What It Says

“The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,” says the Lord.  (Isaiah 59-20)

 I found this verse very interesting.  It doesn’t say someone is going to come and heal everyone of His children.  The verse doesn’t say that God is going to swoop in and be the Daddy Worbucks of the world and grant every material wish it may have.  And Isaiah isn’t saying that the Redeemer is going to tap dance His way into our hearts with sales slogans or begging.  “The Redeemer will come….to buy back….those…who have turned from their sins.”

 Jesus came to earth as man for one reason and one reason alone:  to be the perfect Lamb.  He showed us the way and then paved the road for us with His own blood.  Now, when you confess your heart to God and accept Jesus as your Redeemer you are promised an eternity with Him.  All the blessings that fall on you, all the trials that make you stronger, the people who come into your life to make it richer, and looking in a child’s eyes—your child’s eyes—is all icing on an already perfect cake.  The Savior came for you, to buy you and bring you to the Lord, and your eternity has already begun.

 “And the people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God.  And note this:  Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be the least important then.” (Luke 13:29-30)

A Big Plan

“But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”  (Matthew 10: 29b-31)

 I have been able to do a lot of reading lately.  The kids and I have been taking trips to the library and I am bringing home 6-8 books a week.  Saturday I read a book that I really felt reached in and touched my soul.  Have you ever had that happen?  I mean I read books I love, read books I can’t get enough of, and read books that I can relate to but this could book could have been about me and could have described my life before Jesus…and after (kinda). 

There is something about walking around feeling worthless and dirty.  There is something about wanting a prince charming to come and rescue you but after reading dirty romance novels you have an unrealistic idea of love and passion.  It wasn’t until Jesus met me where I was that I knew I was worth something.  And it wasn’t until Jesus cleaned away the dirt that I mucked up in my life that I knew what real love was.  It was then that I could truly love my husband and my children.  It was then that I slowly begun to learn about grace, forgiveness, and understanding.

God has a big plan for everyone.  Even in this economic and political turmoil God is here. He is there is your smallest and your biggest celebrations and struggles.  Jesus is there on the left and right.  God is sitting with you in the pew on Sunday morning and at your desk when you go to work Monday morning.  God is with you when you have to have those tough discussions with your kids and He is there when your kids make the right or the wrong decision without you looking over their shoulder.  God’s plan is perfect.  No matter what we decide to do His plan will work.  If anyone could screw up a good plan it’s me (ask the hubby) but God didn’t let me stay in that dark place.  He brought me out and now I can live in the light! 

“For I know the plans” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

A Memory

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so hat Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy: 15-16)

 

Gosh, I had to be about five or six years old. We lived on the third floor of an apartment building. I loved Easter because we got the most incredible baskets. This one year I was super excited. I remember waking up and looking out the window. The sun was starting to light up the sky but had broken through the horizon yet. My bedroom window looked out over the apartment complex’s playground and tennis court. I swear I saw an incredibly large rabbit thee buildings down. I jumped out of bed to search for my basket. I don’t remember where the basket was but this miniature arcade game (Pac-Man) I had was out and I remember thinking it smelled like candy so the Easter Bunny had to have taken a break to play it. I was amazed that the Bunny smelled so sweet. In fact, I convinced myself that, as I put my nose to the carpet, I could smell each of his footsteps through our apartment. 

 

Fast-forward a few years. When I was 20 I went to Easter service with my husband’s family. I had never been to an Easter service and I don’t recall if I knew at that time that Easter Sunday was a special day for Christians and not because of some bunny. I was so nervous at that service (I thought lightening was going to rain down on me) that I truly can’t remember if I heard the message or not but I really liked the music. The year I remember sticking out is when I was 23. I had just received Jesus as my Lord and I recall being amazed during Easter service that year. I simply hadn’t gotten it before. I got it then. I get it now.

 

Today I try to keep my mind on Jesus all day. I have the music I want selected and I have a Bible at my desk at work. I will get mad when I lose my focus and if I fail at my goals today. I just keep reminding myself that nothing I try to accomplish today to worship God silently will ever compare to what Jesus endured on Calvary so very long ago. And on Sunday, because Sunday will come, I will not be anxiously waiting for a bunny to fill my house with the scent of candy. As I rise this Easter morning I will be reminded that Jesus has risen. He has risen for you and He has risen for me. However, until Sunday comes let us be in prayer and remember, not little memories that fill our personal history, but the amazing suffering one man endured so that the rest of us can live.

 

“Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was born in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart…(Matthew 27:50-51)

 

You May Not Agree with Me

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7-8)

Iowa passed a law allowing same-sex marriage last week. I was not surprised at all. I expected the ruling to go down that way and a part of me is really struggling because I agree with it. Yes, me, the Bible-loving, God fearing, praying, joyful, Christian that I am is very torn because the legal rules, separation of church and state, side of me sees the point. I chose my faith. I chose to follow God and His ways and His design for life, marriage, love, and everything outside and in between. Although I will tell you to get involved in politics, go to meetings, vote as often as you can so that people we want to represent us are in office I do not believe that our Christian disciplines should be forced on anyone.

I know that a homosexual lifestyle is not what I teach my children and it’s not what I want for my children, I can be honest about that. However, I know if one of my children chose that I would still love them and still have them over for dinner. (Why dinner is sticking out in my mind I don’t know.) Then I think of God. He not only loves my gay child but also loves his or her partner, so I would invite that person over for dinner. My children would get a taste of the unconditional love the Father has for us through me even knowing that I don’t approve of their life style. Punishment for sin, and separation from God, is not something I have the right to dish out. And that gay child, believing with all of their heart that Jesus died for his or her sins, has a place in Heaven. There are sins that I struggle with daily that weigh no more than any other sin. The best I believe we can do is strive to live the life that God has planned for us and shine Jesus’ light for the world to see.

The state determining who can be legally united does not diminish the sanctity of marriage. The sanctity of marriage is what WE make of it and how we help other find the beauty in what God originally designed for us. Look at what heterosexual marriages have brought into our society over the last 50 years. When it comes to defending the sanctity of marriage, traditional marriages haven’t done such a great job of being the leaders in good marriages and monogamy in our country today. If we seriously want to make a difference in the world it has to start in our own marriages and then we have to learn to love the way God loves. I cannot stress enough how badly I mess up everyday and every time I go to the cross He forgives me. His example is excellent and perfect. So, you may not agree with me (I am not sure I do) but I just think that God has better ways for us to reach out and in than to verbally or legally attack people whose lifestyles are different than ours and I am sure there is a line there too….

“So the trouble is not with the laws, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.” (Romans 7:14-16)

I Can’t Do That

“For all of creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” (Romans 8:19)

 

Friend: “I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins. I think there is something I should do now. Maybe we’ll come to church with you”

 

Me: “Theoretically, if you really believe that Jesus died for your sins you are in.”

 

Friend: “I think I should get baptized now”

 

Me: “I would love to be there for that.”

 

Friend: “There has gotta be something I am supposed to do. It can’t be as easy as just saying Jesus saved me.”

 

Me: “I know it sounds too easy but as long as you believe you are saved”

 

This is a demonstration of me trying to reconstruct a conversation I had yesterday. There was, obviously, much more in there but I tried to capture the main idea. The person I was talking to had such a hard time capturing the idea that nothing else was required of him for salvation except to believe in Jesus. He was talking about living a better life, afraid he was just covering his butt because he truly believes the end of the world could come at any moment, and, although I know he was more than likely baptized when he was a baby (Catholic family) he really wants to be baptized again. I tried to keep the conversation light. I am always worried about sounding cheesy, which I shouldn’t (God forgive me).

I have a confession. I do not believe I am good at leading people to Jesus. I always envisioned my ministry focusing on people who already know Jesus and sharing with them how I see God in my everyday life. I have too many fears and pride because I am fearful of that when I tell someone Jesus simply wants everyone’s love and to have a close and intimate relationship with them that they won’t understand and they will be turned away from faith altogether. See, I am worried that in my excitement and passion for Jesus I look like a freak to the world. It’s so much easier when people already know about Jesus. It’s an easier foundation to build on.

If this is something God is going to have me do I won’t fight it. Actually, I am excited for my friend because I have wanted this for so long. I will simply pray that God will place the right words in my mouth and that I can find a balance between patience and excitement…not any easy thing to do! So, please pray for my friend, pray for me, and pray for the world because any day now you could be where I am and God put you there so don’t think it was an accident.

 

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what god wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit pray for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father knows all hearts and knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:26-28)

Dedication

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” (Mark 12:20)

 

My oldest son has decided to go out for track. This will be his first official school sport. Oh, he has been playing sports for seven years but those were with leagues in the city. The expectations are much higher with the school. He is now a representative of his school and his coaches have very high expectations of him and his fellow teammates. I can hope he realizes and embraces this choice he has made. I also hope this helps him focus, although I am not holding my breath. He is, after all, starting to knock on that door of being a teenager.

 

I think of how many times I have tried something new. Sometimes I know what is expected of me up front like teaching on Wednesday nights. There are other times when I have no clue what I have gotten myself into like the mission project I am working on right now (it’s coming along slowly).  Each time I have put myself out there God has molded me. Sometimes He lets me know that what I just tried need not be tried again. Other times he nudges me to dig deeper because I have hit the sweet spot. Either way, God is right there as I try to be purposeful about searching and seeking out the plans God has for me. Anyone who says living for God, and His will, is easy simply doesn’t know. Living for God takes dedication.

 

It’s this dedication that I pray my son gets a good taste of. I pray that the hard work he is going to put forth over the next six weeks will demonstrate how hard work pays off and how rewarding it is to be part of a team, achieve goals, and honorably represent something bigger than himself. I actually pray this for all my children. As we live in such a self centered culture I really hope my children think outside of themselves and grow serving hearts. I want them to be dedicated to God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Let’s see if we can’t all be more dedicated to God and the higher calling He has on our lives. Let us all get into this race, hit the track hard, and run to win.

 

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12: 1a-2a)

Journeys

“I know, Lord, that our lives our not our own. We are not able to plan our own course. So, correct me, Lord, but please be gentle.” (Jeremiah 10:23-24)

 

I read that today and I almost started to giggle, even though I know it’s not funny. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I have prayed that exact prayer! Even reading it over and over again I can see it in my mind. How many times have I sat in this exact spot and let God know that I know He is in control? How many times have I confessed my sins but then, in the back of my mind, I am chanting “be gentle, be gentle, be gentle”? Do you ever feel good when you know you are not alone in your heart?

 

My journey through the Bible this morning was much of the same. I came across verses, as I did my morning Lent readings, and each time I felt God speaking to me. This is why I love God’s Word because the pages aren’t just filled with words. This tattered book I carry around with me, and try to pick up every morning, has become His voice in my heart. Now, I don’t get these warm fuzzy feelings every time but when I do it’s pretty neat stuff and I reminded once again of God’s beauty and His grace and love. I am reminded of how blessed I am and how much I love Him!

 

So, I finish this up with a few more versus from today.

 

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” (Psalm 42:1-2)

 

“Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live.” (Psalm 43:3)

 

“For the sin of this one man, Adam, causes death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:17)

 

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

I want to Live a Verb

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.” (Psalm 18:1-2a)

 

I am a nerd. Actually, I am the nerd of my entire family. Being a nerd I like schedules, budgets, numbers, and routines. However, I don’t do so well with commands and rules because I am also defiant and a little mischievous (go figure). For example: I like to wake up in the morning to pray and read my Bible. I don’t read my Bible and pray because God commands it though. I do those things because I love the Lord and I want to know Him better. I love going to service on Sundays. I don’t go because it’s the law but I go because it’s incredible to worship the God of the universe and be surrounded by so many people who are in love with Him as well. I enjoy teaching and serving on Wednesday nights but it’s not because Jesus requires acts of service. I go in to my classroom on Wednesdays because I want to encourage a great group of awesome kids to be excited and in love with Jesus.

 

I want to live the verb of being in love with Jesus. I want my faith to be moving and living. I never want to sit down for a second.

 

+        I want to reach out into the community

+        I want to love the people in my life unconditionally

+        I want to give and then give some more

+        I want to trust and know that I am free

+        I want to be a good wife, mother, daughter, and friend

+        I want to live running and basking and all these things with God in the center of me because I love my Lord….because I love Jesus.

 

I want to bring God with me everywhere I go. Sometimes I leave Him here in this seat after I get done with devotions and for that I feel terrible. He doesn’t want just my mornings. Our Lord wants our everything and I want to give it to Him. I have let go of me and let God in and some days that is hard.  Walk with me, please, as I endure this challenge not because of some rule or ritual but because of  love and devotion to our Father.

 

“Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him.” (Revelations 19:6a-7a)

Embarrassingly Naked

“I tried to relieve your fears: ‘Don’t be terrified of them. God, your God, is leading the way; he’s fighting for you. You saw with your own eyes what he did for you in Egypt; you saw what he did in the wilderness, how God, your God, carried you as a father carries a child, carried you the whole way until you arrived here. But now that you’re here, you won’t trust God, your God—‘” (Deuteronomy 1:29-31 The Message)

 

I am overwhelmed with family. I am overwhelmed with school. I am overwhelmed with a special needs child. I am overwhelmed trying to be the wife and mother I am called to be. I am overwhelmed with busyness but then overwhelmed when I can’t think of what to do. I am overwhelmed trying to be healthy and lose weight. I am overwhelmed with our finances. I am overwhelmed trying to keep a house and I am overwhelmed trying to keep my faith in line when there are days when it feels like the balls I so precariously juggle are bouncing down the road and I am overwhelmed keeping chasing them down. And what is it again that I try to teach over and over again? I shout out constantly that God is good, when we hand everything over to God we will find peace, and (my favorite) God has a beautiful and perfect plan. Once again it is easier said than done.

 

With all that you may find it incredible that I have peace and reassurance in my faith. In spite of being terribly overwhelmed, some days anyway, I can usually go with the flow fairly well. God has found ways to remind me that I am where I am and, honestly, I couldn’t and wouldn’t change a thing. I love my husband and so I love being his wife. I adore my children and so even the hard days are a joy. I love accounting so work is a reward. I believe I am a student by nature and so school is something I look forward to. And, as far as the juggling….I have never been very good at balance so it’s no wonder that I drop the ball quite often.

 

My point is that everything is about perspective. Yes, I will be the first to admit that there is a lot going on but we have a home, we have food, we have power, we have jobs, we are healthy, and we have an amazing family and circle of friends. God is good. In the chaos of it all I take a big deep breath in and I breath out and I put one foot in front of the other and I smile because, even on the cloudiest day, I am still standing in the Sun.

 

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your hear to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8)

The Bird that Flew In

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.’” (Genesis 1:20)

 

We had our nieces over last night. Usually, I would have loved to keep them all night but it’s was a school night and it couldn’t be done. We took them over to grandma and grandpa’s (they are staying there this week) and when we opened the door a bird flew in the house. This was a new experience for all of us. Grandma and grandpa have a huge great room so the bird had plenty of room to fly around. Actually, the poor little thing kept smacking the ceiling in it’s attempts to figure out what was going on!

 

We couldn’t get the little guy to fly toward the front door again. He kind of stayed toward the kitchen area. My youngest thought yelling at it would be helpful. My oldest niece took the dog into another room. My father-in-law went to the garage to get a net. I just kind of stood there not wanting to get pooped or peed on. My mother-in-law told me to turn out the lamp and that did it. As soon as the light toward the back of the room was gone the bird started to fly toward the light, which meant it was going to fly outside.

 

Of course, I can find the scripture to apply to this. Jesus is the light that we are to look for to know which way to. Not only that, but God calls us to be a light so that others may also know which direction to go. Sometimes there are things that come into our lives and we can be like that bird, bouncing around and hitting our heads on the ceiling. Look for the Light. Turn to God’s Word and turn to Him in prayer and He will show you the way.

 

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)