ANVIL TIME
On God's anvil. Perhaps you've been there. Melted down. Formless. Undone. Placed on the anvil for reshaping?
I know. I've been on it. It's rough. It's a spiritual slump, a famine. The fire goes out. Although the fire may flame for a moment, it soon disappears. We drift downward. Downward into the foggy valley of question, the misty lowland of discouragement. Motivation wanes. Desire is distant. Responsibilities are depressing.
Passion? It slips out the door. Enthusiasm? Are you kidding?
Anvil time.
It can be caused by a death, a breakup, going broke, going prayerless. The light switch is flipped off and the room darkens. "All the thoughtful words of help and hope have all been nicely said. But I'm still hurting, wondering..."
On the anvil.
Brought face-to-face with God out of the utter realization that we have nowhere else to go. Jesus in the garden. Peter with a tear-streaked face. David after Bathsheba. Elijah and the "still, small voice." Paul, blind in Damascus.
Pound, pound, pound.
I hope you're not on the anvil. (Unless you need to be, and if so, I hope you are.) Anvil time is not to be avoided; it's to be experienced. Although the tunnel is dark, it does go through the mountain. Anvil time reminds us of who we are and who God is. We shouldn't try to escape it. To escape it could be to escape God.
God sees our life from beginning to end. He may lead us through a storm at age thirty so we can endure a hurricane at age sixty. An instrument is useful only if it's in the right shape. A dull ax or a bent screwdriver needs attention, and so do we. A good blacksmith keeps his tools in shape. So does God.
Should God place you on his anvil, be thankful. It means he thinks you're still worth reshaping. [Max Lucado]
Monday, November 30, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday's Word
A THANKSGIVING STORY
It was the day before Thanksgiving - the first one my three children and I would be spending without their father, who had left several months before. Now the two older children were very sick with the flu, and the eldest had just been prescribed bed rest for a week.
It was a cool, gray day outside, and a light rain was falling. I grew wearier as I scurried around, trying to care for each child: thermometers, juice, diapers. And I was fast running out of liquids for the children. But when I checked my purse, all I found was about $5.00 - and this was supposed to last me until the end of the month. That's when I heard the phone ring.
It was the secretary from our former church, and she told me that they had been thinking about us and had something to give us from the congregation. I told her that I was going out to pick up some more juice and soup for the children, and I would drop by the church on my way to the market.
I arrived at the church just before lunch. The church secretary met me at the door and handed me a special gift envelope. "We think of you and the kids often," she said, "and you are in our hearts and prayers. We love you." When I opened the envelope, I found two grocery certificates inside. Each was worth $30. I was so touched and moved, I broke down and cried.
"Thank you very much," I said, as we hugged each other. "Please give our love and thanks to the church." Then I drove to a store near our home and purchased some much-needed items for the children. At the check-out counter I had a little over $23.00 worth of groceries, and I handed the cashier one of the gift certificates. She took it, then turned her back for what seemed like a very long time. I thought something might be wrong.
Finally I said, "This gift certificate is a real blessing. Our former church gave it to our family, knowing I'm a single patent trying to make ends meet."
The cashier then turned around, with tears in her loving eyes, and replied, "Honey, that's wonderful! Do you have a turkey?" "No. It's okay because my children are sick anyway." She then asked, "Do you have anything else for Thanksgiving dinner?" Again I replied, "No."
After handing me the change from the certificate, she looked at my face and said, "Honey, I can't tell you exactly why right now, but I want you to go back into the store and buy a turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie or anything else you need for a Thanksgiving dinner."
I was shocked, and humbled to tears. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes! Get whatever you want. And get some Gatorade for the kids."
I felt awkward as I went back to do more shopping, but I selected a fresh turkey, a few yams and potatoes, and some juices for the children. Then I wheeled the shopping cart up to the same cashier as before. As I placed my groceries on the counter, she looked at me once more with giant tears in her kind eyes and began to speak.
"Now I can tell you. This morning I prayed that I could help someone today, and you walked through my line." She reached under the counter for her purse and took out a $50 bill. She paid for my groceries and then handed me the change. Once more I was moved to tears.
The sweet cashier then said, "I am a Christian. Here is my phone number if you ever need anything." She then took my head in her hands, kissed my cheek and said, "God bless you, honey."
As I walked to my car, I was overwhelmed by this stranger's love and by the realization that God loves my family too, and shows us his love through this stranger's and my church's kind deeds. The children were supposed to have spent Thanksgiving with their father that year, but because of the flu they were home with me, for a very special Thanksgiving Day. They were feeling better, and we all ate the goodness of the Lord's bounty - and our community's love. Our hearts were truly filled with thanks.
--------------
Don't forget to be thankful for ALL of your blessings this Thanksgiving Day ... and every day! I'm proclaiming blessings to every one of you as I post this story. May God bless and keep you and make His fact to shine upon you. May His mercy and grace overwhelm you, and may you abide in His love forever.
It was the day before Thanksgiving - the first one my three children and I would be spending without their father, who had left several months before. Now the two older children were very sick with the flu, and the eldest had just been prescribed bed rest for a week.
It was a cool, gray day outside, and a light rain was falling. I grew wearier as I scurried around, trying to care for each child: thermometers, juice, diapers. And I was fast running out of liquids for the children. But when I checked my purse, all I found was about $5.00 - and this was supposed to last me until the end of the month. That's when I heard the phone ring.
It was the secretary from our former church, and she told me that they had been thinking about us and had something to give us from the congregation. I told her that I was going out to pick up some more juice and soup for the children, and I would drop by the church on my way to the market.
I arrived at the church just before lunch. The church secretary met me at the door and handed me a special gift envelope. "We think of you and the kids often," she said, "and you are in our hearts and prayers. We love you." When I opened the envelope, I found two grocery certificates inside. Each was worth $30. I was so touched and moved, I broke down and cried.
"Thank you very much," I said, as we hugged each other. "Please give our love and thanks to the church." Then I drove to a store near our home and purchased some much-needed items for the children. At the check-out counter I had a little over $23.00 worth of groceries, and I handed the cashier one of the gift certificates. She took it, then turned her back for what seemed like a very long time. I thought something might be wrong.
Finally I said, "This gift certificate is a real blessing. Our former church gave it to our family, knowing I'm a single patent trying to make ends meet."
The cashier then turned around, with tears in her loving eyes, and replied, "Honey, that's wonderful! Do you have a turkey?" "No. It's okay because my children are sick anyway." She then asked, "Do you have anything else for Thanksgiving dinner?" Again I replied, "No."
After handing me the change from the certificate, she looked at my face and said, "Honey, I can't tell you exactly why right now, but I want you to go back into the store and buy a turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie or anything else you need for a Thanksgiving dinner."
I was shocked, and humbled to tears. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Yes! Get whatever you want. And get some Gatorade for the kids."
I felt awkward as I went back to do more shopping, but I selected a fresh turkey, a few yams and potatoes, and some juices for the children. Then I wheeled the shopping cart up to the same cashier as before. As I placed my groceries on the counter, she looked at me once more with giant tears in her kind eyes and began to speak.
"Now I can tell you. This morning I prayed that I could help someone today, and you walked through my line." She reached under the counter for her purse and took out a $50 bill. She paid for my groceries and then handed me the change. Once more I was moved to tears.
The sweet cashier then said, "I am a Christian. Here is my phone number if you ever need anything." She then took my head in her hands, kissed my cheek and said, "God bless you, honey."
As I walked to my car, I was overwhelmed by this stranger's love and by the realization that God loves my family too, and shows us his love through this stranger's and my church's kind deeds. The children were supposed to have spent Thanksgiving with their father that year, but because of the flu they were home with me, for a very special Thanksgiving Day. They were feeling better, and we all ate the goodness of the Lord's bounty - and our community's love. Our hearts were truly filled with thanks.
--------------
Don't forget to be thankful for ALL of your blessings this Thanksgiving Day ... and every day! I'm proclaiming blessings to every one of you as I post this story. May God bless and keep you and make His fact to shine upon you. May His mercy and grace overwhelm you, and may you abide in His love forever.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday's Tab
THE HAND
Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.
But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.
Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.
His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.
When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.
The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."
She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.
Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.
The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks, but they'll remember the hand that reaches out.
"Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:24
"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8
This Thanksgiving, thank God for all of the "hands" that have "touched" your life. Then, allow the Hand of God to reach out through your hands and touch the lives of others.
Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.
Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.
But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.
Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.
His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.
When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was.
The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."
She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.
Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.
The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks, but they'll remember the hand that reaches out.
"Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:24
"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8
This Thanksgiving, thank God for all of the "hands" that have "touched" your life. Then, allow the Hand of God to reach out through your hands and touch the lives of others.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday's Musing
Today - it's a Thanksgiving classic (author is Unknown)...
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss.
Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come on her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.
"Had she lost a child? She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.
"I.... I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving?" Sandra nodded. Do you want the beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."
Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara... let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk.
Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again." She said, as she gently tapped her chest.
Sandra stammered, "That lady just left with, uh.... she left with no flowers!"
"That's right, said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."
"Oh, come on! You can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.
"Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do, today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery."
"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I NEVER questioned Him why those GOOD things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, "WHY? WHY Me?!" It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."
Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about the thought that her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is, I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."
Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"
"No... I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem. The Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us." As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too... fresh."
"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.
"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."
"Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.
..............................................
What are you thankful for today???
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss.
Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come on her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.
"Had she lost a child? She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"
"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.
"I.... I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.
"For Thanksgiving?" Sandra nodded. Do you want the beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"
"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."
Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara... let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers.
"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk.
Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again." She said, as she gently tapped her chest.
Sandra stammered, "That lady just left with, uh.... she left with no flowers!"
"That's right, said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet."
"Oh, come on! You can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra.
"Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do, today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery."
"That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."
"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.
"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I NEVER questioned Him why those GOOD things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, "WHY? WHY Me?!" It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."
Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about the thought that her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is, I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."
Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.
"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"
"No... I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem. The Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us." As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"
"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too... fresh."
"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."
Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.
"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."
"Thank you. What do I owe you?"
"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."
It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.
..............................................
What are you thankful for today???
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday's Thoughts
Waiting is the bane of my existence. If there are two lines at the movie theater, the one I choose will grind to a halt while the other glides by. Don't get behind me at a toll booth; the driver in front of me will be searching his seat cushions for quarters while the other lines whiz through. Bank tellers go on break when I get near the front of their line; supermarket checkout computers go on lunch break when I get close.
Someone said that life is what happens to you while you're making other plans. Slowly I'm learning that there is redemption in every moment, as God uses each minute for His glory and our good. It's hard to think of a biblical hero who didn't take a detour on the way to his or her destination. Noah spent 100 years building his ark before the rains finally came; Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac; Joseph journeyed through Potiphar's prison on the way to Pharaoh's palace.
Moses spent decades running from Pharaoh before the Lord sent him back to free his people. God told David he would be king long before Saul gave up the throne. John had to go to Patmos to meet his glorified Friend and Lord.
Are you waiting on God today?
Perhaps you're praying without seeing answers, or waiting on a job that hasn't come or health the Lord has not restored. You need direction or provision from God, but he doesn't seem to be working on your timeline. One of the most frustrating reminders in Scripture is this statement from God: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God redeems all He allows. If you're waiting on Him this morning, there's a reason. He wants to use this delay to draw you closer to Him, or prepare you for what comes next, or help you trust Him in hard times. Remember that your Father never makes a mistake. His will is "good, pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2). His timing is always right regardless of how it looks to me and you.
Someone said that life is what happens to you while you're making other plans. Slowly I'm learning that there is redemption in every moment, as God uses each minute for His glory and our good. It's hard to think of a biblical hero who didn't take a detour on the way to his or her destination. Noah spent 100 years building his ark before the rains finally came; Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac; Joseph journeyed through Potiphar's prison on the way to Pharaoh's palace.
Moses spent decades running from Pharaoh before the Lord sent him back to free his people. God told David he would be king long before Saul gave up the throne. John had to go to Patmos to meet his glorified Friend and Lord.
Are you waiting on God today?
Perhaps you're praying without seeing answers, or waiting on a job that hasn't come or health the Lord has not restored. You need direction or provision from God, but he doesn't seem to be working on your timeline. One of the most frustrating reminders in Scripture is this statement from God: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God redeems all He allows. If you're waiting on Him this morning, there's a reason. He wants to use this delay to draw you closer to Him, or prepare you for what comes next, or help you trust Him in hard times. Remember that your Father never makes a mistake. His will is "good, pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2). His timing is always right regardless of how it looks to me and you.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday's Word
1 Tim 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
For the past couple of weeks our family has been fighting off various viruses, and I’m hoping we’re finally coming to the end of this bout of sickness. But it’s causing me to reflect on the amazing way God has designed our bodies to combat these germs, with an immune system that can eliminate any intruder as soon as it penetrates.
While germs and physical illness are our battle in the flesh, our spiritual enemy is warring in the Spirit — relentlessly seeking to penetrate our spiritual defense system! He is seeking a place in us to encourage sin so he can entrench himself there and begin to spread spiritual disease and death into our lives.
Seeing how effectively God has designed our physical immune system, what can we learn in our spiritual battle to fight the good fight? The first lesson I see is “response time”. As soon as that thought of jealousy, unforgiveness, rebellion, impurity, revenge, etc. enters our mind — we need to take notice! — and immediately take the thought captive, before it has an opportunity to grow and develop into spiritual illness.
We can all see the spiritual warfare really intensifying lately. More and more the Lord is calling for us to stand up and fight the good fight of faith in these last days. We must be mentally and spiritually awake, rise up at the first attack, take the battle to the enemy… and give him no place to reside!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday's Tab
“Encouragement is like sunlight to the human spirit: we cannot flower and grow without it.”
A famous singer was to perform at the Grand Opera House. The concert hall was packed. Suddenly the house manager announced, "Ladies and gentlemen I regret that due to illness our special guest will be unable to perform this evening. But we've found another singer, an equally great talent, so would you please give her a warm welcome." The crowd groaned so loudly that nobody even heard the singer's name. You could feel the disappointment everywhere. The stand-in singer gave it everything she had, but when it was over all she got was brief scattered applause followed by uncomfortable silence. Suddenly in the balcony a child stood up and shouted, "Mommy, I think you're wonderful!" Realizing what had happened, the crowd jumped to their feet and gave her a tearful standing ovation that lasted for several minutes as her son glowed with joy.
People love to hear "I think you're wonderful." Why? Because it gives them a lift, and EVERYONE needs encouragement, even the Apostle Paul. He wrote, "There was no rest for us...Battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy...so was the news he brought" (See 2Co 7:5-8 NLT). Even the Apostle Paul needed encouragement! So God sends in Titus. "His presence was a joy...so was the news he brought." God needs more encouragers like Titus. Today you can be one of them! Tell somebody, "I THINK YOU"RE WONDERFUL" I just did!.
"ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP." 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11 NIV
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday's Musing
When Cecil B. DeMille began working on the movie "Ben Hur", he talked to Charlton Heston - the star of the movie - about the all-important chariot race at the end. He decided that Heston should actually learn to drive the chariot himself, rather than just using a stunt double. Heston agreed to take chariot-driving lessons to make the movie as authentic as possible.
Learning to drive a chariot with horses four abreast, however, was no small matter. After extensive work and days of practice, Heston returned to the movie set and reported to DeMille.
"I think I can drive the chariot all right, Cecil," said Heston, "but I'm not sure I can actually win the race."
Smiling slightly, DeMille said, "Heston, you just stay in the race, and I'll make sure you win."
Those are the words of God to everyone going through a time of struggle in their lives... "My child, you just stay in the race, and I'll make sure you win." Look for God's hand. If you cannot see it in the event itself, look for it in the aftermath when you are putting your life back together. I promise you, God's hand will be there.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Nuggets of wisdom...
Integrity is when what you say, what you do, what you think, and who you are all come from the same place. Author: Madelyn Griffith-haynie
Learning to drive a chariot with horses four abreast, however, was no small matter. After extensive work and days of practice, Heston returned to the movie set and reported to DeMille.
"I think I can drive the chariot all right, Cecil," said Heston, "but I'm not sure I can actually win the race."
Smiling slightly, DeMille said, "Heston, you just stay in the race, and I'll make sure you win."
Those are the words of God to everyone going through a time of struggle in their lives... "My child, you just stay in the race, and I'll make sure you win." Look for God's hand. If you cannot see it in the event itself, look for it in the aftermath when you are putting your life back together. I promise you, God's hand will be there.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Nuggets of wisdom...
Integrity is when what you say, what you do, what you think, and who you are all come from the same place. Author: Madelyn Griffith-haynie
Friday, November 13, 2009
Friday's Feature
From the pen of my "other" daughter, friend and missions partner...
I found myself struggling recently with difficulties and listening to good Christian friends, some of whom I have had for more than 20 years, talk about their struggles. This has made me think again about why we Christians struggle. Each time I listened to my friends the end result was the same. All I can do is pray. When difficult situations come my way I have only one thing to remember. If Christ never does one more thing for me- he has already given me much more than I ever deserved. His mercy and grace have truly given me a new lease on life. If you look at life circumstances, I should be dead or in a hospital today. There is no way to wrap your mind around how Christ effortlessly redirected my life from a path of death to a path of life. Then why do I struggle? I can see two possible reasons. The first is that he is allowing struggles so that I can grow and become stronger. I believe that this is in part what I have been facing. The second is that when hard times come I have a tendency to look at the difficult situation around me and take my eyes off him. Like Peter I stop focusing on Jesus and start focusing on the storm raging in or around me. Thank God that when I take my eyes off him he doesn’t take his eyes off me. He is there – softly calling for me to lift my eyes. The enemy doesn’t have the last say. He can whisper all my short comings in my ear but it’s my choice not to listen.
Christ has covered all my sins.
Christ has redeemed me.
Christ is my deliverer.
Christ is my healer.
Christ is my counselor.
The Lord is my strength.
The Lord is my rock.
The Lord is my hiding place.
He is my financial advisor.
He is my Father.
He is my advisor.
I thank Him for the reminder, ever how painful, that he is in control. If I need to be put through the fire over and over to become what he wants me to be… Then Please Lord put me through the fire.
I found myself struggling recently with difficulties and listening to good Christian friends, some of whom I have had for more than 20 years, talk about their struggles. This has made me think again about why we Christians struggle. Each time I listened to my friends the end result was the same. All I can do is pray. When difficult situations come my way I have only one thing to remember. If Christ never does one more thing for me- he has already given me much more than I ever deserved. His mercy and grace have truly given me a new lease on life. If you look at life circumstances, I should be dead or in a hospital today. There is no way to wrap your mind around how Christ effortlessly redirected my life from a path of death to a path of life. Then why do I struggle? I can see two possible reasons. The first is that he is allowing struggles so that I can grow and become stronger. I believe that this is in part what I have been facing. The second is that when hard times come I have a tendency to look at the difficult situation around me and take my eyes off him. Like Peter I stop focusing on Jesus and start focusing on the storm raging in or around me. Thank God that when I take my eyes off him he doesn’t take his eyes off me. He is there – softly calling for me to lift my eyes. The enemy doesn’t have the last say. He can whisper all my short comings in my ear but it’s my choice not to listen.
Christ has covered all my sins.
Christ has redeemed me.
Christ is my deliverer.
Christ is my healer.
Christ is my counselor.
The Lord is my strength.
The Lord is my rock.
The Lord is my hiding place.
He is my financial advisor.
He is my Father.
He is my advisor.
I thank Him for the reminder, ever how painful, that he is in control. If I need to be put through the fire over and over to become what he wants me to be… Then Please Lord put me through the fire.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
In Honor of Veteran's Day
I am a soldier in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
...trained by experience,
....tried by adversity,
....and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army;
But, I will not get out,
...sell out
....be talked out
....or pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.
If my God needs, me, I am there.
I am a soldier.
I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered,
...petted,
....primed up,
....pumped up,
....picked up,
....or pepped up.
I am a soldier. No one has to call me,
...remind me,
....write me,
....visit me,
....entice me,
....or lure me.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,
...saluting my King,
....obeying His orders,
....praising His name,
....and building His Kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.
I do not need to be
cuddled,
cradled,
cared for,
or catered to.
I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even.
I will win.
My God will supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.
Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me, and
Hell cannot handle me!
I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain.
I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory.
I will not give up.
I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound.
Here I stand. Will you stand with me?
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
...trained by experience,
....tried by adversity,
....and tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army;
But, I will not get out,
...sell out
....be talked out
....or pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.
If my God needs, me, I am there.
I am a soldier.
I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered,
...petted,
....primed up,
....pumped up,
....picked up,
....or pepped up.
I am a soldier. No one has to call me,
...remind me,
....write me,
....visit me,
....entice me,
....or lure me.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,
...saluting my King,
....obeying His orders,
....praising His name,
....and building His Kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.
I do not need to be
cuddled,
cradled,
cared for,
or catered to.
I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even.
I will win.
My God will supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.
Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me, and
Hell cannot handle me!
I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain.
I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory.
I will not give up.
I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound.
Here I stand. Will you stand with me?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Words To Live By
One Minute Sermon ... (I promise!)
He Loves.
He made.
We sinned.
He came.
He died.
He lives.
He paid.
We're forgiven.
It's free.
No strings.
Spread the word so they can choose, death or Jesus.
Do it to say thank you, not to get points.
He's coming back to pick us up.
Until He does, talk to Him and stick together.
Be nice. Don't fight.
Laugh together.
Cry together.
Help each other.
Try not to hurt each other.
When you do hurt each other, be sorry.
When you do get hurt, forgive.
Keep getting better at both.
Look for stuff that's good.
It'll help pass the time 'til He gets here.
Meantime...
try to be more like Him.
Wait.
And while you're waiting...
Love.
He Loves.
He made.
We sinned.
He came.
He died.
He lives.
He paid.
We're forgiven.
It's free.
No strings.
Spread the word so they can choose, death or Jesus.
Do it to say thank you, not to get points.
He's coming back to pick us up.
Until He does, talk to Him and stick together.
Be nice. Don't fight.
Laugh together.
Cry together.
Help each other.
Try not to hurt each other.
When you do hurt each other, be sorry.
When you do get hurt, forgive.
Keep getting better at both.
Look for stuff that's good.
It'll help pass the time 'til He gets here.
Meantime...
try to be more like Him.
Wait.
And while you're waiting...
Love.
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