The Power of Persistence

Last night, I watched the Pioneers of WBU take on teams from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in basketball matches. The women's game was an absolute blowout! The men's game was a lesson in persistence.

The men's game was hard fought throughout. The Pioneers were down at the half and by the closing minutes of the game things didn't look good for the men of WBU. Nothing seemed to be going right for our team. Despite their best efforts, the ball simply would not fall through the hoop. Easy shots that I had watched them make with ease at other games were just not finding the net. The only thing I can say is that it just wasn't their night. Still, the men pressed on to make the best of a tough situation.

As the game was beginning to wind down, the pep band and I had a clear revelation that there was a good chance the game would not end in time for us to make our weekly trip to the Donut Shop before their 10pm closing. The band had to break down their set up...and there were only a few minutes left in the game....so I decided to leave early and make a dash to get our donuts for the night. (Hey! When there's a decision between watching the final minutes of a basketball game and getting yummy donuts, is there really a choice to be made? Really?)

When the music students entered the building after the game, I knew that something had happened. There was excitement in the air and the fans could hardly contain themselves. The students began to tell me that in the final minutes of the game -- just after I left -- the tide turned and WBU sent the game into overtime. The Pioneers continued to rely on the things they had practiced and invested so much time in....and things began to pay off! The victory was decisive and Wayland outscored the Lions of SAGU 108-90.

Those of you who know me well are asking yourselves by now why I am even talking about a basketball game. (My Pepperdine friends are probably surprised that I even understand the basics of the game!) Here's why I was so inspired by last night's performance. I'm sure it was tempting at times for the men's basketball team to just shake their heads in frustration and give up. It would have been easy to say that things just weren't going their way and they would save their energy for a later game where they might have a better chance of winning. But they didn't....they pushed through the difficulties and ended up achieving success.

Whatever our individual pursuits, we all face difficulties in accomplishing tasks from time to time. We simply cannot find the correct words to use for the report. A musical passage seems beyond our grasp no matter how often we repeat it. The mountain of paperwork on the desk never diminishes. Successfully accomplishing the task seems hopeless. The Pioneers' game reminds us that persistence pays off. When we continue to take the steps that we know are required, we make progress. The progress may be minuscule, but it's a step in the right direction. Hard work and patience -- the essential elements of persistence -- always pay off in the end.

The Apostle Paul says this of persistence:

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phillippians 3:12-14, NASB)

Whatever our task today, let's reach higher and faithfully persist. The task will ultimately be accomplished and we will see the reward of our hard work.

I Still Cling....

On this Good Friday, Christians around the world pause to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary's cross. This day is the very basis of our salvation and the ultimate expression of the unconditional love of God for sinful man. No wonder we set aside this day to linger at the foot of the cross!

What difference did the cross make? It provided the perfect sacrifice to redeem us from sin, but it did so much more! The cross opened the way to have a personal relationship with a loving God. It became a permanent reminder of the hope we have that death is not the final chapter. The cross teaches us that our failures do not define us and that temporary suffering is often a step to victorious living. The cross is a place of forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope. The cross is a shelter from life's storms as well as a foundation upon which we anchor our lives. The cross is everything we need.

That's why I choose to daily cling to the old rugged cross.

The Stress of Financial Insecurity

Most people reading my blog know that I have been in the job hunt for several years now. I've been fortunate enough to live with my parents while I pursue a full-time position. Piecing together several part-time positions has allowed me to pay the bills (most of the time) while doing the work that I love. Still, I have become an expert on the stress that comes from financial insecurity.

One of the most trying aspects for those in my circumstance is the constant uncertainty. Part-time positions can change without warning. Income that was essential to your survival can be severely slashed -- or completely wiped out -- and there is nothing you can do about it. Since there is no job security for the part-timer, there is the constant pressure to accept every opportunity to earn a little income that comes your way. Sometimes these "jobs" add to the stress. Because the employer knows you are desperate, they also know that you will work for much less than you deserve. This results in your hard work being under-compensated and leads to abusive working environments that you must endure because your checkbook demands it.

As the challenges of financial uncertainty continue, everything becomes a major hurdle in life. Sickness -- even something as simple as a sinus infection -- can send the monthly budget into a tailspin. A major illness will often be ignored because we don't want to deal with the stress of figuring out how we will pay for the treatment. Let's not even begin to think about issues related to car or house repairs. A broken appliance or a brake replacement requires significant sacrifice. The only problem is that sacrifices are already being made in other areas. The next cut will have to come from an area that is truly a necessity. "Have you ever tried to get blood out of a turnip?"

If the financial struggle lingers, it becomes easy to find yourself in self-doubt. What's wrong with me that I can't get a job? Am I wrong to pursue my dreams? At what point do I give up my dream and settle for a desk job as a pencil pusher? Will this ever end? Will I ever know what stability and self-reliance is? It's easy to see that people in similar situations can easily find themselves spiraling into the depths of depression because of the apparent hopelessness of their situation. (While I don't consider myself currently depressed, I have dealt with the disease in the past and am constantly on alert for its reappearance in my life.)

Thankfully, the situation is not entirely hopeless. I don't know when I'll find a job that gives me security. I don't know what the future will demand in regards to my career choice. In spite of everything I don't know about my financial situation, I do know this one thing -- my Heavenly Father cares for me and has promised to take care of my needs. I may not see how my needs are going to be met and I may not understand why I have to face this challenging time, but I know that He can be trusted to keep His promises. Right now, the only thing I have is to base my hope solidly on these words of Jesus:

Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? . . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow... (Matthew 6:25-27; 33-34, HCSB)

So here I am.....trusting and waiting.....
~Kennith

A View From Above

I love to fly. As soon as I boarded a plane for the first time as a teenager, I knew there was no other way to travel. Not only did I like the fact that I arrived at my destination much sooner, I also enjoyed looking at the earth from high above. Each time I find myself looking out the window of a jet, I am reminded of a few very important truths.

As I look out at the scenery, I am reminded just how small I am. As cars and people begin to look like ants and toys, I realize that my life is just a minuscule part of what is happening on planet Earth. Things that seem enormously important in my life are seen in a new light because I am suddenly aware of the fact that there is a much bigger picture. The world does not stop turning just because of my problems. Truthfully, much of the world is completely unaware of my existence -- much less the challenging issues I face daily.

While this can seem like a very negative view of the world and life at first, I have to go a step farther and notice the immense patchwork art that I see from the Master Artist's perspective. Even though I am a small part of the overall masterpiece, I take great comfort in the realization that the One who formed this work of art sees me as an essential part of His plan and is lovingly aware of my life. While I am focused on the immediate circumstances, He sees the bigger picture that is taking shape as I am morphed by my current situation. My challenge becomes determining if I will choose to focus on my limited perspective or trust the bird's eye view of the Master Artist as He carefully creates another masterpiece out of me.

Next time the stress of daily life hits you hard, take a moment to hop on a jet plane in your mind's eye and grab a peek at the big picture He is forming for you.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

As my family continues to come to grips with Dad's recovery from bypass surgery, we are very conscious of our diet at the moment. We are eating low fat foods as much as possible. We're aware of our sugar intake. We are hyper-aware of sodium levels. With all of these concerns, cooking has been challenging for Mom.

One of the doctor's final instructions to Dad before leaving the hospital was to "watch the salt." As the first week at home progressed, comments were made regularly at dinner about the food's blandness. I felt sorry for Mom who was doing the best she could, but I couldn't figure out what was going on. We had scheduled recipes that were low in sodium that we had prepared many times before to rave reviews. I was now a man on a mission.

My first thought was that the spices had gone bad and lost their potency. A quick Internet search explained that the spice's smell was the best way to determine if it was still good. I shared this information with Mom and then began smelling spice bottles in the kitchen. The aromas were amazing! This clearly was not the problem.

Once the house had quieted a bit, I had the chance to sit down and talk to Mom and Dad about their first week home. As we talked, we discovered some things that needed improvement and some areas that were concerning for each of us. The conversation moved to the week's food and Mom's questions about what was happening. It felt as though a light bulb illuminated over my head, and I asked Mom a simple question: "Are you still adding salt to the recipes as directed?" When she said that she was not, I knew we had discovered the meals' problem.

We talked about the difference between the ideas of "watching the salt" and "eliminating all salt." The doctor did not say that Dad could not have salt; Dad was told to make sure he did not use too much salt. It was fun to watch Mom's eyes light up with understanding. Now she is cooking with salt in a reasonable manner and making Mrs. Dash's Table Blend available for additional seasoning by the individual.

What a difference a little salt made! Saturday evening was the first meal of the week that Mom resumed her use of salt; the results were AMAZING! While eating dinner, my mind raced to the saying of Jesus recorded in Matthew 5:13: "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men." (HCSB) After a week of eating food prepared without the added flavor of salt, Jesus' words took on brand new meaning....and the scripture's challenge became clearer in my mind.

Transformed!

The church I am attending (Marion First Baptist) is in the process of being transformed. Through a series of eight sermons, the congregation is exploring how God wants to transform our health spiritually, physically, financially, relationally, emotionally, and vocationally. (There is another area that I am not recalling at the moment.) The sermon series uses Romans 12:1-2 as its key verse.

In the sermon on spiritual health, the following statement was made: "What we think influences how we feel. What we feel influences how we act." What a powerful concept! If we want change in our lives, it is not an issue of will-power or an emotional event. True change begins in the mind. We first have to change the way we think.

To illustrate this point, Dr. Hallmark had us look at the story of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. In this familiar story we see a great change in the son's thinking. In verse 12, the son is most concerned about what is due him. His first words are "Give me!" By verse 19, the proof of his transformation is clear. "Give me" has been replaced with "make me." Rather than focusing on what he can get, the son seeks to find out how he can serve his father as an act of love for the forgiveness he had received.

This was the first time I had ever considered this parable in this light. I have to admit that it brought some conviction. I've enjoyed sitting in congregations for nearly a year with a "give me" attitude. I wanted to enjoy the services without making any type of commitment. I was being a free-loader.

That's no way to live a spiritually healthy life. For a season, I was experiencing some much needed healing and restoration. That season has passed, but I had gotten comfortable in my "give me" mentality. I wasn't necessarily saying "no"; I just wasn't permitting anyone to be aware of the abilities I had to offer.

Now I'm finding myself praying "make me" again. Show me how I can serve. Place me in the body as it pleases You, Lord. The proverbial pew has become too comfortable, so it's time to get up and get my hands involved in ministry again.

There has already been a little guilt to deal with. I've been unable to assist with some projects due to schedule conflicts, previous commitments, and Dad's health issues. Saying "no" is never easy for me. I immediately heard the accusing voice declaring that people are going to think I'm all talk and no commitment. I refuse to believe that to be the case. I won't allow unfounded guilt to steal my "make me" attitude. After all, I'm pursuing transformation one step at a time. It's past time for this caterpillar to break out of his cocoon and fly!

Waiting

I recently heard an outstanding message about the importance of waiting in the different seasons of our life. Because I seem to be in a perpetual state of waiting right now, the sermon especially spoke to my heart. I wanted to recount some of the points from the sermon here to keep them before my mind.

Firstly, waiting sharpens our focus. It's in the times that we find ourselves waiting that our attention is directed on God. As He draws us to Himself, we diligently seek Him and follow His direction. However, it is also in these times of waiting that our focus can become misdirected. When the waiting extends beyond our expectations, it becomes easy to instead focus on worldly voices. We become tempted to begin fixing things so we finally get a result. The only problem is that when we begin to focus on things other than God for our provision, we begin to be guilty of idolatry. No wonder the Scripture says that "I waited patiently on the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help." (Psalm 40:1, HCSB)

Our character is also developed during periods of waiting. Waiting rids us of those things that do not reflect Christ's character. Even though we may not like the waiting, this process prepares us for the blessing that God has in store for us. In one of the most meaningful lines from the sermon, the minister explained how God's waiting to act is actually an act of love since a loving Heavenly Father would not give His children a gift before they were prepared to receive it. Waiting makes sure that we are thoroughly prepared for God's plan for our life.

Lastly, waiting leads us to total surrender. As we wait, we realize that we are completely dependent on God. We are powerless to change our circumstances. It's in the times of waiting that we ultimately raise our hands in total surrender as an act of worship. When we realize we are powerless and acknowledge His authority, we finally release His power in our lives. Patiently waiting in contentment becomes an absolute act of worship.

Five years of waiting has been trying. I am so ready for the next chapter of my life to begin. Still, I am praying that God uses this waiting period to prepare me for what He has in store. I am walking in the faith that what He has in store for me is far greater than anything I could have ever hoped or imagined. He will reveal His plan for me in His perfect time. Until then, I'll continue learning to patiently wait.

A Reason to Celebrate

While reading in the Biblical book of Leviticus recently, I was struck by the number of feasts and festivals set up in Hebrew law. Quite simply, God told the Israelites to make sure they took time to celebrate. Celebrations had a purpose, reminded them of their heritage, and involved the entire family. I wonder how much we would benefit if celebration became a more important part of our routine?

As Americans, we know how to party. We find it easy to get together with good friends to enjoy good food and good times. Despite our best efforts, it seems we've lost the focus of true celebration. Celebrations seem to be about much more than merely fellowship.

Biblical celebrations were often associated with important events. The Day of Atonement and Passover are examples of such sacred celebrations. Levitical festivals also celebrated the past. During the Feast of Booths, families constructed temporary shelters; the booths served as reminders of the Jews' wilderness travels while focusing on God's faithfulness and providence. Additionally, the Sabbath was a weekly celebration of sorts.

How would our lives be enriched if we began to include celebrations in our annual routine? Many families celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, but how often do we pause to reflect on the blessings we have received because of the birth and marriage? Imagine if we paused to focus on God, our Healer, each year on the anniversary of the day the doctor declared the cancer was gone. God's faithfulness could be remembered as we celebrate promotions or jobs found after long periods of unemployment. Some may find it important to celebrate deliverance from an abusive relationship or addiction. The reasons we have to celebrate are endless!

Whatever blessing you have received and want to remember, the lesson of Leviticus is clear: take the time to CELEBRATE with a purpose! I think it's time to begin inserting some personal holidays into my family calendar as we reflect together on the provisions and faithfulness of our loving God. Here are a few that I know I need to begin celebrating right away.

• MAY 8, 2009 - Day of Deliverance
• MAY 9, 2009 - Day of Completion
• AUGUST 1, 2011 - Day of New Beginnings
• MAY 15, 2008 - Celebrate the Healing
• JULY 1, 2013 - Independence Day

What important anniversaries do you need to add to your calendar? Take a moment and let the celebrations begin!

Life Lessons in Starbucks

Sitting in Starbucks, blowing a few hours before my next appointment causes me to consider the human condition. The fact that I'm sitting here sipping a hot chocolate is not shocking at all. After all, I love chocolate in any form. What is troubling is that I made this stop immediately after leaving the dentist. I just had my teeth cleaned before exposing them to this filth again.

I'm not really upset about my teeth, but the irony of the situation made me wonder how many times we do similar things in other areas of life. We make strides in improving our financial status and celebrate by making a new purchase on credit. As soon as our stress level is reduced, we feel comfortable enough to take on a new project. It seems we get out of one mess only to begin living in another. What would happen if we ever allowed ourselves to experience contentment and peaceful living for more than a few minutes?

Today, I'm meditating on this passage written by Paul in Philippians 4.

I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess -- happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me . . . Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.  (Philippians 4:10-13, MSG)

It's taken me a while, but today I can say that I'm experiencing more contentment and happiness that I have known in a very long time. Now is not the time to return to old habits; it's time to continue traveling forward.

The Power of Fear

Spiders. 

Snakes. 

Failure. 

Public Speaking. 

Death. 

These are just a few of the things that can strike fear into the heart of people. What we fear is often irrational according to others. Intellectually, we know that our fears are somewhat silly. Still we face the invisible monsters that hide beneath our beds and look for danger lurking around the corner.

A few weeks ago, I faced fear head on. A visit to the doctor resulted in an EKG to rule out a heart condition. While the results came back clear, the nurse practitioner warned that hidden dangers could be associated with my condition that would not be picked up by the test. I was sent home with no answers and lots of questions.

As I tried to sleep, I came face to face with fear. I was experiencing pain -- which would probably better be described in hind-sight as discomfort -- and heard the warnings from the nurse in my mind. I began to panic. I am too young to die. Momentarily, I truly understood what it was to be paralyzed by fear. Intellectually, I knew the pain I was experiencing was not typical for a heart emergency and that the EKG gave me a clean bill of health.  Fear tortured me and I found myself at the emergency room.

As I look back on that night, I don't regret the decision of making the visit to the hospital. I firmly believe that it is always best to err on the side of caution in health-related matters. What grabs my attention is the sheer power of fear in our lives.

Fear is a motivator. It was my fear that caused me to drag my body out of bed at midnight and go to the hospital. While it was the motivation of my visit, the ironic truth is that fear also paralyzes. I was unable to make the decision to visit the ER on my own. I had to be coerced by family members.

Fear brings shame. As a young man in my early 40s, I was embarrassed to tell the nurse that I was at the hospital because I was having a panic attack.....or a heart attack....I wasn't sure which.  As the pain subsided and I realized I was going to be okay, I began to apologize to everyone for wasting their time. Despite their instructions to stop beating myself up, I found myself in a personal prison.

Fear is relentless. Fear is not easily overcome. Once I was diagnosed with an injury to my neck, my fear would always find times to rear its ugly head and generate doubt in the days that followed. Fear most often attacks in the quietness of the night or when we find ourselves alone. It isn't hard to comprehend that fear can often morph into depression.

We were not created to live in fear! Scripture clearly lays this out in 2 Timothy 1:7:  "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (NKJV) God's plan for his creation was to be at peace in their minds.  This peace comes from knowing Jesus Christ (see John 14:27). 

Whatever Fear has you in its grasp is not meant to have control over you! Put aside your pride, run to your Heavenly Father and openly admit your fear. Then allow Him to deal with the monster that has been making a home under your bed for far too long! He will gladly replace your fear with perfect peace!

You're Doing It Wrong!

I am a person who likes order and clear direction. I want a plan to follow step-by-step. I want to make sure that I'm doing things right. I'm learning this quality has been a detriment to my prayer life over the years. I've gotten so wrapped up in following the model of the Lord's Prayer and making sure that I was following the ACTS formula that I never felt like I was doing it right! Since I wasn't confident in the "formula", I didn't think my prayers had any power.

As I continue reading Philip Yancey's book on prayer, I found some encouragement for my situation in the chapter called "Tongue-Tied." If you've ever felt as though your prayers were inadequate, I hope these words also encourage you.

Apart from the requirement that we be authentic before God, there is no prescribed way to pray. Each of us presents a unique mix of personality, outlook, training, gifts, and weaknesses, as well as a unique history with church and with God. As Roberta Bondi says, "If you are praying, you are already 'doing it right.'"

. . . . .

Jesus taught a model prayer, the Lord's Prayer, but otherwise gave few rules. His teaching reduces down to three general principles: Keep it honest, keep it simple, and keep it up. Mainly, Jesus pressed home that we come as beloved children to a Father who loves us in advance and cares deeply about our lives. Ask young parents what is the correct way for their toddlers to approach them and you will probably get a puzzled look. Correct way? Being a parent means you do your best to remain available to your children and responsive to their needs. As Jesus said, if a human parent responds with compassion and not hostility, how much more will God.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence," urged the author of Hebrews, "so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Yancey, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference, 190-191)

 

 

Touching Heaven, Changing Earth

Within the heart of every person is the desire to communicate with someone greater than themselves. For the Christian, prayer is talking to God just as we would talk to our best friend. While most Christians know this truth intellectually, I think that most find some level of struggle in this area. We wonder why the God of the universe would want to listen to a mere speck. In moments of doubt, we question if our prayers are actually heard......and if there is a hope that they will be answered. Can our prayers influence events and release God's power in our lives and those around us?

I was raised in a loving Christian home and was taught the basic principles of prayer. I've often prayed publicly before classes and during times of worship. When illness hits my family, I talk to God about it. Still, I find myself longing for a more powerful prayer life. I want to know that my prayers move Heaven and have confidence that they are effective. I want to be a prayer warrior. The only question is "How?"

As I was reading The Trial by Robert Whitlow, I was entertained by the novel's plot. I was mesmerized, however, by the powerful prayer scenes woven throughout the story. A group of women gather for a weekly prayer meeting in the local Presbyterian church. Though the group's members have changed over the years, the prayer group has met for decades and have kept records of the prayers lifted to Heaven and the faithfulness of God to answer.

As the novel reaches its climax, the women gather again for prayer. After reading a portion of Isaiah 62, the women are reminded of their role as prayer warriors over their community. Whitlow describes what happens like this:

They became quiet and waited. A heavy stillness settled in the room, a time when heaven held its breath in anticipation.

Then the divine wind came. There were no visible tongues of fire resting on their heads, but the manifestation of the Holy Spirit was immediate and intense. Like ripe stalks of wheat before a coming storm, the women bowed down and began to pray aloud with passion and zeal. Spirit-inspired phrases and Scripture passages rolled out of their hearts and through their lips in a gushing river of intercession. "Expose the deeds of darkness, loose the chains of injustice, break the bands of the oppressor, proclaim freedom to the captives, cast down the accuser, establish truth and integrity, save the perishing, shine forth the light, reveal your glory." There were ebbs and flows, tears and sighs, but for more than an hour one after another would come to the head of the column and push forward the advance until yielding to the next in line.

When Naomi said, "In the strong name of Jesus Christ, amen," they sat back in their chairs and looked at one another in amazement.

"That was different," Kelli said.

"That was a prayer meeting," Naomi responded. (Robert Whitlow, The Trial, 264)

This was no ordinary, run-of-the-mill time of prayer. This was Spirit-directed prayer that specifically addressed the issues that concerned the Heavenly Father. THAT'S the type of prayer I want to learn. That type of prayer will totally transform our lives, resurrect our churches, and display the power of Jesus Christ to a desperate world.

I don't have the answers, but I know the One who is the Answer. I'm pursuing Him and adding my voice to those of the disciples who asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1, NIV)

 

 

 

Mud on the Floor

I'm not a clean freak. Messes are going to happen. I can live comfortably in a certain amount of clutter and disorganization. I can handle dust on the base boards and knick-knacks. I don't mind if the laundry basket is full (and overflowing). What drives me crazy is mud on the floor.

Mud has been a constant battle in my home for as long as I can remember. My dad works hard in a filthy job. It's not unusual for him to find himself working in muddy water up to his waist. When he comes home in those cases, it's normal to find horribly muddy shoes next to the door on the front porch. On normal day's, Dad will find himself walking through yards, fields, and alleys that pack mud into the tread on the soles of his shoes. Since the bottom of the shoes aren't visible to him, he doesn't really think about the mud that has formed there over the course of the day. Eventually all of that mud must come out. It tends to come out on the carpet between the front door and the kitchen.....a major thoroughfare in our home.

My family and I aren't people who are going to move about our house in shoes. When we are most comfortable and in our natural habitat, you'll find us with bare feet. No socks are needed in our home! Nothing is worse than stepping onto a clod of mud when you're expecting the fluffy softness of carpet. If only the clod was strictly made of mud; the step can become downright painful when pebbles and sticks are wedged into the mud as well.

It's very easy to get frustrated at my dad over all the mud in the house. I suppose I get most angry when there is mud on the floor literally moments after the room has been vacuumed. I find myself wondering how in the world he can be so insensitive. Last Saturday I found myself dealing with that very frustration. I was alone in my room when I sensed the Holy Spirit tell me that I had been guilty of doing the very same thing.

Whoa! I never walk in places that are muddy and filthy, so I can't possibly be guilty of tracking dirt into anyone's home. Surely there was a mistake in this moment of conviction. But the nudging of my heart wouldn't go away.....and I soon began to understand that I AM guilty.

Our lives are lived daily in a sinful, filthy world. We attempt to keep ourselves as clean as possible from the world's influence, but still we are effected by the evil around us. When we fall into gross sin (what some would call BIG sin), we are very aware and quickly remedy the situation. But there are also those bits of sinfulness that cling to us without notice because we've become unaware of their presence. Issues of pride, materialism, unforgiveness, and anger have become trapped in the tread of our proverbial shoes. Like my dad, we don't realize that we're leaving a trail of filth, but still it remains. The only solution is to remove the shoes and deal with the muddy mess on the bottom.

Like Moses and Joshua, I believe that Christians around the world are being called into the most holy presence of God and instructed to remove their shoes in reverence of His holiness (see Exodus 3:5 and Joshua 5:15). As we come into the very presence of a living God, we become painfully aware of all of our sinfulness and begin to allow the Father to clean us thoroughly.

Jesus Himself walked this earth as a man and understands how powerfully the world attempts to influence us daily. Christ lived as a sinless man and has become our high priest, through whom we are able to find help as we strive to maintain the purity of His presence daily.  Let the closing words of Hebrews 4 encourage you as you prepare to remove your muddy shoes in the presence of a holy God.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16, NIV)

Request Granted

Recently while reading in the book of Matthew, a scripture jumped off the page and grabbed my attention. I thought I'd share my insight and thoughts with you today.

Matthew 8 contains familiar passages. One passage that has always grabbed my imagination is the story of Jesus casting the demons into the swine that is found in verses 28-34. I can see the delivered man finally experiencing peace. The screaming of the pigs as they plunge into the water below fills my ears followed by the successive splashes their bodies create. I can feel the breeze coming from the water and can see the gentle smile Jesus gives the freed man who is certainly offering thanks and praise to the One who brought him what he had hoped for so long.

Then the story becomes a little confusing. The story of Jesus casting out the demons spreads into the town and the people come to the cliffs. When they see Jesus, they ask Him to leave their region (v.34). Really? Why in the world would they do that? I've always been confused by this statement and tried to figure out their response. What I discovered is that what I needed to notice was Jesus' response.

Matthew 9 opens with a very sad verse of scripture: "Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town." (NIV) The crowds on the cliffs asked Jesus to go away and He did just that! He quietly stepped into a boat and granted their request. He didn't compel them to reconsider their words. He didn't attempt to show them the error of their ways. They had made a decision, asked the Savior to leave, and He gave them what they asked for. The Peace-giving Deliverer of the captives left their midst and headed to those who would receive Him (see Matthew 9:8).

We can't understand the crowd's response, but we're guilty of the same thing. We've told Jesus to leave us alone because we're not ready to deal with our own sinfulness. We've seen the power of God and asked Him to leave when His works made us uncomfortable. When His plans conflicted with those we have created, we've asked Him to leave and come again later. We've done this in our personal lives, our churches, our communities, and our nation. We've asked Jesus to leave the various regions of our life and He has complied. No wonder our world is in shambles.

Did Jesus return to the region of the Gadarenes? I don't know (but I'm looking for the answer as I read through Matthew). However, we do know that Christ will not force His way into our lives, churches, or communities once He's been expelled unless He is invited to return. At first this seems like a hopeless situation. I was so thankful in my quiet time when the Spirit brought another passage of Scripture to my mind that offered hope:

Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:8-10,NIV)

The promise is clear. If we have found ourselves separated from God through our own request that He leave the region of our life, we can invite Him to return by drawing near to Him! His return does not begin with the church's response or anyone else. It begins with me! I simply determine that I need Him more than anything else and begin to bring myself closer to God through prayer, reading of the Word, and meditation. He promises to meet me there! My past choices don't sentence me to the absence of God's presence forever....and neither do yours!

I'm tired of living in the region of the Gadarenes without the active presence of God in my life. It's time to repent, draw close, and invite Him to once again move as He wills in my life. That's where restoration will begin. If you're missing the closeness of the Spirit of God, it all begins with a simple invitation to return.

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Grasping for Control

Why do people have such a need to be in control of situations? It's almost comical sometimes. Those who most struggle to gain control of a situation normally are those who are absolutely not in control. Still they struggle to gain the upper hand. Sometimes I wonder if they suffer from constant headaches as they beat their head against brick walls that are not going to fall despite their efforts.

Why do we have such a need to be in control? Sometimes it's based in a sense of entitlement. People can feel entitled because of who they are, a position they hold, or some "wrong" that they perceive has been committed against them in the past. Authority over circumstances is rarely handed to those who simply complain the loudest; legitimate control is earned.

Others desperately search for control because of fear. They fear that things will not turn out the way they hoped. They fear that someone will be more successful than they are. They fear seeing someone else getting credit for a job well done while their dreams lie crumpled in the corner.

Most often, those seeking control are unable to admit that they are powerless. Their world spins out of control and they tighten their grip on things that they perceive they can control. They resort to manipulation, deception, and abusive behavior in order to hide the fact that everything in their life is not running as smoothly as they would like to have people believe.

The only way to allow your world to come back into some sense of stability is by admitting that we really don't have control. We have no power over tomorrow. Circumstances are going to occur; some things are not going to turn out as we had hoped. Yet when we give up control, it is important to accept that we are not hopelessly tossing our future to the wind. Instead, we are placing our hope for tomorrow in the God who holds tomorrow!  We add our voice with the Psalmist as he declared "When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV)

Next time to find yourself grasping for control, lighten the grip on the reins and hand them over to the One who promises to have plans for your good instead. (Jeremiah 29:11)

A Lesson from Lemonade

Nothing says summer quite like a cold glass of lemonade. I love freshly squeezed lemonade that's carefully mixed with ice cold water and sugar to achieve the perfect balance between sweet and sour. Let's be honest though. Making fresh lemonade is too much work! Why bother to thinly slice the lemons, find the perfect balance, and make it look as though Martha Steward herself prepared the beverage when I can easily fill a plaster pitcher with cold water and stir in the Country Time mix! After all, who needs the trouble when the artificial is just as good as the real stuff?

As I sip on my Country Time lemonade, let me assure you that there definitely IS a difference between the artificial and the authentic. That same truth can be applied to many things in life. Authentic, unconditional love is far superior to that which is contrived in hopes of receiving something. Instant potatoes are no match for the fluffy creamed potatoes impeccably blended in Mom's kitchen. Polished cubic zirconia cannot compare with the luminosity of fine diamond. Then why do we settle for the inferior imitations of authenticity?

I've had my share of the fake in life. I've plastered on a smile rather than finding true happiness. I've settled for friendships that were interested in what I could offer without giving anything in return. I've spent seasons satisfied with a shallow spiritual life instead of the deep abiding relationship the Savior offers. In every instance I have found the same thing; settling for anything less than the authentic will always leave you wanting more.

Sometimes I've settled because it was easy. I didn't want to confront the problem head on, so I settled by gritting my teeth and bearing the burden alone. I was afraid of appearing weak so I didn't address the sadness that I was really feeling. I was unwilling to surrender every part of me in order to walk in communion with Christ. I feared what others would say if my pursuit of the authentic resulted in failure.

I'm tired of settling for the fake. It's worthless. It's draining. It's empty because we know that there is something more. The good news is that we can have authenticity in every area of our life if we're willing to pursue it. The pursuit may be difficult and there may be times that we miss the mark. The chase will be worth the effort when we finally experience authenticity.

Are you going to settle for Country Time or will you attempt to make a perfect gallon of fresh lemonade? It's time for me to start slicing the lemons. Maybe you'll want to join me......

A Matter of Perspective

I've been thinking about perspective a lot lately. I'm gearing up for some travel this summer and plan to visit museums in most places I'll be visiting. I've been flipping through some art books to get my eyes ready for the beauty I'll see. I'm always struck by the powerful way the artists use perspective in order to convey meaning to their audience.

I was reminded of a story I recently heard about a woman who loved to garden. Carefully she planned for planting, pruning, and watering her prized flowers. One vine she was especially excited about was advertised to bear vibrant red flowers as it trailed its way along a fence. Throughout the growing season, the woman delicately cared for the vine and was encouraged as she saw the first red bud appear along her wooden fence.

Days turned into weeks and months. The vine did not deliver any additional flowers for the woman to enjoy. As the summer grew to a close, a neighbor witnessed the woman sharpening her hoe and moving for the vine that ran along the fence. Frantically, the neighbor asked why she was planning to remove the vine. She told the nosy neighbor of the hours she had spent tending the vine in hopes of having beautiful flowers. Despite her best efforts, the vine had only given her a single bloom and was clearly not worth the effort required. She was simply going to chop it down once and for all.

Silently, the neighbor took the weary gardener by the hand and led her around the wooden fence to his property. The gardener's frustration melted into awe as she saw the multitude of crimson flowers blanketing the old wooden fence. The view was breath taking! The neighbor stood quietly next to the mesmerized gardener before breaking the silence:  "It's all a matter of perspective, I suppose."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could experience such vivid reminders that our work is not fruitless? We work so hard and it seems as though things never change, circumstances never improve, and our efforts seem to mean nothing to those around. With just the slightest change in perspective, we can begin to see things as others do. That's when we begin to understand that what seems pointless to us is bringing life, love, and value to another.

We all need a change of perspective from time to time. Sometimes the shifted point of view reveals that what we observed for ourselves was correct. Thankfully, there are other times that reveal true beauty that we had missed. Are you willing to walk around the fence and have a look from a fresh perspective? You might be surprised what you find there!

Beauty for Ashes

Today we celebrate Ash Wednesday. It's not a day celebrated in my denomination, but as a student of history and music, I find myself fascinated with the feasts and practices of the Church.  Here's what a quick Internet search revealed about this beginning of the Easter season.

Ash Wednesday is a movable feast which falls 46 days prior to Easter.  The beginning of the 40 day period of fasting known as Lent, Ash Wednesday participants receive the sign of the cross on their foreheads.  In much of Western Christianity, the burned palm fronds from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration are the source of the ashes. The length of Lent parallels the number of days Christ fasted in the wilderness and serves as a reminder of man's sinfulness and need for repentance.  Why are there 6 additional days between Ash Wednesday and Easter? Sundays are considered "feast days" and are not included in the traditional fast. There are 6 Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter....thus the extra days.

When I see ashes on the foreheads of the faithful, my mind immediately goes to the beautiful passage found in Isaiah 61.  This prophetic statement about the coming Messiah reaches its climax in verse 3. The prophet states that the Messiah will "provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes." (Isaiah 61:3a, NIV) As we come to grips with our fallen state, we find ourselves grieving because of the sin that separates us from a loving Heavenly Father. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel clothed themselves in sackcloth and ashes during times of intense grief. How thankful I am that because of the blood of Jesus and His triumphant resurrection from the dead on Easter morning, I no longer have to live a hopeless life filled with grief and shame. He truly has taken my ashes of mourning and replaced them with His glorious beauty.

Today I won't be wearing ashes on my forehead. I have applied the ashes to my heart, however, and have asked the Lord to remind me of His gift and my desperate need for His salvation in the coming weeks. Who knows.....maybe next year I'll participate in a local Ash Wednesday service. Now that I know more about the tradition, I can see why it is so meaningful for so many!

When It Seems Like No One Understands....

When was the last time you looked at your life and felt that no one truly understood your situation? There was a desperate desire to share your feelings with someone, but no one came to mind. No one can fix the problem. You really don't want to burden anyone with your problems since it's certain that they are also facing problems of their own.

Yesterday I began a new series with my Sunday school class on the topic of prayer. I've never felt as though prayer was a great strength in my life. I always feel awkward when I pray -- searching for the right words to express my feelings. Honestly, at times I have felt guilty sharing my problems with God since He has so many things to deal with.....and my problems are so minute and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. I found great encouragement through my own study of 1 Samuel chapter 1 and wanted to share some of it with you.

Hannah was a woman who was greatly loved by her husband. Still, there was something missing from her life because she was unable to bear children. Her husband's other wife was a baby-making machine and constantly reminded Hannah of the difference between them. Notice the pain that the New International Version records in this passage:

And because the Lord had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.  This went on year after year.  Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.  (1 Samuel 1:6-7, NIV)

As though things are not bad enough because of her rival wife, Hannah's husband can't understand why she is so upset. He even adds insult to injury when he asks Hannah "Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"  (v. 8) I'm sure Hannah found herself somewhere between a tremendous eye roll and full blast waterworks in that moment!

Since no one at home seems to be understanding her pain, Hannah turns to the church and goes to pray. While she is pouring out her pain to God in prayer, Eli (the High Priest) observes her and thinks she's drunk! What makes Eli think this? He sees her mouth moving, but there is no sound coming out.

As I studied Hannah's prayer, I was shocked at how REAL she was with God.  She didn't hold back anything from Him at all. Take a look at this prayer found in verse 11:

O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me [in other words, don't forget about my pain any longer!], and not forget your servant but give her a son....(1 Samuel 1:11, NIV. Emphasis added)

I can just hear Hannah's anger mixed with her absolute despair. In that moment, Hannah seems to have thought that even God had forgotten her. She's not even sure that God will notice her suffering.  Don't miss the fourth word of the verse:  "if"!  I don't know about you, but I've certainly been in that place.  "God, everyone else around me has let me down and I'm not even really sure that YOU are listening or even care.....but just in case You do.....please see my pain and move on my behalf." I have shared Hannah's desperation for a move of God in my life more often than I care to remember.

Poor Hannah just cannot catch a break. She's been harassed by her rival wife. Her husband knows that her childlessness is a sensitive subject and still comes across like a total lug. When she seeks refuge in the church, the minister accuses her of inappropriate behavior and tells her to get out (see v. 14). How wonderful, though, that despite the fact that no other human seemed to understand her pain, Hannah had a Heavenly Father who saw her anguish, listened to her hurt over all of the betrayal, and came to her rescue with healing and love! Scripture doesn't tell us exactly what happened in Hannah's spirit after that time of prayer in the temple, but we know that SOMETHING wonderful happened.  Notice the end of verse 18:  "Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast."  Although Hannah's situation hadn't changed, she had an assurance that her God had heard her cry for mercy and was able to act on her behalf.

The next morning, the family returns home. Hannah has to face the very ones who have caused her so much suffering again. She returns to the bed that was a constant reminder of her own failure. We don't know how much time passes between their return home at the beginning of verse 19 and the end of the verse that shares with us that "the LORD remembered Hannah." Even if it was that same night that Hannah conceived, it would have taken several weeks....and possibly several months......before Hannah would have known deep within her that God had heard and answered her prayer!

I rejoice with Hannah at the birth of Samuel, whose name means "I asked the LORD for him." Her sorrow has totally been turned into joy.  All of the weeping is now replaced with the laughter that a child brings. Hannah knew that her God had heard....and acted! The painful memories of feeling forgotten were now just a thing of the past.

Take heart from the story of Hannah. Despite your circumstances, you are not forgotten. Your Heavenly Father cares about what concerns you and welcomes your expressions of frustration, pain, and hurt. When we finally open these hurts to His healing touch do we allow Him to bring beauty into our lives again.  Take comfort in the truth that He hears......He cares.....and He understands whatever is upsetting you today.

Priority Check!

It's hard to believe that another year has come to an end. If you are like me, you've probably spent some time reflecting on 2012 and its successes and failures. Like wide-eyed children, we look forward to 2013. It is a blank slate; the coming year is filled with hope and possibility! I suppose that is why many people make New Year's Resolutions.

For most of my life, I never participated in this cultural ritual. Honestly, I didn't want to make a pledge at the beginning of the year that I was certain I would never be able to obtain. Several years ago, a friend suggested that my approach to resolutions was all wrong. Rather than seeing them as promises to myself that I would certainly break, he told me to look at them more as annual goals. What would I like to see myself accomplish in the coming year? Since they are targets, any movement towards achieving them is a step in the right direction. Even if I lose my way in March or April, a quick review of my resolutions in this new mindset gets me back on the path toward my goal.

For me, the resolutions that I make are a reflection of the things that are most important to me....those things that currently hold the top place for me as well as I what I aim to make a priority in the coming year. A helpful tool in determining your current priorities is by considering what you have said "yes" to this year. Regularly submitting job applications means that making a career change is a high priority for you. Agreeing to babysit your grandchildren as often as possible shows that building a relationship with the youngest members of your family is high on your list.

It is not only important to look at the "yes" answers in your life. Examining what you have said "no" to can be just as insightful. I may say that becoming a better musician is very important to me, but if I regularly neglect practicing my instrument then my words are simply hot air. All the good intentions in the world to lose weight are worthless without making changes to my diet and exercise routine. No matter how much I may WANT these things to be priorities, my actions define what I truly value.

Dare I say it? Does this same concept apply to our spiritual lives as well? As a Christian, I say that I want to be a servant who shows the love of Christ to others in both word and deed. Do my actions support the words claiming this is a top priority? Thankfully, only two beings truly know the answer to that question:  God and me. No one else is able to judge the condition of my heart. However, Paul does invite us to "examine ourselves" on a regular basis. Now it's time to be honest with myself and take a hard look at my actions.

Each of us know the areas that are most difficult for you. See if any of these scenarios sound familiar? They may bring to mind some other items you need to consider.

• I say that I love God and want to worship Him with all that I have. Do I allow any excuse that presents itself to keep me away though? I'm too tired.....it's so far out of the way.....the children......the parents......I'm just not interested.  
• I don't study the Word because I don't understand.....I'll just wait and let the teacher explain it.  After all, God understands! 
• I don't talk to my colleagues about God because I don't want to offend them...after all, I can't push them away since I have to work with them.  
• Don't ask me to work with senior adults (insert "children or teens or adults" at will) because they annoy me. I don't have to like everybody, I just have to be kind to them. [Does that really sound like a CHRISTian response to you?]

Before anyone gets offended and thinks that I am speaking directly to them or their situation, please know that this mirror is pointing back directly at me. Are my words that describe my "priorities" matched and supported by my actions? If not, I'm not fooling God. If we're honest with ourselves, we're probably not being fooled either. Time for a priority check! I want to make sure that everything is in its proper order as I enter the New Year.