Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Behind the Scenes


For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT)


Images of candidates crisscrossing this nation and the world filled the television screen last week. I am thankful to be an American citizen with all of its rights and privileges, but some thoughts in a recent sermon reminded me that I am also a citizen in the Kingdom of God. Dual citizenship occurred when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. Jesus wanted his disciples to understand their earthly responsibilities to the Kingdom of heaven. Rather than writing up a book of rules, He told stories using simple everyday situations and items to make His point. He suggested that the best way to get results is to work behind the scenes, quietly making changes. His example in Matthew 13:33 illustrates the point; The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough. As a baker, I know that though you can't see the yeast mixed in with everything else, the results of its addition are unmistakable. I want to make a difference as a Kingdom citizen but it is reassuring to know that I don't have to be the center of attention. My contribution may be minor and seem unremarkable but the miracle comes from God's multiplication factor. He is the one who makes the difference, I am just one of the ingredients. Today is Chicks Flick day with some of my neighbors. My prayer is that a word, a response, or even an action will be done for the Kingdom. Let me know how it goes in your little world.


Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Encouragers


My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace. 1 Peter 5:12b (NLT)


Liz Curtis Higgs writes in her devotional Rise and Shine, "As encouragers, we're called to exhort, beseech, comfort, console, strengthen, persuade, support, sustain, cheer, embolden, entreat, build up, appeal, urge, and invite." There are the "professional" encouragers, which include pastors, teachers, speakers, and writers that use the gifts God has given them to influence a larger audience. However, more often than not, it is one-on-one encouraging that we experience. As a mother, one of my goals is to be my kids' biggest cheerleader. I also want to be the kind of friend that takes phone calls with a sympathetic ear, willing to lend support or comfort. Or maybe, it is an enthusiastic shout of shared joy. Yet, the desire of my heart is to strengthen the weary band of wanderers on this journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. I know how easy it is to take one wrong step, stray from the path, and get lost. There was a time in my life where I needed a friend to challenge me, urge me to listen to the truth, and ultimately to invite me to follow the path God had set out for me. She never condemned me but always loved me. I know that her friendship and counsel made a everlasting difference in my life. That may be one reason why I am doing things I never thought I would do – speaking and writing. Think about your response to your family and friends and choose to be an encourager. The results are worth the effort.


Saturday, July 19, 2008

Be careful little mouth


For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NKJV)


There are many jokes about all the words women say in the course of a day. We can chatter on about nothing with a close friend, speak in shorthand with our daughters, or slip in that tidbit of good gossip over lunch. Yet, words last forever…they just hang there for all to hear and remember. In fact, once that story pops out of your mouth there is no taking it back. But more importantly, we want our word to be believed and not discredited or questioned. When we make promises or swear an oath our reputation and integrity are on the line. It reminds me of times in the past when I used to chair meetings. When I called for the vote, an exact tally of ayes and nays gave credibility to my leadership. If there was a miscount or worse, fraud, the whole organization became suspect. I know that a broken promise wounds like no other because it compromises a trust and it takes a long time to regain the previous level of intimacy. In this passage of scripture, there have been some problems in communication in the Corinthian church. Paul wants them to understand that they can count on him because his words are true…that when he says, "yes," that is what he means. We can know that our Father is always there for us, will never betray us, and He keeps our secrets. His "Amen" assures us that we never have to worry that He is going to change His mind or take back His promise…He is our guarantee. I encourage you to be careful with your words so that your "yes" means "yes" to the glory of God. It reminds me of the verse from an old children's song:


Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say

Oh, be careful little mouth, what you say

For the Father up above,


Is looking down in love,


So be careful little


mouth what you say.


Thursday, July 17, 2008

Deep, sunless valley


Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (Amplified Bible)


Today is the private funeral for Tony Snow. I did not know him but I, too, will celebrate his life, grieving for this too-soon loss of a fine man. But, who am I to say it was too soon? God's timing may not coincide with our timetable but He knows the end of the story. Another inconceivable tragedy hit a remarkable family and blindsided them all, leaving them to pick up the pieces of their heart: the Steven Curtis Chapman family is also treading that lonely path of sorrow and loss. I started following the blog of Jim Houser, manager of the day-to-day life of Steven, after the death of their five-year-old daughter, Maria. As he reports, I see that God is the great Healer and each day brings a measure of normalcy to the family. Jim writes, "Steven felt it was important to acknowledge what the family has been going through over these past 8 weeks, and 'Yours' has taken on new meaning in recent weeks to many who work alongside Steven. Already a very special song, Steven's reflections since Maria's loss in the 4th verse only make the song even more challenging, compelling, and passionate. Concertgoers this past weekend had a chance to take in the new lyric, and on each of the 3 occasions rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Steven sang the closing line in the new verse.


Here's the new verse lyric...


I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow

So deep and dark that I could barely breathe

I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear

And questioned everything that I believe

But still even here

in this great darkness

A comfort and hope come breaking through

As I can say in life or death

God we belong to you."


To the Snow family and the Chapman family, I pray that you will KNOW the God of hope and comfort as He protects and guides you through this dark valley. Amen.


Saturday, July 12, 2008

Ebullient


I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)


ebullient \ih-BUL-yuhnt\, adjective: overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited. This is my word to answer the question posed on Fox News to describe the late Tony Snow. I spent many years in the political arena but never had the pleasure to meet Tony. Watching the various programs, I notice the tears near the surface of each person as they share about the quality and integrity of their friend, Tony. I found that I needed to wipe my own eyes because I mourn, too, as one who has lost a good friend. I ache for his wife and children because the final leg of this inevitable journey is complete and I am sure they are heartbroken. However, we don't grieve as those who have no hope. No, we know that Tony is home with his Heavenly Father, with that great smile on his face, probably shaking hands all around, jammin' on his flute. Our loss is heaven's gain.


Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hot and Tired


So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:40-42 (NLT)

The story of the woman at the well gripped our attention and imagination as our Bible study teacher shared her ideas of the events of that day. We only know a few sketchy details of this woman: married five times and even now just living with a man, alone at the well in the middle of the day, with a surprise request from a strange Jewish man. Something was not right because women usually went together early in the morning to draw the water, enjoying the camaraderie of being together. However, her reputation cast her out of that circle of friendship and fellowship, leaving her alone in the heat of the day to get the much-needed water. Startled, she responded abruptly when a weary Jesus sat down and asked for some water. She noticed that He didn't even have a bucket, but rather than demanding water from her, He offered her living water. She questioned Him, not understanding what He had in mind, and then imagine her surprise when He proceeded to recite the sordid details of her life. Right about now I would have turned away in shame but Jesus had met her at the point of her greatest need. She wanted life – a real life – without all the drama and trauma that she encountered at every turn. She probably had tried it all without success and was ready to give up but this Man said, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again, But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." No wonder she flew down the dusty trail, forgetting her jar in her haste, to tell everyone in town of her new discovery. Her life changed in an instant as she grasped who this stranger was and what He was offering her. We may not be outcasts like this woman but life may disappoint and discourage us at every turn. We try unsuccessfully to handle it ourselves and may even want to give up. Jesus knows what is going on in our lives and His offer is available today – to anyone who asks. Notice that He didn't hurry on down the road but stayed two more days. The patient Jesus answered their questions and the revelation of the power of this Living Water changed this town. Thirsty? Ask the woman at the well – she has a great story to share.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Freedom

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. Galatians 5:13 (The Message)

I woke up this morning to a clear sky, sunlight streaming through the windows after a torrential monsoon yesterday. We celebrate the 4th of July, much like we do Christmas, with special decorations, a patriotic shirt, a favorite meal, and friends around the table. Last night we had our friends who lost their home to the fire last week over for dinner. As we shared the news of the destroyed house and hopes for the new one, I thought about the changes life throws our way. We encounter rocks in the road that seemingly appear out of nowhere. Yet, as I listened to them share the story of the fire, I heard the surprise and joy in their voices at the out-pouring of love and concern from the neighborhood. People that they had never met called with offers of housing, dinners, and help. They have a wonderful attitude about the whole situation – truly showing grace under fire. Yes, freedom is serving each other…not because we have to but because we want to, showing the love of Christ through our actions. In an election year, we hear promises constantly tossed about by the candidates. I urge you to remember that you can only change one person – yourself. It is up to each of us to bring freedom to those around us by serving them with a heart of love. Enjoy today as we celebrate the birthday of this wonderful nation. God bless America!