With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads, that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So we aren't heavy, we are enormously cultured, educated, and happy.
Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror, I will think, 'Good grief, look how smart I am!'
I’ve always loved to hear the story of the Wise Men who
traveled so far to honor baby Jesus with gifts fit for a king.
A few years ago at Christmas time I was struggling to truly
trust God’s provision for our family. I believe the Holy Spirit showed me
something in the story of the Magi that helped me to see how practical God is
when it comes to our day to day lives.
Luke 2:22 says
that Mary & Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem to be consecrated to the Lord
and to offer a sacrifice for their first born (in accordance with the Law of
Moses). In those days, if you were poor, you could substitute a lamb for a pair
of doves or two young pigeons (Lev. 12:8). This tells us that Mary & Joseph
couldn’t afford a lamb.
We know the Wise Men found Jesus and presented him with
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh - very valuable gifts! God didn’t just allow the Wise Men to shower
them with gifts just because Jesus was the Son of God, or the future Savior of
the World…He was also being very
practical and taking care of their needs.
Right after the visit from the Wise Men, an Angel came to
warn Joseph of danger – He instructed him to flee to Egypt until it was safe to
return because King Herod sought to kill Jesus.
Now the Bible doesn’t say, but since Joseph & Mary were
too poor to provide a lamb for a sacrifice, I’ve often wondered if they used
the gifts from the Magi to flee to Egypt and live there until Herod died.
It would be just like God to be so practical – He has a
purpose behind everything! When I looked
at His provision for a trusting young couple and a helpless baby (who just happened
to be His Son), I began to see His provision unfolding in the story of the Wise
Men’s gifts. It reminded me of how I can trust Him to keep
My 13 yr. old son and I were driving down the road the other
day and we passed a small church near our house.
He reminded me that his friend
used to go to that church, but has since moved away. I said “I know, I remember
his family inviting us to an event there one time”. Then he had this to say
about his friend’s family. . .
“they’re really
Christians, not like some people that just say they are, they really live it.”
I assume at some point we had conversations about how
just going to church doesn’t necessarily make you a Christian, but it’s always
a nice surprise when they let you know they got it! This was an unsolicited
nugget of truth coming from my teenager!!!
Thought of the day. . .
Are we really living our walk with Jesus? Can others say
that we are doers and not just talkers?
I want to share some exciting news with all my blogging friends. . . in the past I've posted how there are two things that I've struggled with over the years, 1) finances, and 2) my weight.
Well, my friend Beth at "My Destiny Sharing Hope" introduced me to something that would answer both of those problems at the same time!
It's called Isagenix and it's amazing!
(Watch this 3 minute video to find out more about Isagenix)
Let me tell you, I was the biggest critic of all...and you absolutely will NOT find a pickier eater anywhere! I've tried several weight loss programs and never stuck with anything more than two days, if that. If the shakes or food wasn't good, I didn't even last that long.
Isagenix is not a diet, it's a cleanse (and before you get the wrong idea by hearing the word "cleanse", let me say that you don't end up spending all your time in the bathroom, LOL). It is designed with natural ingredients packed with vitamins and nutrients your body needs, and our normal diets lack! Once your body finally gets the nutrients it needs, you no longer having cravings. At the same time, it works to release your body of all the toxins coming from the food we eat and the environment around us.
Now, here's the best part - I just finished my 30 day Cleanse (30 days of taking Isagenix products) and I'm happy to report that I've lost - get ready for it. . .
19 pounds and 21 1/4 inches ! ! !
I'm so excited, I've been emotional all morning from the time I got off the scale, to the moment I measured, to the telephone call to my friend Beth to give her the good news. Even though I have a long way to go to reach my goal weight, I already know that I am so much healthier.
Here's how I know:
I haven't had a soda in 30 days. Before I was drinking Diet Dr. Pepper (at least 4 a day, sometimes more.) Now I drink only water
I was eating Hershey Drops candy (a little bag by myself every other day) - often due to stress of everyday life (which I don't have anymore, because Ionic Supreme helps with lowering your stress level)
My wedding ring is loose, my clothes are loose, my face isn't puffy, my ankles aren't retaining water anymore.
My feet that had been tingling at night due to the on-set of nerve damage from my high blood sugar are not hurting anymore.
I have energy - I don't crave sugar anymore, I don't really crave anything.
I no longer have headaches that came on during my monthly cycle (sorry if any guys are reading this) due to a dip in hormones
I could go on and on about the health benefits that I've already experienced in the first 30 days.
The reasons I believe it has worked for me, when so many other things didn't are the following:
The products actually taste good
There is a network of people encouraging you and helping with any advice along the way (you don't have to go through it alone, and there's great accountability)
There's no guess work - I don't have to count calories - its all very straight forward and it makes my life so much easier and doable.
There's the added incentive of making it a successful business by simply sharing the news about how it has worked for me. If I can do it, anyone can do it!
Bill Johnson, Pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, CA wrote the following:
There is a big difference between preaching the gospel to the poor and preaching a poor gospel! Here are 7 signs of a poor gospel;
1- A poor gospel identifies with people's pain but has no power to deliver them from it.
2- A poor gospel loves the sinner but can't transform them into a saint. 3- A poor gospel has compassion for sick but has no gift to heal them.
4- A poor gospel loves heaven but can't bring it to earth.
5- A poor gospel embraces humility but resists being exalted at the proper time.
6- A poor gospel loves generosity but doesn't understand the principle of reciprocity.
7- A poor gospel embraces the cross but resists the resurrection life it provides to live powerfully.
The poor gospel isn't the gospel Jesus preached! He preached the GOOD NEWS of the kingdom where nothing is impossible with God! Do I believe in a prosperity gospel? You bet...it is the only gospel that has the power to transform us into the image of Jesus and destroy the works of the devil. -
Someone emailed this to me today and it really touched my heart. I thought I'd share it with all my blogging friends.
An eye witness account from New York City , on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering With cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'
'I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,' was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now..'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her:
'Are you God's wife?'
What a perfect picture of what the Bride of Christ (the Church) should be like.
The film is inspiring a wide array of people across the country, including the New York Yankee's pitcher Andy Pettitte, as well as Christian leaders like Max Lucado, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen and more, who are rallying behind the film and its message, reminding everyone that with God, it’s never too late to make changes in your life! You can live the life you were created to live!
Reasons to see this movie THIS WEEKEND:
Take time out to enjoy an inspiring story with the family
Invite a friend or loved one and use the movie as a tool to speak into the life of someone you know who needs to make a change or experience freedom.
Promote & support wholesome movies and Christian entertainment whenever possible to send the message to Hollywood that this type of media is wanted, needed and appreciated.
We were blessed this past Sunday at Kings Park InternationalChurch to have guest speaker, Danny Cahill share his inspiring story of incredible perseverance. Danny was the 2008 winner of NBC's hit show "The Biggest Loser". He weighed a whopping 460 pounds at the beginning of his journey, but was able to lose 239 pounds in 6 1/2 months!
Danny spoke about how this was so much more than just another
weight loss testimony...
It was a story of how God has a bigger and better plan for your life. Danny's dream of being a musician was restored, along with new open doors to travel and share his testimony.
It's an encouraging word to everyone to never give up, even when it doesn't look like you're making progress. Danny told how on the show, he was given the task of digging a hole in the sand. After digging for quite awhile, it didn't look as if he was making progress because the sand constantly caved into the hole. Later, he reflected on how his life was very much like that hole in the sand - over the years, he'd lost weight, then gained it back, only to repeat the process over and over. He figured up the amount of weight he'd lost in his lifetime of this vicious cycle and discovered it added up to around 1,000 pounds. He thought how difficult the 239 pounds he wanted to lose seemed, but in light of the 1,000 he'd lost over time, it seemed silly how much more effort he'd spent on quitting. This particular part of his testimony really stuck out in my mind and he gave us this point that I hope I'll always remember - he said "you have to let go of your quit."
It was a reminder that we need one another - everyone needs someone to help them through their journey - holding you accountable, being tough when necessary, and most importantly, cheering you on. Not only did Danny have the coaches on The Biggest Loser driving him to not quit, but he had his wife at home who had been praying for him. Danny said that after the show, his wife, Darci shared how she and her friends had been praying that he would become a contestant on The Biggest Loser. God then showed him ahead of time that he was going to win. But perhaps the most meaningful moment that led up to Danny's success was his 7 yr. old daughter saying she wanted to be just like her Daddy. Danny said that was the moment he got his "why" - which is the motivation we need to make us finish strong. As Danny put it "Everyone needs their 'why' and then the 'how' will follow."
Danny wanted us to know that the battle doesn't end with the weight loss - just like he has to keep fighting to maintain his weight, we have to keep going, never quit, and never go back! In order for it to really "sink in", Danny read this Scripture passage 3 times:
"Not that I have
already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to
take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do
not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting
what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in
Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
The timing of this message is perfect - as we begin 2013 let's. . .
"Let go of our Quit"
Find our "why" motivation
Allow our loved ones, friends & the church to help us in our journey
Remember Phil. 3:12-14 - forgetting the past, press on toward the future
Do you need to be inspired? Do you enjoy "happily ever after" stories? (of course you do) Do you or someone you know NEED to hear a life changing testimony? (who doesn't, right?)
Well, I know of someone who has just what you're looking for . . .
In 2008, Danny Cahill appeared on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" weighing in at 239 pounds. Over the next 6 1/2 months, he lost over half of his body weight, making him the shows biggest loser EVER! What most people don't know, is the behind the scenes story of Danny's struggles that led up to his appearing on The Biggest Loser. In his book, "Losing Big", Danny and his wife Darci share what he calls "the miraculous journey and divine intervention that took him off his destructive path of addiction, obesity, gambling, a marriage in crisis, and put them on a new course of hope, happiness, and divine purpose."
Danny shares that we have to lose our life in order to find it - based on the Scripture found in Matthew 10:39. - this can all be summed up with one word...SURRENDER.
Are you ready for more great news?
Danny is coming to speak on Sunday, January 13 @ 10 a.m.
at Kings Park International Church
1305 Oddysey Drive Durham, North Carolina 27713
If you are in the area, please join us...bring a friend...spread the word.
If you live far away and can't make it, be sure to check out Danny's book. In his words "You can have an extraordinary life by Losing Big!"
Sometimes you just need to laugh...sometimes jus to keep from crying.
If you're like me, and NEED to take a break from the hustle & bustle of the Season, from the constant stream of negativity on the news, and from the reminder of last Friday's horrible tragedy - just take 5 minutes and give yourself permission to laugh, or at least smile.
Like many of you, I am saddened and burdened to pray for the Northeast and all those affected by the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy. For those who are financially able, it is good to give to trusted organizations who can offer assistance. I wanted to establish that, so that what I'm about to say would not be taken the wrong way...
Whether you are of the impression that this storm was a wake-up call from God for our Nation, or if it was sent from the enemy to destroy us...the fact remains that despite the many prayers that went up for protection, God allowed this storm.
The Bible says that it rains on the righteous and unrighteous alike - we all know that everyone faces trials. It is in how we as Christians face a crisis like this, that sets us apart and brings glory to God.
I was watching tv this morning as the news reported that people are starting to get angry now that the initial shock of the storm has passed. They're inpatient with the long lines, and the lack of food (this is understandable, and don't get me wrong, the conditions are horrible!)
I watched as one woman cried out to the reporter "where is the government? If they don't help us, we're going to die!"
Immediately my heart was grieved.
Where do we put our trust? I can tell you right now that while the Government can help somewhat...ultimately no political party, no man or woman, no system, no amount of money, no ingenuity or man-made plan...can help us out of the mess we're in.
Our hope must be in God, and God alone!
As we humble ourselves and seek His face, then He will give us direction, provision, ideas and ingenuity, favor, and ultimately His blessing to help us in our time of need. This is promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
After I watched the news and saw the lady saying if the government didn't help them, they were going to die...I turned it off and began to pray. I also spent some time listening to praise music. Ironically one of the songs I listened to was "Still" by Hillsong (I say ironically because it talks about Jesus being "King over the flood" - this was unintentional on my part)
Here are some of the lyrics that really jumped out at me this morning:
"Find rest my soul, in Christ alone, know His power, in quietness and trust."
After I finished with some praise and worship, I went to read my Bible. I felt impressed to read out of Isaiah, so I was thumbing through the different chapters. My eyes rested on Chapter 30 - the title of the chapter read "Woe to the Obstinate Nation". I thought I knew the meaning of the word "Obstinate" but I looked it up just to be sure. It means stubborn or refusing to change.
It starts out "woe to the obstinate children" - God is still calling them His children, but they have become wayward...how are they acting out?
"to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit".
They were trusting in Egypt to help them out of their trouble, instead of asking for God's help. This immediately reminded me of the woman crying out this morning "where is the government?" - shouldn't our cry be "God, help us"?
I went on to read that instead of listening to the prophets who tried to tell them what God was saying...they preferred lies that made them feel good.
"They say to the seers, 'see no more visions!' and to the prophets, 'give us no more visions of what is right!' Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!'"
God's response is found in Isaiah 30:12: "Because you have rejected this message, relied on oppression, and depended on deceit, this sin will become for you like a high wall, cracked and bulging, that collapses suddenly, in an instant."
This is what their response should have been (as described in Isaiah 30:15): "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."
These are similar to the words found in the lyrics from the song I just quoted. I felt like this was the message God was giving me in direct response to my heart being grieved this morning by the woman on the news.
Too many people are trusting in the Government for help - when we should be asking for God's intervention. We've misplaced our allegiance, and our trust. We've made plans, without seeking wisdom from above. In repentance and rest (faith) is our salvation, in quietness and trust, is our strength. He is our only hope!
Even after this blatant rebellion, listen to God's heart toward His people:
Isaiah 30:18-19 - "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice, Blessed are all who wait for him! O people of Zion (that's the Church), who live in Jerusalem (in this case, America) you will weep no more. How gracious He will be when you cry out for help!"
The passage goes on to explain how He will help us in Isaiah 30:20-26. - Especially in vs. 21 where it says "
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you (God's got your back!) saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'"
In other words, God is going to give you step by step instructions to get you out of whatever mess we're in, IF we call out to HIM for help! This is NOT a political argument - this is a plea for the people of God to humble themselves and pray for our Nation to turn our hearts back to God. Along with my prayers this morning, I asked that we the Church would really shine for Him - that we would be so filled with His love, compassion and POWER, that we would be a beacon of light and hope to the lost, shining a light straight to Him. I don't mean these words to sound poetic, I'm trying to give you a vision of my heart - I genuinely want to fulfill Matthew 5:13-16!
“You are the salt of
the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?
It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by
men. You are the light
of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people
light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it
gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let
your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your
Father in heaven."
There's a lot I could say about being "salt and light", but that's a whole other blog...
Have a blessed day - and don't forget to cry out to God for the people in the Northeast, as well as our Nation as a whole.
If you've lived anytime here on this earth, you have learned this lesson, probably the hard way...
Hurting people hurt people
It doesn't matter if they're in your family, school, work place, church, or some of your closest friends...people get hurt.
Most of the time it comes through misunderstandings or miscommunication.
However, part of the problem is when people have been hurt before and instead of receiving healing, they carry their offense with them. Eventually it becomes a part of their character. They might even think "this is just the way I am" or "God made me this way".
The truth is...your pain made you that way.
Here are some patterns that often develop in wounded people:
They appear to want friends, but often pull away. Loneliness adds to their feelings of rejection.
They have a victim mentality - everything is always someone else's fault (they were hurt, they were treated unfairly, etc.)
The same scenario plays out over and over again - different people, same circumstances - adding more wounds to their already broken heart.
They are often unteachable - they only want to serve, not receive. If they were to receive, it would be from a distance (preachers, teachers, tv evangelists, etc.) Not those who are close enough to speak to them directly.
Under the disguise of "freedom", they reject the idea and practice of accountability.
While many look at the following list as "feelings" - they are the "fruit" of demonic spirits that are drawn to wounded people:
insecurity
inferiority
rejection
fear, anxiety, worry
jealousy/envy
competition/comparison
bitterness (a strongman developed from an unforgiving heart)
How do you break the vicious cycle? By exercising the most "Christ-like"behavior a person can portray...
Forgiveness
Walking in forgiveness - this means not picking up offense in the first place!
Letting go of every hurt that's been committed against you
Understanding when someone does something to hurt you that they are doing it either out of ignorance, or their own wounded heart.
Choosing to see the good in others, despite their feelings or actions toward you
Loving your enemies, blessing those who persecute you
* None of this is easy, all of it requires making a choice to do what is right, following the words of Jesus "forgiving others even as He forgives you", and you have to rely on the Holy Spirit!*
If the pain caused by another is particularly hurtful, spiteful, or heinous, you will definitely need the Holy Spirit's guidance on how to release it. You may also need to go to a Christian counselor who can walk with you through the journey.
However, most offenses start out rather small...they only turn into a HUGE problem when we refuse to deal with it! Little offenses are like blisters, that if not dealt with, can fester and grow into a wound. The quicker we deal with hurtful situations, the least chance it has to get out of control. If you ignore it, push it down and try to pretend it never happened...it's still there, just waiting for the next offense, and then the next, until you have a gaping hole inside!
Most importantly - Pray for others!
Pray for those who hurt you
Pray for their healing and freedom
Pray that the person's eyes will be open to the truth
Pray blessings on them
Pray that God gives you a heavenly perspective to see what's really going on
Pray that He'll show you how to love them the way He loves them
Pray that no bitterness or unforgiveness remains in your heart toward that person
If we walk in forgiveness and not allow a foothold to the enemy, not only will we remain FREE, but we will stay open to minister that freedom to others.
My husband and I have been contending for specific promises that God laid on our hearts for some time now.
We've prayed, fasted, cried out, taken a step forward, only to take two steps back, had a pity party, cried, repented from having a pity party, prayed some more, thanked God, praised God, declared, decreed, rebuked, bound the enemy, confessed any sin, broken all generational curses, forgiven any offenses...then sat still and waited on the Lord . . .
and we're still waiting -
and we're still believing -
and we're stillstanding on the promises of God!
At times I want to sulk - I must confess my mood has been up and down lately - it's only through getting in God's presence through praise and worship that the heaviness lifts, the fear and anxiety leave, and I feel like I can stand once again. Waiting on the promises of God is no easy task. One thing I have to trust in, is the goodness of the Lord! He is faithful.
I receive the "Spirit of Prophesy Bulletin" by Bill and Marsha Burns every weekday - The one I got earlier this week hit me like a brick upside my hard head and was my wake-up call.
"The stand that you have taken against the enemy is being challenged. Now you must decide what to do about that. Will you just sit down in defeat because your ground is too hard to hold? Or, will you rise up in faith and authority to re-establish and maintain your victory? The choice is yours, but I am with you and behind you to gain and keep the victory, says the Lord."
Then they ended the Bulletin with this Scripture and it really ministered me:
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith." - 1 John 5:4
We often hear/read this Scripture and focus on the end - we make it all about "our faith". This time when I read it, I really saw the first part "whatever is born of God overcomes the world" - I thought, if my plans, dreams, and desires are really "born of God" - come from His heart and His will...they will overcome the world - guaranteed!
If God is for us - nothing can stop us!
If God is with us, who can be against us?
Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
I saw this picture and was so blessed because it reminds me of how our Heavenly Father's cares for His children.
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." - Psalm 91:4
Years ago I did a Bible study on the names of God that describe His many attributes. One name I learned was "El Gemolah", which means the "God of Recompense" (Jer. 51:56) - the God who pays back. In some cases, He pays back those who have done wrong (Law of sowing and reaping), while other times, He's the God who pays back because He restores what the enemy has stolen from His children.
I was led this morning to read the story in 2 Kings 8 about the Shunammite woman's land. She's the same one who prepared a room for Elisha. If you know the story, you remember that Elisha prayed for her (even though she had been barren) to have a son and then he later died. She went to find Elisha and he prayed for her dead son and brought him back to life.
We see in 2 Kings 8 that there is another chapter to her story.
Elisha tells her:
"Arise and go, you and your household, and stay wherever you can; for the Lord has called for a famine; and furthermore, it will come upon the land for seven years."
I don't know about you, but I can certainly imagine what kind of emotions she might have been experiencing. The Shunammite woman was generous, god-fearing, and obedient (2 Kings 4:8-37), she'd already been through a great trial. Yet she found herself and her family having to leave everything behind and go live in a foreign land for seven years.
At times, whether through the injustice of the enemy stealing something from us, or God just directing our path in a different direction that we can't fully understand, we find ourselves facing what appears to be great loss. It might look as if we're going backwards away from what we thought was His will (and forcing us to live a season in a "foreign land", not where we know we ultimately belong).
That's why I love how this story ends - it is a testimony to the faithfulness of God!
"It came to pass at the end of the seven years..." - 2 Kings 8:3 - Praise God, there is always an appointed end to your season of testing and trial.
The woman returned from the land of the Philistines and went to the King prepared to beg for her land back. What she didn't know was that God had already gone before her to set into motion a plan for restoration. At the very moment she appeared before the King, he was having a conversation with Elisha's servant answering questions about the miracles Elisha had performed, her miracle in particular! Gehazi, Elisha's servant, says
"My lord, o King, this is the woman, and this is her son whom Elisha restored to life."
Talk about awesome timing! The Shunammite woman was able to tell the King all about what Elisha had done. Then the King appointed an officer to help her and he commanded
"Restore all that was hers and all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the land until now."
God doesn't just give back what we lost- when He restores, He gives more than you had before!
My family has seen God's supernatural provision in some areas over the last month and we praise Him for His faithfulness.
Friends that God brought into my life have recently blessed me in ways that truly humbled me and I'm so grateful.
My husband and children are all well, and my kids are eagerly awaiting the end of another school year this Friday! They passed the EOG tests and are now rising 7th and 5th graders.
My family was blessed to be able to go to my Dad's beach house over Memorial Day weekend...the first time the WHOLE family has gone together in a long time, and we had a blast.
This weekend I was privileged to be the Speaker at a women's meeting where I saw the power of God move in the hearts of several ladies and bring healing.
Dreams and desires that have been dormant for years are beginning to surface and come into reality.
and yet...out of all these things, which I'm truly grateful for....not one of them in any way compares toHis presence!
I've been reflecting on the love of God these last couple of weeks and it's caused me to take a fresh look at His grace. I think this has been good for me...
You know how when you first get saved and you remember how much Jesus did for you on the cross because you were so aware of your sin? You knew you needed a Savior and grace was so evident because you didn't deserve anything, yet you felt God's love and peace flood your heart. (If you've never experienced the presence of God is this way, I pray you stop right now and ask Him to reveal Himself to you!)
Often in our journey with the Lord, somewhere along the way,we begin to drift away from grace. In an effort to please Him, we can easily fall for the works mentality trap. This is where the Galatians found themselves when Paul called them "foolish":
"Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law,
or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish?
After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human
strength? Have you suffered so
much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? Does God give you
his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because
you believe what you heard?
- Gal. 3:2-5
He goes on to talk about how Abraham believed what God told him, and it was accredited to him as righteousness. So we see that righteousness has to do with faith, not works. Of course we balance that out in James where it says that faith without deeds is dead, but it starts with believing! In other words, we do not EARN righteousness, we believe it and receive it.
Another example is Eph. 2:1-9
In verses 8 & 9 it says "For it is by grace
you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift
of God— not by works, so
that no one can boast."
So we're not to boast or brag as if we did anything good on our own. That would make us a modern day Pharisee.
And finally, here is one of my favorite Scriptures that explains what an insult it would be for anyone to think they could be good enough to earn God's love:
"I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law
could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die." - Gal. 2:21
How cruel would that be for Jesus to have died such a terrible, painful death, if there was another way to Heaven? But we know from Jesus own mouth that He alone is the way, the truth and the life, and no man can get to the Father except by Him.
Why do you think it's so natural for people to disregard grace? You would think they would welcome it...after all, the gospel means "good news". Even Christians who readily receive it, sometimes later wander back to trying to measure up on their own...we fall for the lies of the enemy that tell us that God is unhappy with us if we're not "doing", or that it ties in with our performance.
Human nature is completely opposite from God's way - God's way was so loving, so selfless, so unconditional, it boggles the mind! In fact, the cross seems foolish to the natural mind and can not be understood except by the Holy Spirit's revelation. It's not something we look at when we first receive Christ and then leave it behind to go onto "deeper truths". Everything was accomplished at the cross!
I've come to think of it as the "Great Exchange" and I think this explains why it's so difficult at times to accept, because it seems too good to be true.
We exchange...
our sin for His righteousness
our pain for His miraculous healing
our fear for His peace
our shame for His purity
our failures for His plan for us
our heavy burdens for His yoke that is easy and light
our weakness for His power
our chains for His freedom!
On and on it goes - every problem, resolved - every dirty emotion or mindset, wiped clean, every lie of the enemy exposed by the truth...and we do it all by grace through faith, just receiving and believing.
While most things in life that sound that easy are too good to be true, the Gospel is one thing that is too good not to be believed.
As a Mom to two boys, I assumed that I would escape the drama of hearing my kids beg for the latest trend in fashion...wrong! I've found that boys can be just as picky about what they're wearing, only it's a plea for the latest athletic wear...if I had a dollar for every time I've heard "every body's wearing them!" then I might actually be able to afford these overpriced gym clothes. Name brands like UnderArmor, Nike, & Reebok...The price to fit-in is too high in my opinion.
It's not just about what's on the outside - this "people pleasing" phenomenon spreads into
....how we think,
..........what we believe,
...............................and how we live our lives.
Culture, fueled by the "popular" and the "majority" decides what is acceptable. Unfortunately, this is evident even in the church, where we sometimes struggle to fit God's Word into a nice little package that doesn't offend anyone. After all, if we want to truly be accepted, we can't just look the part, but must match our ideologies with what's popular. Otherwise, we stand the risk of being labeled with a less than flattering title.
Understandably this is a problem for Christians, who are called to be light in a dark world. Popularity is not our goal, and should not be confused with influence. We want to be people who make a difference, but it must be done without compromising the truth. Otherwise, we could fall into the trap called "the fear of man". Fearing man's opinion above God's is called a "snare" (Prov. 29:25).
As always, it is very important that we speak this truth in LOVE!!! Culture changes over the years based on what is now acceptable. God's Word never changes. This can cause a problem when the two collide...
Why is the majority so hostile to those who don't conform?
Last Sunday our Pastor started a series from the Book of Esther. As he was reading the Scriptures for his sermon, this verse jumped out at me.
"All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor." - Esther 3:2
While this was not the subject of his teaching, I was overwhelmed by the similarity of Esther & Mordecai's plight to what we as Christians face today.
As a Jew, Mordecai was to bow down to God alone - so he was following his conscience to obey God's law rather than the kings. The Scripture goes on to say:
"When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes." - Esther 3:5-6
How is this similar to what Christians face today?
At times the world's way of thinking goes against what God has commanded of us - in these moments, whom should we obey? When we follow our conscience to obey God's Word, as Mordecai did, we go against the status qua and make many enemies. Just as Haman wasn't satisfied with punishing Mordecai alone, but rather made plants to wipe out the entire Jewish race, so our enemy (the devil) wants to silence the voice of all Christians who are not bowing to his plan.
In the New Testament, we see that while Jesus loved the people, He was NOT concerned with pleasing them:
Jesus purposely healed on the Sabbath just to shake up the religious leaders (Mark 3:1-6)
He turned over the money tables in the Temple (John 2:15)
He cast out demons and sent them into the pigs, who then jumped off a cliff. Those tending the pigs went and told the townspeople, who then begged for Jesus to leave. (Mark 5:17) They seemed unhappy that he delivered a man and let the demons destroy the pigs (all about money)
Jesus taught things that the people said were too hard to follow, like "eating his flesh and drinking his blood". Many of His disciples left. Jesus just asked "does this offend you?" Upon seeing some leave, He simply asked the Twelve "Do you want to leave too?" (John 6:54-67)
These are just some examples - In fact, Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-36 that He didn't come to bring peace, but a sword. He wasn't speaking literally, but instead making the point that His message would be a dividing factor, between those who would accept Him and those who would not. Further evidence corresponding with this Scripture is found in 2 Cor. 2:15:
"For we are to
God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are
perishing. To the one we
are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life..."
Even with all of this...Jesus was love epitomized. He laid down His life for us while we were still sinners - who could love someone more than that?
So we see, loving someone doesn't mean that we don't speak the truth that at times is not widely accepted. It doesn't mean that you won't get persecuted or asked to leave, or have people turn away from you because you're misunderstood.
What is the price and pay-off of popularity?
Price = Conforming to the world's system and turning your back on God's truth puts spiritual blinders on your eyes and can harden your heart to God's plan for your life.
Pay-off = Momentary recognition, but with no eternal value
What is the price and pay-off for following God's Word?
Price = Persecution - John 15:20 says "Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since
they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened
to me, they would listen to you."
Pay-Off = Reward - Matthew 5:10-12 - "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you
when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of me. Rejoice and be glad,
because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Pay-Off = Good company - you are following in the shoes of the prophets, disciples, and other Believers who weren't ashamed to stand up for the Gospel (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 12:1)
Let's end with this decision:
Joshua 24:15 asks for the people to choose this day whom they will serve...either the gods of their ancestors, or the Lord. He said, "But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Based on the above Scripture, the decision for us today is:
Will you follow the culture and seek man's approval? Will you sacrifice God's truth for being accepted? Will you fear man more than God?
Or will you not be ashamed of the Gospel, and of God's Word, and speak the truth in love?
I know it's been a long time since I cooked, but how dare you!
Josh being silly, wearing my bathing suit
Bobby & the boys in Alaska - on "Married Man's Trail" showing off the fruit of him being married (Jay & Josh)
"B" standing beside "Ricky Bobby"
Jesus laughing
Remember this song from preschool?
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, where? down in my heart, where? down in my heart...I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.
