important stuff” that I’m doing or do I drop what I’m doing and do what the Lord is calling me to do?  This is something that I continually want to work on as a follower of Christ Jesus.  I don’t ever want to miss out on something that the Lord has for me…whether it is something fun or whether it’s something tedious and challenging.  I know and believe that no matter what the Lord calls me to do, it is something that is needed for me, first…secondly, possibly help for others, and thirdly…if He calls me to do something, I know that He will equip me to do the task at hand.    

I want my ears to be open to hear what the Lord is speaking to me.  I want eyes to see what the Lord wants me to see.  I want to have a heart that is receptive to what God is doing.  I want to be willing to do whatever it is he is calling me to do.  I actually focus on this as my lifestyle. 

So, when I see Stewie acting in this manner, it serves as a reminder for me to be attentive to what the Lord is doing in my life.  I encourage you to do the same.  Be attentive to what God is doing in your life.  Dare to believe that you can and will be all that God created you to be.  And, by being attentive and willing to obey, we can become and be just that.  Trust and believe in God and hope for the best.  He will never lead you astray!  Trust me, the road will not always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it.  He is faithful and worthy of everything that we have to offer to Him…am so much more!         

...weeping may endure for a night...

The past couple of weeks I’ve been calling upon the Lord to continue to fill the void in me that’s there due to the lack of relationship with my parents.  This situation is nothing new to me.  It’s just that sometimes it affects me more than other times.  It’s been my experience that with some issues I’m healed in one moment and with other healing takes place over time.  I believe that this is how the Lord is not only continuing to heal me and make me stronger in this matter, but also growing my trust in Him as my Heavenly Father. 

Just last night, I hit my knees and was crying out to the Lord about this.  I just love that I can tell Him anything on my heart and He is here listening attentively with understanding and compassion for me.  He has never failed me.

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

This scripture is so very comforting…and true.  The joy I felt the next morning was indescribable.  God is so faithful and His word is truth!

This same morning, I went on to church and the words spoken by a guest speaker were; “Your Heavenly Father loves you and is proud of you.”  I was so moved.  I needed to hear this.  His timing is so perfect!  It was continued healing for me in this situation…I am grateful!  You see, I’ve never heard those words from my earthly father.  Yes, it does hurt, but I’ve learned to take this to God and let him fill that void in my life.  And when He does this, not only do I feel better, I am stronger and trust Him even more.  It also allows me to have a growing compassion for my dad.  He only acts this way because he, himself, is hurting and hasn’t been healed.

No matter what the issues are in your life, God will see you through it if you call upon Him for help.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 14:6  He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (See John 10:10)  Trust Him with all things in your life.  He will not fail you and He truly cares about every detail of your life…no matter how great or small.