This Christmas Season is not typical of Christmas’ past. As Jeff mentioned in his last post, we are doing something different this year. Instead of showering each other in gifts, we’ve decided to give our budgeted amount to charity. More specifically, we’re giving to our church and to World Vision. And we feel really good about it!
For me, this is a really big thing. I grew up in poverty and still remember very meager Christmas’, wondering when I was little, why Santa didn’t like me as much as he did other kids (my childish mind equated gifts with care), and when I was older, understanding that there were many times we would have had few gifts, if not for local charities like the Salvation Army. I grew up determined that when I was married and had a family of my own, there would be a ton of gifts under the tree. And there were.
But this year is different. This year I’m different. There’ll still be gifts under the tree, but they’ll be for Sweet Pea. Our gift this year is in the giving. Previously for me, it was like I had to have lots of gifts under the tree, to prove that I’m not that same little poor girl that I was. It was evidence of sort that I had risen above the social status of my family. It was validation that I was indeed of worth. Of course, as a Christian, I knew this, but deep down the little girl inside of me, needed the affirmation of that.
Something happened though, to change that. Of course it was God, ultimately, who broke off that misconception and gave me freedom from that bondage. And it really was bondage. But what is surprising to me is how He did it. He used the broken-down U.S. economy and all of the doom and gloom media reports. As I watched the news, and Wall Street, I realized I was witnessing what greed had done. I further realized how good we Americans have it, even when we don’t have it all that good by our own standards. One of the great casualties of this distressed economy is that charitable giving has really gone down, while the need for it has risen significantly.
Like most American’s, we are worse off financially right now than we were at the beginning of the year. Consequently, we were scaling back our Christmas budget, but that didn’t seem like enough. Something was just – missing. So we talked about it and we remembered that Christmas isn’t supposed to be about getting, but rather it’s about giving. After all, God gave Jesus to us and that is why we even have Christmas to celebrate.
We then had a sort of epiphany. We understood that we could give each other gifts that would be nice and appreciated, but honestly not really significant or we could give in a way that would make a real and lasting difference in the lives of others. Once we thought of it that way, it was easy to decide what to do. By choosing to give to others and really make a difference in their lives, instead of collecting more stuff, has given me a freedom that I didn’t even know I was lacking. Praise God!
I don’t know if we’ll do this again next year. I certainly don’t think it is wrong to exchange gifts. But for us, this year, the gift we’re receiving is the sense that we've done something that truly matters and our Father will be saying to us, “Well done, my good and faithful children.” Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Giving, part 2
This Christmas season Tracy and I decided to do something a little different. I’m actually quite proud of Tracy. With all that is going on in the world and its effect on our situation, we had already decided to give less this Christmas season. But what I’m proud of is hearing that Tracy would rather give to ministries that give to others this Christmas season rather than give so much to each other. We’ll still do some things for our daughter and close family but our best gifts were to our church and World Vision.
Our church, Life Link, is one that God planted us in just as they were starting a building fund drive this fall. It’s a fairly young, vibrant, stable church and is making a difference in our local community. They have been around for just about three years, have grown to two regular Sunday morning services and are seeking to move into a permanent facility in order to better serve the community (they’ve been renting part of a school during their startup phase). They have a great vision to give back to the local communities and draw people into the message that Christ has for them.
World Vision reaches people virtually in all parts of the world. For what amounts to very little to most Americans, you can give a gift that will change a family for generations. From basic necessities like providing a source for clean drinking water to living farm animals that can produce milk and eggs or reproduce and increase their herds, to providing life saving medical supplies and immunizations to school supplies, World Vision touches thousands of lives, many in third world countries, with a gift as small as $30. It doesn’t take much, just a willing heart to be part of something bigger that can make a difference.
I think many of us get focused on “what can I do with my little part” but God is saying I’ll take your small part and mix it in with the small pieces others bring and make something magnificent out of it. It shouldn’t be about us getting to see the family that receives the gift we sent to World Vision but about being a conduit that God can use, free and willing to receive what God has in store for us to give away next.
I hope that you will join us in giving the way that God would lead you to and enjoy observing this great season and what God is doing in your life and those around you. May God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas this year!
Our church, Life Link, is one that God planted us in just as they were starting a building fund drive this fall. It’s a fairly young, vibrant, stable church and is making a difference in our local community. They have been around for just about three years, have grown to two regular Sunday morning services and are seeking to move into a permanent facility in order to better serve the community (they’ve been renting part of a school during their startup phase). They have a great vision to give back to the local communities and draw people into the message that Christ has for them.
World Vision reaches people virtually in all parts of the world. For what amounts to very little to most Americans, you can give a gift that will change a family for generations. From basic necessities like providing a source for clean drinking water to living farm animals that can produce milk and eggs or reproduce and increase their herds, to providing life saving medical supplies and immunizations to school supplies, World Vision touches thousands of lives, many in third world countries, with a gift as small as $30. It doesn’t take much, just a willing heart to be part of something bigger that can make a difference.
I think many of us get focused on “what can I do with my little part” but God is saying I’ll take your small part and mix it in with the small pieces others bring and make something magnificent out of it. It shouldn’t be about us getting to see the family that receives the gift we sent to World Vision but about being a conduit that God can use, free and willing to receive what God has in store for us to give away next.
I hope that you will join us in giving the way that God would lead you to and enjoy observing this great season and what God is doing in your life and those around you. May God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas this year!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tis the Season
‘Tis the Season, that’s for sure! With all the Holiday Christmas displays (and sales, sales, sales) in the stores, Christmas lights and decorations up on houses and Christmas music being heard everywhere we go, there is no doubt that the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ is upon us. And it really is, but not for the reason that the retailers, or the liberals, would have us to believe.
Disclaimer: This post is not anti-giving and receiving of gifts for Christmas. I believe there is nothing wrong with prettily wrapped packages under a tree or exchanged between friends, family, co-workers, etc. But Christmas is more than that – much more!
We celebrate the season because we received a gift that couldn’t be bought with money – the gift of Jesus coming to earth as a baby, to give us a life we couldn’t have had without him. Yes, one way we give is with our money and that is a good thing. Like it or not, money is what rules the world, and giving with money is one way to help spread the Good News, feed the poor, build a church, etc. But it’s not money or material gifts that I’m focusing on here.
This Season, every year, is filled with joy and fun and pleasure, but it’s also filled, for many, with pain and loneliness and despair. This can be the best and worst time of the year. This year in particular there are many hurting people. The current economy situation is a crisis for many. People are losing their savings, retirement, jobs, security, homes and hope. In addition, we have been embattled in the war on terror for the last seven years and it is a war we cannot afford to lose, but in the meantime we continue to lose wonderful heroes who’ve selflessly given the gift of their lives for the cause of freedom.
With that in mind, I want to talk briefly about giving like God gave. There are so many people we can affect by giving freely and generously those things that cannot be bought. One only has to look around to see the need that is evident everywhere. When we make a phone call to someone who is lonely or hurting, that is a gift. When we smile, are sincere, or encouraging to someone else, that is a gift – especially if it’s to a tired clerk this time of year. If we practice kindness, courtesy and love to others whether we know them or not, that is a gift.
The giving of time is probably the most expensive gift of all, because while money can be re-made or re-earned, time cannot. So when we think of it that way, we see how precious a gift of serving is. By spending time to help others we are truly giving a great gift. Whether we are visiting or running errands for a shut-in, or doing yard work or house work for someone who cannot do it themselves, we are giving a gift of ourselves and a gift of the Father. When we volunteer at a food bank, an animal shelter, a Crisis pregnancy center or a nursing home, we are giving a gift of ourselves and a gift of the Father. And when we simply let someone go ahead of us in line, aisles at stores, in the mall or in traffic, or extend mercy to someone who is rude or has cut us off, we are giving a gift of ourselves and a gift of the Father.
I think that giving tangible gifts to those we care about is a wonderful thing when kept in perspective. But maybe we should get better about giving those things that are intangible. What if we spent less money on inconsequential things this year, but invested more of our time, talent and treasures making this world a better place? What if we took a moment to look around, to find a need and fill it, or find a hurt and heal it? What if we gave like God did and still does?
A good bloggy friend recommended this video to me and I’d like to share it here and now. If you get this post via email and can’t just play it, simply click on the link below. I’ll bet you’ll be glad you did! Blessings!
Youtube Video ~
Advent Conspiracy 08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py-4KR6XwWc
Disclaimer: This post is not anti-giving and receiving of gifts for Christmas. I believe there is nothing wrong with prettily wrapped packages under a tree or exchanged between friends, family, co-workers, etc. But Christmas is more than that – much more!
We celebrate the season because we received a gift that couldn’t be bought with money – the gift of Jesus coming to earth as a baby, to give us a life we couldn’t have had without him. Yes, one way we give is with our money and that is a good thing. Like it or not, money is what rules the world, and giving with money is one way to help spread the Good News, feed the poor, build a church, etc. But it’s not money or material gifts that I’m focusing on here.
This Season, every year, is filled with joy and fun and pleasure, but it’s also filled, for many, with pain and loneliness and despair. This can be the best and worst time of the year. This year in particular there are many hurting people. The current economy situation is a crisis for many. People are losing their savings, retirement, jobs, security, homes and hope. In addition, we have been embattled in the war on terror for the last seven years and it is a war we cannot afford to lose, but in the meantime we continue to lose wonderful heroes who’ve selflessly given the gift of their lives for the cause of freedom.
With that in mind, I want to talk briefly about giving like God gave. There are so many people we can affect by giving freely and generously those things that cannot be bought. One only has to look around to see the need that is evident everywhere. When we make a phone call to someone who is lonely or hurting, that is a gift. When we smile, are sincere, or encouraging to someone else, that is a gift – especially if it’s to a tired clerk this time of year. If we practice kindness, courtesy and love to others whether we know them or not, that is a gift.
The giving of time is probably the most expensive gift of all, because while money can be re-made or re-earned, time cannot. So when we think of it that way, we see how precious a gift of serving is. By spending time to help others we are truly giving a great gift. Whether we are visiting or running errands for a shut-in, or doing yard work or house work for someone who cannot do it themselves, we are giving a gift of ourselves and a gift of the Father. When we volunteer at a food bank, an animal shelter, a Crisis pregnancy center or a nursing home, we are giving a gift of ourselves and a gift of the Father. And when we simply let someone go ahead of us in line, aisles at stores, in the mall or in traffic, or extend mercy to someone who is rude or has cut us off, we are giving a gift of ourselves and a gift of the Father.
I think that giving tangible gifts to those we care about is a wonderful thing when kept in perspective. But maybe we should get better about giving those things that are intangible. What if we spent less money on inconsequential things this year, but invested more of our time, talent and treasures making this world a better place? What if we took a moment to look around, to find a need and fill it, or find a hurt and heal it? What if we gave like God did and still does?
A good bloggy friend recommended this video to me and I’d like to share it here and now. If you get this post via email and can’t just play it, simply click on the link below. I’ll bet you’ll be glad you did! Blessings!
Youtube Video ~
Advent Conspiracy 08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py-4KR6XwWc
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Giving - Part 1
This season I’m in seems to be a time of reflection. Maybe it’s because I have a milestone birthday coming up – I will be turning 40 along with my wife this month. Maybe it’s simply the end of the year upon us. Or maybe it’s the loss of so much in this world, that so many are facing with the loss of homes, jobs, retirement plans, broken dreams and the families that come out of these difficult and stressful times.
With Thanksgiving come and pass, both Tracy and I felt it was a time to reflect on one of the things that the Lord calls us each to do and that is to be a giver. It doesn’t necessarily mean in finances; there are several ways to give other than money. But it does mean with the right heart. There are people, including me at one time or another, that give to get or give with reluctance, or just don’t give at all. It could be simple things like a smile to someone walking by in the store. Or giving someone space on the freeway to change lanes. We all know there are plenty of ways for people to give while driving! It could mean giving of your time and talents to someone that has a need. Opening your home for some Christmas cheer with your neighbors or helping hang some lights with your neighbor.
It’s easy to get consumed by the holidays and festivities; we all have the excuses. “I work 60 hours a week” or “What do I have to give?” Believe me, I know, it’s easy to come up with reasons why I can’t. I’ve used plenty of excuses, uh reasons, over my nearly forty years and eventually it becomes habitual. It’s the first thing in your mind and before you know it, it’s out the mouth.
This is one of those things I’ve reflected on and have wanted to change for some time. And I believe it’s birthed out of a few things. First, it’s a matter of the heart. If our heart is full of restriction, lack, doubt, greed, lust and selfishness, we won’t see beyond what God has given us to use to help someone else. We may even be willing to help but oftentimes won’t even know someone else has a need. We are just so blinded to anything else in the world outside of our own little shell. And the more we turn inward the more the shell becomes empty.
I also believe there is an aspect of timing and cycles. If there is a time to sow and there’s a time to reap, then I also believe there is a time to give and a time to receive. I know I maybe stepping on someone’s theology here and that we should be recipients from the Lord to distribute unto this land. But hear me out. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be in a position to give if the situation arises. But if we can’t receive from others, I believe we can’t truly give to others either. If you can’t allow someone else to experience the joy of giving, how can you ever appreciate what someone experiences when you bless them with your gift? If it’s just about giving all the time, then your satisfaction comes through a selfish desire to feel good that you gave. It’s not about what that other person received from you and the joy they are experiencing of a prayer being answered. I’ve only walked through a couple of significant times where I allowed myself to receive from someone else and there were probably many more that I should have walked through. But I believe we go through times in our lives where God wants us to see His Love shone to us from others.
The third aspect is focus. Whatever we focus our time, energy and resources on will produce the fruit of our lives for the next cycle. It’s easy to get focused on the news headlines of today and all the despair around us. From the economic issues to the terrorist attacks in India, to the (debatable) global warming and the looming layoffs. Or we can focus on God’s Word to us and strengthen our foundation in Him. His Word tells us he will never leave us nor forsake us; that we have a hope and a future, one of blessings in all areas – spiritual, physical, mental, and financial. He has plans to prosper us; for good not harm. But with all of these, they come with a condition for us to seek Him with all of our hearts. In other words have the focus of a laser. A laser is focused light that can cut through virtually anything or be as delicate to operate on the eye. That kind of focus, commitment and bulldog tenacity will bring you to the best He has for you. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find it’s better than anything you could do on your own!
If you’re like me, it’s easy to have the reasons not to, but let’s make a difference in making a reason of why to. The time is ripe; there are people all around us that have a need. It may be the greatest time of need since the early 1900’s. Will you focus your attention on God and let Him direct your steps in how to reach out to someone and show His Love for them? And if you’re in a difficult situation where you have a need, will you let someone in that can share God’s Love for you?
With Thanksgiving come and pass, both Tracy and I felt it was a time to reflect on one of the things that the Lord calls us each to do and that is to be a giver. It doesn’t necessarily mean in finances; there are several ways to give other than money. But it does mean with the right heart. There are people, including me at one time or another, that give to get or give with reluctance, or just don’t give at all. It could be simple things like a smile to someone walking by in the store. Or giving someone space on the freeway to change lanes. We all know there are plenty of ways for people to give while driving! It could mean giving of your time and talents to someone that has a need. Opening your home for some Christmas cheer with your neighbors or helping hang some lights with your neighbor.
It’s easy to get consumed by the holidays and festivities; we all have the excuses. “I work 60 hours a week” or “What do I have to give?” Believe me, I know, it’s easy to come up with reasons why I can’t. I’ve used plenty of excuses, uh reasons, over my nearly forty years and eventually it becomes habitual. It’s the first thing in your mind and before you know it, it’s out the mouth.
This is one of those things I’ve reflected on and have wanted to change for some time. And I believe it’s birthed out of a few things. First, it’s a matter of the heart. If our heart is full of restriction, lack, doubt, greed, lust and selfishness, we won’t see beyond what God has given us to use to help someone else. We may even be willing to help but oftentimes won’t even know someone else has a need. We are just so blinded to anything else in the world outside of our own little shell. And the more we turn inward the more the shell becomes empty.
I also believe there is an aspect of timing and cycles. If there is a time to sow and there’s a time to reap, then I also believe there is a time to give and a time to receive. I know I maybe stepping on someone’s theology here and that we should be recipients from the Lord to distribute unto this land. But hear me out. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t be in a position to give if the situation arises. But if we can’t receive from others, I believe we can’t truly give to others either. If you can’t allow someone else to experience the joy of giving, how can you ever appreciate what someone experiences when you bless them with your gift? If it’s just about giving all the time, then your satisfaction comes through a selfish desire to feel good that you gave. It’s not about what that other person received from you and the joy they are experiencing of a prayer being answered. I’ve only walked through a couple of significant times where I allowed myself to receive from someone else and there were probably many more that I should have walked through. But I believe we go through times in our lives where God wants us to see His Love shone to us from others.
The third aspect is focus. Whatever we focus our time, energy and resources on will produce the fruit of our lives for the next cycle. It’s easy to get focused on the news headlines of today and all the despair around us. From the economic issues to the terrorist attacks in India, to the (debatable) global warming and the looming layoffs. Or we can focus on God’s Word to us and strengthen our foundation in Him. His Word tells us he will never leave us nor forsake us; that we have a hope and a future, one of blessings in all areas – spiritual, physical, mental, and financial. He has plans to prosper us; for good not harm. But with all of these, they come with a condition for us to seek Him with all of our hearts. In other words have the focus of a laser. A laser is focused light that can cut through virtually anything or be as delicate to operate on the eye. That kind of focus, commitment and bulldog tenacity will bring you to the best He has for you. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find it’s better than anything you could do on your own!
If you’re like me, it’s easy to have the reasons not to, but let’s make a difference in making a reason of why to. The time is ripe; there are people all around us that have a need. It may be the greatest time of need since the early 1900’s. Will you focus your attention on God and let Him direct your steps in how to reach out to someone and show His Love for them? And if you’re in a difficult situation where you have a need, will you let someone in that can share God’s Love for you?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Times They Are A Changin'
The word change has been swirling around like desert dust devil. It has been spoken, expanded on, and has caused near hysteria. Change is coming, that’s for sure. But not all change is a good thing. And not all change is a bad thing. This month, we the people of the United States of America, voted into our highest public office, the presidency, our first African American man. This is a change that is good – very good. But I’m not so sure about the change he said he’d bring. When speaking to Planned Parenthood, he assured those in attendance, “The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do.” (Senator Barack Obama, speaking to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, July 17, 2007) This is a change that is not good, it’s horrifying actually.
I have said that I will pray for and support to the best of my ability, our new President. And I will, I am compelled to do so. After the election, I was crushed at the outcome, because of what it looked like for a couple of issues I am passionate about. But then God gave me peace and comforted me. He showed me that He is still God and He is still on the Throne. The changes in our country and specifically in our politics do not change Him, because throughout all eternity, He changes not. When I got this revelation, it felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of me.
It wasn’t that I became a Pollyanna about the situation, but rather, I realized that while I was surprised by the results, God was not. And it occurred to me, that I do not have the mind of God. I don’t know what God intends to do through this. Obama claims to be a Christian, and he may be. I don’t know his heart and I am not his judge. But I do know this. God is not conventional and He doesn’t fit into all the neat little boxes that we try to put Him in.
So I started thinking more like this. What if? What if there was a radical conversion? Or what if there was a change of character? Or what if Barack Obama was actually a conservative in a liberal’s clothing? What if every penny spent, ounce of energy given, and hate-spewing word spoken by the radical liberals, actually went into electing a man who was not what they thought? Now that would be change I could believe in! I don’t know that any of that is true, but it wouldn’t surprise me too much, because God is not conventional. What if God…?
The point of all this though, is not about who our new President is. The point is actually about who our God is. Our country has always been built up on change. It has always grown and developed through change. Change happens all the time. Economies change, jobs change, people change, fads change, Presidents change, seasons change, and thank goodness, hair styles change! But God does not change. His character and His word are for always.
God is eternal. God is the foundation of our Nation. He always has been, and I believe He always will be. The roots of Christianity run deep and wide in the United States of America. It is like a Palm tree that sways in fiercest of winds, but which very rarely gets uprooted. I believe that God has not and will not turn His back on America, because He cares about America and He knows there is a remnant who are passionate for Him. Do not despair of the times ahead. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future, and God is good, always.
Yes we are facing some challenging times ahead of us as a Nation. We have the opportunity to choose of overcome the challenges we face, by relying on God instead of a lame-duck President and Congress, or a President-Elect and new Congress. As Christians, out foundation should be built on Him, and He should be our Source – not the government. As Christians, we should worship Him, spend time with Him in prayer, and continue to point others to Him. As Christians we should stand for righteousness, and be sanctified – actually set apart from the rest of society, so that they see Him through us. As Christians, we should choose to do and say what is right, and fight to prevent our great Nation from being taken over by the enemy. With God, we can do all of this and more.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” ~ Isaiah 40:28
I have said that I will pray for and support to the best of my ability, our new President. And I will, I am compelled to do so. After the election, I was crushed at the outcome, because of what it looked like for a couple of issues I am passionate about. But then God gave me peace and comforted me. He showed me that He is still God and He is still on the Throne. The changes in our country and specifically in our politics do not change Him, because throughout all eternity, He changes not. When I got this revelation, it felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of me.
It wasn’t that I became a Pollyanna about the situation, but rather, I realized that while I was surprised by the results, God was not. And it occurred to me, that I do not have the mind of God. I don’t know what God intends to do through this. Obama claims to be a Christian, and he may be. I don’t know his heart and I am not his judge. But I do know this. God is not conventional and He doesn’t fit into all the neat little boxes that we try to put Him in.
So I started thinking more like this. What if? What if there was a radical conversion? Or what if there was a change of character? Or what if Barack Obama was actually a conservative in a liberal’s clothing? What if every penny spent, ounce of energy given, and hate-spewing word spoken by the radical liberals, actually went into electing a man who was not what they thought? Now that would be change I could believe in! I don’t know that any of that is true, but it wouldn’t surprise me too much, because God is not conventional. What if God…?
The point of all this though, is not about who our new President is. The point is actually about who our God is. Our country has always been built up on change. It has always grown and developed through change. Change happens all the time. Economies change, jobs change, people change, fads change, Presidents change, seasons change, and thank goodness, hair styles change! But God does not change. His character and His word are for always.
God is eternal. God is the foundation of our Nation. He always has been, and I believe He always will be. The roots of Christianity run deep and wide in the United States of America. It is like a Palm tree that sways in fiercest of winds, but which very rarely gets uprooted. I believe that God has not and will not turn His back on America, because He cares about America and He knows there is a remnant who are passionate for Him. Do not despair of the times ahead. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future, and God is good, always.
Yes we are facing some challenging times ahead of us as a Nation. We have the opportunity to choose of overcome the challenges we face, by relying on God instead of a lame-duck President and Congress, or a President-Elect and new Congress. As Christians, out foundation should be built on Him, and He should be our Source – not the government. As Christians, we should worship Him, spend time with Him in prayer, and continue to point others to Him. As Christians we should stand for righteousness, and be sanctified – actually set apart from the rest of society, so that they see Him through us. As Christians, we should choose to do and say what is right, and fight to prevent our great Nation from being taken over by the enemy. With God, we can do all of this and more.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” ~ Isaiah 40:28
Monday, November 17, 2008
Choices, Changes and Challenges
This last couple of weeks I’ve been preoccupied with my work. I’ve had several long days during a six day work week. It’s kept me from getting much written, but certainly not from contemplating my next post. And with the elections recently passed, there has been quite a bit of time in reflection regarding the state of our nation, what the next four years will bring, what is God doing in the midst of this, and what will it look like when we get to the other side?
I believe we as a country are in for a time of radical transition that our generation has generally not witnessed. Anytime there is change, it’s a bit intimidating. I think it’s how God has made us though. Through our closeness with God, we grow more secure in knowing that he will see us through to the other side and it brings a calm to the challenges the world throws at us. Christians or not, some people will face extraordinary turmoil, seemingly more than they can bear and others will experience a minor bump in the road to their daily living.
And this brings me to the central thing I’ve reflected on the most over the last few months. What is the source of your foundation? What principles and values guide the decisions that you make each and every day? For many people it’s their weekly paychecks and trying to have some money left over after the bills are paid. For others, it’s the relationships with family and friends that they have. And yet others, it’s “living the good life” so they say or “do whatever makes you happy” or “let people do what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt someone else.”
Americans across the nation cast their vote last Tuesday and determined what our country should stand for over the next four years and beyond. And I can’t help but wonder, “Did we just birth an Ishmael?” Only time will tell what will come out of this election and the impact it will make on our nation over the next several years. And oftentimes, we don’t know for some time down the road that the decisions we made were Ishmael’s instead of Isaac’s.
The one thing I rest assured in is that God is in control. His Word tells us that He works things out for our good, not to harm us. He tells us that we have a future and a hope. He can turn a nation in a day; what can stop Him from turning the hearts of our government leaders? And who am I to tell God that one should be our nation’s leader over another? Is it God that has the plan that I should come into agreement with or my plan that He should agree with?
The one thing we as Christians can do is continue to seek Him – in worship and in prayer. God can change a nation in a day or over four years. But only through His sons and daughters that continue to choose Him first!
I believe we as a country are in for a time of radical transition that our generation has generally not witnessed. Anytime there is change, it’s a bit intimidating. I think it’s how God has made us though. Through our closeness with God, we grow more secure in knowing that he will see us through to the other side and it brings a calm to the challenges the world throws at us. Christians or not, some people will face extraordinary turmoil, seemingly more than they can bear and others will experience a minor bump in the road to their daily living.
And this brings me to the central thing I’ve reflected on the most over the last few months. What is the source of your foundation? What principles and values guide the decisions that you make each and every day? For many people it’s their weekly paychecks and trying to have some money left over after the bills are paid. For others, it’s the relationships with family and friends that they have. And yet others, it’s “living the good life” so they say or “do whatever makes you happy” or “let people do what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt someone else.”
Americans across the nation cast their vote last Tuesday and determined what our country should stand for over the next four years and beyond. And I can’t help but wonder, “Did we just birth an Ishmael?” Only time will tell what will come out of this election and the impact it will make on our nation over the next several years. And oftentimes, we don’t know for some time down the road that the decisions we made were Ishmael’s instead of Isaac’s.
The one thing I rest assured in is that God is in control. His Word tells us that He works things out for our good, not to harm us. He tells us that we have a future and a hope. He can turn a nation in a day; what can stop Him from turning the hearts of our government leaders? And who am I to tell God that one should be our nation’s leader over another? Is it God that has the plan that I should come into agreement with or my plan that He should agree with?
The one thing we as Christians can do is continue to seek Him – in worship and in prayer. God can change a nation in a day or over four years. But only through His sons and daughters that continue to choose Him first!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Ishmael, Ishmael, Ishmael
When Jeff and I decided we were going to do a joint blog, I was really excited. We sort of talked about what we wanted it to look like. The idea is to pick a topic or verse and we would both do a separate post relating to that post. Because of his time restraints, we decided he would post first and then the next day, or day after, I would post mine. We are happy to be working on this together, yet separately.
Immediately after planning the way this would work, God spoke Ishmael to Jeff, so that is our fist topic. To be honest, I thought, Ishmael? Why not something easy like Revelation? (Just in case you’re not sure of my sense of humor – that’s a joke!) The topic of Ishmael can be complicated, deep and … But, since God spoke Ishmael to Jeff, Ishmael it is!
In a way, I feel bad for Ishmael. I mean he didn’t ask to be born to the circumstances he was, and he is forever known as the non-chosen one. Thousands of years later, Ishmael continues to remind us of what happens when we try to help God. Just think of how much better off we would be, if we’d only remember that God is capable of bringing His promises to pass, without our help. Examining the whole Abraham/Sarah/Hagar/Ishmael/Isaac situation should make that clear – that battle is still being fought today!
The thing is, when God gives us a promise, we should trust Him. His Word assures us of this. It says in Num. 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Of course the answer to these questions is a resounding “NO!” We have to determine if God’s Word is Truth. And if we determine that His Word is Truth, then that has to include all of His Word.
Now, I will not pretend that I am above trying to help God out a little. I’m just as guilty of doing that as Sarah was. But God, in His goodness and mercy, has covered me with His grace and has patiently shown me, or waited for me to figure out, that His way, and His timing is best. I’d like to say it happened only once and then I’d learned my lesson. I’d like to say that, but it’s not really true. The truth is that there have been many times I’ve had a promise from God or He has shown me what He’s doing in my life and then in my exuberance and haste, I sort of take over. And it never works out the way I’d like it too. Honestly, I don’t mean to take over and I certainly don’t mean to tell God (in not so many words) that I’m better capable of handling it than He is (‘cause that is soooo not true), but really that’s what I’m doing when I take matters into my own hands.
The amazing thing though, is that even when we doubt, meddle, or are unfaithful to Him and His promises, God is faithful to us. Always. We are assured of this in 2 Tim 2:13, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.” When I meddle and try to help Him out a bit, I don’t mess things up for Him, I mess things up for me. But even then, God is bigger than my meddling and if I just get out of His way, eventually His will for me, or His promise to me, will come to pass. He can accomplish what I cannot. He can open doors that no man can open and close doors that no man can close (Rev. 3:7-8). If I will let it, His purpose for my life will prevail.
The key to all of this goes back to trust. Do I trust Him to bring it to pass? Do I trust Him to work it all out? Do I trust His timing? Even when it seems to take a long, long, long time? Once more the Bible assures me I can. In Hab. 2:2-3, it reads “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” No doubt it can be discouraging waiting on something that God has promised us or that we want so badly, but if we don’t wait on God, it is then that we produce, or give birth to, an Ishmael instead of an Isaac.
It is easy for me to see in my own life where I did get an Isaac, when I very easily could have gotten an Ishmael. I was unmarried until I was thirty-three years old. I began to think I would never get married. Since I didn’t become a Christian until I was thirty and God had some serious work to do in me, that is really actually a good thing. But I was lonely and I wanted to get married badly. I had had several relationships that didn’t work out. I often say that I dated a lot of frogs (that could have become Ishmaels) but I finally got my prince (my Isaac). God allowed me to remain alone until the time was right, so He could give me the one He had for me – my Isaac, my Jeff. And in the end, he really was worth the wait.
I sincerely hope I’m through birthing Ishmaels in my own life, but I know that if I mess up, and go before God again, or try to help him out, God’s grace will cover me. He knows my heart is to be in His will, and He knows I know that my life works out better when He’s in charge, so He does forgive me when I fail. But I think I’m getting better at waiting on Him, and while I have not yet completely reached this goal, I am on my way!
Immediately after planning the way this would work, God spoke Ishmael to Jeff, so that is our fist topic. To be honest, I thought, Ishmael? Why not something easy like Revelation? (Just in case you’re not sure of my sense of humor – that’s a joke!) The topic of Ishmael can be complicated, deep and … But, since God spoke Ishmael to Jeff, Ishmael it is!
In a way, I feel bad for Ishmael. I mean he didn’t ask to be born to the circumstances he was, and he is forever known as the non-chosen one. Thousands of years later, Ishmael continues to remind us of what happens when we try to help God. Just think of how much better off we would be, if we’d only remember that God is capable of bringing His promises to pass, without our help. Examining the whole Abraham/Sarah/Hagar/Ishmael/Isaac situation should make that clear – that battle is still being fought today!
The thing is, when God gives us a promise, we should trust Him. His Word assures us of this. It says in Num. 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Of course the answer to these questions is a resounding “NO!” We have to determine if God’s Word is Truth. And if we determine that His Word is Truth, then that has to include all of His Word.
Now, I will not pretend that I am above trying to help God out a little. I’m just as guilty of doing that as Sarah was. But God, in His goodness and mercy, has covered me with His grace and has patiently shown me, or waited for me to figure out, that His way, and His timing is best. I’d like to say it happened only once and then I’d learned my lesson. I’d like to say that, but it’s not really true. The truth is that there have been many times I’ve had a promise from God or He has shown me what He’s doing in my life and then in my exuberance and haste, I sort of take over. And it never works out the way I’d like it too. Honestly, I don’t mean to take over and I certainly don’t mean to tell God (in not so many words) that I’m better capable of handling it than He is (‘cause that is soooo not true), but really that’s what I’m doing when I take matters into my own hands.
The amazing thing though, is that even when we doubt, meddle, or are unfaithful to Him and His promises, God is faithful to us. Always. We are assured of this in 2 Tim 2:13, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.” When I meddle and try to help Him out a bit, I don’t mess things up for Him, I mess things up for me. But even then, God is bigger than my meddling and if I just get out of His way, eventually His will for me, or His promise to me, will come to pass. He can accomplish what I cannot. He can open doors that no man can open and close doors that no man can close (Rev. 3:7-8). If I will let it, His purpose for my life will prevail.
The key to all of this goes back to trust. Do I trust Him to bring it to pass? Do I trust Him to work it all out? Do I trust His timing? Even when it seems to take a long, long, long time? Once more the Bible assures me I can. In Hab. 2:2-3, it reads “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” No doubt it can be discouraging waiting on something that God has promised us or that we want so badly, but if we don’t wait on God, it is then that we produce, or give birth to, an Ishmael instead of an Isaac.
It is easy for me to see in my own life where I did get an Isaac, when I very easily could have gotten an Ishmael. I was unmarried until I was thirty-three years old. I began to think I would never get married. Since I didn’t become a Christian until I was thirty and God had some serious work to do in me, that is really actually a good thing. But I was lonely and I wanted to get married badly. I had had several relationships that didn’t work out. I often say that I dated a lot of frogs (that could have become Ishmaels) but I finally got my prince (my Isaac). God allowed me to remain alone until the time was right, so He could give me the one He had for me – my Isaac, my Jeff. And in the end, he really was worth the wait.
I sincerely hope I’m through birthing Ishmaels in my own life, but I know that if I mess up, and go before God again, or try to help him out, God’s grace will cover me. He knows my heart is to be in His will, and He knows I know that my life works out better when He’s in charge, so He does forgive me when I fail. But I think I’m getting better at waiting on Him, and while I have not yet completely reached this goal, I am on my way!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Ishmael Moments
About a week ago while I was at work, God spoke the name Ishmael to me. At first, I didn’t know exactly what He meant about it. But as I thought about it, Ishmael represents what comes out of the decisions that we make. Most of us know the story in Genesis of Sarah, Abraham and Hagar who then gave birth to Ishmael. Abraham and Sarah had heard a word from the Lord but didn’t believe that it would happen and went to try to make it happen in their own way.
In my personal reflection seeking Him, I’ve looked back at decisions made, some more significant and life altering than others, but each holds a choice. I believe that He gives us freedom to choose and at times, either choice is just that. No right or wrong, just simply a choice. Kind of like “you say tomato, I say tomato” type of thing. Depending on where you were raised, you may say the word differently if you’re from a different part of the country. But there are other choices that we make on a regular basis and they are tests. Tests to see if we will seek God’s will for us or not. And at the root of each choice, I believe lives an Isaac or an Ishmael.
Have you ever experienced one of those moments? You’re going down the road of life and a choice comes up. You pray about it, asking God for His direction and you reach a point where you have to choose. You can’t put it off any longer. You know that procrastination will force a decision; that which is in question will not remain in question forever. In fact opportunities come and go and procrastinating is simply a “no” waiting to happen; and in fact it is also a decision! But you really want to hear from God and there are so many distractions getting in the way. You get to a point when you’ve prayed about something, think you’ve heard from God and you step out in faith and WHAM! Next thing you know, an Ishmael is born! It can be big things or small. Like the other day when Tracy had a bowl of cereal. It sounded good but she’s been watching what she eats and wanted something healthier also. It’s not one of those that is mostly sugar with a little rice or corn thrown in; it was the “O’s”; one of the healthier choices in cereal to eat. But she went for the cereal and after eating was still hungry. BAM! There’s another Ishmael! For some of these choices, you repent and they are gone in a couple of days. Others though, stay with you for the rest of your life!
Now, I’m not talking about choices that didn’t work out the way you thought they should. Remember, God is sovereign and makes a way out when there is no way; His plans ultimately prevail even though it may take some time to bear fruit. And besides, while I don’t believe God desires harm to come upon us, He does ask us to be faithful, and difficult times show the depth of our faithfulness to Him.
What I’m talking about are the ones where you’re undecided. You know one thing but something about it has you doubting; you're thinking and weighing of the issues leads you to believe something else could be better for you. Before you know it, an Ishmael is conceived and delivered into your open arms. So full of joy only to discover it was really your plan and not God’s. You ask “now what am I going to do?”
I don’t have all the answers to the questions, but I believe there are some key things we need to do. First, we need to set aside our hurts and frustrations which lead to blaming someone else or ourselves for the situation. We’ll accept nothing else about the situation as long as we are holding onto the pain associated with it. Then we need to recognize and admit the truth so that we can repent. Sometimes we don’t recognize the truth immediately and we need to ask God to show us where we took the wrong turn. Yes, we made a mistake and now we need to forgive ourselves and others, and ask for God to forgive us. For some reason, one of the hardest things for people to do is to admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Once these steps are taken, the restoration can begin. Part of the restoration process involves trusting yourself to hear from God and not make the same mistakes.
One of the things I’m starting to do is write down the things I believe He’s telling me so that I can refer back when needed. This way, my fears and doubts stop ruling my decisions and I will build greater confidence or faith in God as these things come to pass. Over and over, the reality is that if I had waited and didn’t have an Ishmael, what I heard from God would have come to pass in time and I wouldn’t be spending so much time cleaning up my messes.
In my personal reflection seeking Him, I’ve looked back at decisions made, some more significant and life altering than others, but each holds a choice. I believe that He gives us freedom to choose and at times, either choice is just that. No right or wrong, just simply a choice. Kind of like “you say tomato, I say tomato” type of thing. Depending on where you were raised, you may say the word differently if you’re from a different part of the country. But there are other choices that we make on a regular basis and they are tests. Tests to see if we will seek God’s will for us or not. And at the root of each choice, I believe lives an Isaac or an Ishmael.
Have you ever experienced one of those moments? You’re going down the road of life and a choice comes up. You pray about it, asking God for His direction and you reach a point where you have to choose. You can’t put it off any longer. You know that procrastination will force a decision; that which is in question will not remain in question forever. In fact opportunities come and go and procrastinating is simply a “no” waiting to happen; and in fact it is also a decision! But you really want to hear from God and there are so many distractions getting in the way. You get to a point when you’ve prayed about something, think you’ve heard from God and you step out in faith and WHAM! Next thing you know, an Ishmael is born! It can be big things or small. Like the other day when Tracy had a bowl of cereal. It sounded good but she’s been watching what she eats and wanted something healthier also. It’s not one of those that is mostly sugar with a little rice or corn thrown in; it was the “O’s”; one of the healthier choices in cereal to eat. But she went for the cereal and after eating was still hungry. BAM! There’s another Ishmael! For some of these choices, you repent and they are gone in a couple of days. Others though, stay with you for the rest of your life!
Now, I’m not talking about choices that didn’t work out the way you thought they should. Remember, God is sovereign and makes a way out when there is no way; His plans ultimately prevail even though it may take some time to bear fruit. And besides, while I don’t believe God desires harm to come upon us, He does ask us to be faithful, and difficult times show the depth of our faithfulness to Him.
What I’m talking about are the ones where you’re undecided. You know one thing but something about it has you doubting; you're thinking and weighing of the issues leads you to believe something else could be better for you. Before you know it, an Ishmael is conceived and delivered into your open arms. So full of joy only to discover it was really your plan and not God’s. You ask “now what am I going to do?”
I don’t have all the answers to the questions, but I believe there are some key things we need to do. First, we need to set aside our hurts and frustrations which lead to blaming someone else or ourselves for the situation. We’ll accept nothing else about the situation as long as we are holding onto the pain associated with it. Then we need to recognize and admit the truth so that we can repent. Sometimes we don’t recognize the truth immediately and we need to ask God to show us where we took the wrong turn. Yes, we made a mistake and now we need to forgive ourselves and others, and ask for God to forgive us. For some reason, one of the hardest things for people to do is to admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Once these steps are taken, the restoration can begin. Part of the restoration process involves trusting yourself to hear from God and not make the same mistakes.
One of the things I’m starting to do is write down the things I believe He’s telling me so that I can refer back when needed. This way, my fears and doubts stop ruling my decisions and I will build greater confidence or faith in God as these things come to pass. Over and over, the reality is that if I had waited and didn’t have an Ishmael, what I heard from God would have come to pass in time and I wouldn’t be spending so much time cleaning up my messes.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Welcome to "He Said, She Said" from Jeff
Lately I’ve been pretty quiet and to myself. Well, my wife and daughter too! And of course my work place. But what I mean is to myself in other ways than the natural ways; to myself in reflection and seeking God and His plans for us. With all the turmoil happening currently in the natural world, I think there are a number of people that are seeking Him more now than ever. But for some time, I’ve been really wanting a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God and have been frustrated in not getting there quicker. I mean, I know that He’s omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent; that He’s Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, that He has countless names that encompass everything that you could ever want or need, He Is. I also know that He has a unique purpose and perfect plan for our lives that He desires for us to fulfill, that in His infinite wisdom speaks to us mere people to fulfill His plan for the world. And so I want to tune in better for that message that He’s speaking to me specifically and to be that conduit that He would choose to use. Not for personal gain or glorification, but to be a part of His plan strategically placed for this time; to fulfill the calling and purpose He has for me in this world.
Just recently, Tracy came to me and asked what I thought about doing a joint blog. A “He Said, She Said” type of commentary. I thought about it for a bit. You know, we both like to study and share the Word with others, and it’d be a good way to share if anyone desires to listen. And if not, the most important One is listening – God Himself. And He’s interested. He cares that the Words He speaks to us can be spoken through us to minister to another and glorify Him in the process. See, to be a conduit, you are carrying something from one place to another. In this case, the Word God speaks through us, to others. So I decided to join her and see what God will reveal through the process. And so this column will focus on our discoveries and interpretations of God’s Word from a man and a woman’s perspective; from a husband and a wife’s perspective; from a father and a mother’s perspective. We hope you enjoy what you find here and it ministers to you as much as we believe God will minister to us as we develop this commentary.
Just recently, Tracy came to me and asked what I thought about doing a joint blog. A “He Said, She Said” type of commentary. I thought about it for a bit. You know, we both like to study and share the Word with others, and it’d be a good way to share if anyone desires to listen. And if not, the most important One is listening – God Himself. And He’s interested. He cares that the Words He speaks to us can be spoken through us to minister to another and glorify Him in the process. See, to be a conduit, you are carrying something from one place to another. In this case, the Word God speaks through us, to others. So I decided to join her and see what God will reveal through the process. And so this column will focus on our discoveries and interpretations of God’s Word from a man and a woman’s perspective; from a husband and a wife’s perspective; from a father and a mother’s perspective. We hope you enjoy what you find here and it ministers to you as much as we believe God will minister to us as we develop this commentary.
Welcome to "He Said, She Said" from Tracy
Thank you so much for joining us here at “He Said, She Said.” I am thrilled to be doing this team blog with my husband, Jeff. We all know husbands and wives, men and women, fathers and mothers, often have different perspectives of the same thing. And if we are humble enough to listen to the other perspective, we often times learn something. This blog was created with that in mind.
We both love reading, studying and sharing God’s Word, and we often learn from each other. Our objective is to each write a post about a specific topic, verse, or character, and share our thoughts and insights individually. We’ve taught together before and find it exciting to see how God ties things together. There is something really powerful about a husband and wife teaming together in ministry. We hope that this blog touches many people and that it serves as a tool to always point others to Jesus.
We are still working out the details for how this blog will look and the format in which we will publish our posts. The most likely scenario is that we will each publish a post once a week, with one of us posting on one day and the other posting the following day. We appreciate your patience while we work it all out. There are so many wonderful blogs out there, and we wish to offer you a very sincere thank you for reading this. Blessings!
We both love reading, studying and sharing God’s Word, and we often learn from each other. Our objective is to each write a post about a specific topic, verse, or character, and share our thoughts and insights individually. We’ve taught together before and find it exciting to see how God ties things together. There is something really powerful about a husband and wife teaming together in ministry. We hope that this blog touches many people and that it serves as a tool to always point others to Jesus.
We are still working out the details for how this blog will look and the format in which we will publish our posts. The most likely scenario is that we will each publish a post once a week, with one of us posting on one day and the other posting the following day. We appreciate your patience while we work it all out. There are so many wonderful blogs out there, and we wish to offer you a very sincere thank you for reading this. Blessings!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
