Life Lesson #2: The Word Transforms May 8, 2008

In my late teens, I went on an unforgettable camping trip with my grandmother.  She had a multitude of grandchildren, so time alone with grandma was something to be treasured.  I possess many wonderful memories from that trip, but my favorite occurred one night as we were drifting off to sleep.

Grandma broke the silence and whispered, “Psalm 100.”  She began, “Shout to the Lord…all the earth…” She slowly recited it phrase by phrase.  It was obvious that she wanted me to join in.  I tried to fake it by mumbling a few words and was relieved when it was over.  My relief, however, was short lived because Grandma immediately started Psalm 139!  With each passing scripture, Grandma became more animated and more determined to find Bible verses that I could recite with her.  Even now, I clearly remember the sinking feeling in my heart.  I think it was a combination of appropriate guilt and a fear of disappointing her.  But my grandmother was a very gracious woman.  I never sensed any condemnation from her, but I did sense her deep love for God’s word.  It was contagious.

Grandma understood that God’s word transforms and wanted others to benefit.  A countless number of Sunday school children received a nickel from Grandma Ruth every time they learned a Bible verse.  My own children received a shaky handwritten note and a dollar each (inflation?) when Great Grandma Ruth learned they were memorizing scripture.  She believed that once children hide God’s word in their hearts, it will never leave them.  Grandma didn’t have a lot of money, but she knew how to strategically invest for Eternity.  A lifetime of experience taught her the power of God’s word to transform lives.

Grandma spent her final days in a nursing home.  Although dementia had captured her mind, often the words of the Psalms would melodically flow from Grandma’s lips.  Can you imagine how those words ministered to the other residents who were trapped in their own bodies and needed hope?  Can you imagine how those words comforted the nervous friends and relatives when they came to visit their loved ones?  Can you imagine how those words caught the attention of the staff as they saw the light of Christ radiated through my grandma?  Can you imagine the proud look on God’s face as those words ushered her through the pearly gates?

Grandma taught me that the Word transforms.  I saw it in her life!  She knew God because she studied His love letter to her.  And as a result, Grandma was a content, fulfilled, and joyful person.  God has so much to say to you.  Have you read His love letter lately?

“Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouths, mediate on it day and night…” Joshua 1:8

Life Lesson #1: Think Win-Some! May 1, 2008

My grandmother’s influence on me seems to increase every year. She was a quiet woman, but her life shouted the love of Jesus. Though we had to strain to hear Grandma’s words, her actions spoke clearly. As I reflect on this Godly woman’s life, I am deeply grateful for the impression she left on me. I am looking forward to introducing you to this spectacular woman through some of the life lessons I learned from her.

LIFE LESSON’S FROM GRANDMA RUTH:

#1 THINK WIN-SOME!

My dad once asked my Grandmother, “You have a washer, so why do you go to the Laundromat every week?”

“Because I have a captive audience!” she replied with twinkling eyes and that familiar, knowing, giggle in her voice. Grandma was a Laundromat Missionary!

Hard work was not foreign to my grandmother. She was the wife of a farmer, mother of eight, and an elementary school teacher. In the world’s eyes, she had every reason to take it easy in her later years. No one would criticize her for staying home and using her own washing machine! But my grandma was a modern day Apostle Paul.

Paul said, “To the weak, I have become weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (I Corinthians 9:22). Grandma knew her Bible and took those words seriously.

To those without a washing machine, she became like those without a washing machine. Why? To win those…without a washing machine! She had a bigger vision than clean clothes. She longed to see hearts washed with the grace of Jesus! And she was willing to use all possible means.

Her strategy was simple. Turn an everyday task into an opportunity for Eternal impact. Grandma got out of her comfort zone and showed up. She was available. She listened. She smiled. She cared. She gently shared about the love of Jesus Christ. And she prayed.

After Grandma went home to Jesus, we heard wonderful Laundromat stories. Because she was winsome, she was able to win some for Christ!

I wonder what God would do if we turned our everyday activities into opportunities for Eternal impact?

I wonder how people would respond if they sensed a genuine compassion in us?

I wonder where our relationships would go if we listened before we spoke?

I wonder if our words were silenced, what people would see as they watched our lives?

Are you willing to be available? Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone? If your answer is yes…get ready! God may call you to Africa or He may call you to your local Laundromat!!!

Press On April 27, 2008

My mind has been fixated lately on the concept of loving the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind.  After examining myself, I am keenly aware that I love the Lord with some of my heart, some of my soul, and some of my mind.  As much as I desire it, I have not completed the sanctification process.  I still struggle with the natural human feelings of insecurity, jealousy, and selfishness…just to name a few.  The Holy Spirit, however, continually whispers the answer to my soul:  “Seek first His kingdom.”

The secret is to discipline our minds, hearts, and souls to focus on Christ.  Think about His love for you.  Feel His love for you.  Believe in His love for you.  When you do, your soul will be fully satisfied.

Pressing into God alone, will produce complete freedom.  The truth of God’s love will release you to be the person you were created to be.  Fear is eliminated because perfect love drives out fear.  This frees us to love with no need for anything in return.  This frees us to confidently speak truth in love without fearing rejection.  Insecurity is replaced with confidence because you know who you are in Christ.  Jealousy is replaced with gratitude and contentment.  Selfishness is replaced with a desire to pour yourself out for God and others.  You will be able to say with Jesus, “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” (John 5:30)

Freedom, security, and confidence flow out of our understanding of God’s love for us.  I want to understand His love for me and in turn love Him with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind.

Let’s keep pressing on together…

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on…” (Philippians 3:12)

Who Am I? April 18, 2008

Dream with me that you and I are rocking on my back porch, sipping iced tea and I ask you, “Who are you?”  How would you respond?  Have you taken the time to sit and ponder that question? What emotions does that question evoke in you?

If you struggle with how you would answer, you are not alone.  This world moves at a rapid pace and most of us fall into bed at night exhausted from all the responsibilities of the day.  Scheduling time to think about who you are seems unrealistic, yet deep in your soul you sense a longing to know the answer.

Contrary to common thought, who you are is not determined by your successes or failures.  It is not determined by your position or the amount of your paycheck.  What you do does not determine who you are.  Other’s opinions of you, whether good or bad, does not determine who you are.  So what does?

Imagine that you are alone.  You are relaxing on the shores of a tranquil lake surrounded by majestic mountains.  There is a perfect balance between the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze.  You are at peace.  As you listen to the birds singing in the distance, you hear the most beautiful, comforting voice.  You look up and into the eyes of Jesus.  He smiles and pulls up a chair to join you.

Then you realize you have a very special and unique opportunity to ask the Creator of the Universe any of the questions that burn within you.  Your mind races through several significant possibilities, but eventually settles on the one to ask.  Your heart begins to pound and your palms start to sweat.  You clear your throat and ask, “Lord, who am I?”  Jesus lovingly places His hand on your cheek and with a tone of indescribable love, confidence, and pride, He proclaims, “You are my child!”  The truth of His words brings a sense of deep satisfaction to your soul.  I am a child of God.

That’s your identity!  In order to fully comprehend what that means, however, you must learn about your Father.  You need to schedule time to sit and talk with Him.  Through those conversations, your knowledge and love for God will grow.  And then you will learn who you truly are.  He is what determines your identity.

Who knows….maybe the next time we sit on my porch, we will celebrate, enjoy our iced tea, and toast the fact that we both know exactly who we are!

Just Jesus April 10, 2008

Recently I went with my daughter to a musical audition for our local theatre. The tension in the air was fierce! Memories of high school surfaced as I watched smiles to the face turn to nasty glares as soon as the unsuspecting competition turned their backs. Everyone at the call-back wanted the coveted lead parts.

What is it that you want? What do you dream about?

Augustine used to pose this question,

“If God invited you to create a list of all your desires, what would be on your list?”

Would you include a faithful spouse who adores you, respectful children who are healthy and happy, a fulfilling career, enough money to supply all your need and wants, close friends, an exciting church, a perfect body with the freedom to eat whatever you want!? Remember God is the one asking you to create this list, so anything and everything is possible! What would be on your list?

Once you list is complete, imagine God nodding His head and saying, “Done! It’s all yours. There is only one condition you must agree to….if I grant your desires, you will never see my face!”

Augustine would then explain,

“The chill that you feel when you think of never seeing God’s face is your love for Him.”

I long to get to a place where my greatest desire is Christ; a place where I can sing with conviction and sincerity, “You can have all this world, just give me Jesus!” I have noticed the more I know Christ and the more I fall in love with Him, the less hold the things of this world have on me.

What joy….what peace….what contentment we would experience if we could declare with the Apostle Paul, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ!” (Philippians 3:8).

You have received a call-back today. But in this audition, you can’t fail. You will never be rejected! Jesus Christ has already chosen you.

He wants you!

Do you want Him?

Can You Hear Me Now? April 3, 2008

Do you live a noisy life? I do. And often, in desperation, my soul cries out, “QUIET!” Surprisingly, it’s not longing for silence. There are many noises that refresh my soul. The sound of rhythmic crashing waves, triumphant thunder, children’s laughter, and geese returning after a long cold winter are loud noises, but contain beautiful sound. They slow my heartbeat and lure me into thoughts about my Creator.There are other noises, however, that prevent me from hearing the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. Those sounds are demanding. They attack with a vengeance and fight for attention. Have you experienced that kind of noise?

Amazingly, that kind of distracting commotion can come from anywhere, anything, or anyone. What causes noise in your soul? What creates confusion and steals peace? Is it unrealistic expectations, pressures, false beliefs, work, cell phones, television, IPOD, relationships, traffic???

When our souls shout, “QUIET,” it indicates that we have allowed the things of this world to drown out God’s voice. It’s time for spiritual readjustment. We need to fix our eyes back on Jesus because the truth is our souls will find rest in God alone. (Psalms 62:1).

Tune out the noise. Be still. Can you hear His voice? Listen to His whisper….

I delight in you.

I love you with an everlasting love.

You are free.

Be still and know that I am God.

Listen a little closer. Do you hear the music? He is rejoicing over you with singing!

Spring Into Action March 26, 2008

Spring has arrived with its traditional reminder that it’s time to clean. To the casual observer, the house appears orderly, but the one who resides there knows the secrets hidden behind closed doors!

I must admit that there are places in my house where disorganization reigns! I have one little kitchen drawer that is doomed to being permanently typecast as “the junk drawer”. It’s crammed with papers and keys and pens and coupons and string…basically everything but the kitchen sink! My tiny mudroom closet takes a beating every winter season. It starts out cute and organized. Scarves, mittens, and hats are all neatly stored in baskets. But by this time of year, we open its door, shove in our coats, and slam it before anything has a chance to escape! Then there is my bedroom closet. Usually it maintains its dignity, but there are times when it resembles a department store after an early bird Christmas blow-out sale!

Every spring I am shocked by the disarray and wonder why I allowed it to occur. Typically my answer is the same from year to year. I allowed the busyness of life to exhaust me to the point that I let some of the basics slide. Is that a bad choice? Not if I am choosing people and ministry over a perfectly organized closet. There is a place, however, that we should never neglect.

It is the room of our soul. For in it, the most significant, fulfilling, and challenging times are spent. There we meet with the most important Person in our life, Jesus Christ. It’s where we conduct Eternal business with Him. It’s a place that should never be neglected. But the truth is we all go through winter seasons and the room of our soul is left untended. We may shove a verse and teaching in there, but we don’t stop to process and put it in the proper place. A dust bunny of guilt may roll under the door, but we sweep it back in rather than opening the door and dealing with our sin. Cobwebs of negative emotions may form.

If your soul has been neglected, set aside some time to put it back in order. Your first step is to recruit help. Ask Jesus to join you in reorganizing your space. Open the door. Take inventory of what is in the room of your soul. Chances are you will find sins and habits that need to be thrown away; things that you are embarrassed you held on to. Once you throw away the junk and clean up the mess, you will discover treasures you forgot about….the sense of being deeply loved, peace that surpasses understanding, unspeakable joy, and a humble confidence. When we sit daily with Jesus, He unclutters our souls and sweeps away the unnecessary pressures and distractions of this world.

If you think a clean closet feels great, wait until you experience the freedom of a clean soul!

Moment of Truth March 13, 2008

Have you seen the new television show, “Moment of Truth”? Contestants are awarded money for answering “simple” questions truthfully. Answers are compared to their previous answers which were measured while strapped to a lie detector machine. Each pyramid of questions brings the possibility of more money, but also comes at an increasingly higher price. The questions progressively become more personal and risky.

Anger rose up in me last night as I saw a segment of the show. I was enraged as I watched the pain on the face of the contestant’s wife. For the sake of money, this man was willing to hurt his wife by airing his dirty laundry. Conversations that should occur only in the privacy of their relationship were being broadcast on national television.

New York’s former governor, Eliot Spitzer, faced his own moment of truth this week. He didn’t volunteer to play the game, yet he found himself on the hot seat. Hidden secret sins were exposed, broadcast on national television.

Now before we try to take the speck out of another’s eye (Matthew 7:3-5), let’s be honest. Our story may never make national headlines, but we all have a past. Some may be more colorful than others, but we all have regrets. We are human. We sin. Everyone has a personal history that contains poor choices that resulted in actions and words that we are deeply ashamed of. We long for Louise Fletcher’s “Land of Beginning Again”:

“where all our mistakes and all our heartaches

and all of our poor selfish grief

could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door

and never be put on again.”

 

And here is why I love being a Christ-follower!!!

My shabby old coat, stained with the mud of my sin, has not only been dropped by the door, it has been burned! It’s gone! Never to be put on again! Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and His great love for me, my sins have been removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:11-12). Because I am in relationship with Christ, my past has been forgiven and there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1). There may be natural consequences, but I am forgiven and free! And I am so grateful!

Let me ask you, my friend, have you allowed Jesus Christ, the Truth, to set you free (John 8:32)?

“You turned my wailing into dancing;

You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy!”

Psalm 30:11

Jesus, Are You Sleeping? March 5, 2008

Have you ever felt like Jesus is sleeping? Theologically we know that’s not possible, but sometimes emotionally we feel like God has forgotten us. We desperately wait for God to miraculously intervene and answer the prayers of our heart. Yet God seems so silent and with David we ask, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1) It is in these moments that our faith is truly tested.

After many hours of ministry, Jesus decided it was time to call it a day. He gathered His disciples and invited them to cross the Sea of Galilee with Him. Jesus was so exhausted that He found a cushion and curled up in the stern of the boat. It was only a matter of moments until Jesus was in a deep sleep and Peter gave John a knowing wink at the sound of Jesus’ snoring. They understood….once again, Jesus had poured Himself out for the people.

The disciples were tired too. The silence was welcomed after a day filled with the noise and excitement of the crowds. Andrew, the designated rower, struggled to stay awake as the rhythmic waves made his eyelids unbearably heavy.

Suddenly, without warning, the boat began to be tossed back and forth. The violence of the storm instantly changed the tenor in the boat. Hearts raced and adrenaline surged as the waves swept over the boat. Panic erupted.

The disciples feverishly tried to bail, but intuitively knew they were in great danger with nothing to do.  Looking at each other in an almost synchronized fashion, they turned toward the stern where Jesus was peacefully sleeping like a baby being lovingly rocked in the secure arms of his mother.

It was at this point, the disciples let out the common cry that comes from the depths of each individual’s soul when we are scared and cannot see God at work. It’s the cry Jesus let out on the cross, “My God, my God, where are you? Why have you forgotten me? Why have you turned your back on me?” In that moment, we do wonder if Jesus is sleeping. And like the disciples, we ask, “Lord, don’t you care?”

Often our fear is rational. The circumstances are real. We struggle with anger toward God, especially when we are living in obedience. The disciples hadn’t done anything wrong. They simply followed Jesus’ instructions and got in the boat! Reality is that sometimes we can be following Jesus whole-heartedly and yet still find ourselves in the midst of a storm.

Hearing the disciples spastic shouts for help, Jesus opened His eyes, calmly stood to His feet, and tenderly smiled at the disciples. In less than a beat of a heart, Jesus gathered up the wind in the palm of His hand (Proverb 30:4), and as He exhaled, the waters became as glass. The surrounding mountains rejoiced at the ancient, familiar voice of their Creator. All was calm.

Imagine how the disciples felt in that moment. Their hearts must have sank as their minds flooded with temporarily forgotten facts. Maybe a tear ran down James’ cheek as his mind raced back to the afternoon spent on the mountain side where Jesus taught them not to worry. He remembered Jesus’ question, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) Maybe Andrew blushed as he saw the similarities between what just happened and the liturgical psalm he grew up hearing! (The parallels are amazing! It is worth looking up Psalm 107:23-30). Maybe Peter stomped his foot frustrated with himself for forgetting Jesus’ power as he recalled Jesus healing his mother-in-law and all the other miracles he witnessed.

I believe the questions Jesus asked simply echoed the disciple’s internal thoughts.

“Why are you so afraid?”

“Where is your faith?”

“Do you still have no faith?”

How many times have we kicked ourselves after the storm is over? We can’t believe our emotional response. We panicked. We acted as if we didn’t know God and His character! It is so easy to become discouraged when we recognize how weak our faith still is. But before we beat ourselves up too much, we need to remember that typically faith grows slowly. Each storm we face is an opportunity to develop our confidence in Christ. We will learn, over time, to trust in God’s faithful presence during the storm, even when we “feel” He is sleeping. And eventually, just like the disciples, we will grow into men and women of great faith and courage. Our faith increases on the journey. So keep sailing!

What Amazes God February 28, 2008

I believe that God cares deeply about every detail of my life, but I sometimes wonder if He ever “yawns” in the middle of my prayers. God knows my thoughts, my dreams, and my hopes so He has every right to anticipate prayers full of BIG requests. I’m embarrassed, however, to admit that my communication with Him is often anemic.

Recently the testimony of a Roman military officer has inspired me to increase my faith. When this officer’s highly valued servant was sick and about to die, he went to Jesus and asked Him to heal his servant. Jesus agreed and began walking toward this man’s home. The officer stopped him and said, “I don’t deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” And here’s the best part…When Jesus heard this officer’s response, He was amazed and astonished!

How I wish I could have seen what Jesus’ face looked like in that moment! Maybe His eyes twinkled as they smiled with pride. Maybe the tension lines on His forehead relaxed as He sighed with joy. Maybe He threw His head back as He let out a thrilled laugh.

Every one of us faces situations in our lives that require a miracle, an act of God. We all need God to intervene. The only question is, “Do we believe He will?” We know the Omnipotent God has the power, so what keeps us from asking? Sometimes we aren’t ready to give up control and the idea that we can handle it on our own. It takes humility to ask for help. Sometimes we think too little of ourselves and we believe we have to prove we deserve God’s blessing before we ask. But God doesn’t perform miracles based on merit.

This officer came to Jesus, acknowledged the situation was beyond his control and that he didn’t deserve preferential treatment. He also didn’t attempt to manipulate Jesus to answer the way he desired. He simply asked and waited.

I wonder how Jesus would respond if I simply asked for something big and waited with a calm, confident faith that the God of the Universe has the wisdom to give the best response. I believe His “yawn” would turn into amazement as He cheered, “That’s my girl!”

I long for Jesus to be amazed and astonished by my faith! Don’t you? Imagine what He would do if we would have the faith to ask according to His will!

For further study, read Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10; I John 5:13-15.