Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

I watched the sun rise and the snow begin Monday morning! Such beauty. As the snowflakes grew in size and began to fall in earnest, I read an update on a "miracle" we have watched unfold on a CaringBridge page of a child who I knew briefly while the family attended our
church.

I compared my desperate prayers for healing for her to my current prayers of utter joy and thanksgiving that things have gone as they have! This child's parents have modeled utter and complete faith, humility, grace and courage in the face of this near-tragedy and continue to do so now through the healing process.

I've decided to spend less time watching election coverage, "news" about the rich and famous behaving badly. It's not about politics. It's not about begrudging anyone money, fame or success. It's about dividing my time, energy, mind and heart. It's about edging out Jesus in exchange for things that have no eternal value or significance. Yes, the election matters and I'm not going to ignore the process. I'm just not going to spend so much time focusing on it (No easy task for this “politics junkie!”)

I've had a wild and crazy--and wonderful past few weeks! I am striving every day to live Christmas into the world. Sometimes I fall far short. Other times I think (hope) I've succeeded. The beauty of God's grace is that - like the snow that now is falling in earnest -- it covers up all the ugly places with beauty, purity and peace.

I rejoice that God's grace pours out to cover me. I thank God that He cares enough to gently nudge me to refocus on Him and His purpose for my life. Most of all I am humbled to be called His child.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you" (Jeremiah 29:11-12 NIV).

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
(Helen H. Lemmel)



Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Free Gift

I love freebies! I enjoy couponing and generally participating in all things frugal! I jump at any opportunity get something free almost to the point of obsession--they are almost irrestible!

This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the Romans and I was reminded of the words of young man I knew several years ago. He said, "I just think Jesus is irrestible." Wow! Doesn't that make you stop and think? And I agree - to be a bit crass: Jesus is the best freebie this sin-filled world has ever received--that I have ever received!

Paul is passionately in love with Jesus as well - Jesus is clearly irrestible to Him, too. Sometimes when we're in a the midst of difficult situation, having a hard time making it through our current circumstances, or dreading some future event, we forget about the freedom we have in Christ - and through Him. We have no need for fear or worry or dread. Rather, we have the free gift of grace, which is the source of our hope!

"For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)" (Romans 8:22-25 NLT)

There's a saying quoted often: Freedom isn't free. In the case of our human existence, as it applies to the United States, this is a valid statement. In the heavenly realms, though, it really is "free" in that all we have to do is accept Jesus' irrestible gift: the sacrifice of our sins on the Cross. He died so our sin would die, and he rose so we would be made new. In spite of mankind; even knowing that two thousand years later, we would still be seeking after other, lesser gifts, He gave us the free gift of grace.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners" (Romans 5:3-6 NLT).

So many, including my family and I, are struggling with various life issues. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in worry, stress, anxiety, fear. In times of trouble, we need that "freebie" even more - and remember to take it, use it, own it - and pass on the good news to others.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Coffee with Jesus = Amazing Grace Revealed

I attended Coffee with Jesus last night at a local church with three of my girlfriends. I couldn't help but notice several things about the evening:

-Each of us shed tears at one point - tears of awe and amazement at God's love and grace.
-Three of the four of us attended Coffee with Jesus a couple of months ago and commented on how the mood, lessons, tone, songs, etc. were completely different - yet both evenings we experienced exactly what we needed to hear/experience on that evening--in other words: God is amazing! (Have I said that few times already??)
-I was further reminded how amazing God is in that even though we each brought with us different "baggage" and burdens, we each felt our burdens a bit lighter by the time the evening was over!
-God used the music and the singers and even the place to reach down from heaven to touch each of us; to interact with us -- up close and personal.

**Amazing = to overwhelm with surprise or sudden wonder; astonish greatly; to bewilder; perplex.**

God surprises me every single day. I forget to look for wonder sometimes, but God makes sure I notice it anyway. When I really stop to take it all in I am overwhelmed, indeed.

No matter what you are going through--no matter how tough your situation may be - remember that an amazing, astonishing, bewilderingly gracious God is with you -- every single step of the way.

My prayer today is that you are amazed, bewildered, perplexed and, yes, overwhelmed, by God's amazing grace.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Grace Abounds

"Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned -- sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:12-17 NRSV).

In other words: God’s grace turns our world upside down! It’s just not logical to be loved in spite of our sin! It doesn’t make sense that no matter how defiant and disobedient we are, God loves us all the more! How can that be?! It seems so improbable that God in the form of Jesus Christ would walk the earth among us and stand in silence before his accusers. Why didn’t he defend himself? Why didn’t he lift his eyes to heaven and call out to his Heavenly father! Why?

Why did he do that? Why would anyone? It is inexplicable to be loved so powerfully! It is unfathomable that a God so big would love us so very much. It is unimaginable that we are of such great value to one so great and mighty! The One who made the earth and placed the stars in the sky--the One who waits for us in heaven -- Alpha and Omega -- is the One who watches over us and cares for us and loves us through this journey called life on earth.

But again, we must ask, “Why?” I don’t know! I love my children beyond description -- and my husband. I would certainly die for any of them. But would I die for you? Would I silently walk up that hill to be hung on a cross for my neighbor across the street? Or for the person in the check out line at the grocery store? Or the mechanic who works on my car? Would you?

I hope you spend today reveling in truth that Jesus died for you.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Where is your faith?

"One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even wind and water, and they obey him?" (Luke 8:22-25 NRSV)


Is this a familiar scenario for you? I don’t mean being caught in a sudden storm in a boat! Well . . . maybe I do! I must say I find myself calling out to the Master in times of trouble. Those are the times I ask, “Why haven’t you allowed things to go the way I planned?” And much worse! And when something marvelous occurs, I marvel at God!

Oh, my . . . what a silly thing it is to confine God and reduce Him down to human dimensions. But we may have some consolation in that the apostles lived with Jesus - they had seen him perform miracles -- healings, driving out demons, and many other amazing acts. And they didn’t “get it” either! In fairness we often don’t see what is right in front of us. But what is the message here for us?

For me this passage speaks about how my faith falters when I find myself in a situation that is not going the way I think it should. Or when something happens that I don’t think is fair. Or when I’m tired and beaten down by the world. I’m good on an average day! I can profess my faith all day long and go into overdrive as long as everything is “going my way!” It’s the other times that I must admit I am challenged to keep my faith foremost in my mind and heart.

It is in the difficult times in our lives that our faith is tested. It is when we feel the farthest from God that we are challenged to look up--toward the Cross. It is when we want to take charge and force a point that we begin to act and think in a way that is the polar opposite of the faith we otherwise profess. Jesus asks, “Where is your faith?” The way in which we answer speaks volumes.

My prayer today is that you cling fast to your faith.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Simple Faith

This post falls under the category of "the more things change the more they stay the same." It's also a good reminder to me that I need to remain constant in my faith! (This post was published in February 2006 one of my former blogs.)


Joshua 1:5-7 NLT

Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.

I’m testing out this theory right now in my life. Strong – I am indeed strong-willed, physically strong, and mentally strong (most of the time)! I’m finding my spiritual strength is growing as my faith becomes more and more child-like and basic. That probably sounds very odd, but it’s true! It really does all boil down to obeying all the laws Moses gave us. That obedience often does require courage because it’s so counter to what the world tells us.

What do I mean when I say my faith is becoming more and more child-like and basic? It means that there is one truth I know and believe: Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, he died on the Cross and rose from the dead on the third day. That’s it. That is all I need to know. Nothing else! Only Jesus crucified and risen. I don’t need any lectures on theory or doctrine or dogma. I don’t need an analysis of what scripture really means—in context. The words don’t matter – what matters is the impact the words have on my heart and on my mind.

Does that sound too simple? Sorry. That’s where I am in my faith right now. Simple. Basic. No bells or whistles or fancy trimmings. Just Jesus, waiting, watching, stretching out his arms to me – bidding me to come to Him. His strength and His courage are my strength and courage. He doesn’t shout at us like all the commercials on television. He quietly speaks, barely above a whisper. We must be still to hear Him.

Successful in everything you do? That’s a pretty tall order, isn’t it? But that statement isn’t about acquiring wealth or fame, things or notoriety. It’s about our success as believers. If we are motivated by our simple faith in everything we do, we cannot fail. We may not accomplish what we think we should have. Remember, though, God uses even human failure to fulfill His plans.

So we can be strong and courageous in our simple faith because God sent us Jesus. He wanted to make it simple for us, I think, because we had failed to understand for so long. God realized we were unable, on our own, to uphold our side of the covenant. So he made one that is so basic, so simple, it’s impossible not to understand our part of the contract: Jesus Christ died for our sins. And as a young friend once told me, Jesus is irresistible! Knowing that truth, how can we choose anything else except Jesus?!

My prayer today is that you will be strong and courageous in Jesus Christ. And that you will remember the laws of Moses as you make every decision.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Overcome fear and discouragement with the "three J's"

In the midst of all the snow and due to church services being canceled today, we did some "channel surfing" to find some spiritual programming that might take the place of our attending our own church.

I was not disappointed! Pastor Zachery Tims of New Destiny Christian Center talked today about how we can overcome fear and disappointment with the "Three J's."

The first "J" was Joseph. Pastor Tims reassured listeners not to be afraid of their current circumstance--no matter how hard it is. "But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." (Genesis 50:19-21 NIV).

The second "J" to which Dr. Tims referred was Job. "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing" (Job1:20-22 NIV).

The third "J" was Jesus. "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith( Philippians 3:7-9 NIV).



Blessings on your journey,
Mary

He Said, “Come”

Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24. but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." 28. And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29. He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30. but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32. And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:22-33 NIV).

My favorite place on earth is the beach – any beach – as long as there is sand. I find myself yearning for the ocean if I haven’t been there in a while. I have a ritual or a routine when I visit the beach. I like to just stand on the boardwalk and breathe in deeply with my eyes closed. I take in the sound of the waves and inhale the fresh salty air.

My lungs fill with the briny mist of “ocean air.” I stand still for a while and then I lick my lips. It’s not until I taste the saltiness that I really begin to unwind and take in the beauty and power of the sea. At that point I begin my sojourn back to nature and rhythm and order in accordance with God’s creation plan.

I like to visit the beach in the winter because I am all but alone and it becomes my own personal journey back to the water and the sand. My hair starts to frizz immediately, but I literally feel the pores of my skin opening up and rejoicing to be cleansed and refreshed by the salty mist. I like to go for long walks and look out at the horizon where water meets sky.

I think about Jesus and Peter in the boat at times like that. Jesus walking to his friends to comfort them, to reassure them, perhaps even to save them from drowning. And poor Peter – so much like each of us! He desperately wants to trust Jesus. He even takes a bold step out onto the water. When he began to sink, he must have felt as I do when a huge wave crashes over me and I can’t tell up from down or sky from ocean floor. It’s a terrible, frightening feeling – almost as if you are about to die!

I am ashamed to admit how many times I “start to trust Jesus.” All too often I don’t end up trusting him! I take back my thoughts or my plans. He’s not acting quickly enough. Things aren’t going the way I envisioned them. I’m not in control! Never mind, Jesus, I’ve got this one—but thanks. Oh, but then I begin to sink. And I flounder and sometimes I start to go under.

That is the point at which I tell Jesus, “Oh, what I said before—never mind! I really do need you. Please save me.” And of course, He always does. Sometimes He lets me flounder around a while until I learn the lesson. But He never lets me sink all the way down.

He bids us to come to Him. “Keep your eyes on me,” he instructs us. “I will walk with you,” He promises. And we believe him – for a while. Like Peter we forget the instructions. We start to think about all the what-ifs and buts and maybes. Jesus gives us one simple, infallible, timeless, and all-purpose command. “Come.” So easy, and yet so difficult.

My prayer today is that you breathe in the love of Jesus with every breath you take. And that you remember there is only one thing you need to get where you’re going: obey when Jesus bids you, “Come.”

Blessings on your journey,
Mary


This was originally posted at Worship for the Weekday, January 27, 2006.

Monday Manna

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. The first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse Joanne introduced at her blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. Today's verse is:

You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. (Acts 22:15 NIV)

In context:

"About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' " 'Who are you, Lord?' I asked. " 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. "'What shall I do, Lord?' I asked. "'Get up,' the Lord said, 'and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me. "A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there. He stood beside me and said, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' And at that very moment I was able to see him. "Then he said: 'The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard." (Acts 22:6-15 NIV)


I think had I experienced anything close to this dramatic (and traumatic) I would certainly be telling the world what had happened to me: "I was blind, but now I see!" and "Jesus spoke to me and told me to get ready for instructions on what I would be assigned to do."

It can so often be challenging to apply scripture to our daily lives in this modern world. It's been a long time since Jesus walked the earth, and I'm pretty sure that if someone today announced a similar experience to the world, they would not be taken seriously.

Can you imagine Paul's utter confusion and dismay growing into fear and disbelief at what just happened? Jesus had just told him to make a complete 180 turn in his life. Not only that, in order to obey, Paul was potentially risking his own life!

All those relatives and friends of people Paul had ordered killed were probably more than willing to stone him right about now, that he dared to show his face.

But he obeyed. In spite of his fear. In spite of his probable belief that his certain death was emanant. What he had experienced was just too amazing to keep to himself. What had happened to Paul was so inimaginable that it could only have been Christ speaking to him. To be struck blind and then healed was so far beyond description or understanding that Paul really had no choice but to do what Jesus bid him to do.

Annanais goes on to tell Paul, 'And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.' (Acts 20:16)

What are we waiting for?

I'm joining AmyDeane again this week for Word-filled Wednesday. Stop by The 160 Acre Woods to see the words others have to share.

Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You

It is you, Lord
Who came to save
The heart and soul
Of every man
It is you Lord
who knows my weakness
Who gives me strength,
With thine own hand.

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and Holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living
Sanctuary for you

Lead Me on Lord
From temptation
Purify me
From within
Fill my heart with
Your holy spirit
Take away all my sin

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You
(John Thompson, Randy Scruggs)

I woke up with the words to this song running through my mind. I devoted my prayer time to singing this song over and over. God revealed several very powerful words that I am compelled to share. I am sure the words were meant for me and apply to my own life and yet I know that so often others are touched when we share God's word.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

I thought about how man can distort and disrupt God's word and His plan for His people so easily. We can be wooed by Satan because He is so wily and has had thousands of years to perfect his techniques. Because He was once with God in heaven he had intimate access to our phyches. That is how he knows when we are at our weakest, our most vulnerable; when we are the easiest to lure away from the Truth.

dictionary.com variably defines Sanctuary: a sacred or holy place; a church or other sacred place where fugitives were formerly entitled to immunity from arrest; a house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed; The most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and he only once a year, to intercede for the people.

The type of sanctuary the song refers to, I believe is the one that is defined: the Holy of Holies. This place within the structure of the sanctuary was so holy that only a select few - the holiest of the ordained - were allowed access to it. That's the place where God dwells. Because of Christ we now not only have access to the intimate most sacred part of God, we have the privilege of creating a space within us where God dwells.

Actually the space already exists. The problem is that sometimes we fill that "God-shaped" space up with other things--wordly things. We yield to Satan's lure and begin to believe the lies of the world. We choose to take the 'easy' way, the immediate way, to fill up that space. Before long, we forget how it feels to have that sacred space filled up with the light and love of God.

The triune God consists of the Holy Spirit as well. This is the part of God that intercedes for us. The original idea was that the people were so unclean and sin-filled that they were not worthy to be in the presence of God, so someone who was ritually (and hopefully spirtually) clean interceded for all of mankind. That person (or perhaps several persons) were the only ones worthy/clean/pure enough to approach God's presence. Christ changed all that and through His death and resurrection, afforded us access to God in a way never even conceived of before by man!

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God.' "First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:5-10)

This scripture does not mean God doesn't want sacrifice! It shares with us the type of sacrifice God wants and desires. Christ showed us what absolute obedience looks like! How then can we say we don't know what Go wants from us? How then can we pretend not to understand the kind of life God desires us to live? How then can we believe that living "of the world" is acceptable?

We were conceived as sacred and holy. That is God's vision for us. That is how He thought of us at the beginning of time when He decided we would become His most beloved creations. Just as God prepared a body for Jesus, He prepared one for each of us. Are we caring for this gift God gave to us? Are we using it to honor Him in every way?

How are we to know the direction for our lives? By calling out to God as Christ did: "Here I am, I have come to do your will." Jesus became the great high priest for us. Through Him we are all allowed access to God's divine will and plan for our lives. The Holy Spirit is what feeds and nourishes that plan and helps us to stay in line with God's will. The Spirit is who helps us fend off Satan and his influences in our lives.

For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15)

Sometimes it is just too much for me to grasp that God would use me for His purpose on the earth. I often have trouble wrapping my head around being so loved and valued that God would desire an intimate and loving relationship with me. I am always in awe of His grace--which is extended to all of us; lost, sin-filled and broken. It is just too much to bear that honor sometimes. It is too lofty for me to grasp.

But God remind us: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:7-9 NIV)

We are all called to divine service. God sent His Son to show us how and sent the Spirit to help keep us on track and guard us from sin's influence. I cannot imagine a more grace-filled, loving and generous gift.

Victory Won On The Cross

I could start out my post by saying that I really love Hebrews in the New Testament, but then I really love the entire bible in all its richness, history and wisdom. Looking back over about 4 years of devotional posts at Worship for the Weekday the very first blog I ever had, back when blogging was still fairly new, I indicated that many of the books of the bible were "my favorite"! This one really strikes me today.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

I'm physically almost fully recovered from the sinus infection I had for over two weeks. I think I may also have been suffering from a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had thought I would not be afflicted with SAD this winter, but I have a suspicion that explains the funk I've been in for a while.

I received this verse via an email service to which I subscribe. I just took a deep breath and felt my whole body relax when I read these words. They are stunningly beautiful and I appreciate they don't give me a checklist, but rather offer a promise and a hope that is unimaginable to the human mind.

I really have much about which to rejoice. So I'm going to share those things and then I'm going to get out of this funk and get busy with my writing and my housework and the other things I have been putting off.

First, some time ago we discovered we needed to find a new primary care physician when our insurance changed the list of approved practitioners. We were a little sorry, but had been feeling we needed to make a change anyway, so it has worked out well. The new relatively young, very personable and bright doctor we now go to is kind and very polite, but he is also, as he puts it "aggressive" about treating and/or preventing health issues, both current and potential future ones. (Sorry, that was a really long sentence:-)

I like him a lot and he ordered a bunch of blood work, etc., as all good doctors do when you're a new patient. Anyone who knows me know I am overweight and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was not surprised when the report came back: high cholesterol, high blood pressure; borderline vitamin D level, and some other issues. The one that caught my attention was my blood sugar level. In other words, if I keep my current lifestyle and eating habits, I'll be a diabetic within a year.

THAT got my attention! My weight is really one of the last strongholds I have previously refused to relenquish to God. I have done a great deal of deep spiritual work to overcome some other issues and I have given over a lot to my Lord, but food has just continued to win out. Oh, I've lost weight before - sometimes in the past even quite a bit of weight, but I've always gained it back. Part of it is I guess a self-esteem issue, a lack of feeling valued or valuable. Part of it is spiritual and all of it is mental!

So 5 weeks ago after I received these distressing numbers I made a breakthrough. Yep, I gave it to God! He is blessing me right now with opportunities I never imagined I would have as a writer, a mother, a wife, a friend and a disciple of Christ. I gave myself a good swift kick in the pants and decided that I have had enough. I want to be healthy and whole so that I can do all that God is calling me to do. I want to be healthy and whole for my family as well. They need me and I love my role as caretaker for them. I can't do anything well if I'm not at my best mentally, spiritually and physically.

So . . . I've lost 12 pounds. Oh, don't get me wrong, I know at this point some will say, "Yeah, but you've lost 12 pounds before. . ." Actually, no, that would be Satan! He's attacking me in other areas of my life right now, because he's not winning this battle! I'm not going crazy dieting up a storm. I'm making better, healthier food choices, learning to pray through times I eat out of habit or stress and God has taken away my craving for unhealthy foods!

I've reread several times the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness before he began his ministry. . . Satan isn't happy about that either:-)

So how do we win the battles in our lives? How can we be victorious against the world, against Satan and even against our own stubborn will? Well . . . let's get back to this verse:

1) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Don't watch the ads on television, don't listen to the negative, sad, angry people in your life who are bringing you down. Fix your eyes on JESUS.

2) the author and perfecter of our faith, We don't need any guide books, how-to-manuals or expensive programs or plans to hear God's word and then figure out how to carry it out. Why? Because Jesus is the AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH.

3) who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, There is nothing we will endure in this life that we can't get through. The reason that is true is because of the Savior, who hung on the Cross for us. He suffered so we would have the ULTIMATE GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE.

4) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The sacrifice of Christ won us ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN.

So, whatever stronghold has a hold of your body, your mind, your heart or your soul, look to the Cross, my brothers and sisters. Look to the Cross.

Don't consider any setback a failure! Look at it as a chance to return again to the foot of the Cross. Rejoice that you have yet another opportunity to offer up a part of your life to God and His will for your life.

but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. (Psalm 44:7)

You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. (Psalm 18:35)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Psalm 1 Corinthians 15:57)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! If you'd like to participate, list five things you are thankful for this week. Then go to Truth 4 The Journey and link up with Mr. Linky at Sonya's blog. It's that easy!

Here's my list:

1)Snow! I'm so thankful for the snow. I know lots of people were inconvenienced but the snow was beautiful. It just seemed as if there was a renewed joy in the world and a sense of hope to see the earth covered so completely. Everything was pure and white.

2)I'm thankful for my faith. I don't know how I would get through each day without faith in Jesus as my Savior.

3)I'm thankful for modern medicine! It's amazing what a round of antibiotics will do to a sinus infection!

4)I'm thankful for my husband. He works so hard to provide for us.

5)I'm thankful for the internet! It offers so many opportunities to minister to others, to meet other Christians, and stay connected to friends.

What are you thankful for today?

MONDAY MANNA

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. The first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse Joanne introduced at her blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

This morning I was able to sleep in. Usually I wake up anyway by 6:30 but this morning I needed to catch up on sleep and didn't get up until the alarm went off at 7:15. The world just weighs me down sometimes and the weight of it wears me out. I realized during my prayer time this morning that I needed to give my burden to my Savior.

Here is the verse of the day: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

There are so many people and situations on my prayer list these days, I sometimes feel tempted to rush through the list. Then I remember a comment that a dear friend shared with me about her daughter, Katherine. Katherine has multiple physical and mental challenges, but she has a heart for Christ. Her mom shared that every night Katherine insists on going through her prayer list before she goes to bed. If she recites the names out of order or forgets a name, she goes back and starts from the beginning.

Her mom shared that sometimes she just really wanted to "get it over with" and felt bad about that. I understand! Moms get tired, and this mom has long days and a busy life. But she shared this with us because she hoped we would remember, as dear Katherine reminded her, that Christ died for us. HE was crushed for our iniquities; HE was pierced for our transgressions. The punishment that brought us peace was upon HIM. BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED.

I confess I felt the burden of prayer this morning until I remembered Katherine. I added to my list of prayers that God would allow me to have Katherine's single-minded heart as I lifted up the names and situations of everyone and everything on my prayer list. When I finished praying I felt that peace that transcends understanding. And I thanked God for sending His Son to die for me and for everyone on my prayer list.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

THANKFUL THURSDAY!

I'm joining Sonya at Truth 4 The Journey and a host of others again this week in sharing 5 things for which I am thankful today!

1) Our son is coming home from school! We've really missed having him here and it will be great to have him home for a couple of months while he waits for his new session to start. (Our dog will be especially excited to see him!)

2) The three little ones I care for are all healthy after a couple of rough weeks passing a virus back and forth to each other.

3) Monday is the official start of the last course I need to complete to receive my certificate in Advanced Congregational Leadership:-)

4) The sky - every morning and every evening has been so glorious to behold! One morning the moon hung there against a slate backdrop. I had to stop and just look at it for a few moments.

5) My Savior, Jesus Christ. He hears me when I call out to Him. He answers me in ways I never imagined He would.

What are you thankful for today? Join us!

A New Ministry Opportunity

Before I address the title, let me just say that "Rhoda" did a fabulous job, along with her narrator, telling the story of the birth of Jesus. It was so much fun to tell the story with my son narrating and my husband as an 'audience member.' My husband had not experienced me portraying a character before and I was excited he wanted to come along with us.

Every time I portray a character it has been the result of many hours of research and much prayer. I so desire the listeners to 'feel and see and hear' what the character sees and feels and hears. I am going to continue to develop characters throughout 2009. In fact one of my writing goals is to develop one new character a month (yikes!).

On to the subject at hand. I have been invited to team an Epiphany weekend. The weekend will be similar to my Emmaus weekend, except the team will be ministering to young men (under 21) who are in maximum security detention.

I felt a call to work in prison ministry a couple of years ago and at first my husband wasn't crazy about the idea. He's warmed up to it though as I have visited the Correctional Center for Women in Goochland twice and the Greensville Correctional Center (men-maximum security) once. Since I came back no worse for wear and assured him I was adequately protected, he feels a little better. (Besides, he knows I'm going to go if I'm called and He trusts I'll have a hedge of protection around me.) I had even accepted a job to provide "life skills training sessions" to men at the Pamunkey Regional Jail in Hanover County about 2 years ago, but the group that provided the training were just terribly unorganized and the communication was so poor I quit before I ever got to work with any of the men!

My pastor was quite surprised when I first shared my call with him. He asked me, "Mary . . . have you ever been in a prison?" I understand his reaction/ question. I appear to be a pretty "white bread" girl from the suburbs (meaning pretty sheltered and not very worldly). But guess what? I am not at all! I am fearless and I am strong and I "get it" when it comes to being broken and sin-filled.

Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. [Galatians 3:23]

That's why I'm not afraid of prisoners or anyone else, for that matter! Not that I'm reckless or would ever intentionally place myself in danger that wasn't necessary. But I'm not scared to minister to men and women in prison or a homeless shelter, on the streets or anywhere else.

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. [Hebrews 13:3]

This year I am focusing on "radical hospitality," a term I heard a speaker mention a few months ago. The concept really intrigues me and I am exploring what it means (different things to different people, I think).

Hospitality
–noun, plural -ties.

1.	the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.

2.	the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.

The Unexpected Joy of Radical Hospitality
February 5, 2006 - Paul Habersang

"True Christian hospitality requires a giving of ourselves – an opening up of who we are – and a willingness to stretch our sometimes narrow lives. Extending ourselves for the sake of others invites us to grow – to experience those who are different from us and perhaps learn to see new perspectives through the lens of another person. Hospitality ultimately asks us to step beyond our self-centeredness and see a larger world that extends beyond our comfort zones."

It's not for everyone - and we all are called to be hospitable in differing ways. But, in about 3 weeks I'll begin the 4-Saturday-mornings-training sessions and then serve on the team for the President's Day Weekend event. I am so excited to have an opportunity to minister to these young men and to support them as they experience the powerful, healing love of Jesus Christ for perhaps the first time in their lives.

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. [Romans 12:13]

Sensational Saturday!

I guess I could say I am blessed. Actually, no guessing about it--I truly am! I'm still working on the Christmas tree. My husband is helping out around the house and my son is ready for any task to which he is dispatched. I baked two batches of cookies today and have done a lot of writing and thinking and praying. LOTS of praying.

I had planned to meet with a Christian sister/writer friend this evening but I think the weather and the season have caught up with both of us and our families. She felt she needed to be home with her ailing husband and young children so we agreed to meet up shortly after Christmas. The really sensational part of my day is that she prayed the most wonderful prayer over me:-) I have felt such peace since we ended our phone conversation. I have asked for her continued prayers as well.

God has been answering my prayer to receive opportunities to write and minister to His world, and those prayers are being answered mightily! I am praying fervently for guidance, direction, discernment in light of all the opportunities. That's what my friend prayed for me--and so much more. She is a powerful prayer warrior and our becoming reacquainted is one of the blessings of the year 2008 for me.

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. [Psalm 31:24 KJV]

I love the Lord so much that I would do anything for Him. Well . . . I like to think I would. Well . . . ok! OK! I wish my faith was strong enough, deep enough and intentional enough to be able to make that statement with complete integrity. I do love God more than I could ever express. There just are no words ever thought of by mankind that would adequately capture how much I love Him.

And the thing is, there are no words ever conceived of – even by the most articulate, intelligent, gifted wordsmith--to explain or describe how much God loves us.

Jesus on the Cross should have been enough, don’t you think? We are human, though, and we allow our humanity to impede our progress toward the Cross. We let the things of this world outweigh and overshadow the One who hung there.

My Christmas prayer this year is that you and I allow the true meaning of Christmas to outshine and over-arch every moment of these next few days. Then I am going to work very hard to make 2009 a “Year of Our Lord.” I know my life will be richer and fuller for the effort, as much as I know I will not succeed often enough.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. [Psalm 27:14 KJV]

Christmas Letter from Jesus

One of my best friends forwarded this to me last year and I must admit, much of these suggestions resonated with me -- and applied to me! Enjoy! Oh . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered any time.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me continue:

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks is. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army, your church, or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. I'll help you. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love,and remember, I LOVE YOU!"

Thankful Thursday Rich Gifts Graphics & Blog Design


Sonya at Truth for the Journey started listing 5 things she is thankful for on Thursdays some time ago and invited others to join her. So, here goes:

1) I am thankful first and foremost for Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made to afford me eternity in heaven.

2) I am thankful for God's grace - which He extends to me in abundance - because I need it abundantly:-)

3) I am ever thankful for my husband, whose faith and strength are an inspiration to me.

4) I am thankful for my children, and all that they have become and everything they are becoming.

5) I am thankful for the people God has placed in my path - as a human being, a Christian, a writer, a member of church family.

I could keep going, probably up to about #100 but I think I'll stop here and make this an every Thursday habit. It's a good exercise and a great way to stay focused on my blessings.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 1:14 NIV]

Is God Faithful?

That's a rather provacative question, I realize! It's one that many are probably asking in light of the current economic situation in our country and around the world. Perhaps you're not saying it out loud to anyone, but certainly you must wonder . . . Or perhaps you are in good financial shape and will be able to weather the next couple of years pretty handily, but you have health issues, or a loved one is dying, or your child is involved in risky behaviors--or you are.

Whatever is going on in the world -- or in your little part of it, this question looms large at some point for each of us. I know that God is, indeed faithful! Throughout the last two years, my husband and I have learned to live on about 1/2 of our previous salary. It has been a struggle at times, because while we were comfortable at our former income level, we didn't live at all extravagantly or one penny beyond our means. So, to now have half of what was not exhorbitant . . .

And yet each month, especially in the months we thought we might need to put an expense on a credit card or figure out some other way to pay an unexpected bill or expenditure, the money came, just in time. Really!! I'm not kidding! Some months it meant that I received free lance writing work with an "ASAP" deadline that was over and above the work I had planned to be paid for. Sometimes it meant we received a refund for a bill we had double-paid months ago without realizing it.

One month, my husband's car was due for inspection. He asked me before he left, what should I do if the bill is $500 or so? You guessed it: his car passed inspection without the need for the expensive repair he had anticipated. Our health insurance does not cover many common medications. One medication I take is expensive and is one that is not covered. My doctor asked me about the prescription on a recent visit and I mentioned that it cost a lot, but that I felt it was effective. She gave me a 10-week supply of samples from her office.

So it sounds as if I say God is faithful because He has made financial provision for us over the past two years. But how would I respond to that question had our home been foreclosed on or had one of us become too ill to work? I like to think I would still feel the same way. I would hope that I would see the blessings I received in every situation. Like Paul, I would hope to rejoice in want and in plenty, in good health and in illness.

Some may believe that all of my examples are merely coincidences. Some may not believe that God acts so personally and precisely in our lives. I happen to disagree! I don't believe He's been providing for us financially because we are so faithful! I believe He is so faithful so that we learn to rely upon Him! I don't know about you, but that reliance does not come naturally to me. I am by nature a fairly industrious, self-sufficient individual. I'm not used to relying upon others for what I need or want.

Those are good qualities, but not when they are exclusive of dependence upon God! I believe that God is so faithful, so often, because I need to constantly be reminded of the source of everything in my life--everything! Christ died on the Cross to afford me eternal life! There is no other provision I can imagine needing or wanting.

Our challenge is to remember the Cross and to rejoice that no matter what happens to us in this life, God has already made provision for us in heaven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9 RSV]

Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. [Hebrews 2:17 RSV]

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil. [2 Thessalonians 3:3]