It is amazing how clicking that one little button can begin the start of a great debate...
Recently I was lead to share my heart with some of my believing Sisters in Christ. My sharing was then followed by a forwarded email I had received earlier in the day. It was astonishing to see how so few words could upset one of these Sisters. This sharing also made me aware of the fact that many times people seem to verify things on Snopes and yet so often forget to ever verify things in God's word. Why is that? Why are we so quick to send an email that states something is false and yet we never seem to do the same when in regards to God and His word? Think about this for a second, how many times have we heard people share things with us about God that we know aren't true? How many times have we failed to send or share with them an appropriate Bible verse or verses to show them proof of who God really is and what He says?
Now I am not saying Snopes isn't a great thing and all but why do we so easily believe a site on the internet and yet often find ourselves doubting or compromising God's word? I have heard a number of Christians comment on things and even state that God's word doesn't really relate to today or that it isn't to be taken literally. Or worse yet that it isn't completely true. Forgive me for being so bold but precious friends, YES IT IS! Something seems to be happening to us as believers. We are no longer holding fast to Biblical convictions but we are dropping them by the wayside the longer these "sins" are being thought of as normal by a world that has long forgotten their God. It is important to remember that just because something has become legalized by people does not mean God is for it. Only His word can confirm or deny what He is for and what He is against.
There was a time early in my walk that I also believed some of these lies. Today I want to encourage you that God's word is alive and prevalent to our generation just as it always has been. It is not to be picked apart but to be believed and trusted as a whole package deal. Many things we have been warned against in the Bible are still things we struggle with obeying today. And just as God punished our ancestors, He still punishes us for our blatant sin as well. That is why it is crucial that we grow in the knowledge of God's word and share what we have learned with others. Surrounding myself with other strong believers, thirsting for God's word, and devoting myself to prayer are all a necessity as I continue my walk down the narrow road that leads to eternity with Him. Hear me when I say this, it is not always easy, but it is always worth it!
Humbly I can admit to you though, that years ago if someone had shared their thoughts with me regarding my decisions being contrary to God's, I probably would of blown them off. This is not something I am proud of, but again, it was my lack of wisdom. Years later I am happy to report that after reading God's word front to back and following the Holy Spirits leading and prompting, life has become much different. It has not necessarily become easier as I stated but... life is much more meaningful now then it ever has been. I no longer live for this world or myself. I now live for Christ and seek to follow God's calling to share the Good News of salvation, the hope of resurrection and the future eternity that awaits all believers who put their trust in Jesus!
One of the things that was brought up in the midst of this debate was a stance for one political party over another. I personally am neither a democrat or a republican, I am a Christian, I am for those who hold God's standard to the greater degree. I encourage each of us to do the same. My prayer is that we would courageously share our faith and belief in Jesus as loudly and proudly as we do our political party. I also pray that after receiving an email, especially one that we feel led to check on Snoopes, God would lead us to do something else as well. That we would be led to ask ourselves if we have checked in to God's word lately to review our own choices against God's commands and Jesus' teachings. Remembering to also seek forgiveness when necessary and courage when needed.
Ultimately nothing else but God can stand the test of time. Our faith and belief should never have to be compromised if we are truly following God and taking Him at His word. Sharing this with you, I am reminded of a book I once read in which the author gave insight into how to discern choices. The author went on to ask these questions. Can what you are sharing or doing be backed up with God's word? Will your actions be glorifying to God? Would God be proud of what your doing or saying? Kind of makes you wonder what our world would be like if we all asked these questions first. If we really pondered those thoughts before we made the next move, said that one thing, or possibly worse, choosing to not say anything at all.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Worthy
"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do." Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)
Recently I had an experience that rocked my soul. Humbly I would like to share it with all of you. Over the years I have learned the joy of serving and have began embracing the opportunities the Lord has given me. One Sunday just recently though I began to doubt my calling.
It was a Sunday morning just weeks ago and as I awoke I felt crummy. The kids were on slow mode and in all honesty we were all moving in slow motion. Time ticked away and before I new it we were running very late. I was serving as a greeter at our church that morning and that meant I should be there about 15 minutes early. The clock made me very aware that I was not going to make it. It was obvious we would have to take two cars. As I rushed to leave I began to wonder, would it even matter if I didn't serve today? I felt under attack and tried to push those thoughts away.
As I drove to church I began feeling again like I was wasting my time. Please friend see my honesty and heart in my sharing and not my weak moment. By the time I arrived I would have about 6 minutes to greet, boy was I late! As I got out of the car my heart began to feel heavy as I looked toward the door and realized I was the only greeter signed up for today.
I ran to the door and began smiling, embracing and loving on all of those that God allowed to cross my path. It was kind of a weird relief that so many others were also running late this cold, snowy morning. As people approached me, I could see that familiar look in their eyes. The same look that I had seen in my own eyes that morning. The enemy was trying hard to make us doubt were we belonged. In that moment I was thankful I was the one greeting them, able to tell them that they were right on time!
One of the last people I greeted was a dear friend of mine. This morning I just felt the need to hug her a little tighter and a little longer. I really didn't know why but God would reveal it to me the very next evening through this email.
Hi Nicole and family! I just wanted to tell you how you and your darling daughter, Faith, made my day at church on Sunday. I had been feeling a little down, a little out of place, and definitely had some "missings" in my life the last couple of weeks. There I come running in late to church with the boys, only to be greeted with the warmest hug and greeting, it was like God was saying to me, it's alright, come in here, slow down, rest, listen, and feel the warmth and love of everyone here at Lord Of Life church. Nicole, you made me feel so good, I had tears in my eyes. I then sat down, alone, but at peace, and 5 minutes later, if it isn't your daughter, Faith, who spots me across the church, sets down her things, and comes running over to give me a big hug just like her Mother had just done (which Faith hadn't even observed that day). The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The love, warmth, friendship of both of you made my day and here it is, the next night, and I am still glowing over the thought of it. I just wanted both of you to know the difference you made in the life of someone, yesterday, me.
Well as I read this email to Faith that evening tears flowed from my eyes as I hugged her and told her how proud I was of her. In that moment I felt like God was also hugging me and reminding me how very proud He is of His daughter too! We may not always feel like we really make a difference but as God showed me that morning, He always makes a difference. He uses even those running late, feeling crummy and overwhelmed to remind us that anyone willing is worthy of His call.
Recently I had an experience that rocked my soul. Humbly I would like to share it with all of you. Over the years I have learned the joy of serving and have began embracing the opportunities the Lord has given me. One Sunday just recently though I began to doubt my calling.
It was a Sunday morning just weeks ago and as I awoke I felt crummy. The kids were on slow mode and in all honesty we were all moving in slow motion. Time ticked away and before I new it we were running very late. I was serving as a greeter at our church that morning and that meant I should be there about 15 minutes early. The clock made me very aware that I was not going to make it. It was obvious we would have to take two cars. As I rushed to leave I began to wonder, would it even matter if I didn't serve today? I felt under attack and tried to push those thoughts away.
As I drove to church I began feeling again like I was wasting my time. Please friend see my honesty and heart in my sharing and not my weak moment. By the time I arrived I would have about 6 minutes to greet, boy was I late! As I got out of the car my heart began to feel heavy as I looked toward the door and realized I was the only greeter signed up for today.
I ran to the door and began smiling, embracing and loving on all of those that God allowed to cross my path. It was kind of a weird relief that so many others were also running late this cold, snowy morning. As people approached me, I could see that familiar look in their eyes. The same look that I had seen in my own eyes that morning. The enemy was trying hard to make us doubt were we belonged. In that moment I was thankful I was the one greeting them, able to tell them that they were right on time!
One of the last people I greeted was a dear friend of mine. This morning I just felt the need to hug her a little tighter and a little longer. I really didn't know why but God would reveal it to me the very next evening through this email.
Hi Nicole and family! I just wanted to tell you how you and your darling daughter, Faith, made my day at church on Sunday. I had been feeling a little down, a little out of place, and definitely had some "missings" in my life the last couple of weeks. There I come running in late to church with the boys, only to be greeted with the warmest hug and greeting, it was like God was saying to me, it's alright, come in here, slow down, rest, listen, and feel the warmth and love of everyone here at Lord Of Life church. Nicole, you made me feel so good, I had tears in my eyes. I then sat down, alone, but at peace, and 5 minutes later, if it isn't your daughter, Faith, who spots me across the church, sets down her things, and comes running over to give me a big hug just like her Mother had just done (which Faith hadn't even observed that day). The apple doesn't fall far from the tree! The love, warmth, friendship of both of you made my day and here it is, the next night, and I am still glowing over the thought of it. I just wanted both of you to know the difference you made in the life of someone, yesterday, me.
Well as I read this email to Faith that evening tears flowed from my eyes as I hugged her and told her how proud I was of her. In that moment I felt like God was also hugging me and reminding me how very proud He is of His daughter too! We may not always feel like we really make a difference but as God showed me that morning, He always makes a difference. He uses even those running late, feeling crummy and overwhelmed to remind us that anyone willing is worthy of His call.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
New Years Resolutions?
"Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.
The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV emphasis mine
It's that time of year once again. Time to start re-thinking our priorities, standards, diets... the list can go on and on. Why is it that we always wait for the beginning of a new year to change our bad habits? Shouldn't we be striving each day to change our questionable ways?
As I think back on the 12 years I have spent since accepting Christ, it is amazing how things that were ok for me to do as a Christian then are far from being ok for me to do now. The farther I walk down the path of righteousness the harder it is to accept my old ways of thinking and behaving. You know the way we talk, maybe the little "Oh my God' or "Holy Cow" we heard as children that now radiates off of our tongues with out much thought. Words that become harder to say in those subtle ways when we read God's word reminding us that God's name is to be kept Holy, not taken in vain.
The topics we used to talk with our girlfriends about some how have become inappropriate. The desires of our conversations with unbelieving friends have began to change. We no longer want to just talk about the weather but we begin to quiver as we hold the phone, praying for the courage neccesary to share our love for Jesus with them. We become aware of the God incidents in our lives, we begin searching for the miracles, knowing they exist. We learn the power of prayer and begin to call upon it often. It is no longer something we have to do, it is something we are blessed to do!
The things we once thought were cute or the television show we used to be addicted to, it all begins to feel a little dirty. It is that moment when you realize how the Holy Spirit has been working in your life all along. You become more open to the promptings. More open to God's desire for your life and not so much your desire to do what ever you want to do.
The more I learn about my Father in Heaven the more I crave to know Him more. Time spent with others who love Him becomes critical to keeping me on track. Time alone with Him becomes a necessity in my life, something I seem to be lost with out. Church is no longer something I attend, it is my family. Serving is not a requirement it is a humbling privledge.
What a beautiful thought when in comparison to the usual disappointment in reflecting upon our previous year. We don't need to feel ashamed or bad that we are still not where we want to be. Jesus gives us the opportunity to come as we are. Broken, battered and yet.... beautiful. The beauty is not in our lives but in the life we have received when we accepted Christ as our Savior.
The amazing thing is, the closer we get to the Lords beauty the more we want to change about ourselves to radiate that beauty to others. Making new resolutions no longer needs to cause us grief or sadness as we say good bye to those old ways. The excitement is that we can be joy filled because we are finally getting it. God is molding us, we are becoming pliable no longer resisting, we are encouraged as His word reminds us "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us" Philippians 4:13. Even being content and excited about exchanging our old ways for God's ways!
The past is forgotten, and everything is new."
2 Corinthians 5:17 CEV emphasis mine
It's that time of year once again. Time to start re-thinking our priorities, standards, diets... the list can go on and on. Why is it that we always wait for the beginning of a new year to change our bad habits? Shouldn't we be striving each day to change our questionable ways?
As I think back on the 12 years I have spent since accepting Christ, it is amazing how things that were ok for me to do as a Christian then are far from being ok for me to do now. The farther I walk down the path of righteousness the harder it is to accept my old ways of thinking and behaving. You know the way we talk, maybe the little "Oh my God' or "Holy Cow" we heard as children that now radiates off of our tongues with out much thought. Words that become harder to say in those subtle ways when we read God's word reminding us that God's name is to be kept Holy, not taken in vain.
The topics we used to talk with our girlfriends about some how have become inappropriate. The desires of our conversations with unbelieving friends have began to change. We no longer want to just talk about the weather but we begin to quiver as we hold the phone, praying for the courage neccesary to share our love for Jesus with them. We become aware of the God incidents in our lives, we begin searching for the miracles, knowing they exist. We learn the power of prayer and begin to call upon it often. It is no longer something we have to do, it is something we are blessed to do!
The things we once thought were cute or the television show we used to be addicted to, it all begins to feel a little dirty. It is that moment when you realize how the Holy Spirit has been working in your life all along. You become more open to the promptings. More open to God's desire for your life and not so much your desire to do what ever you want to do.
The more I learn about my Father in Heaven the more I crave to know Him more. Time spent with others who love Him becomes critical to keeping me on track. Time alone with Him becomes a necessity in my life, something I seem to be lost with out. Church is no longer something I attend, it is my family. Serving is not a requirement it is a humbling privledge.
What a beautiful thought when in comparison to the usual disappointment in reflecting upon our previous year. We don't need to feel ashamed or bad that we are still not where we want to be. Jesus gives us the opportunity to come as we are. Broken, battered and yet.... beautiful. The beauty is not in our lives but in the life we have received when we accepted Christ as our Savior.
The amazing thing is, the closer we get to the Lords beauty the more we want to change about ourselves to radiate that beauty to others. Making new resolutions no longer needs to cause us grief or sadness as we say good bye to those old ways. The excitement is that we can be joy filled because we are finally getting it. God is molding us, we are becoming pliable no longer resisting, we are encouraged as His word reminds us "we can do all things through Him who strengthens us" Philippians 4:13. Even being content and excited about exchanging our old ways for God's ways!
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